SSODSTYLES

By: Cristopher Avello

Before Johnson implemented his Great Society/War on Poverty proposals, Kennedy had called on the government to enact a more comprehensive civil rights bill. While acknowledging that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was one of Johnson’s highly publicized movements, inspiring modern activism that emphasized community mobilization and media to effect. Johnson would introduce additional social reforms that embrace the eradication of poverty and racial injustice, and the expansion of federal programs, particularly Medicare and Medicaid.

The Great Society asked people to help eliminate poverty, not if you should, but by providing the same helping hand instead of a handout. Johnson’s Great Society was a streamlined initiative to build a task force of working groups that produced a flurry of legislation to raise the quality of life. Legislation that used billions of dollars to close the gap between the poor and the rich. And over time, these reforms did help societies; the number of African Americans living below the poverty line dropped almost 30% in eight years. Johnson also wanted men and women of America to leave it a better place; he would tour poor areas and interact with lower-income communities, encouraging them to continue training for new jobs that were in short supply during industrialization. Johnson’s three policy measures associated with the War on Poverty would prove to be key pieces of legislation advocating the elimination of racial inequality and the end of poverty during the Great Society (Sands, 1). Next, the federal programs created workforce programs all over the world that provided vocational training and pushed to lower the unemployment rate, which was twice as high, while layoffs remained an obstacle to creating a great society. One of my favorite projects was Project Head Start, giving young Americans early childhood education and support to low-income families. Johnson’s Great Society involved implementing federally funded programs with the goal of “maximum feasible participation,” which required the inclusion of poor and marginalized citizens in the actual administration (Locke, 326).

FOOD STAMP ACT

The first policy measure associated with Johnson’s War on Poverty was the Food Stamp Act. Not only did this act directly impact the poor where they needed it the most, which was to purchase food at authorized stores, using benefits that prohibited discrimination based on race or religion. The fact that Americans with limited resources could redeem their valid federal vouchers required a state plan of operation and the development of eligibility standards by states. Within a few years, the act strengthened the agricultural economy and improved income levels among low-income households. The federal government and states divided responsibilities upon the introduction of this act; states would control issuances such as certifications and the authorization of retailers and wholesalers, while funding of benefits would come from the federal government. This legislation limited the powers of the national government, placing authority in the hands of groups of people, thereby establishing a significant degree of self-autonomy and self-governance that characterized federalism.

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1965

The second was the Social Security Act of 1965, which provided funding for older Americans on medicare. Medicare and Medicaid solved a range of quality-of-life concerns for the poor and aged. Both programs provided funding for programs that directly helped people with limited income, funded by state and federal programs. The act sparked broad debate, public hearings, and action by Congress and the Social Security Administration to provide older Americans with reliable health care. These rapidly growing amendments, known as the Social Security Amendments of 1965, were on the front burner in Congress until 1960, when it became clear that private insurers were becoming increasingly incapable of providing comprehensive, affordable healthcare. President Johnson signed the bill with former President Truman at the Truman Presidential Library.  

President Johnson spoke before America’s youth, calling for an end to poverty and racial injustice (Locke, 425). Johnson knew Congress more than anyone at the time he took over the White House. The Food Stamp Act was an example of the Great Society reaching areas that really needed uplift through government support. People were allowed to contribute economically to their communities, and this system created opportunities that were key links in relations between federal and state officials. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 was also an example historians should consider an opportunity, as it was the first step in the African American community’s efforts to seize the opportunity the war had created. My favorite quote from the Civil Rights Act is, “It did not end discrimination, but it did open the door to further progress.” Finally, the Social Security Administration Act of 1965 was also an example of opportunity; its expansion in the sixties expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Another reason this policy was an example of opportunity was its help in alleviating the financial burden of healthcare costs for seniors and low-income individuals. 

Part of Johnson’s Great Society initiatives was liberals’ view of the concept of guaranteed income in welfare: eliminating poverty through a guaranteed income, thereby granting recipients the opportunity to move themselves by their own volition. This was exactly what the U.S. government was trying to achieve with the Food Stamp Act in 1965: weekly and monthly guaranteed incomes helping the low-income families afford a nutritionally adequate diet. This program added value where communities needed it most. As did the Social Security Amendment of 1965, provisions that strengthened traditional liberal values, while providing health insurance regardless of income or health status. And finally, the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which remains one of the most powerful acts in American history. Since its inception, the Civil Rights movement has added value to the workforce and quelled rumors aimed at preventing its progress. This act continues to end inequalities after years of violent portrayal of segregation. 

                       REFERENCES

Locke, Joseph (1877) the  American Yawp textbook

Teaching American History (1964) Great Society Speech

https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/great-society-speech-2

LBJ President Library (2014) Civil Rights, Tax Cuts, And The War on Poverty

https://www.lbjlibrary.org/news-and-press/press-releases/civil-rights-tax-cuts-and-war-poverty