I agree that economics and opportunity are at the heart of the problem, but I don't have any confidence that a Western Marshall Plan would have much lasting benefit. Aside from oil or tourism in select regions, there just isn't any underlying industry that could be built and sustained. Also, we can't trust the governments of most of these states to steward outside contributions. Look how much wasted money we poured into Iraq. I'm afraid such good intentions would merely end up being permanent welfare subsidies.
I agree that economics and opportunity are at the heart of the problem, but I don't have any confidence that a Western Marshall Plan would have much lasting benefit. Aside from oil or tourism in select regions, there just isn't any underlying industry that could be built and sustained. Also, we can't trust the governments of most of these states to steward outside contributions. Look how much wasted money we poured into Iraq. I'm afraid such good intentions would merely end up being permanent welfare subsidies.