Growing up in California in the late ‘50’s and early 60’s was idyllic. I was outside practically everyday in our country’s only Mediterranean climate. We had the beach…the mountains…Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. (We even had orange groves and dairy farms!) It was the great, golden state.
What’s the state of the state these days?
Consider the following facts:
- Current unemployment is 12.6%
- Has 4 of the 20 most miserable cities in the nation. (According to Forbes magazine.)
- Students test near rock bottom in math and science.
- Ranked dead last for jobs and business growth. (Based on recent survey of CEO’s.)
- Has the highest gas tax in the nation.
- State, local and sales tax rates among the highest in the nation.
- Incarcerates the highest number of prisoners, each at a cost of almost $50,000 a year.
- Most generous welfare system in the country. (Accounts for 12% of the nation’s population, but 30% of the national welfare load.)
- ¼ of the nation’s illegal immigrants live in California
- Is $25 billion in debt.
Clearly the glitter is off in the golden state in 2011. What was that stuff they used to call “fool’s gold?” Oh yeah, pyrite.
I think California should change its name to The Pyrite State. Seems more appropriate.
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