The outlines of the tea party Republicans’ plans for abolishing Social Security are based on a system that worked well some years ago:

“Social Security shall be abolished. No government agency shall be involved, thus saving vast amounts of money. All responsibility shall be returned to the towns and cities.

“Each town shall be responsible for dealing with the poor. For the poor who have homes but no food, local volunteers shall be responsible to provide simple meals at local sites — ‘soup kitchens.’

“For the homeless poor, dormitories shall be set up. Adult men and women shall be separated, thus avoiding any inappropriate sexual contact. All residents shall be required to work. The overseers of these ‘workhouses’ shall be charged with finding work with local manufacturers or farmers. Any money earned by the residents shall be put toward the expenses of running the ‘workhouses.’ The overseer of the home shall be responsible for all the financial affairs of the ‘workhouses,’ and he or she shall keep any profits made from the operation. Medical care shall be provided by contract to the lowest bidder, irrespective of their qualifications.

“Children of the poor shall be sent to a separate facility. Those over the age of 6 shall be given daily work tasks appropriate to their age. These homes shall be run by volunteer priests and ministers known for their special liking for children.”

The documents to which I refer are contained in town and parish records of 19th century England. The country was prospering and manufacturing flourished with cheap labor. An excellent overview of these achievements can be read in the works of Charles Dickens, notably “Oliver Twist” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Jim Todd, Randolph

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