Free and Open Markets

This is a big thing. Excellent analysis at the Foundation for Economic Education:

Why First World Countries Have Third World Cities
As I avoided the potholes, ignored the sounds of guns, and walked past beggars throughout the streets of New Orleans, I could not help but be reminded of my travels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With their mass poverty and crumbling infrastructure, the two cities differ in one key area: Phnom Penh is in a developing country and New Orleans is in a developed country.

Throughout the United States, I frequently come across what I call "third world cities in first world countries" - whether it is Detroit, Baltimore, or even my beloved New Orleans. These third world cities all have one thing in common: an absence of free and open markets.

The unifying traits to those cities? Burdensome tax rates, they are unfriendly to business and are Democrat ruled.