General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Yes, Ron Paul is bad. [View all]RainDog
(28,784 posts)with federal money attached.
I doubt they need any greater incentive to punish people.
But then you have quality of life issues, things that Richard Florida talked about. We've seen some of that in action recently with automakers backing out of consideration of Alabama for manufacturing plants because of Ala's harsh immigration laws.
There comes a point when stupid can't beat economic punishment or incentive.
People I know would never choose to live in the south, would never apply for jobs in the region unless they absolutely had no other choice. This is brain drain - and this occurs in oppressive regimes. People refuse to migrate to and as many as possible migrate out.
From 2000 to 2007, more Americans migrated to Canada from the U.S. during the Bush years than at any time since the 1970s and the Vietnam War. The number DOUBLED from 2000 to 2007. It's much easier to move from one state to another than to another country.
So, no, I don't buy that states are a reason to continue oppressive federal laws. Those who can vote with their feet when the ballot box doesn't effect change.