By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
Caring for those less fortunate is one of our God-given responsibilities, as Americans and as human beings. The American people—especially Republicans—have always been generous. Surveys consistently show that conservatives give more money to charitable causes than progressives, and I think there’s a simple reason for that: unlike liberals, we don’t see government as the answer to every societal problem.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) began in the 1960s as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” It was built on the failed premise that government can cure poverty. Rather than giving struggling families a hand up, SNAP and other welfare programs institutionalized poverty for generations. People became dependent on handouts, believing that money comes from government programs rather than hard work.
I’m sure you saw the videos on social media of SNAP recipients complaining about not getting benefits this month—often recorded on expensive new mobile phones. You can’t make that stuff up. Yet those with genuine needs should not have worried, because the American people had their back. More than 300 food banks throughout our state overflowed with everything families and children might need.
Just last weekend, a group of young Republicans volunteered at the Boise Rescue Mission. This wasn’t a photo op or a publicity stunt, but real generosity by our conservative young people. I mention it to show that Republicans don’t need to be told to help our neighbors—we do it because it’s the right thing to do.
Government welfare is not real charity. How many times have you seen a politician vote to increase a welfare program, patting themselves on the back for their “generosity”? It’s easy to be generous with other people’s money. But as Margaret Thatcher said, the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.
That’s the kicker: that money belongs to taxpayers. Taking it robs them of the dignity of giving of themselves to help their fellow man. Welfare crowds out real charity not only by taking money individuals could otherwise share, but by creating the impression that taking care of our neighbors is the government’s job.
And that’s not even to mention the overhead of offices and bureaucrats needed to manage these programs.
The renewed focus on SNAP due to the government shutdown should spark a conversation about how far government should go in addressing people’s needs. Do such programs actually work? Are they reducing poverty, or just making people dependent on government for life? Can private charity do a better job taking care of those who truly need help?
Idahoans are generous people, and we don’t need the government confiscating our hard-earned money to give to those in need. I’m confident that Republicans will once again step up this holiday season, as we always have.
About Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon was elected to serve as the chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party in July of 2022, and reelected in 2024. Moon served three terms in the Idaho Legislature as State Representative for District 8. Moon’s career in public service has focused on the advancement of individual liberties and reducing the size and scope of government.
