Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson declared "unconditional war" on poverty. Depending on your ideological priors, the ensuing Great Society programs were either a noble attempt to uplift the disadvantaged or a misguided government overreach. Regardless of where you stand, the antipoverty initiatives of Johnson's administration have left a lasting impact on American society.
May 22, 2014, marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Baines Johnson's “Great Society” address, delivered at the spring commencement. In his speech, Johnson outlined his vision for a more just and equitable society, one where poverty would be eradicated through government intervention and social programs. This marked a significant shift in the role of the federal government, as it took on a more active role in addressing social and economic inequalities.
The competition for worst president since the early 1930s is pretty fierce. But for my money, Lyndon B. Johnson comes in first, winning the contest of antipoverty initiatives. His ambitious programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the War on Poverty, aimed to lift millions out of poverty and provide them with access to healthcare and education.
WASHINGTON. PRESIDENT JOHNSON was in his most magniloquent mood when he addressed a small crowd in the East Room of the White House two weeks before. His impassioned plea for a more compassionate and just society resonated with many Americans, who saw his antipoverty programs as a beacon of hope in turbulent times. Johnson's rhetoric inspired a generation of activists and policymakers to continue the fight against poverty and inequality.
Republicans are hoping to use the deficits created by their own tax cuts to slash the social safety net—but they may end up setting the stage for a resurgence of antipoverty programs. The legacy of Johnson's Great Society lives on in programs like Head Start, which provide early childhood education to low-income families, and the Food Stamp Program, which helps millions put food on the table each month.
Commentary asked Edward Banfield, Nathan Glazer, Michael Harrington, Tom Kahn, Christopher Lasch, Robert Lekachman, Bayard Rustin, and other prominent thinkers to weigh in on the impact of Johnson's antipoverty programs. Their responses varied, reflecting the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of government intervention in reducing poverty and promoting social mobility.
