After making your predictions, READ the CON side, “CON: War on Poverty Revisited (Modified) By Thomas Sowell
Capitalism Magazine (online), August 17, 2004,” 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
Source: Thomas Sowell
Perspective: Free market economist and critic of government intervention
Prediction: Criticize Johnson's speech and the War on Poverty as ineffective and harmful
Main argument: The War on Poverty actually harmed the very people it was trying to help by creating dependence on government aid instead of fostering self-sufficiency.
Evidence:
1. Sowell points out that poverty rates were already declining before the War on Poverty was implemented.
2. He argues that welfare programs disincentivized work and marriage, contributing to the breakdown of families and perpetuating poverty.
3. Sowell highlights the unintended consequences of government intervention, such as increased bureaucracy and waste of taxpayer money.