SC

South Carolina Has Zero Upward Mobility

We love interactive maps. They visually demonstrate the stuff we’ve been screaming for years. For example, when we repeatedly discuss how South Carolina’s anti-competitive tax and spending polices, dysfunctional government and worst-in-the-nation public education system are enslaving future generations to second class status, there are interactive maps which show what…

We love interactive maps. They visually demonstrate the stuff we’ve been screaming for years.

For example, when we repeatedly discuss how South Carolina’s anti-competitive tax and spending polices, dysfunctional government and worst-in-the-nation public education system are enslaving future generations to second class status, there are interactive maps which show what we’re talking about.

Like this one published in yesterday’s editions of The New York Times

(Click to enlarge)

interactive map

Pic: The New York Times

For those of you keeping score at home, this map (full version here) highlights the odds of individuals rising to higher income levels. In blue regions, the odds are higher – in red and orange regions, lower. South Carolina? As you can see, it’s all red and orange, people.

“The study — based on millions of anonymous earnings records and being released this week by a team of top academic economists — is the first with enough data to compare upward mobility across metropolitan areas,” The Times notes. “These comparisons provide some of the most powerful evidence so far about the factors that seem to drive people’s chances of rising beyond the station of their birth, including education, family structure and the economic layout of metropolitan areas.”

Yeah … and in South Carolina those chances are pretty non-existent.

Making this map even more depressing? The fact our state is dirt poor to begin with … which means as things currently stand, the majority of our citizens have no chance of rising above one of the crappiest standards of living in the nation.

“It’s a great day in South Carolina,” people. To stay poor and stupid anyway …

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76 comments

Finius Nullis July 23, 2013 at 11:53 am

It works if you are black and are in Richland County/City of Columbia.

Reply
Finius Nullis July 23, 2013 at 11:53 am

It works if you are black and are in Richland County/City of Columbia.

Reply
Halfvast Conspirator July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

FTA Picture Caption: Stacey Calvin plays Scrabble with her three children, Jayde, 6, Jaela,
9, and Jevon, 12, at their apartment in Stone Mountain, Ga.

No mention of JaDaddy. That MIGHT be a factor.

Reply
A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

As long as people continue to vote against their interests, they will remain where they are. Fairly basic.

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' July 23, 2013 at 1:09 pm

Yeah, one of the problems is no matter who you vote for, things won’t improve. The lesser of two evils is still evil.

Reply
Amory Blaine August 1, 2013 at 11:42 am

Republican control in history as far as the eye can see (and don’t fool yourself… the Democrats in SC pre-early 1980’s were as red as they come, just hadn’t switched parties yet. Carter was the about the only true southern Democrat by today’s standards)…

Prey on conservative Christian values, blind patriotism, and bigotry. A winning recipe for conservatives for years, and this map clearly shows where it got us.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

Looks like there are good prospects in California. Like Stockton. Detroit is probably better, right? You actually believe The New York Times? They are the height of MSM that allegedly abhor.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 11:57 am

should read “allegedly you abhor”

Reply
Smirks July 23, 2013 at 12:11 pm

If you have a better and/or more accurate map of upward mobility to share, feel free.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 1:26 pm

Why should I produce one? I don’t need a map to figure out that I don’t want to live on the left coast, the midwest or the north. How many people have you heard of that moved up north when they retired?

Reply
A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 1:50 pm

People who move south in their retirement do so largely because of the warmer climate. They are able to do so because they have lived in areas that facilitate upward mobility.

Reply
Thomas July 23, 2013 at 1:56 pm

“People who move south in their retirement do so largely because of the warmer climate.”

Uh, false.

A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 2:14 pm

Do you think they come for the conversation? Lower taxes in certain areas, maybe.

Bill July 23, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Have you ever lived in any of those places? Were talking about upward mobility. According to Forbes Magazine the ten best Cities for young professionals are:

1. San Jose, CA
2. San Francisco
3. Washington, DC
4. Chicago
5. San Diego
6. Riverside, CA
7. Philadelphia, PA
8. Houston
9. Phoenix
10. Boston
How many of these fall outside of the “Left Coast”, the Midwest and the North?

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Better bring your checkbook for nos. 1 and 2. So what was the list based upon? That is the important question. “Upward mobility” is a fuzzy concept. BTW, I believe no. 9 is in the South.

