American sympathetic tragedy

Author: (American) Marvin Olasky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Marvin Olasky's The Tragedy of American Compassion (1992 first edition) was hailed as the most important book on welfare and social policy in the 1990s, and was a key reference for President George W. Bush when formulating welfare policies. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich regarded this book as the blueprint for his concept of the "American Covenant." By analyzing several models of American aid to the poor, the book seeks to find a way out for the trapped "American compassion." Its central idea is that Americans are taught from a young age to be compassionate, especially to help the poor. As a result, the government has established various anti-poverty programs, religious and social groups have formed various relief organizations, and wealthy individuals have donated to establish various foundations, making the United States increasingly a "welfare society." However, compassion, generosity, and philanthropy—traditionally American virtues—have now become major causes of social dissatisfaction and corruption. Since the 1960s, the mindset of the poor in the United States has changed, with many preferring to accept social welfare rather than work for themselves. Therefore, the only solution to poverty is to reduce relief, encourage more people to find employment, and restore close family and social ties.