Saturday, October 05, 2024

Why Are Red States Cesspools Of Misery?

One of the enduring mysteries of America is why the citizens of Red states are generally poorer, less educated, and sicker than the citizens of Blue states. To that question, I step up as your hierophant with an answer to this deep mystery that you may not have previously considered. " Blue states account for about 71 percent of America's GDP, whereas Red states only produce 29 percent of our income and wealth. " The median family income in Blue states is $74,243. In Red states it's $63,553. Individual states highlight the disparity: New Jersey's median income is $89,703, while Mississippi's is $49,111. " Counties that voted for Biden in 2020 are better educated, with 36 percent of their population having some college education compared to Trump's counties at 25 percent. " Residents of Blue states live 2.2 years longer, on average, than residents of Red states.

Posted by Reinheitsgebot at 11:27 AM | 48 COMMENTS | permalink

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And, second, it's undeniably true (and documented with each hotlink below) that Republican-controlled Red states, almost across the board, have higher rates of:

" Spousal abuse " Obesity " Smoking " Teen pregnancy " Sexually transmitted diseases " Abortion (at least before Dobbs; now it would be "forced births") " Bankruptcies and poverty " Homicide and suicide " Infant mortality " Maternal mortality " Forcible rape " Robbery and aggravated assault " Dropouts from high school " Divorce " Contaminated air and water " Opiate addiction and deaths " Unskilled workers " Parasitic infections " Income and wealth inequality " Covid deaths and unvaccinated people " Federal subsidies to states ("Red State Welfare") " People on welfare " Child poverty " Homelessness " Spousal murder " Unemployment " Deaths from auto accidents " People living on disability " Gun deaths

Comments

"Republicans worship cheap labor " and having a steady and reliable supply of cheap labor requires widespread poverty ... "

intriguing article with the author scoring points by calling attention to GOP opposition to so many programs that actually benefit actual people.

#1 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2024-10-05 12:14 PM

You can break it down even further.

For instance, in Missouri, St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Jeff City (the largest blue areas in a very red state) account for something like 85% (IIRC) of the state's GDP.

#2 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 03:48 PM

And never let them forget that blue states are subsidizing the -------- states with our $

#3 | Posted by truthhurts at 2024-10-05 04:24 PM

"Our $"

LOL

#4 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 04:26 PM

"For instance, in Missouri, St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Jeff City (the largest blue areas in a very red state) account for something like 85% (IIRC) of the state's GDP."

Maybe you can Google what industry dominates that area not mentioned.

What would you do differently?

How would you make the rural areas generate more GDP?

You want to make farmers richer? I'm all ears ... ..

#5 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 04:29 PM

What, exactly, is your point?

I realize there's probably multiple factors that play into that. Doesn't change the fact, though, that the derided blue areas are almost always the primary economic engines states.

#6 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 06:08 PM

How would you make the rural areas generate more GDP?

It's kinda like why they are called rural.

Doesn't change the fact, though, that the derided blue areas are almost always the primary economic engines states
- jpw

Why? Why do you imagine that's true? Why are these places blue?

When I travelled across the country this summer, I preferred staying in rural America. It was more beautiful, the people were more friendly, and nature is much more easily accessed. The food was original.

No one said visit St Louis. Or Kansas city. They said visit the lake of the Ozarks.

Why is that? As an Asian visiting new States I couldn't help but notice the blue areas sucked. And I live in one, makes me wonder about what I am doing in California.

#7 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-10-05 07:39 PM

And never let them forget that blue states are subsidizing the -------- states with our $
#3 | Posted by truthhurts

Not sure what you mean

All States are taking money from the federal government. It's sort of how the federal government makes States do what it wants.

Are you saying California does not need it's school subsidies from the federal government?

Or firefighting subsidies?

I could go on.

I sure would enjoy just paying California taxes rather than Federal and State. I hate the IRS.

#8 | Posted by oneironaut at 2024-10-05 07:51 PM

-What, exactly, is your point?

I used English.

Couldn't have been more clear.

