Top 10 Survival States: #1

Published: Fri, 10/19/12

Home | About Dick Young |

In This Issue:

What Do You Know About Specialized Hospitals? Or Concierge Medicine? By Richard C. Young
Top 10 Survival States: #1 The Editors
Four Governors That Get It By E.J. Smith
Survival States: The Best States for Survivalists The Editors
Constitutional Abuse: Over 90 Percent of Legislation Secretly Passed Without Debate The Editors
A Slanted, High-Energy Debate Goes to Romney By Richard C. Young
2012 Vice Presidential Debate: Smirks, Grins, and Malarkey By Steve Schneider
Rove: No Presidential Candidate has been at 50% or Higher at this Point in the Race and Lost By Richard C. Young

Young Investments Client Letter: Sign up to get the letter mailed directly to you by clicking here.
September Client Letter: Will Fed Exit from Unconventional Policy Tank the Economy?
The potential for a disorderly exit from the Fed’s inflated balance sheet is especially worrying. Never in its history has the Fed injected so much high-powered money into the financial system. Bernanke & Co. have zero experience exiting unconventional monetary policy. Will the Fed be able to successfully wind down its balance sheet without first letting the inflation genie out of the bottle or causing another recession?– Read more at Younginvestments.com.

Are you having trouble viewing or printing this email? Click here.

What Do You Know About Specialized Hospitals? Or Concierge Medicine?

How up to date is your family on specialized hospitals, concierge medicine, and private health management companies?

Let me help you. The disaster that is Obama’s Affordable Care Act is fast creating a huge double- or triple-tier system as knowledgeable, affluent Americans flee—a trend that is in its infancy. You may not have heard of West Coast-based Private Health Management, but after you read the article I have linked for you here, my bet is that you may wish to learn a lot more. It’s absolutely fascinating. I have embarked on a rigorous campaign to find out all I can, not only about PHM, but also about concierge medicine and specialized hospitals in general. I think you will soon be of a similar mind.

>> read more

Top 10 Survival States: #1

Best Survival State: South Dakota

Survival Score: 9.0

The Richardcyoung.com pick for best survival state is South Dakota. With free gun laws, low crime, low unemployment, inexpensive farmland, decent crop yields, low incidence of natural disaster, a sparse population, and inexpensive law enforcement needs, South Dakota easily topped the list. The hallmark of South Dakota’s prime placement is the state’s employment opportunities. Unemployment is extremely low. South Dakotans are invested in their state’s success because they have jobs and lives to protect. And people in the Mount Rushmore State are sparse—its largest city, Sioux Falls, has a population of only 156,600.

Worst Survival State: Rhode Island

Survival Score: 37.4

It is unfortunate to see our home state fall last in our ranking. Rhode Island has moderate violent and property crime rates, and gun laws are about average, but our category rankings fall off quickly after those three bright spots. Rhode Island has the nation’s second-worst unemployment, second-worst farmland productivity, and densest population. Farmland prices are the third-highest in the nation. Rhode Island spends a large amount of money on crime prevention, but the return is minimal. It is prone to the same natural disasters and winter storms we detailed when discussing Massachusetts’s poor showing. The Ocean State is beautiful, but its survivability is low.

>> read more

Four Governors That Get It

There aren’t many stories these days about government working for the people, but in the nation’s laboratories of democracy—the states—you can find rare instances of success. The Cato Institute’s Director of Tax Policy Studies, Chris Edwards has cataloged the successes and failures of the nation’s governors in the Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors 2012. For an idea of what governors, and state governments, can do right, read the excerpts from Edwards’ report below. These are descriptions of positive policy actions taken by the four governors who earned an A-grade in the rankings.

Sam Brownback of Kansas signed into law one of the most impressive tax reforms of any state in recent years. Brownback called for a “fairer, flatter, and simpler” income tax system and he proposed a detailed reform plan. In May, the legislature delivered a plan to his desk and he signed it into law. The reform simplified the personal income tax structure from three tax rates to two and cut the top rate from 6.45 to 4.9 percent. It also increased the standard deduction, reduced the taxation of small business income, and repealed numerous special-interest tax breaks. The cuts are expected to save Kansas taxpayers about $800 million a year.

