|
George Bush Sr. on Welfare & Poverty
President of the U.S., 1989-1993; Former Republican Rep. (TX)
|
1968: Supported open housing (against racial discrimination)
In his 1964 Senate race, George derided his opponent's support for the War on Poverty. He later expressed regret at running so far to the right in 1964. When he did vote for open housing in 1968, he wrote, "I'll vote for the bill on final passage--have
political misgivings--also constitutional--it won't solve much. But in my heart I know you're right on the symbolism of open housing."George was expected to oppose the Fair Housing Act in 1968. But his Houston district was so safe that he could easily
vote for open housing without facing political consequences.
As the years passed, George tended to recall his stand for open housing as if it signaled some lone act of stupendous bravery instead of a rare attempt to do the right thing--and suffer
no political repercussions. He had been one of nine Texas congressman to vote for the bill, but he frequently forgot to mention the other eight.
Source: The Family, by Kitty Kelley, p.216-217 & 241-3
, Sep 16, 2004
1964: Opposed War on Poverty
In his 1964 Senate race, George derided his opponent's support for the War on Poverty with a reference to the "sun tan" project of the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps, which
George said had failed miserably, although the CCC had built many parks and kept youths from running the streets jobless during the height of Depression. He later expressed regret at running so far to the right in 1964.
Source: The Family, by Kitty Kelley, p.216-217 & 241-3
, Sep 14, 2004
1000 points of light: replace spending with volunteers
The old solution, the old way, was to think that public money alone could end [our] problems. But we have learned that is not so. And in any case, our funds are low. We have a deficit to bring down. We will turn to the only resource we have that in time
of need always grows-the goodness and the courage of the American people. I am speaking of a new engagement in the lives of others, a new activism, hands-on and involved, that gets the job done.
I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of
all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old
ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.
Source: Inaugural Address
, Jan 20, 1989
Page last updated: Apr 28, 2013
