IS there a worse state to Live in besides MIchigan?

[JacksonWest]

And yes, I would live in Louisiana over Michigan. At least there is some hope there(I was in New Orleans this summer).

[crim son]

1. Maine.

Maine is worse because it's not only cold and backward, it's lonely too.

[Arugula Latte]

4. Really?

I've been to Maine and I thought it was so charming and beautiful. But, yes, the cold would get to me.

[crim son]

7. Maybe I should say "Northern Maine".

But you're from Oregon, the perfect state. I envy you!

[Arugula Latte]

11. Hey, come join us!

:hi:

We've got a Portland here, too. We don't have the lahb-stah but we've got some good salmon... :hi:

[crim son]

23. I would in two seconds if I could. I have a sister in the Portland area

and I think it's beautiful over there (I moved from Vancouver to Salem, Oregon when I was fifteen). Alas I have teenage kids here who will not be moved without a lot of emotional upheaval so I can't do it. Some day I'm coming back! :hi:

[zonkers]

19. I just dated a girl from Maine. She battled depression. It was a rough deal.

[crim son]

24. Dealing with depression here where there are so few distractions

socially or otherwise, is really hard. We always joke that Mainers have "a rich inner life" and that's probably true of many of us.

[kwassa]

39. my ancestors were from Maine

moved in right after the American Revolution.

Livermore Falls, Jay. Where the barns are connected to the houses, due to the warm sunny weather.

[crim son]

45. I've got a three storey barn connected to my house.

It's wired for heat but we don't use it for anything but storage. :hi:

[kwassa]

49. I thought northern Maine was mostly wilderness.

Am I wrong??? Where are you?

[crim son]

50. Not so far north... in Bangor.

It's the last large town before you hit the wilderness.

[Maine-ah]

41. Crim son!

you need to head a little south, my friend!

Florida is way worse than Maine!

[crim son]

44. I agree I'd be much better off if I were south. Or north, to

Quebec City where at least there is something to do during the long winter. Maine-ah, I'm from the west coast and have a hard time when it gets below sixty degrees. I apologize if I offend your Maine-loving sensibilities. :pals:

[Maine-ah]

56. not offended at all! sometimes I hate it here.

:hi: in comparison to the 2 other states I have lived in, for me there is no place like home...

[YankeyMCC]

83. I love Maine

Beautiful lands, many nice people.

[JVS]

2. I like Michigan

[5thGenDemocrat]

6. I like Michigan, too

I've lived in Saginaw my whole life and will happily defend the city and the state against all bashers, everywhere, every time.
John
Resident of Saginaw, citizen of Michigan, subject of the United States.

[JVS]

10. My grandma lived in Detroit. I grew up considering that city the greatest place on earth

I still like to go up there for the NAIAS when I can get a chance.

[JacksonWest]

16. I live in A2 Michigan.

Pfizer blues my friend, Pfizer blues. Everyone is miserable.

I love this State-I came back here after ten years away. But man-the Auto industry collapsing..the continued plight in Detroit and Flint...we just keep losing jobs and industry. It's tough. WE have the highest unemployment in the country, home's won't sell....we need something to give here. I'm ready to move.

[1gobluedem]

20. I live in A2 too

And I love Michigan. We're going through some tough times now but we'll get through them. I will not abandon my state.

[JacksonWest]

25. It's not a question of abandoning...it's a matter of making a living

If you're doing great, that's fine. But if not-you have to find or make an opportunity for yourself.

[kwassa]

42. well, the economy is in the toilet.

just like the American car industry. Detroit is really a one-industry town.

[Scarlett17]

62. Our economy is definitely at crisis stage. . .

I'm in outside sales marketing to small- to medium-sized businesses in the metro-Detroit area. I'm now numb to the empty storefronts and disconnected phone numbers. My contractor clients are leaving the state in droves. We have the highest outbound mobility rate, our economy is consistently ranked 49th or 50th, and we also have the highest home foreclosure rate on planet. I like to think I like a challenge, but holy jeebus! Everyone is just waited for it to bottom out so it can start to rebound. Unfortunately, you never know the upswing is coming until you're on it.

:cry:

[1gobluedem]

48. I have been out of work in A2

It took over six months to find a job, which I finally did. But I never thought of leaving Michigan. I just dug in until I found a job. This was in 1989, not a great year in general (Bush I economy).