I have had work engagements in nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. But “lived” there, no.

Bill July 24, 2013 at 11:36 am

8 and 9 are in the Southwest. That’s it. The rest of these are in the areas you contend no one would want to live in. Maybe that is why people here are so dumb and poor. They actually believe all that right wing propaganda they read about California, the Northeast, and the Midwest.

If you believe this map, we can certainly draw one conclusion. Unless you work in the Oil industry you should stay out of states run by Republicans.

Halfvast Conspirator July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

FTA Picture Caption: Stacey Calvin plays Scrabble with her three children, Jayde, 6, Jaela,
9, and Jevon, 12, at their apartment in Stone Mountain, Ga.

No mention of JaDaddy. That MIGHT be a factor.

Reply
A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

As long as people continue to vote against their interests, they will remain where they are. Fairly basic.

Reply
Same ol' Same ol' July 23, 2013 at 1:09 pm

Yeah, one of the problems is no matter who you vote for, things won’t improve. The lesser of two evils is still evil.

Reply
Amory Blaine August 1, 2013 at 11:42 am

Republican control in history as far as the eye can see (and don’t fool yourself… the Democrats in SC pre-early 1980’s were as red as they come, just hadn’t switched parties yet. Carter was the about the only true southern Democrat by today’s standards)…

Prey on conservative Christian values, blind patriotism, and bigotry. A winning recipe for conservatives for years, and this map clearly shows where it got us.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 11:55 am

Looks like there are good prospects in California. Like Stockton. Detroit is probably better, right? You actually believe The New York Times? They are the height of MSM that allegedly abhor.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 11:57 am

should read “allegedly you abhor”

Reply
Smirks July 23, 2013 at 12:11 pm

If you have a better and/or more accurate map of upward mobility to share, feel free.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 1:26 pm

Why should I produce one? I don’t need a map to figure out that I don’t want to live on the left coast, the midwest or the north. How many people have you heard of that moved up north when they retired?

Reply
A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 1:50 pm

People who move south in their retirement do so largely because of the warmer climate. They are able to do so because they have lived in areas that facilitate upward mobility.

Reply
Thomas July 23, 2013 at 1:56 pm

“People who move south in their retirement do so largely because of the warmer climate.”

Uh, false.

A face in the crowd July 23, 2013 at 2:14 pm

Do you think they come for the conversation? Lower taxes in certain areas, maybe.

Bill July 23, 2013 at 3:36 pm

Have you ever lived in any of those places? Were talking about upward mobility. According to Forbes Magazine the ten best Cities for young professionals are:

1. San Jose, CA
2. San Francisco
3. Washington, DC
4. Chicago
5. San Diego
6. Riverside, CA
7. Philadelphia, PA
8. Houston
9. Phoenix
10. Boston
How many of these fall outside of the “Left Coast”, the Midwest and the North?

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Better bring your checkbook for nos. 1 and 2. So what was the list based upon? That is the important question. “Upward mobility” is a fuzzy concept. BTW, I believe no. 9 is in the South.

I have had work engagements in nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. But “lived” there, no.

Bill July 24, 2013 at 11:36 am

8 and 9 are in the Southwest. That’s it. The rest of these are in the areas you contend no one would want to live in. Maybe that is why people here are so dumb and poor. They actually believe all that right wing propaganda they read about California, the Northeast, and the Midwest.

If you believe this map, we can certainly draw one conclusion. Unless you work in the Oil industry you should stay out of states run by Republicans.

Curious July 23, 2013 at 11:58 am

Looks like a pretty great day in North Dakota.

Reply
? July 23, 2013 at 12:24 pm

Oil boom.

Reply
Nölff July 23, 2013 at 4:51 pm

I don’t think there’s anywhere to go but up in North Dakota. There’s nothing there.

Reply
Curious July 23, 2013 at 11:58 am

Looks like a pretty great day in North Dakota.

Reply
? July 23, 2013 at 12:24 pm

Oil boom.

Reply
Nölff July 23, 2013 at 4:51 pm

I don’t think there’s anywhere to go but up in North Dakota. There’s nothing there.

