1. The South's soft underbelly (Open slideshow and presentation continues automatically)

2. In the next few moments, you're going to see several maps. See if you can spot a trend. Then we'll tell you about something you may find surprising.

17. Did you see a crescent?

18. This “Southern Crescent” can be seen on county-level maps across various statistical indicators, as the titles of these maps indicate.

19. Election, 2012

20. Population, % white, 2010

21. Population, % black, 2010

22. Single parent household, 2010

23. Unemployment, May 2012

24. Income % <$10,000, 2006-2010

25. Median household income, 2010

26. Poverty, 2008

27. Less than high school education, 2010

28. Chlamydia, 2010

29. Heart disease, 1999-2003

30. Obesity, 2008

31. Diabetes, 2008

32. Slavery, 1860

33. 150 years is long enough It's time to try something new.

34. Southern Crescent project Coordinate attention on this Crescent of Shame. (www.SouthernCrescent.org is now online.)www.SouthernCrescent.org Work with nonprofits, foundations to fund research, studies on how to coordinate delivery of services to infuse dynamism in the region. Work with White House to get special study commission appointed to recommend federal- state policies to raise standards of living in Crescent region.

35. Why you should care A challenge: Most Southerners don't take the easy way out. Economic justice: 150 years is long enough for people in the Crescent to be treated better. Moral imperative: America is such a wealthy country that it is morally wrong to let conditions continue in the Crescent. Our image. Dealing with this problem will bolster the South's reputation, leading to more business.

36. How you can help today Individuals: $1,000 to $5,000 donation to Center for a Better South, a 501c3 nonprofit. Businesses and groups: $5,000 to $10,000 donation each of three years to Center to develop project among nonprofit, foundation and government stakeholders. www.BetterSouth.org/donate

37. Help us today Center for a Better South: A pragmatic, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to developing progressive ideas, policies and information for thinking leaders who want to make a difference in the American South. Rational debate and discussion vs. bumper sticker philosophy.

38. Contact us Center for a Better South P.O. Box 22261 Charleston, S.C. 29413 Andy Brack 843.670.3996 info@bettersouth.org www.bettersouth.org