I feel terrible for the Pfizer workers, don't get me wrong. But it's globalization and unfair trade practices that are hurting Michigan most. Can't blame it all on the state. For years, Michigan gave automobile workers an unprecedented standard of living by having strong unions and creating the working middle class. Now all these retirees, who made a good living in a state that made it possible for them, have taken their pensions out of Michigan and moved south. To states that took auto plants away because they promised not to unionize. But they can't see that.

[JacksonWest]

51. Agree 100 percent. Michigan is uniquely affected by the "global economy"

and it's not a pressing issue to this country or congress. I care a lot less about impeachment then I do "free trade", corporate incentives to outsource jobs, and national health care. Michigan is a "one horse" state, pretty dependent on the auto industry outside of standard agriculture concerns.

Sigh.

[raccoon]

76. Is that Ann Arbor? Nt

[XNASA]

3. The food in Louisiana makes up for any shortcomings.

And the people are nice too.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

5. From what I hear, Arizona (never been there)

Too hot for carbon-based lifeforms, it seems.

[huskerlaw]

13. Plus, they gave us John McCain

:puke:

[Shell Beau]

8. Well I am sure Michigan has lovely qualities.

Don't be downing on our states!!

[HughBeaumont]

9. Duh HIGH Ah.

Burning freezing winters, horrible job market, topographically boring as hell, right-wing rags for newspapers, and at least your sports teams WIN something every so often. Cleveland hasn't won a major title in anything for 43 years and counting.

[raccoon]

77. Yeah, but Cleveland has the Rock and Roll Museum.

Which I haven't seen but will if I'm ever in the area.

[Alexander]

12. Yes - it is called "Arizona"

I've been to 4 continents, dozens of different countries and about 75% of all U.S. states.

The gaggle of drooling Neanderthals I see on a constant basis here in Arizona makes the rest of the places I've been to seem like MENSA conventions.

If you really like stupid people, then by all means, come to AZ. But I don't, and there are way too many here for my liking.

[RebelOne]

14. Florida. Big bugs, heat and humidity almost all year 'round.

And in South Florida, lots and lots of crime and drugs.

[SteppingRazor]

40. Aw, c'mon! That's an exaggeration.

It's currently 78 degrees and 40-percent humidity where I live in South Florida -- essentially, weather-wise, it's perfection.

Sure, it's nasty in July and August, but that's what pools and beaches are for. I'll definitely take our July/August over the January/ February in, say, Minnesota.

[RebelOne]

73. No exaggeration as far as I am concerned.

I lived in South Florida most of my life. The temps you are describing are a rarity. I now live in North Georgia and wouldn't move back to Florida on a bet. I'll take the North Georgia temperature over South Florida any time. At least we only have hot weather and humidity for a few months.

[redwitch]

15. take a look at this website and see if you still feel that way:

www.freegarytyler.com

[terrya]

17. Not to slur the state of Idaho, but....

I'm not even sure I'd want to visit, let alone live there.

[MichiganVote]

58. Upper Idaho is beautiful..a lot like...Michigan :) but w/o the great lakes

[kwassa]

18. Mississippi

usually at the bottom of the list for everything.

Why do you see see Michigan as so bad?

(Disclaimer: though I haven't lived there for 30 years, I was born in Detroit, and my parents and many relatives live in the local 'burbs.)

[Shell Beau]

21. Same question. Why do you see MS so bad?

It is a lovely state and I should know. I live there.

[kwassa]

32. It is too cold for me.

NOT!

The heat and humidity. The climate really sucks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi
excerpts:

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Mississippi's total state product in 2003 was $72 billion. Per capita personal income in 2005 was $33,569, 50th in the nation (ranking includes the District of Columbia).

Mississippi is one of the most conservative states in the US, with religion often playing a large role in citizens' political views.

In 2004, Mississippi was ranked last among the fifty states in academic achievement by the American Legislative Exchange Council's Report Card on Education, with the lowest average ACT scores and spending per pupil in the nation.

[Shell Beau]

36. I can tell you right now that wilkepedia has it wrong when it

said 82 degrees in July! I almost fell out of my chair. I travel the whole state year 'round and I tell ya it's not 82 anywhere in July. Try 95-99.

MS is progressing at a really good speed when it comes to politics.