Rick Scott of Florida has championed major tax and spending reforms. He has proposed substantial budget cuts, vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars of wasteful spending, and trimmed state employment. Scott is also determined to give Florida the best economic climate for business investment and job creation in the country. He wants to phase out the corporate income tax (CIT), and he has made progress toward that goal by raising the CIT exemption to end the tax for thousands of small businesses. Scott’s plan to cut taxes on business personal property is on the November ballot. If citizens approve the plan, it would end this tax for about 156,000 businesses.

Paul LePage of Maine signed into law a major income tax cut. The reform reduced the top individual tax rate from 8.5 to 7.95 percent, simplified tax brackets, and reduced taxes on business investment. LePage then signed legislation to reduce the top individual tax rate to 4 percent over time if there are sufficient budget surpluses. The governor says that his ultimate goal is to phase out the individual income tax completely, and he wants to cut the corporate tax rate from 8 to 4 percent. LePage has also focused on spending cuts. He signed into law reforms to reduce the costs of welfare, health care, and pensions, and he wants to end funding for Maine Public Broadcasting, calling it “corporate welfare.”

Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania has been a frugal budgeter. The state is expected to spend less next year than it did when he came into office. Corbett is also pursuing the phase out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax, which is paid by 100,000 Pennsylvania businesses. So far Corbett has sliced the tax from $819 million a year to $479 million, and he plans to fully repeal it by 2014. Corbett argues: “This tax is a job-killer. . . . We don’t need it. We don’t benefit from it, and we must get rid of it.’’

To read the entire report, click here.

Where’s the best place to live to avoid a natural disaster? What state offers survivalists the best chances in the aftermath of an Electromagnetic Pulse Attack? Find out by reading our Top 10 Survival States breakdown, and see all 50 states ranked in order of most survivable.

How to read the Survival States Index: The scale for the Survival States Index stretches from 10 to 50, with 10 being the best score, and 50 the worst. The brief summaries of conditions in the survival states do not explain in exhaustive detail all the criteria used to judge the states. The summaries simply review the more critical findings.

The 10 Best and 10 Worst Survival States: #10

10^th Best Survival State: Montana

Survival Score: 16.2

With its low population density, unobtrusive gun laws, low crime rates and inexpensive farmland, Montana leads off our top 10 survival states. Montana, perhaps because of its cold climate, comes in somewhat further back in the pack in farm output. That makes sustainable living in Big Sky Country a bit more difficult, but not impossible by any means.

10^th Worst Survival State: Nevada

Survival Score: 30.9

Nevada is the nation’s leading state for violent crime, and spends a lot of money to control its rowdy population. Unemployment is the highest in the country, creating a tinderbox for social unrest. What little farmland there is in the Silver State is inexpensive, but output is low in the desert climate. On the bright side for Nevada, gun laws are lenient, and the population is sparse outside the few large cities.

9^th Best Survival State: Wyoming

Survival Score: 15.3

Exceptionally low farmland prices, lenient gun laws, low crime rates and low unemployment make Wyoming our 9^th best survival state. The Cowboy State is also sparse, with the second lowest population density in the nation. Neighbors won’t be knocking down your door in Wyoming. But farmland in Wyoming isn’t fantastic, and keeping the population peaceful comes at a high cost for such a low crime state in terms of dollars spent per capita on law enforcement.

9^th Worst Survival State: Alaska

Survival Score: 31.2

Some survivalists are surely looking at Alaska’s low ranking on our list and wondering what gives. Alaska has great gun laws, and the nation’s lowest population density, but it’s also a haven for violent crime, with mostly unproductive land. There are areas where farming is possible, but the state has varied climates, most of which are hostile. Threats of blizzards and extreme cold also combine to make Alaska a difficult place to survive. Inuit peoples have lived off the land in Alaska for untold generations, so it can be done. But The Last Frontier is so remote that in a disaster situation nothing like a normal life would be possible.

8th-Best Survival State: Vermont

Survival Score: 15.2

Although it is known as a stronghold of liberal sentiment, Vermont has relatively free gun laws, low crime, low unemployment, high homeownership, and safer-than-average exposure to natural disasters. The Green Mountain State is not for the poor, though—farmland is expensive there.

8th-Worst Survival State: Maryland

Survival Score: 31.5

Maryland is the first of our 10 worst survival states that lies on the Eastern Seaboard, but not the last. In fact, 7 of our 10 worst survival states border the Atlantic, while only one of our 10 best does. Maryland has a high crime rate and a very dense population. And the Free State is no friend to gun owners. Buying farmland for a subsistence farm will cost you quite a bit in Maryland too. Unemployment, though, is relatively low, and the state is not plagued by natural disasters.