Reply
Smirks July 23, 2013 at 12:08 pm

South Carolina isn’t the only state in the red here, a good chunk of the South is. It is easy to point at SC’s public schools and tax structure if you take a narrow view of the problem, but the reality is that a majority of southern states have major issues that come from a lot of different factors, some of which are within our control (how we go about attracting businesses, for instance) and others which we have little or no control over (what we actually have to offer the market, and how it competes against other states or foreign labor, the capabilities of our workforce, etc.).

Reply
Smirks July 23, 2013 at 12:08 pm

South Carolina isn’t the only state in the red here, a good chunk of the South is. It is easy to point at SC’s public schools and tax structure if you take a narrow view of the problem, but the reality is that a majority of southern states have major issues that come from a lot of different factors, some of which are within our control (how we go about attracting businesses, for instance) and others which we have little or no control over (what we actually have to offer the market, and how it competes against other states or foreign labor, the capabilities of our workforce, etc.).

Reply
SomalianRoadCorp July 23, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Like 3/4ths of the U.S, our government run Publik Edukation reeks. That and the terrible tax and business environment regime in SC has kept

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 1:28 pm

You are so correct. Why firms like Boeing, BMW, Michelin, etc. would never come to SC.

Reply
SomalianRoadCorp July 23, 2013 at 2:47 pm

They were bribed to come to this state. Texas doesn’t bribe, they encourage.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

I have it on your authority that TX provides no incentives to certain industries to locate there. That correct?

Reply
SomalianRoadCorp July 23, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Like 3/4ths of the U.S, our government run Publik Edukation reeks. The terrible tax and business environment regime in SC has kept business growth at a minimum, thus limiting industrial jobs. Poor road infrastructure isn’t attractive to businesses and people.

Texas should be a model to the nation, especially SC. We are unique in that we have a East Coast deepwater port, which is key to international trade.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 1:28 pm

You are so correct. Why firms like Boeing, BMW, Michelin, etc. would never come to SC.

Reply
SomalianRoadCorp July 23, 2013 at 2:47 pm

They were bribed to come to this state. Texas doesn’t bribe, they encourage.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

I have it on your authority that TX provides no incentives to certain industries to locate there. That correct?

Reply
The Flex Position July 23, 2013 at 12:43 pm

The map only highlights the odds of poor people rising to higher income levels; the rich can keep getting richer.

Reply
The Flex Position July 23, 2013 at 12:43 pm

The map only highlights the odds of poor people rising to higher income levels; the rich can keep getting richer.

Reply
Crooner July 23, 2013 at 1:27 pm

Just a coincidence that the deepest red and orange hues are in the heart of the old confederacy?

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:56 pm

No coincidence. Since 1830 the South has be subjugated by the North. It continues today.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:57 pm

should read “been” in lieu of “be”.

Reply
Richard July 23, 2013 at 7:34 pm

Prior to the Civil War the South was the richest part of the country. We have no one else to blame for our continued ignorance.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 8:19 pm

Read The Siege of the South 1830 to 2000 by Conner.

Reply
Anonymous July 23, 2013 at 11:45 pm

Who owns the South? Corporations in the North own three fourths of all the South. They say the old cow grazes all over–in the south, the west, the north, and the east. But she’s milked in just one place. Her old teats swing over just one spot when she’s full. She grazes everywhere and is milked in New York.

Crooner July 23, 2013 at 1:27 pm

Just a coincidence that the deepest red and orange hues are in the heart of the old confederacy?

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:56 pm

No coincidence. Since 1830 the South has be subjugated by the North. It continues today.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 4:57 pm

should read “been” in lieu of “be”.

Reply
Richard July 23, 2013 at 7:34 pm

Prior to the Civil War the South was the richest part of the country. We have no one else to blame for our continued ignorance.

Reply
CNSYD July 23, 2013 at 8:19 pm

Read The Siege of the South 1830 to 2000 by Conner.

Reply
Anonymous July 23, 2013 at 11:45 pm

Who owns the South? Corporations in the North own three fourths of all the South. They say the old cow grazes all over–in the south, the west, the north, and the east. But she’s milked in just one place. Her old teats swing over just one spot when she’s full. She grazes everywhere and is milked in New York.

