In 1995, politicians from both parties proposed legislation to reduce funding for welfare programs and mandated a new block grant system designed to eliminate entitlement to assistance. This defense manual was written to help people who believe in democratic rights fight for a generous and effective safety net for the poor. It is recognized that the major public assistance programs have serious shortcomings, but it is argued that most proposed alternatives would do worse. The first part of the book (six chapters) confronts the most common conservative myths, challenging them with documented facts and figures. The second part of the book provides narrative background, combining factual presentations and brief articles. Chapter 7 provides an overview of poverty and assistance programs, and Chapter 8 describes ways advocates can move beyond a defensive strategy to assist the poor. Chapters are titled: (1) "The Welfare State"; (2) "The Poor"; (3) "Family"; (4) "Work"; (5) "The Economy"; (6) "Sex, Lies, and Righteous Indignation"; (7) "Overview"; (8) "Alternatives"; and (9) "Resources" (program resources and 10 published research materials). (Contains 6 tables and 16 figures.) (SLD)