of poor families. But instead of taxing and spending, thenemperors followed the example of private benefactors whonput a fixed contribution on their estates. By the newnplan—managed by local governments— landowners werengiven loans, which they had to pay back at a fixed rate; theirnpayments went to pay for poor children (one to a family) innthe local area.nThe advantages are obvious. There was no need for anlarge bureaucracy or for bullion shipments. Local moneyngot spent on local people with a minimum of complication.nFraud would have been very difficult, because in small townsneveryone knows everyone else’s business.nThis system of child allowances (known as alimenta) wasnonly a small part of Roman charity, most of which was localnand private, but it illustrates an interesting differencenbetween them and us. While we boast of being a federalnrepublic, we have set up centralized schemes of educationnand welfare that run counter to every virtue of ournConstitution and national character. The Romans, undernthe color of an international empire, relied on local governmentnand private initiative. And we, who claim to be thenheirs of a Christian civilization, are willing to sacrifice notnjust our political principles but every particle of our moralitynif it conflicts with the universal commitment to relieving thenreal and supposed poverty of the globe’s inhabitants.nThe virtues have their order, and no people can thriventhat is willing to sacrifice its courage, its faith, its modesty,nand its honesty to even the greatest of the virtues. ThenGreek and Roman words we translate as “virtue” meantnoriginally something like manliness, courage. The Greeknword in particular {arete) came to stand for every strivingnafter excellence of which an honorable man was capable.nOur civilization may well be judged, as Dr. Johnsonnthought, by the provision we have made for the leastnfortunate; but we shall also be judged by the excellence wenhave strived or failed to strive for.nThe worst feature of what some call democracy is andedication to the dispiriting doctrine of utility: the greatestngood to the greatest number. By this paradoxical formula wenreally mean the leveling of all standards to the lowestncommon denominator of a full belly, network television,nand weekly news magazines. Whether it is faith in our Godnor nothing more important than a well-written book, I fearnwe shall be judged wanting.nIt is an old principle that one cannot maximize twonvariables. Eventually one must choose between the pursuitnof happiness and the pursuit of sufficiency, between virtuenand equality. As Dr. Johnson also observed, “It is better thatnsome should be unhappy than that none should be happy,nwhich would be the case in a general state of equality.” Innthe name of equality and social justice, we become traitors tonall that might be best in ourselves. We would sell the sweetnoil and give the money to the poor; and if we are rebuked,nwe can follow the ancient precedent of the only liberationntheologian who joined the band of the disciples: Afternhearing Jesus’ timely lesson on the limits of charity, JudasnIscariot went unto the chief priests and said unto them,n”What will ye give me and I will deliver him unto you?”nAs ^oes fhe Amerlcainso goes our nat ion.nThe strength and resiUence of the American as, each month, its editors grapple with hinda-nFamily is quite simply the single greatest asset mental issues affecting your family’s future,nour nation possesses. , , ^,nlong battered, neglected, maligned, and Each month. The Family m America will:ndivided, the American Family’s regeneration as a . jo„st with tlie bureaucrats and martinets wiio muddlenpowerful center for values, achievement, and public pobcy affecting the American Family;nfulfillment is an unmistakable signal: a good . expose governmental tinkering and doublespeak onnidea whose time lias come. Again. family issues;n„, , , 1 1. . • 1 .1. • probe the underlying statistics and trends runnina innThat s Why a «e;^ publication is chronichng f^^„^ „f ^^^^ f,„il _ .^^ against it;nevents, floodlighting the issues, debunking the . reveal the works and exceptional research of today’snbureaucrats and social experimenters, and best and brightest scholars, writers, educators.ntalking common sense.nThis monthly publication is called The Family If you think it’s important to be informednin America. about the forces that may affect the health andnShocking. Provocative. Eye-opening. Com- well-being of your family now and in the yearsnbative. Thoughtful. And, when necessary, ahead, the choice is a simple one.noutrageous. Take pen in hand, and subscribe now.nThe Family in America is all this and more Request your subscription-today.n1 family,nFor fast ordering call 1ntoll free (800) 892-0753 IL 1n(800) 435-0715 Outside IL 1nThe Family in AmericanABSOLUTELY “YES!” Count me In!n• Yes! Please enter my subscription to ThenFamily in America at $14.97 for 12 monthlynissues. 1 save $6.03 off the basic rate of $21.n• Payment enclosed n Bill me laternNamenAddressnnnCity State ZipnCanadian and foreign orders add $6 per year,npayable in U.S. funds only.nPlease allow 4-6 weeks for your first copy tonarrive. Mail coupon to; P.O. Box 416, Mt, Morris, ILn61054 TF 368nAUGUST 1988/ 11n