February 9, 2004

Leftists Win: Minorities and the Poor Hit Hardest

By Thomas Lifson
The homeless and poor population of a prominent California city is about to lose its largest and oldest source of a free meal. We can blame those cruel budget cuts forced by Governor Schwarzenegger's refusal to increase taxes on the 'rich,' and a desire by reactionary local politicians to make the least powerful members of society suffer, when money is tight, can't we? Actually, no.   Surprise! The city is Berkeley, and the reasons for the program's impending demise have nothing to do with budget cuts. Not one cent has been cut from municipal grants to the meal—providing agency.   The Quarter Meal, a venerable free dining service for the poor and homeless population of Berkeley, announced last week that rising costs will force it to reduce services as of March 1st, and probably close its doors by June, unless its financial problems can be resolved. The rising costs are rooted in precisely the 'progressive' well—intentioned 'reforms' which have been advocated by...(Read Full Article)