Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr. "Poverty: Hopeful or Hopeless?"

shadroui
A great discussion about a serious topic. We dont't get this kind of discourse anymore - and we are lesser for it.

Buckley and Harrington talk about poverty, government effectiveness in helping the poor, free enterprise versus socialism...etc.

Good stuff.

A Connecticut Yankee swings at poverty
This is a vintage (1966)debate over poverty with opposing points of view engaged by William F. Buckley, Jr. clearly representing The Establishment. Michael Harrington, his factually well-armed adversary (as David here) does exceptionally well in close quarters. Although Buckley first opines in an early thrust that this early war on poverty was a Colossus in Washington, Mr. Harrington deflects the attack with established facts and figures. The Yankee Buckley's disbelief about southern poverty, or that it exists at all, seems more than racially motivated here. Although black-and-white vintage, Buckley is respectfully generous to Mr. Harrington allowing him to frame his arguments without interference, perhaps a show of Catholicity. It is surprising though, how uncharitable he can be toward this subject leaving Mr. Harrington as the sole defender. Most of the debate is spent on the necessity of continuing government involvement at all with both participants locking horns whether the war...



Click to Editorial Reviews