Professor Elam

Wed March 17 2010

Our states in the US are the equivalent of nations in the European Union. Those nations had to agree to monetary measures that would assure their contribution to the value of the currency and the union. Becoming a bankrupt would not be allowed. This is precisely the reason Greece is being asked to adopt austerity measures, and to be allowed 'rescue' efforts. Why don't we do the same?  Let's face it, Michigan has been a basket case for decades, no one wants to build a plant there, double digit unemployment is the rule of the day, workers were on strike when Hyundai came to consider locating there, Detroit is bulldozing itself, what a mess. Why does this state still get a seat at the table?  The healthier states are certainly paying for the economic failed model of Michigan thru AFDC and unemployment benefits that never end. 

Instead, we continue to spend more in Michigan on the same failed business plan. Welcome to the New Civil War, how long before the healthy states grow weary of this?