In recent memory, I haven't thought of
Newsweek (still exists on line) as a source for sensible journalism. Maybe I should revisit that assessment, their
article on the problems of Baltimore is good. Here are the key points (explanations in the article):
The idea that we haven't been "investing" in Baltimore is nonsense. Federal and state money has been pouring into the city for decades.
Yet nearly a quarter of the people in the city still live in poverty, 65 percent above the national level. We've clearly been throwing a lot of money at poverty in Baltimore without much result.
Part of the problem, unsurprisingly, is that the city does not make very good use of the money it receives.
But it's not just a question of waste, fraud and abuse. Even when the money was spent as intended, it has done little good.
There are few better routes out of poverty than a job. Fewer than 3 percent of those working full time live in poverty. Yet Maryland has one of the most anti-business tax and regulatory climates in the nation. And Baltimore adds its own layer of excessive taxes and regulatory bureaucracy.
Education reform is another key to lifting people out of poverty. Drop out of school and you are likely to be poor. Graduate from college and you won't be. Yet, Maryland radically restricts parental choice and teacher accountability.
The Baltimore Sun reports Bernie Sanders' 2015 description of the Baltimore neighborhood where Freddy Gray was arrested.
Anyone who took the walk that we took around this neighborhood would not think you're in a wealthy nation. You would think that you were in a Third World country.
'Nuff said. Trump agreed and added Rep. Elijah Cummings hadn't helped in his 22+ years in the House. Hat tip to
Lucianne.com for the link.
