I hate that derogatory term "boomer." Young people call us that, even though our generation created all the tech they use. Most of us had zero to do with the government, as it was closed to anyone without deep pockets or friends in high places. It was like this even for local government.

Bracken is wrong on one point. The poor couldn't be helped by social programs unless they were dark and refused to work. I was white and had a low-paying job, and I didn't qualify for any help at all. And I did try. A cousin of mine who had two small children told the welfare office that if she came back with her face painted black, she could get some help. My old grandmother tried to get food stamps back in the 80s. They offered her $8 per month. She told them to shove them up their backsides.