The Problem of Poverty in America: Analysis of Cal Thomas' Views

In “Solutions to poverty, not posturing” (The Washington Times, January 11, 2016) Cal Thomas argues that our current solutions for fighting poverty in America are not working, and that we must focus on empowering the poor rather than providing them government aid. Thomas begins by mentioning the government’s current failing attitude towards poverty, then contrasts the problem solution to poverty with his and other conservatives’ solution, and then finally expresses why his solution can actually help the poor improve their situation.

By making appeals to his ethos, Thomas adds credibility to the argument of empowering destitute Americans to free them from the restrains of poverty. Thomas makes these appeals by mentioning Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina as proponents of empowering the poor as opposed to government intervention. Thomas also discusses how Jack Kemp, a respected conservative during the Reagan years, was very successful in helping the poor through instilling hope in them. Since these three political figures are highly respected by conservatives, who make up a majority of Thomas’s audience, Thomas offers validity to his optimistic approach on poverty.

Thomas utilizes metaphors to illustrate the effectiveness of enlightening the poor. Thomas says “the key to unlocking the prison door that keeps too many locked in poverty is education.” By expressing poverty as a jail cell, and education as a key, Thomas portrays enlightenment of the poor as a very practical solution to ending their poverty. Thomas also mentions that “it’s time to take the training wheels off poverty and help the poor ride on their own.” Thomas’s comparison between the poor and someone riding a bike, and between government aid and training wheels on a bike, highlights how welfare and other forms of government intervention are only holding the poor back, and that they must receive confidence instead in order for them to truly succeed.

Poverty is a problem that affects every American, either directly or indirectly. Portions of our government tax payments are used to support several Americans who are suffering from destitute conditions. I do not see this practice as a way forward in our war on poverty, because government aid only adds temporary relief, and does not provide any long-term benefit. If this process continues, the poor could be driven even deeper into poverty, as they can grow deeply reliant on assistance from the government. Cal Thomas expounds on empowerment as a way for the poor to escape poverty. While I do see some benefit in this method, I don’t see it benefitting a majority of those in poverty, who need a lot more than just words of encouragement to alleviate their situation. Instead, I believe that increasing job opportunities and growing the economy on a national scale are the most practical ways of helping the poor, just as these ways have helped lower classes in the past.