Glenn Grothman Cites 1820s 'Prevention Of Pauperism' Group To Slam Charities That Give 'Money Too Freely'

During remarks on the House floor, Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) spoke about the Society for Prevention of Pauperism and causes of poverty.

Transcript

00:00For what purpose does the gentleman from Wisconsin seek recognition?

00:03Well, I'd like to unanimous request to speak for one minute, revise and extend my remarks.

00:08The gentleman is recognized for one minute.

00:12As we leave the Capitol for the weekend, we want to leave the body here with a little bit of thought.

00:22I'm going to quote from a book called The Tragedy of American Compassion by Marvin Olasky, now a 30-year-old book.

00:29But it's an interesting book in that it deals with what we today call welfare, at the time that was all privatized.

00:39And I'm going to quote from the Society for the Prevention of Pauperism of the city of New York

00:45and what they felt was the cause of pauperism at the time and what had to be done to end it.

00:51And they listed 10 causes of pauperism.

00:54People in the 1820s were brighter than the people today.

00:57They listed ignorance, idleness, intemperance, which I take it to mean drunkenness, want of economy,

01:06imprudent and hasty marriages, you don't hear that one anymore, but they felt it was one of the top ten,

01:11lotteries, pawnbrokers, brothels, gambling houses, and the most interesting one,

01:19the vice of charities that gave away money too freely.

01:23So when we return next week, let's remember the wisdom from the Society for the Prevention is in Pauperism

01:35and not give away charity too easily.

01:38The gentleman's time has expired.

01:42Does the gentleman have a motion?

01:44Yeah, I think we should adjourn.

01:46The question is...