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.
Over the holidays I donated a lot of books that had been collecting dust at my place to my local library. In the process of cleaning house (so to speak), I stumbled upon my copy of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne with decorations by Ernest H. Shepard.
BosGuy 