7th-Best Survival State: Nebraska

Survival Score: 15.2

Nebraska tied Vermont’s survival score of 15.2 by being home to free gun laws, low unemployment, productive land, and a sparse and peaceful population. Unfortunately, Nebraska is prone to some disasters, like flooding and tornadoes. Build your bunker on high ground in the Cornhusker State.

7th-Worst Survival State: Connecticut

Survival Score: 32.5

With a dense population, living on expensive land that doesn’t produce very much, Connecticut is not a survivalist destination. The Constitution State is also heavy on gun control and (ironically) light on the Constitution. Unemployment is high, and it takes a boatload of money to keep the population under control. One positive note for Connecticut is the state’s low rate of property crime.

6th-Best Survival State: Utah

Survival Score: 13.8

Utah scores well in nearly every category we measured, with special recognition given to the state’s protection of the Second Amendment, and low incidence of natural disaster. Farmland is available at low cost in Utah, though it’s not very productive. Violent crime is low in the Beehive State, though property crime rates are higher than average. Utah has a low population density and high rates of homeownership.

6th-Worst Survival State: Florida

Survival Score: 33.9

Although Florida has freer gun laws than most states, its attraction as a survival state is limited by having some of the worst natural disasters of any state in the country. Buffeted by hurricanes and tornadoes, Florida makes life hard on the unprepared. Crime is also high in Florida, and in a state with such a dense population and high unemployment, an eruption of popular discontent could paralyze authorities. Farmland is productive in the Sunshine State, but not cheap.

5th-Best Survival State: Maine

Survival Score: 13.7

Maine is the only state on the Atlantic that made it to our top 10. Ocean access has its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to disaster situations. Access to the ocean could be a boon for survivalists looking for fish as a food source, or for easy transport via the water. But easy transport is also an invitation to intruders. The Pine Tree State has the lowest rate of violent crime in the nation and a very low incidence of natural disaster. Gun laws are free, unemployment is about average, farmland is inexpensive though not very productive. And the population is peaceful.

5th-Worst Survival State: New York

Survival Score: 34.3

New York has the lowest rate of homeownership in the country and spends more than any other state on law enforcement to keep its population under control. These statistics represent the massive effect of New York City on the state. That’s a warning to residents in New Jersey and Connecticut who live adjacent to NYC. They must also deal with the aftermath of any catastrophe that hits it. The Empire State also scores poorly for high unemployment, a dense population, restrictive gun laws, and a high rate of violent crime. The one bright spot among our components is New York’s very low rate of property crime.

4th-Best Survival State: Iowa

Survival Score: 13.4

Iowa’s crop yields are legendary, but that good soil comes at a price. The only factor holding back Iowa is its very costly farmland. If you have the money, the Hawkeye State is a superb survival destination. Free gun laws, low unemployment, low crime, low population density. You name it, Iowa performs well in all our categories, except farmland prices.

4th-Worst Survival State: New Jersey

Survival Score: 35.4

New Jersey has the nation’s densest population. If a disaster strikes, you’ll be pitted against hordes of other people looking for the same resources as you. Farmland is very expensive, and not all that productive. The Garden State boasts high unemployment and terrible gun laws. Violent crime is average, and property crime is actually quite low. New Jersey spends a fortune on keeping the peace. Without a well-funded justice system, this state could be a nightmare.

3^th Best Survival State: North Dakota

Survival Score: 11.1

North Dakota has the lowest property crime rate in the nation, and one of the lowest violent crime rates. Gun laws are limited, and North Dakota’s unemployment rate is America’s lowest. The people are peaceable, and sparse. Tornados are a threat, especially in the east, but you are relatively safe from other natural disasters in the Peace Garden State. Farmland is inexpensive in North Dakota, and boasts better than average productivity.

3^th Worst Survival State: Massachusetts

Survival Score: 36.1

On a positive note for Massachusetts, it didn’t come in last in any single category we measured. Unfortunately the state came in close to last in most of them. Massachusetts is home to a very dense population with expensive, yet unproductive, farmland. Property crime is relatively low, but violent crime is quite high. Gun laws are oppressive. The Bay State is forced to spend a fortune on keeping the peace and is buffeted by the occasional hurricane from the south, and Nor’easters and cold winters from the north. Even the hardy Mayflower pilgrims couldn’t survive in Massachusetts without help from the Native Americans.