[kwassa]

37. I was in Biloxi in July.

I said from the comfort of my air-conditioned car,"I wonder why this beautiful beach is completely deserted?"

Then I stepped out of the car and found out.

[usaftmo]

63. I got stationed in Biloxi starting in July...

and still feel out of place. The mega-casinos have been totally rebuilt, yet are surrounded by Katrina damage. Can't buy booze on Sunday. Trent Lott is practically God down here. The KKK is welcome with open arms... :crazy:

During the summer(which is 8 months here), whenever going from indoors to outdoors my glasses immediately fog up due to the massive heat/humidity. I have no choice but to just stand still for a minute or two until I can see.

The only place to buy groceries is wally-world. Winn Dixie looks like a supermarket equivalent of Kmart.

[KitchenWitch]

22. Having just driven across the country from MN to CA

I would have to say Nebraska.

[Critters2]

30. I'd like to live in Nebraska

I love open, flat places--the ones where you can see forever without some annoying hill, or worse, mountain obstructing your view. This is especially nice when there's a storm coming and you can see the lightning way in advance. Nature's fireworks. I've often said that, if my next church isn't in Iowa, Nebraska would be okay, too.

[kwassa]

38. My wife wants a compression algorithm for Kansas.

The drive across that seemed endless, and exactly the same for hundreds of miles. I've driven across the US several times, and the Great Plains, be it Nebraska, Kansas, the Dakotas .... I donate to mycritters2.

[Critters2]

53. And mycritters2 happily accepts.

The other nice thing about the plains is that urban and suburban types don't want to be there. All the more for the rest of us.

[raccoon]

78. I like flat, too. Easier to walk, ride bikes, no hills you can't see over

when driving, don't have to worry as much about slipping on ice, etc.

I live in an area described as somewhat rolling, but I'd be OK with flat.

[izzybeans]

47. Somewhere in that long drive through Nebraska is a corporate hog farm just off the highway

and It is the worst smell I've ever experienced.EVER.PERIOD.

We pass through to Wyoming about once a year. My wife calls it NastyAssNebraska.

[barb162]

26. North Dakota?

[raccoon]

27. I take it you are referring to the economy and job market there? nt

[JacksonWest]

28. Yes. Love the lakes, the people, and the occasional cougar.

[Critters2]

29. Yes, most definitely. But if I tell you which one, it'll start a flamewar

because it has the most thin-skinned residents of any place on the planet.

[RubyDuby in GA]

31. Georgia

They are trying to go all South Dakota on us and ban all abortion and now they are cutting off healthcare to poor kids.

Oh, and we have that damn woman who keeps trying to get Harry Potter books removed from school shelves.

Feel free to mock us. It's totally deserved. I'd laugh with you if it weren't so damned terrifying to watch your home state sink into an abyss of ignorance.

[EFerrari]

68. There have been truly frightening threads about the condition that TX

is in LBN and in GD this last week. Treatment of women -- the barometer of a civil society.

It really feels like this whole country has taken three giant steps backwards in the last six years. :(

[raccoon]

79. Oooh, I hadn't heard that.

"They are trying to go all South Dakota on us and ban all abortion and now they are cutting off healthcare to poor kids."

[treestar]

33. If you like warmer weather

California is probably good.

Or come to Delaware. The winters are not that bad any more and it is a very blue state!

[greatauntoftriplets]

34. Michigan is a lovely state and I have had some very good times there.

That being said, the hits the state has taken related to auto industry and now the Merck cutbacks are evidently taking a toll on thousands of Michigan residents.

Good luck to you.

[Ann Arbor Dem]

35. Sorry you're not enjoying our state right now.

But we have a great Governor, decent weather, gorgeous lakes, good schools, and a lot of cultural offerings (especially where we live, in Ann Arbor). We're going through some tough economic times, but there are many worse places to be.

[JacksonWest]

52. I know-just lamenting. I had a meeting with an out of state contractor today

who didn't want to do a project in Michigan due to the economic conditions. He called it the new Appalachia, which was annoying.

[Ann Arbor Dem]

54. I have to say...

calling it the new appalachia is bullshit and ignorant.

