Tragedy of American Compassion

Author: Marvin Olasky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: The Tragedy of American Compassion is one of the books widely read by American political figures. This book reflects on the disparities in America and the government's welfare policies. The book primarily takes the United States in the 1960s as its main social backdrop. On the surface, The Roosevelt King seems like an exception, but in reality, it traces and analyzes the culture of the 1960s America from a historical perspective. During this specific historical period, fervent left-wing ideology prevailed in American society, with rock music, drugs, religious revivals, sexual liberation, radical politics, and youth movements even shaping the lifestyle trends pursued by young Americans. Marvin Olasky's The Tragedy of American Compassion (first published in early 1992) was hailed as the most important book on welfare and social policy in the 1990s and served as a key reference for President George W. Bush when formulating welfare policies. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich once regarded this book as the blueprint for his concept of the "American Contract." Through an analysis of several models of American aid to the poor, the book seeks to find a way out for the trapped "American compassion." Its central thesis is that Americans are taught from a young age to be compassionate, especially toward helping the poor. As a result, the government has established various anti-poverty programs, religious and social groups have founded numerous relief organizations, and wealthy individuals have donated to establish various foundations, turning America into an increasingly "welfare society." However, compassion, generosity, and altruism—traditionally American virtues—have now become major causes of social dissatisfaction and corruption. Since the 1960s, the mindset of American poor people has changed, with many preferring to rely on social welfare rather than working independently. Therefore, the only solution to poverty is to reduce relief, encourage more people to find employment, and restore strong family and social bonds.