America’s cities have been the victims of a disproportionate amount of neglect. America’s cities have a disproportionate share of the poor and disadvantaged who have been conveniently clustered there.

A disproportionate number of these inner-city residents are
deficient in education, culture, and acceptable behavior. They have a disproportionate number of unmarried mothers, teen-age pregnancies, unemployment, and health problems. Inner-city schools are disproportionately old and run-down and a disproportionate number of their so-called graduates are deficient in reading, writing, and math. A disproportionate number of these inner-city boys are headed for crime, drugs, and imprisonment. Many will join violent gangs. A disproportionate number will be involved in confrontations with the police. A disproportionate number are destined to be shot or otherwise injured or killed.

A disproportionate number of these inner-city residents are African-American in most cities, although in many western cities, Hispanics are the dominant minority.

They need a disproportionate amount of special “catch-up” education and job training to bring them up to acceptable standards for competitive, productive lives. They need a disproportionate amount of the nation’s caring, and preparing them to participate effectively in our fast-moving economic system