Poverty rates should go down. But does that mean it's the government's responsibility? Maybe the answer is yes. But if it is, the burden of proof should fall on those who, in effect, want the government to win the future by "investing" in shoes--rather than on those of us who are open to the idea of turning back the clock.

But the mere existence of income inequality tells us little about what, if anything, should be done about it.

Any serious discussion of race must address out-of-wedlock births.

Increasing the minimum wage is not the best way to helpstruggling single mothers, minorities, and the poor.

Hurricane Katrina shattered the stability of intergenerational poverty, adults disconnected from work, and children without fathers. In its wake it left immense personal tragedy, but also opportunity.

The reality of Hispanic criminality should be considered when setting immigration policy for the United States.

Clearly, the crisis of the family is not just a "black thing." In practically all of today's rich, free societies, the family is in trouble.

We may be approaching what some consider to be a landmark measure of black progress: whether or not Americans will elect a black president.