Bush puts charity before welfare

Bush's Compassionate Conservatism: Does substance measure up?

By Jane Little

A key plank of George W Bush's speech involves giving state money to religious charities instead of spending it on the welfare state.

This is a controversial idea which to many Americans, violates the constitution.

Compassionate Conservatism - the slogan of a softer Republican Party reaching out to the poor and the needy - has helped propel George W Bush to a comfortable lead in the polls.

It is not only Mr Bush who is speaking up for the merits of giving state money to so-called faith-based initiatives. Democratic presidential hopeful, Al Gore, has endorsed the notion too.

But many have been left asking; does the substance measure up? The motto is widely attributed to Mr Bush's right-wing spiritual adviser, Marvin Olasky.

His self-help approach advocates the phasing out of the welfare state, and its replacement with religious charity.

Faith office

Following his advice, Governor Bush claims great success in Texas in reducing teenage pregnancy and crime.

He plans to establish an Office of Faith-Based Action in the White House if elected.

But it is not only Mr Bush who is speaking up for the merits of giving state money to so-called faith-based initiatives. Democratic presidential hopeful, Al Gore, has endorsed the notion too.

Blessings for the convention from Archbishop Demetrios

Congress has been debating several bills on the issue. Within the American context this is a radical departure.

The constitution guarantees the separation of church and state and there are several organisations which exist solely to protect that distinction.

Giving tax payers' money to charities which may be missionary in character is therefore highly controversial.

But supporters argue that religious groups which work at the grassroots level can provide the kind of help that an overstretched, bureaucratic welfare system cannot.

Perhaps there is the added bonus for politicians that they can be seen to care while shedding some of the responsibility.