After making your predictions, READ the CON side, “War on Poverty Revisited,” and complete the second row in the table below. Source: Who wrote this? What is his perspective? What do you predict the author will say after reading Johnson’s speech? What’s the author’s main argument? What are THREE pieces of evidence the author uses to support his claims? CON Great Society/ War on Poverty

Question

After making your predictions, READ the CON side, “War on Poverty Revisited,” and complete the second row in the table below. Source: Who wrote this? What is his perspective? What do you predict the author will say after reading Johnson’s speech? What’s the author’s main argument? What are THREE pieces of evidence the author uses to support his claims? CON Great Society/ War on Poverty

Answer 1

Source: The author of the article is Charles Murray, a Conservative political scientist and author. His perspective is likely critical of government welfare programs and social spending.

Prediction: After reading Johnson's speech, Murray will argue that the War on Poverty was ultimately ineffective and even harmful to society. He may criticize the government's approach to poverty alleviation and suggest alternative solutions.

Main argument: Murray's main argument is that the War on Poverty did not achieve its intended goals of reducing poverty and improving the lives of the poor. He believes that the government's efforts actually perpetuated poverty by creating dependence on welfare programs.

Evidence:
1. Murray may point to the persistence of poverty levels despite significant government spending on poverty alleviation programs.
2. He may cite research showing that government welfare programs have disincentivized work and encouraged dependency.
3. Murray might also argue that the breakdown of the family structure and other social factors are more significant contributors to poverty than economic factors.