Don't pretend you don't understand

#9 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 07:54 PM

"As an Asian ..." - Posted by oneironaut at 2024-10-05 07:39 PM | Reply | Flag: What do you think?

#10 | Posted by Hans at 2024-10-05 07:55 PM

"the derided blue areas"

You're thin skinned.

Enough said

#11 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 07:55 PM

"the primary economic engines states"

Banking
Finance
Hedge funds
Private equity
Insurance
Inherited wealth

Compared to someone who produces milk, beef, etc.

And you're----------- the former.

Nice move ... ... .

#12 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 08:01 PM

invest in better chum.

#13 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2024-10-05 08:16 PM

You're thin skinned.

Enough said

#11 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Lol that's just a matter of fact, ebs.

Righties in rural economic deserts hate the blue urban centers, even though what little economic activity they have to partake in likely involves those blue urban centers to some degree.

There's nothing thin skinned about any of and I asked the question I asked because it wasn't entirely clear what your point was.

Hence ... you know ... the question.

#14 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 08:24 PM

#12 nice try.

It's simply a matter of fact statement.

Your butthurt response to it is kind of amusing, though.

Also, the list you made hardly explains it and those services and businesses locate to urban areas because that's where the money is.

#15 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 08:26 PM

It's about the hate.

And hurt feelings.

#16 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:15 PM

It's about the hate.

And hurt feelings.

#17 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:15 PM

It's about the hate.

And hurt feelings.

#18 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:15 PM

Sorry

#19 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:15 PM

I don't think any person with an IQ above room temperature gives a ---- that the money is in the cities and farming and agriculture is not

But I'll remind you every time when you're pissing and moaning about insurance companies, and banks and hedge funds that you jack those guys off.

#20 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:18 PM

-Righties in rural economic deserts hate the blue urban centers

Yeah, that's been going on since about 100 years before you were born

You're just now learning that?

#21 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:20 PM

- jack those guys off.

The things you think about, Bev!

I'm embarrassed for you.

OK, not really. Really it's pretty funny.

#22 | Posted by Corky at 2024-10-05 09:31 PM

I don't think blue cities nor blue states are ---- holes.

I realize tens of millions of people live in those cities and look down their nose at everyone else

I don't care

And it's obvious why the economic activity in the cities exceed the rural communities

But this discussion is about hurt feelings. Not anything else.

#23 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:44 PM

-Really it's pretty funny.

Your "Jack other men off" scent was working. Came running on cue

You're weren't worried, were you?

#24 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 09:51 PM

Nice strawman, ebs.

Dog piss in your shoe this morning?

#25 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 09:52 PM

#24

Weak and desperate.... but I think at least Clowny gets off on that from you.

Perhaps others, too!

#26 | Posted by Corky at 2024-10-05 09:57 PM

-Dog piss in your shoe this morning?

I'm not the one whining about millions of people who don't like you or don't live where you want or don't vote the way you want.

Your rage is obvious.

But don't feel bad. I'm sure plenty of people who live in cites can't stand you either

#27 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-05 10:20 PM

Just say yes, sport.

#28 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 10:39 PM

How much bourbon has end had today?

#29 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 11:18 PM

Why? Look at the people who live there

#30 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-10-06 06:36 AM

That phrase, "The Heartland," conjures up all sorts of imagery. It's certainly quite a farago of a phrase. What is it? Where is it located? Why do some think of it as a special cultural area, somehow distinct from the rest of, well, everywhere in this land, also wrenched from its inhabitants through war, trickery, and lies? How does the appellation differ in weight, tone, and fundamental meaninglessness from the silliness of Tom Brokaw's "the greatest generation"? When the OKC Bombing occurred there were questions about how could something likethat happen in "the Heartland"? Well, why the hell not? Talk about buying your own b.s.

#31 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2024-10-06 07:22 AM

Cesspools of misery?

Of the 25 fastest growing cities in the US, none are in blue states.

The closest, maybe, are Denver Colorado and Tork, Pennsylvania.

It would seem to me that at least a handful of blue states (CA, anyone) are cesspools. If not, why are so many people leaving for red states?