La Gloria Cubana July 23, 2013 at 6:51 pm

This map is basically full of crap. Sure, it shows that the South has a preponderance of dumb people. That said, having been in each of the 48 states in the past five years, I know that living in the South (relative to the rest of the Nation) is highly, highly underrated. From our brick housing stock (built by reasonable labor costs) for the middle class, to the lower living costs, to so much more, the South is so much nicer than most other places in the Nation… regardless if other places have an advantage in so-called upward mobility. I mean, what does that upward mobility actually buy you?… a $5,000 a month sardine can apartment in NYC, and the opportunity to walk everywhere, and to spend all of your disposable income each month on food, utilities, and taxes? Yeah, no thanks, I’ll keep my lower mobility.

Reply
Curious July 23, 2013 at 11:58 pm

And that, folks, is what is known as an anecdote, not evidence.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana July 24, 2013 at 7:29 am

And for the “Curious”, I never planned a formal retort. But here’s something to think about. North Dakota’s staggering upward mobility via the map? Simply, the Natural Gas industry centered on the Western side of that state. Was there last year. It is without a doubt, one of the trashiest areas – full of mega trailer parks – on the planet and frankly offers no real “upward mobility” advantages other than a pay check to send back home to your loved ones. Yep, just more anecdotal – though factual – commentary.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana July 23, 2013 at 6:51 pm

This map is basically full of crap. Sure, it shows that the South has a preponderance of dumb people. That said, having been in each of the 48 states in the past five years, I know that living in the South (relative to the rest of the Nation) is highly, highly underrated. From our brick housing stock (built by reasonable labor costs) for the middle class, to the lower living costs, to so much more, the South is so much nicer than most other places in the Nation… regardless if other places have an advantage in so-called upward mobility. I mean, what does that upward mobility actually buy you?… a $5,000 a month sardine can apartment in NYC, and the opportunity to walk everywhere, and to spend all of your disposable income each month on food, utilities, and taxes? Yeah, no thanks, I’ll keep my lower mobility.

Reply
Curious July 23, 2013 at 11:58 pm

And that, folks, is what is known as an anecdote, not evidence.

Reply
La Gloria Cubana July 24, 2013 at 7:29 am

And for the “Curious”, I never planned a formal retort. But here’s something to think about. North Dakota’s staggering upward mobility via the map? Simply, the Natural Gas industry centered on the Western side of that state. Was there last year. It is without a doubt, one of the trashiest areas – full of mega trailer parks – on the planet and frankly offers no real “upward mobility” advantages other than a pay check to send back home to your loved ones. Yep, just more anecdotal – though factual – commentary.

Reply
Richard July 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Let’s keep doing just what we have been doing, put even more Republicans in office, so they can continue to look out for their friends and laugh at how foolish we are !

Reply
La Gloria Cubana July 23, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Uh, OK, if you think it sucks here, then seriously, just move the f&ck away to one of those liberal, upwardly mobile, liberal nirvanas you crave…. but of course, you won’t. Instead, you’ll just drive your Volvo, live in your Heathwood home, and work your Gov’t lobbying parasitic or Legal job that expands with the reaming of the State’s taxpayers.

Reply
Richard July 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Let’s keep doing just what we have been doing, put even more Republicans in office, so they can continue to look out for their friends and laugh at how foolish we are !

Reply
La Gloria Cubana July 23, 2013 at 7:45 pm

Uh, OK, if you think it sucks here, then seriously, just move the f&ck away to one of those liberal, upwardly mobile, liberal nirvanas you crave…. but of course, you won’t. Instead, you’ll just drive your Volvo, live in your Heathwood home, and work your Gov’t lobbying parasitic or Legal job that expands with the reaming of the State’s taxpayers.

Reply
FrackYou July 24, 2013 at 1:18 am

It cost 33% more to live in Charleston than any other place in SC.

Reply
FrackYou July 24, 2013 at 1:18 am

It cost 33% more to live in Charleston than any other place in SC.

Reply
9" July 24, 2013 at 10:15 am Reply
9" July 24, 2013 at 10:15 am Reply
nitrat July 24, 2013 at 10:44 am

What do you expect after 8 years of a Libertarian Republican and 30 months of a fool?

Reply
nitrat July 24, 2013 at 10:44 am

What do you expect after 8 years of a Libertarian Republican and 30 months of a totally self serving fool?

Reply

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