orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER) (12/18/84)
> > But don't be too idealistic about helping the 'disadvantaged'. Yes, there > are some people who just haven't had a chance. However, there are a lot who > wouldn't know a chance if it bit them in the face. And all the social > programs you dream up won't help them if they won't help you help them. > Unless, of course, you regulate all choice out of their lives ... > > Alien There *is* one social program that has proven more effective than any other in helping break the vicious cycle of poverty: Headstart and early child learning programs. Several months ago the results of a 15 year panel study comparing Headstart children to others in poverty showed incredible improvements for the Headstart children. Twice as many had gone to college, a much higher percentage had moved out of poverty into middle class jobs, far fewer had been arrested or convicted for any crimes, in every category the Headstart children had by and large broken the factors which help perpetuate the cycle of poverty. This is one social program which has proven more effective than any other in helping the poor better their lives. Taking these results to heart the Federal government would be making a wise investment to spend more to see that all poor children have the opportunity to participate in programs like Headstart. Unfortunately I seem to recall that about 30% of the Headstart children had remained in poverty. But moving 70% out of poverty every generation would be a major step that would help all of us. For just one example, the lower crime rates of Headstart graduates would save thousands for every person not incarcerated. tim sevener whuxl!orb