Don’t Give Up on Government : Big isn’t necessarily better, but something is better than nothing

President Bush, in an address at the University of Michigan before he became ill Saturday, took issue with the vision of another President. He said this nation doesn’t need another “Great Society” with its huge, ambitious programs. He’s right about one thing: Big-bucks programs aren’t necessarily better than a lot of precisely targeted smaller ones. But he’s wrong about another thing: America could use a lot of precisely targeted programs.

“When President Lyndon Johnson spoke here in 1964,” said the President, “he addressed issues that remain with us. He proposed revitalizing cities, rejuvenating schools, trampling down the hoary harvest of racism, and protecting our environment. Back in 1964, he applied the wisdom of his time to these challenges.”

Those seemingly intractable issues still need attention--and a leader who refuses to give up. To be sure, Bush was correct, in part: The War on Poverty did not accomplish everything that President Johnson or the Congress set out to do, but credit must be given where credit is due. Poor elderly Americans escaped poverty in large measure because of Medicare and increases in Social Security. One out of three black Americans rose into the middle class because of broader opportunity, and benefits such as Head Start and federal college scholarship assistance. The Johnson Administration proved government could make a difference, particularly with targeted programs.

No Republican can be expected to agree wholeheartedly with President Johnson or any other Democrat on the best approach to eradicating poverty. Different presidents and different times call for different initiatives. President Bush deserves credit for boosting funding for Head Start, the successful preschool enrichment program for poor children. He also has a plan to rejuvenate schools. But his renewed call for volunteers will only take the nation so far. It’s a mistake to minimize the role of government and its proven ability to improve opportunity.