>> arkansas vs US overall.............avg income less. ...more in poverty......any explanation?
I think there are several explanations.
1. Poor in Arkansas is not the same as poor in NYC or Chicago. Cost of living here is pretty low compared to other places in the country.
2. There are a disproportionate number of poor people on the delta who have been there for years, not unlike the situation in Mississippi. So, you find much more poverty in the eastern half of the the state than in the western half.
3. We don't borrow nearly the money per capita of most other states. For example, the most indebted states in the country:
MASS $15,000
RI $11,000
CT $12,000
NJ $12,000
DE $9,000
DC $19,000
(Round figures).
OTOH, the lowest in the nation are
ID $4,000
WY $4,000
AR $5,000
MS $5,000
OK $5,000
So, while we don't live quite as nicely as some states (e.g., our outhouses tend to be one-holers) but we are not abusing the system, just as a matter or principle. You are a debtor and that is fine with you. We prefer to pay our own bills even if we don't get to party as often.
4. The Clinton factor. In general, we have been run by Democrats most of the years I've been alive and they will do a lot of damage. We know that.
So what is your explanation for being neck deep in debt? |
