“What we have found in this country, and maybe we’re more aware of it now, is one problem that we’ve had, even in the best of times, and that is the people who are sleeping on the grates, the homeless, you might say, by choice.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“What we have found in this country, and maybe we’re more aware of it now, is one problem that we’ve had, even in the best of times, and that is the people who are sleeping on the grates, the homeless, you might say, by choice.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Ronald Reagan’s controversial perspective on homelessness, suggesting that some individuals who are unhoused may be so “by choice.” While he acknowledges homelessness as a persistent issue, even in prosperous times, his framing implies that personal agency plays a significant role in the condition, rather than systemic failure or lack of opportunity. The phrase “by choice” sparked criticism because it seemed to downplay the structural causes of homelessness, such as mental illness, addiction, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing.
The comment came during the 1980s, a period when homelessness in the United States was visibly rising, particularly in urban areas. Reagan’s administration was often criticized for cutting funding to social safety nets, including mental health services and housing assistance. His remark reflects a broader political philosophy that emphasized individual responsibility and minimized the role of government in providing welfare, consistent with his push for smaller government and deregulation.
Today, the quote continues to surface in debates about how society should address homelessness. While some still argue that personal choices contribute to long-term homelessness, many experts stress the need for holistic, compassionate solutions that address both personal and structural factors. Reagan’s statement serves as a window into a moment in American policy when economic freedom was prioritized over social intervention, raising enduring questions about the balance between individual responsibility and collective care.
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