Massachusetts has long been viewed (and probably rightfully so) as one of the most liberal states in the nation. Social activists, academia, and politicians from Massachusetts have been a strong and consistent voice for the Left in a nation that is increasingly center Right.
“We’re thinking of having a Massachusetts rally at some point in New Hampshire, sort of a please don’t turn America into Massachusetts” – Newt Gingrich, December 2011
Conservatives nash their teeth and say “Massachusetts” as a pejorative, and the current Republican Presidential candidates are no exception. But all kidding aside, what is it that bothers Conservatives? Here’s a quick look at some of the things that I think makes my state one to be emulated rather than ridiculed.
Massachusetts unemployment rate (while still too high) has consistently remained well below the national average (currently the Massachusetts unemployment rate is 7%). While this isn’t the lowest – for states with a sizable population (5 million or more) only Maryland, Minnesota and Virginia have lower unemployment rates. (Source)
No matter how you measure it, Massachusetts has one of the healthiest populations with one of the lowest rates of obesity and fewest smokers. In 2006, we became the first (and only) state to mandate universal healthcare so all residents have access to health insurance. (Source)
Despite claims MA is destroying American families (MA was the first state to legalize same sex marriage in 2004), we have the lowest divorce rate in the US (1.8% per 1,000 people). (Source)
Massachusetts is one of the wealthiest states in the country (by the way that means we have less people as a percentage of our population relying on welfare and other social programs Conservatives seem to hate so much). (Source) It also happens to be one of the few states to see childhood poverty rates drop last year. (Source)
One reason Massachusetts may be so wealthy is because as a percentage of the population, more people in our state hold a college degree than any other (not including Washington D.C.), making our state’s population one of the most highly educated in the US. (Source)
Massachusetts has its share of problems and has made terrible mistakes in the past, but we are learning from them and leading the nation by many measures. So the next time you hear a Conservative bashing Massachusetts, pause and ask them what exactly about the quality of life we have here bothers them so much.
BosGuy 
How is it that MA is destroying American families when gays can adopt and raise a perfectly normal child which would rather be in a home with two men or two women who love him or he than fight and get a divorce later and mess up the child mentally .
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Good post, I used to live in MA, miss the place. I wonder though what would happen if you posed that question to supposed Conservative powerhouses of the country ? How do you think they would respond ?
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So much for the evil, ruinous policies of the liberals huh? 🙂
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Nun – All good points but there has not been a Kennedy in office in MA for a few years now (sadly) and the Big Dig has never been mentioned by the Presidential candidates.
There are actually ~15 states with lower unemployment than MA but like NH they are all rural and with small populations. This is a bit like comparing apples to oranges which is why I selected states with 5M or more. Incidentally, promoting the virtues takes nothing away from NH but this wasn’t about why MA is better or worse than any other state – its a comment on there are a lot of places a heck of a lot worse off.
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Really that list has nothing to do with what gets them P.O.-ed. It’s all the Kennedy issues. The Big Dig and so on.
p.s. NH has had the lowest unemployment rate in New England for at least the past few years. The overall taxes paid there are always one of the lowest int the country. They have more high tech jobs per capita than Mass. Students there have a higher SAT average than Mass.
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I LOVE it when they are crazy!
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All that is true and I wished I lived there instead of this cultural wilderness and right-wing dominated Florida.
But things do change and my partner and I have considered moving back to Boston where he is from originally. He will be graduating from nursing school in which case, chances are that job opportunities here will be dismal. Boston, here we come!
saludos,
raulito
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I just shared on my personal Facebook and Wicked Gay Blog’s Facebook as well as tweeted out to mp peeps!
When I get home tonight I will do a teaser post linking to you for the list!
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What an incredible post!!!!
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