[DakotaGator]

The first factor – and the one which both liberals and conservatives are likely to agree on – is that these cities are the epicenters for chronic poverty and high unemployment, particularly among minorities. Drug abuse and its associated “business structure” contribute to widespread depression, gang activity and violence. The lack of wealth (aside from government infusions of cash) contributes to structural decay, failing schools and a host of other factors which result in a socioeconomic death spiral, both figuratively and literally.

I do not agree with this portion of the article. This "first factor" basically embraces the "poverty causes crime" theory. The more accurate theory is "crime causes poverty".

Using the "crime causes poverty" theory supports the article making an even more powerful indictment of liberal/Democrat/progressive mishandling of crime. Then again, liberals/Democrats/progressives thrive on crime.

[ChessExpert]

‘The more accurate theory is “crime causes poverty”.’

True. The reason why the middle class has fled so many inner cities is crime. It’s downhill from there.

There is crime and there is government theft. They are morally similar, but, with government writing the laws, only one is illegal. Why are/were communist countries so poor? From investor to worker, individuals were only allowed to make so much, the rest to be confiscated. Excessive taxation and regulation has a similar effect.