I was rather concerned when it was suggested I read this book. Many times any book that includes the words "liberal" or "conservative" is just trashing the other side. He doesn't trash anyone. The only reason one political party is being addressed is because that's where these policies originated. He's been quite even handed and does state that these policies start out well meaning.
As I read further I really wanted to question his conclusions, except his points don't just fit one group. I found a lot of his points are pretty relevant to the poor underclass (which I grew up in) no matter what color you are. I also found many of his points about these policies also are applicable to other movements. Feminism also went from a "you're strong and can do anything! Go out and show them!" to a more "you're a victim of other people..." mentality. It's something that's always bothered me because why would I identify with any group that told me I was dumber, weaker, or less capable than another group? Yet people across the nation buy into this idea.
The more I read, the more I see how this applied among those I grew up with and the more I can believe of what he says. He's only echoing everything I've ever seen. I think this is really a must read and I think it's relevant across racial lines. It's funny, as I was trying to dig myself up out of that life, I frequently have told others that the biggest barrier to my efforts were NOT people telling me to "work for it", but people "helping" me. For years I would tell others who argued with me about how "helpful" these programs were to PLEASE! STOP HELPING!!! It took me at least twice as long (I had a 2 year plan that took 6 years, even accounting for youthful zeal it still shouldn't have taken me more than 3) to work my way up with "help" and had I known that I'd have stayed away from every bit of help I could. Once I saw myself in this book, I knew I was reading the right thing. He's more in touch with at least the poverty class than most I have read and than ANYONE in politics.
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