[JacksonWest]

55. It pissed me off and sort of set the tone for the day.

I love Michigan-but we're being victimized by our federal governments trade policies and tax codes. And I have yet to see these vital issues being addressed-or being changed. I'm antsy, I want action. I'm not thrilled with our Governor, but I respect her. I think she's doing a good job considering. I'm a private sector Democrat. I think she could do more to enhance business in this state-without sacrificing programs or cutting jobs.

So, yeah.

[PassingFair]

82. I agree with you, 100%, JacksonWest...

I supported Granholm STRONGLY over DeVos, BUT......

she and Stabenow are NOT my favorite dems, they are
both DLC backed and ineffective in their own ways.

Michigan has been STRANGLED by *ush administration policies.

The Unions have been CRUSHED.

Living wages are becoming a thing of the past.

Anyone who does not see this is CLEARLY clueless.

The fault rests firmly on the federal gov't.
The auto industry needed protections that
weren't addressed.

The fact that the chimp refused to even MEET with
auto execs until DeVos ran for Gov. is an appalling
spotlight on the situation.

Here in Michigan, we are, how you say....SCREWN.

[MichiganVote]

57. That's ridiculous. Sure the auto day has declined but there is plenty

going on in Michigan. Best place on earth for water sports.

[caty]

43. I love Michigan.

I've lived here off and on all my life, and I always come back. If you can put up with some bad weather in Jan. and Feb., the rest of the year has pretty good weather. As far as our economic problems go, we are not the worst state in the union and we will get back on our feet. All my life I've known people who have moved to places like California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas, etc.---and they always come back to Michigan.

http://www.geocities.com/amytys/whymi.htm

[graywarrior]

46. FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA

FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA

Did I mention Fucking FLORIDA????!!!!

[sarge43]

72. Florida is the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner of the USofA

It sucks. It is what this nation will be if we don't run BushCo outta town and reorganize our fecal material.

[China_cat]

81. With SC a close second

First there was Strom Thurmond, now there's DeMint and Graham. And we don't even have orange trees to slightly compensate for them.

[fujiyama]

59. Hmmm

How about Oklahoma - they have Coburn and Inhofe representing them...

Or Kansas - Pat Roberts is pretty awful. Utah is supposed to very beautiful, but I think it's one state where Bush may still have a positive approval rating.

But this state's economy is in the shitter. But part of that is due to incredibly poor management of the auto companies themselves...

[Mrs. Ted Nancy]

61. Oklahoma is a harsh place to live

It is definitely hard to be a progressive here.

In 2004, my friend's husband told me to leave their house because I had a Kerry sticker on my car. We weren't even talking politics. I haven't been back since.

Inhofe and Coburn have high approval ratings among the denizens of the state. We seem to have a higher rate of ignorance and stupidity here.

[GenDem]

60. I like Michigan

I visit from time to time. My cousin lives in Bloomfield Hills, just north of Detroit. I like all of the little lakes that seem to be every where in that area.

[kwassa]

75. The northwest suburbs of Detroit are quite pretty.

Lots of little lakes, like you say, where I've spent a lot of time sailing.

My parents are trying to sell their condo in West Bloomfield, though, and it has been on the market for 10 months with no offers.

[begin_within]

64. Spend an afternoon in Vega, Texas and you'll kiss the ground in Michigan.

Or just about anywhere in Texas, in my opinion...

[haf216]

65. There might be hope,

but then the heat kills ya, or the bugs, and don't forget the weeks of rain. Plus you have to leave the T.V. on the weather from May to October so you know when to pack up and get your ass out of the state.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[havocmom]

66. yep

there is

[reyd reid reed]

67. Yup.

There is.

[BlueIris]

69. I hear South Dakota sucks hardcore. nt

[Manifestor_of_Light]

70. Texas

Unbearably hot and humid -- dangerously so for about five or six months out of the year. All you can do is stay inside, drink iced tea, and sit in front of the air conditioner vent.

I've lived here all my life and if I had good sense, I would move.

We can't even say "Thank god for Mississippi" anymore, due to our crappy Repuke government and senators. If you're having a problem or need social services, tough toenails.

[BlueCollar]

71. I'll second that

and you didn't even mention our shitty state government

[noonwitch]

74. Yeah, Florida, Mississippi, W. Virginia, Indiana,

Hell, at least we put floride in the water so that most of our residents keep their teeth into old age.

[DrDan]

80. Wyoming - Cheney and Allen Simpson country