#32 | Posted by madbomber at 2024-10-06 09:08 AM

In Florida we're seeing (and the governor is touting) an influx of republicans from both blue and red states. Before DeSantis flameout he was extremely well loved by many redders and they moved down for "freedom." "Freedom" being defined as using the power of the States to push their views on everyone, marginalizing anyone that disagrees with them, so they never have to feel challenged or uncomfortable being what they are (not who they are).

This has made Florida's decline into a cesspool of wretched ideas, corruption, cronyism, poverty, no affordable housing, no services, pollution and contamination, quite pronounced.

Yay for the state I was born in. Congrats on all you red-state morons for destroying it. Texas, my second home, isn't doing much better, either.

Anything Trump or the MAGAts touch, dies.

#33 | Posted by YAV at 2024-10-06 09:55 AM

Of the 25 fastest growing cities in the US, none are in blue states.

Eleven (11) of the fastest growing cities are in Florida. Three (3) are in TX. Two (2) in SC, One (1) in LA, NV, CO, ID, AZ, OK, AR, AL, PA.

#34 | Posted by YAV at 2024-10-06 10:13 AM

I realize there's probably multiple factors that play into that. Doesn't change the fact, though, that the derided blue areas are almost always the primary economic engines states.

#6 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-05 06:08 PM | Reply

Is it in the blue area? or is it in the red suburbs? IF it's in the blue area, where do the workers live?

#35 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-10-06 10:37 AM

California is a cesspool? You're a ------- moron.

#36 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2024-10-06 11:39 AM

Parts of California are cesspool of homeless blight and gentlemen. The rest is pretty decent.

#37 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-10-07 10:38 AM

Autocorrect gets gentlemen out of fent... wtf.

#38 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-10-07 10:39 AM

Parts of Chicago are awesome. I have also been on a numbered street on the Southside at night. Not good.

#39 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-10-07 10:40 AM

"Parts of Chicago are awesome. I have also been on a numbered street on the Southside at night. Not good."

You don't always have to go that far.

I've been to NYC ~50 times. Due to the proximity to headquarters (near Times Square), they'd usually house us around 33rd and Lexington. My usual trek back from the meetings was through TS, over to Lex on 42nd, then south.

One night I thought I'd change up and go South first, then cut over to Lexington whenever I'd seen enough. Bad plan.

Two blocks south, you'd never know Times Square was barely a stone's throw away. Very dark, very badly lit, and frankly, scary. I ended up walking briskly in the middle of the street, hyper-aware of my surroundings, and took a big sigh of relief when I reached Lexington. Never again.

#40 | Posted by Danforth at 2024-10-07 11:01 AM

Gary Indiana is the most bleak place I have seen in my life. Google map routes are not gentrified.

#41 | Posted by sitzkrieg at 2024-10-07 11:39 AM

40

Wow, that's right where we stayed over July 4.

First time for me. My daughter is moving to NYC next Fall to start job at a law firm.

#42 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-07 12:07 PM

"that's right where we stayed over July 4."

40th and ?!?, or 33rd and Lex?

#43 | Posted by Danforth at 2024-10-07 12:25 PM

we stayed on either 37th or one block off that between 5th and 6th. Marriott property.

quick walk to TS.

#44 | Posted by eberly at 2024-10-07 12:31 PM

The West Is the Best... Other than Phoenix, Portland and San Francisco.

#45 | Posted by moder8 at 2024-10-07 03:03 PM

They dumb!

#46 | Posted by a_monson at 2024-10-07 10:41 PM

They are s-holes because most of them are former slave states where the Authoritarian Southern Aristocratic Oligarchs, now Corporatists, KNOW that they DESERVE Slaves, not employees with standardized incomes and benefits.

#47 | Posted by Corky at 2024-10-07 10:46 PM

Is it in the blue area? or is it in the red suburbs? IF it's in the blue area, where do the workers live?

#35 | POSTED BY SITZKRIEG

So we're back to caring about purple?

#48 | Posted by jpw at 2024-10-08 01:32 AM

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