Does the GOP care?

The American Thinker has an interesting piece title Should Conservatives show that "We Care", essentially outlining how democrats have co opted the SCHIP program to show that they care about it's citizens.

But the piece actually questions whether or not these programs are effective.

Excerpt

Here's an example of what Hanson is talking about. A RAND health insurance study in 1978-82 assigned two thousand families to various health insurance plans from free to full price. The result was inconclusive; the health of some poor families even got worse after they got free health insurance.

One of the things that always has me flustered with the GOP is that they allow democrats to paint them into the "they don't care corner". If I was Mike Duncan (which I could never be because my IQ is above 78), I would set up an organization named "GOP Cares", a 501 c 3 non profit organization who's sole mission would be to fill in the gaps between government programs and public need.

All these pols could ask for contributions from the population who support their campaigns and it would show the public and media that republicans have true affinity for those disenfranchised by various government programs.

But this could never happen. Why?

Because your average republican doesn't truly believe their constituents do have compassion for their brother. In addition, they don't like the idea that maybe a dollar spent on taking care of indigent citizens could be spent on a steak dinner for one of their consultants.