Welcome. I'm Gay Heart Gains, Chairman of GOPAC. Of all the items in the contract with America,

none was more contentious than the Republican proposal to reform welfare as we know it.

For indeed, no single set of government programs has a greater direct impact on the physical and emotional well-being of America's citizens than our welfare system.

These programs are being revised and rethought at the federal, state, and local level.

On behalf of GOPAC, I am very pleased to present making welfare work, our latest GOPAC audio tape.

This tape was recorded at the welfare that works symposium sponsored by the Acton Institute of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Acton Institute was founded by Father Robert Ciroco.

Its primary mission is to advance the notion of the moral dimensions of liberty and the free market.

We are indebted to the Acton Institute for allowing us to share this important message with you.

Our first speaker is the speaker, the Honorable Newt Gingrich General Chairman of GOPAC.

In his remarks, he will address the general framework of the Republican proposals in the contract with America and beyond.

What I'd like to talk about for just a minute or two is something I've been resting with.

I believe, let me say first of all, I believe at a level of practicality that there are certain principles you can articulate now that to a surprising degree or beginning to be accepted.

First, the start which started in a way with Charles Murray's losing ground, the welfare state has failed.

I noticed in the Washington Post last Friday morning a leading Democratic congressman was quoted as saying,

we all agree that the welfare states over were just arguing over its replacement. Well, that is a non-trivial transition.

To agree that the welfare state is over is sort of good.

And to have it stated even by many liberals as obvious and therefore no longer debatable is good.

Second, I believe that we can probably win a general vote that no civilization can survive with 12-year-olds having babies with 15-year-olds killing each other with the same size.

And with 18-year-olds getting diplomas they can't read.

That probably would win almost everywhere. You've got some argument in a few college faculties.

But not generally speaking. And of course, I based an entire course which became controversial, not over its ideas, which very few liberals had encountered.

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