Traffic crawled. Ahead of me was a pickup, its bumper thick with stickers. From the one most cracked and faded, I saw the word “welfare.” Just before the driver switched lanes, I made out the rest: “Work harder—there are millions on welfare depending on you.” That triggered a memory so vivid I no longer saw any traffic.

I was back in my hometown on St. Mary’s Grade School’s playground talking with classmates. An atypical conversation for preteens, we were talking politics. It was 1968; Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, and George Wallace were running for president.

Growing up in Central Illinois, we were proud to be from “The Land of Lincoln.” Most of the kids I knew were being raised to think and someday vote as Democrats. But that morning Kim wanted to know what the difference was between Democrats and Republicans.

“My dad says Republicans stand for less government involvement in our daily lives,” Chris explained. “Lowering taxes, too.”

“Sounds good, like something everyone would want,” replied Kim.

“Well, my dad says Republicans cut taxes alright, but they also cut the programs that Democrats implement for those less fortunate,” said Barb.

“What kind of programs?” asked Kim.

“Like welfare. It gives lazy people a free ride,” Chris snapped with a judgmental scowl. “That’s why Democrats are always raising taxes—to fund all their do-gooder programs.”

 …