| The essence of compassionate conservatism is to use the federal government as a catalyst for programs that are primarily carried out by states and municipalities and community resource centers, like churches and volunteer organizations. By encouraging experimentation, acting as a clearinghouse of information, and helping with grants to plant seeds, the federal government plays a leading but not exclusive role in the development of programs that work to alleviate various social problems by helping people to help themselves, and raising expectations of those in need to participate in their own recovery, and those in failing communities to participate in their renewal. It lends dignity to those in need, allows for the tailoring of approaches to local situations, encourages charity to supplement the good work, permits trials of different approaches, strengthens community cohesion and mediating institutions, permits a more moral orientation in dealing with self- destructive habits, and lowers bureaucratic overhead......... |
