99.2% of Rhode Islanders believe the state economy is hopeless

[Blue3]

Over 99%, in a scientific poll.

Sadly, I have to say I'm in the majority.

http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/02/a-majority-of-riers-support-gay-marriage-are-pesimistic-about-economicready.html


The economy here has sucked since the 1930's. It was kind of good in the 40s/50s and maybe some of the 60s, but most of the jobs that left during the Great Depression never really came back. And now the latest recession has wiped out even more, probably never to return.

And we were the original birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. As well as the birthplace of Religious Freedom and Separation of Church & State, Roger Williams actually bought our land from the Native Americans and had good relations with them, we were the 1st colony to declare independence from the British (2 months before anyone else), we didn't become the 13th state until the Bill of Rights was set to be passed, etc.

We have such a rich history, in a way we made America what it is today, both economically and politically... but we should have more to admire about our state than just its history. We should be able to admire our state now, yet obviously no one here does, we're such a mess... especially our economy. Just about everyone younger than 40 leaves once they're done with getting an education.

What hope is there for Rhode Island, and states like it?

[Blue3]

No way, That can't be real.

You don't live in Rhode Island lol.

[Blue3]

But you guys have all the super-rich and their mansions to drive up your averages.  Those are job creators, right?

Newport is just museums, it's actually one of the poorest cities in the state (it hasn't been an economic power since the blockade back during the Revolution).

There's hardly anyone rich in the entire state.

[Blue3]

I don't think our taxes are even that bad... I think we're lower than average in two tax categories, and just a little higher than average in another.

Does anyone have a list of where states rank on the different types of state taxes? I know it exists somewhere.

[Blue3]

RI once-again has one of the worse unemloyment rates in the country, only Nevada and California were worse overall in 2012, though RI was the worst of them all in December:

http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/03/ris-unemployment-rate-for-2012-one-of-highest-in-the-nation-ready.html

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At least we're a national leader in something...

[Blue3]

So, is there any hope for RI and states like it?

How can things be turned around?

Has any state in a similar situation before managed to really turn things around?

[Blue3]

How about how to attract well-paying jobs?

And RI being as good as Michigan or Ohio would be a step up from where it is right now.

[Blue3]

And how did these people elect David Cicilline when he lied about the city's finances?

Well, that came out after his first election. I'm surprised he was re-elected though... that, plus his general conduct during his first time, made be go from campaign volunteer in 2010 to voting for a Republican in 2012. I think most people were afraid the Republican didn't support birth control and other women's issues (at least that's why my mom and sister voted for him).