How Big Government Enslaves the Poor

Recently on my Saturday radio call-in talk program I interviewed a most remarkable black woman named Star Parker. She grew up on welfare and had several abortions. She describes how welfare programs provide single moms with free food, housing, and medical and dental care for her and her children as long as they don't get a job, don't save any money, and don't get married. That's called a social "safety net," but it actually rewards poor choices, discourages responsibility, and promotes dependence on government. Star Parker likens the welfare system to the slave plantations of the Old South.

Star Parker is now a tremendous voice telling poor and minority women that big government welfare programs are really enslaving them and discouraging them from getting on their feet. Subsidizing illegitimate births has contributed heavily to child poverty in America. When the War on Poverty began, only 7% of babies were born out of wedlock. Last year, America had 41% illegitimate births Star Parker urges all welfare recipients to get off of Uncle Sam's Plantation and build a life without government handouts.

Since President Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty in the 1960s, U.S. taxpayers have spent $16 trillion on welfare, but the poverty rate is just as bad as ever. The surest way for kids to be poor is to be born into a home without a father.

Star Parker's advice is so necessary today. Welfare is now the third most expensive government function and is driving the U.S. into bankruptcy, but there is no evidence it is doing any good for the people who get the handouts. It just makes them forever dependent on government. Star Parker also criticizes feminism, political correctness and the role of the public schools in destroying the traditional family and promoting a sense of victimization and entitlement.

Listen to the radio commentary here: