The Poor in America before the Welfare State

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Are we really better off now? Is the government doing its job?

Here is what went on before we developed the nanny state.

From the article:

Contrary to the major problems of fraud encountered in contemporary government-based welfare programs, the early American versions of mutual aid societies maintained an ethical organization by policing their own members to ensure benefits went to those who were legitimately in need. Such societies were also strict in their membership, permitting admittance not only by character but often by sex and race. However, this did not stop people of all demographics from starting mutual aid societies. There were societies for men, women, African Americans, Hispanics, Polish, German, Jewish, and others.

Geez. Accountability. That would have sucked.

http://www.intellectualtakeout.org/l...-welfare-state