How Successful Has TANF Been? Taking Seriously a Thoughtful Analysis From the Right, With a Tip of the Hat to Peter the Citizen

Editor Max J. Skidmore discusses a welcome exchange with the co-author of a 1983 article on Social Security that he has severely criticized numerous times. Peter Germanis, now writing as “Peter the Citizen,” reached out to indicate that he now directs his attention to TANF, and has not considered Social Security for many years. The resulting communication clearly demonstrates that thoughtful conservatives can set aside ideological considerations and collaborate with those of differing views without sacrificing their basic principles. Despite claims of success, TANF has failed to achieve its goals, and has had disastrous results. His analyses are insightful, and should serve as the basis for reform of “welfare reform.” What should be rejected soundly is any use of TANF as a model for revision of policy.