[p2p-research] Post-Depression first: Americans get more money from government than they give back | csmonitor.com

[J. Andrew Rogers]

On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 9:59 AM, Ryan Lanham <rlanham1963 at gmail.com> wrote:
> By itself, California is the eighth largest economy on earth.


So the same as Russia? Size doesn't mean much. It certainly doesn't
imply "good".


> It has over 100
> Nobel Laureates living within its boundaries.


Meh, who cares. If we were simply looking for density of graduate
degrees, engineers, and similar, other States would come out ahead
(like Washington).


> It has excellent public transportation systems, light rail, rail systems,
> roads...


Public transit is mediocre at best, even by US standards. You'll find
better transit systems in other cities.  California is largely
suburban, so it is not surprising that the public transit sucks.  As
for the roads, you may be the first person ever to praise California's
road system.


> It has long been a policy leader on trying new modes of governance, new
> technologies, new standards (e.g. reducing carbon...lead free gas, etc.)
> I'd be quite proud actually!


These have been a mixed bag in practice, though trying new things is
how you find out.

There is little to be proud of in nominal identity or affiliation,
that is monkey tribalism and the cause of many human ills.  Being less
incompetent or less evil than is not exactly a worthwhile achievement
-- that should be the base standard.


-- 
J. Andrew Rogers
realityminer.blogspot.com