Which State is the Armpit of America?

Arthur Wildfire! March

[parsifal]

Well it sure ain't Arkansas. We're the only Zen state in the country. (Our state song is actually a "koan.") Go Razorbacks! Woooooo Pig Soooooiiiiieee! parsy.

[stumpy]

Absolutely HAS to be Ca.

[driftless]

I live in (and love) Wisconsin, but I just spent some time in S. Dakota a few weeks ago. The scenery is outstanding especially in the western half. However my girl friend lived in N.Dakota for a few years and would gladly list that state as the worst. Flat, windy, and cold she says.

[Centurion2000]

California and New York ...

[Rev. Lou Chenary]

Definetly Massachusetts!
With Lowell,and Lawrence being the sweat glands.
Of course on summer weekends it alls moves up to NH, Vermont and Maine.

[Nea Wood]

I live in California and, therefore, can vouch for its pittitude. I wonder what liberals consider "the armpit state"? I'd like to know so I can move there.

[Paul Atreides]

California tipped the scales with Hollywood and San Francisco.

[Capt_Hank]

New Jersey

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

Well, I’ve seen them all save for Hawaii. I have mixed feeling but am sure it is between New Jersey and West Virginia.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

I don't remember the exact name of the town but there is some irony to this. The town some liberal picked was actually in California if I remember correctly. An old gold town that went bust. I forget the name. The writer said that there is some strange desert plantlife there that looks like upsidedown toilet brushes. I could not help but think how un-liberal it is to look at nature through such an ugly point of view.

[Sub-Driver]

Sorry folks, It's Delaware.......I drive it and it stinks. The road system was developed by aliens....north go's west, south go's east, east go's to Dover........Oh wait I missed the turn. You mean the business park is behind those trees?

[finnman69]

Californication

[apillar]

I grew up in West Virgina and in some ways it is an armpit, but it does have a few good point too.

GOOD:

1. It really is a beautiful state, mostly rural, very mountainous, mild winters, warm summers etc.

2. Land is DIRT cheap, I recently purchased sixty acres of land with a hunting cabin for $54,000. Cost of living is low. Taxes are average for the region.

3. Even though the state is considered a democrat bastion, the people for the most part are very conservative. Very pro 2nd amendment, anti abortion (which is why Al Gore lost) Even the democrats tend to be more conservative -- the "liberal" democrats here could pass as conservative republicans in New York or Massachussets.

BAD:

1. The state is pretty much run by the coal/steel/teachers unions, most of the legislators owe their "soul" to the unions. Cronyism is rampant -- The moto of the state should be "It's not what you know it's who you know."

2. VERY anti-business / pro-organized labor climate -- high business taxes, high unemployment, high poverty, very little economic growth.

2. Schools range from average to abyssmal. Culturally not a lot of emphasis on education -- even if you do get a college degree (like I did) you almost always have to leave the state to use it.

[Dog Gone]

I'm curious to hear your opinion.

[JoeFromCA]

I've lived in CA as a conservative for many years--made a very good living here, plus invested in real estate, and have a very good life. California's politics are of course a pain in the neck, but it's not that hard to dodge and weave around those issues.

Without naming a state or states, I'd vote for someplace which is at the bottom of the heap on education, incomes, crime, weather and a number of other factors. At least half the states and probably even three-quarters would rank below CA on a blend of those factors.

[Sub-Driver]

You have agreement. I did a consulting gig in Eddystone and had to drive through it after I got off the Barry Bridge. Honey, roll up the windows and lock the door - we're in Injun Country.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

[LOL. I was born in California. Serves me right, huh?]

My intention is this. People in various states think that they can elect terrorist lovers. They can elect criminals and scummy lowlifes. And they still can have pride in their states? I realise that no state is made up of evil clones. Good people are in every state. But here is a chance for freepers and lurkers to print up a nation-wide discussion of what people really think about their states.

[Vigilantcitizen]

"Georgia gets my vote. What a worthless state."

I totally agree.... I wish the 3 million transplants that have moved here in the last 20 years would figure out just how worthless our state is and LEAVE!

But, their need of gainful employment keeps them here, since our "worthless" state such has a bountiful job market.

[B Knotts]

Illinois. California at least has scenic beauty. What redeeming values can be found about Illinois?

I've never been to the Northeast, so I don't know if one of those states is worse.