However, Jane's suggestion that it's due to hog wild entitlement spending is rather curious, and not backed up by anything. And her further suggestion that the red states are just innocent recipients of lots of military bases is hysterical. Surely she's a bit more aware than she lets on of how Congress works?

Regional cost of living adjustments are just a fantasy that hardly seems worth talking about, although I would point out that when we lefties complain about the steady lowering of taxes on the rich, we are generally not talking about folks making $100,000 anyway. We're talking about millionaires.

A final comment: I can't prove this, of course, but I wonder if Jane's commenters really think that it's just a coincidence that the urban liberal blue states are also the richest, while rural traditionally minded red states are the poorest? I don't.

There's no doubt that much of the explanation for the rural areas having the preponderance of military bases is political. Most of it is a matter of inertia, though, as the location of those bases is now decades-old. Also, some of it is a matter of NIMBY, as well: Richer states wouldn't want the aggravation and downsides of military bases, whereas poorer states are glad for the revenue.

As to, "I wonder if Jane's commenters really think that it's just a coincidence that the urban liberal blue states are also the richest, while rural traditionally minded red states are the poorest? I don't." I'm not really sure what you're driving at.

Is it a coincidence that agricultural workers make less than factory workers? No. That people employed in the military or the service sector make less than those employed by major corporations? No.

If your argument is that political mindset explains wealth, I'd certainly disagree--especially since, as Democrats constantly point out, most of the very wealthiest Americans vote Republican. I'd say that the regional variation in politics is explained by natural rural/urban trends that are seen throughout the developed world.

Bullshit. I have never broke 6 figures in my life, but am counted as "rich" by every democrat that has ever held office. In addition, dems constantly try to deny tax decreases for those like me so they can try to soak a few at the top, who have enough money to pay accountants and the like to avoid the new rules anyway.

> Regional cost of living adjustments are just a
> fantasy

Said like a true Californian who has no knowledge of the outside world and has never lived anywhere else.

I moved from Texas to California. Texas house: 4,000 square feet for $172K. California house: 2,000 square feet for $450K (now worth nearly $800K). In order to move me out here, my company had to adjust my salary considerably upward so I could have the SAME standard of living. So I got this big pay raise and got pushed into a higher bracket just for a COLA.

Get out and see the world some more Kevin. You have gotten too sheltered here.

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