I'm convinced that GOP doesn't want social programs because it might help black people. They've developed this into "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" to convince themselves it's all ok.
Their branch of fascistoid conservativism just requires a sub. Look at the history of conservative politics, there has to be a group to look down upon. Whether it's blacks, jews, the poor, hutu, tutsi, the lower caste or gays doesn't really matter, but there has to be an internal enemy to hate.
That way, you can rob the own powerbase blind, and they won't even notice because everything is the fault of $group afterall.
Don't forget: even if you're the lowest of the low, nobody can take away your whiteness, so as long as you're a racist, you're not actually at the bottom of the ladder - the black dentist is still black, and thus worthless.
Don’t forget: even if you’re the lowest of the low, nobody can take away your whiteness, so as long as you’re a racist, you’re not actually at the bottom of the ladder - the black dentist is still black, and thus worthless.
This also applies to their misogyny. You may be the poorest of the poor and white, but you're a man, so you're better than all women.
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you."
That would fall in line with filling in public pools because they were being forced to share the space with black people. They would rather no one have it then share it.