2nd Best Survival State: Idaho

Survival Score: 10.3

Continuing what has become a “West is best” theme for our Top 10 Survival States, Idaho comes in at #2 on our list. Idaho is largely immune to destructive disasters, though watch out for the cold. The Gem State was the first state in our ranking to place better than average in every category. Rates for both violent and property crime are very low, and law enforcement budgets are small. The population of Idaho is spread out, and most own their own homes. Gun rights are protected. Farmland prices are reasonable and productivity slightly better than average. Unemployment is right around average. In all, Idaho gives the survivalist little to complain about.

2nd Worst Survival State: California

Survival Score: 36.8

Our second-worst survival state is California. Without scoring last in any category, California maintained an overall level of mediocrity that pushed it down near the bottom of the list. Starting with the positive, California has the nation’s most productive farmland. But that productivity comes with a big caveat. Nearly 40% of California’s cropland is irrigated. The irrigation systems are powered by electric pumps, which in disaster situations such as an EMP attack will not be able to keep your corner of the Mojave watered. Gun laws in California are the worst in the country. Arming yourself before any civil unrest would be nearly impossible in The Golden State. Natural disasters are another threat in California. Earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides, and more threaten citizens of California, making it an unattractive place to live. Dense populations, expensive land, low homeownership, and high crime rates round out California’s poor survival state résumé.

Best Survival State: South Dakota

Survival Score: 9.0

Worst Survival State: Rhode Island

Survival Score: 37.4

Complete Ranking of States: 2012 - click here

The questions put forward in Tuesday’s shootout sure were stinkers, and certain to bring a smile to the Obama camp. It’s nice to share the hometown advantage, and that’ s exactly what the Obama team received. Once said, however, both candidates participated aggressively, giving hope to both teams, but at the end of the night, it’s what is said rather than how it’s said that rules the day.

Mr. Romney coolly delivered fact after fact from his successful career at Bain, as Massachusetts’s governor, and as America’s Olympics savior. When you tell the audience that you delivered the number one schools in America for your state and ran balanced budgets, you are winning the debate. President Obama, not shockingly, had no counter punch except hollow, if energetically delivered rhetoric. When as president you have lost America’s AAA bond rating, run up four trillion-dollar deficits, and lied to the American people for days on end on the national security issue that is Benghazi, your goose is pretty well cooked. And yes, in his excitement to paint the Obama administration as the shameless liars they are on Benghazi, Mr. Romney fumbled the question. He must be kicking himself this morning on this easy swing and miss. Team Obama will attempt to make some hay on this, but the facts, as most American’s now know, are with Romney. The Benghazi attack was an act of terrorism and had zero to do with some lame film, as the Obama team has been trying to spin.

In a nutshell, our ambassador got killed and the president must be held to task. Do not confuse spinning for weaving in last night’s debate. Mr. Romney was doing all the weaving while Obama was simply spinning around, around and around. The president was attempting to turn cow pies into ice cream. The sad facts of the last four deficit-riddled, high unemployment years tell another story. Mr. Romney presented Americans a concise plan based on his years of outstanding achievement. President Obama, hard as he tried, neither wiped away the stink of four years of miserable performance, nor offered one whit of substance about the future. Advantage clearly Romney.

Click on the following links for more analysis on last night’s debate.

A Draw, or Better Than a Draw, Victor Davis Hanson, National Review

The Second Debate, Yuval Levin, National Review

At this point in the presidential race, no candidate has been at 50% or higher in the Gallup survey and lost, and Romney is there. –Dick Young

Obama Won the Debate but Is Losing the Argument, Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal

On Monday Mr. Romney reached 50% in Gallup’s daily tracking of likely voters—something Mr. Obama has not yet been able to do. No other presidential candidate has been at 50% or higher at this point in the race in this survey and lost.

The movement in the race is reflected by rising poll numbers for Mr. Romney in at least 20 states, including the battlegrounds of Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Virginia, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Iowa and Pennsylvania. Mr. Romney is now ahead in the first three.

The Denver debate changed the campaign in a way no other presidential debate ever has. What happened two nights ago at Hofstra University was entertaining and at times illuminating, but Mr. Obama needed a knockout. What he got instead was something closer to a draw.