Michael Medved

	JWR's Pundits World Editorial Cartoon Showcase Mallard Fillmore Michael Barone Mona Charen Linda Chavez Ann Coulter Greg Crosby Don Feder Suzanne Fields James Glassman Paul Greenberg Bob Greene Betsy Hart Nat Hentoff David Horowitz Marianne Jennings Michael Kelly Mort Kondracke Ch. Krauthammer Lawrence Kudlow Dr. Laura John Leo David Limbaugh Michelle Malkin Jackie Mason Chris Matthews Michael Medved MUGGER Kathleen Parker Wes Pruden Sam Schulman Amity Shlaes Roger Simon Tony Snow Thomas Sowell Cal Thomas Jonathan S. Tobin Ben Wattenberg George Will Bruce Williams Walter Williams Mort Zuckerman Consumer Reports

Urban problems demand good results, not just good intentions

http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | In Los Angeles, city officials proudly opened a plush new homeless shelter that cost $17 million and featured state-of- the-art gym, library, hair salon, movie theatre, and professional kitchen.

Even homeless activists acknowledged that despite its good intentions, the project would only perpetuate the cycle of life on the streets, by providing rewards and comfort for self-destructive behaviors.

Meanwhile, national studies at Duke and Columbia Universities showed that one of the best ways to improve urban neighborhoods and to reduce the homeless presence is gentrification.

As Professor Lance Freeman emphasized, when middle class families move into distressed districts, they don't generally displace the long-time residents, but actually improve their quality of life, giving new reasons to stay.

When successful families flock to a down-and-out neighborhood they may be selfishly motivated, and when activists build lavish homeless facilities, they may feel unselfish.

But when dealing with nagging urban problems, we should judge results, rather than intentions.

Appreciate this writer's work? Why not sign-up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

MEDVED'S LATEST Right Turns: Unconventional Lessons from a Controversial Life   Michael Medved has taken an extraordinary journey from liberal activist to outspoken conservative. Along the way he has earned millions of admirers — and more than his share of enemies — by advancing controversial, often counterintuitive arguments. Sales help fund JWR.

JWR contributor, author and film critic Michael Medved hosts a daily three-hour radio talk show broadcast in more than 120 cities throughout the United States. Comment by clicking here.

Michael Medved Archives