Interesting study about economic mobility and how it relates to the states:

[Torie]

http://www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/economic-mobility-of-the-states-interactive-85899381539

What do you guys think are the causes of the lopsided immobility concentrated in the south?

Crappy schools, a lower level of interest in education, low rates of upscale immigration and Asians, and the return of more downscale blacks "forced out" of states with big Hispanic populations, e.g. CA.

[Torie]

http://www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/economic-mobility-of-the-states-interactive-85899381539

What do you guys think are the causes of the lopsided immobility concentrated in the south?

Crappy schools, a lower level of interest in education, low rates of upscale immigration and Asians, and the return of more downscale blacks "forced out" of states with big Hispanic populations, e.g. CA.

No way.  Its unionization - only non-market forces can provide economic mobility.

You probably won't believe me, but  unions outside monopolistic industries (these days government and regulated utilities), and oligopolistic industries (used to be the auto industry in the US, but not much left in the US, but is abroad where such structures are sometimes favored, or due to protectionism), have no impact on wages. The market is a harsh mistress. In any event, this time it is not a matter of opinion or ideology. On this one, you are just factually wrong. Cheers.

Ideology has imprisoned your mind opebo. It's time to seek liberation perhaps.

[Torie]

http://www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/economic-mobility-of-the-states-interactive-85899381539

What do you guys think are the causes of the lopsided immobility concentrated in the south?

Crappy schools, a lower level of interest in education, low rates of upscale immigration and Asians, and the return of more downscale blacks "forced out" of states with big Hispanic populations, e.g. CA.

No way.  Its unionization - only non-market forces can provide economic mobility.

You probably won't believe me, but  unions outside monopolistic industries (these days government and regulated utilities), and oligopolistic industries (used to be the auto industry in the US, but not much left in the US, but is abroad where such structures are sometimes favored, or due to protectionism), have no impact on wages. The market is a harsh mistress. In any event, this time it is not a matter of opinion or ideology. On this one, you are just factually wrong. Cheers.

Ideology has imprisoned your mind opebo. It's time to seek liberation perhaps.

But they do have an impact on pensions and medical benefits

Not in competitive private industries no, at least in the sense of increasing the total compensation package. As for government employee unions, that is an entirely different story!