The state motto of West Virginia is Montani Semper Liberi. As every West Virginian knows – translated from the Latin – this means “Mountaineers Are Always Free”. There’s a fine song called A Mountaineer is Always Free. You can listen to it here. Our brave service men and women fought and died for the freedom we now enjoy today. Freedom is a core belief of West Virginians – it is incorporated into our state seal. It is up to us to carry on the tradition of freedom in West Virginia today. However, the disappointing truth is that we are not as free in West Virginia as we think. And worst of all, to a large extent we have ourselves to blame.
The following report is going to cite some grim statistics and will document some grim outcomes with regard to the economy of our beloved West Virginia. I am hoping that it will stir up some passionate responses. That is my purpose. West Virginians are passionate about their state, and that includes me! Fact finding, honest assessment and constructive criticism are necessary in order to effect change for the better. As a state, we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and be honest about what needs to improve. Finally, bear in mind that the studies and statistics referred to below were mostly completed in 2005 through 2007. Since then, there have been some steps taken that offer some encouragement.
When most people think of freedom, what generally comes to mind is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights: the unalienable rights that we have been endowed with by our Creator as stated in the Declaration of Independence. We have the right to freedom of religion, the right to free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the right to bear arms. The Constitution of West Virginia is closely aligned with the Constitution of the United States. These two important documents work together to ensure that our political freedoms are protected. However, these political freedoms are much harder to enjoy without economic freedom.
The Declaration of Independence set forth the revolutionary concept that we are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Bill of Rights is designed to protect life and liberty. However, the pursuit of happiness is more dependent on economic freedom. Speaking of happiness, let’s start with the grim statistics and outcomes. A recent survey created a “happiness index” ranking each state in the union with regard to the happiness of its citizens. You can read articles that describe the survey here and here. I am sorry to report that West Virginia came in last. In another related survey, the Gallup organization conducted a poll regarding stress levels within the states. The results can be found here.
Elliot Simon
The West Virginia Economy
The state motto of West Virginia is Montani Semper Liberi. As every West Virginian knows – translated from the Latin – this means “Mountaineers Are Always Free”. There’s a fine song called A Mountaineer is Always Free. You can listen to it here. Our brave service men and women fought and died for the freedom we now enjoy today. Freedom is a core belief of West Virginians – it is incorporated into our state seal. It is up to us to carry on the tradition of freedom in West Virginia today. However, the disappointing truth is that we are not as free in West Virginia as we think. And worst of all, to a large extent we have ourselves to blame.
The following report is going to cite some grim statistics and will document some grim outcomes with regard to the economy of our beloved West Virginia. I am hoping that it will stir up some passionate responses. That is my purpose. West Virginians are passionate about their state, and that includes me! Fact finding, honest assessment and constructive criticism are necessary in order to effect change for the better. As a state, we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and be honest about what needs to improve. Finally, bear in mind that the studies and statistics referred to below were mostly completed in 2005 through 2007. Since then, there have been some steps taken that offer some encouragement.
When most people think of freedom, what generally comes to mind is the Constitution and the Bill of Rights: the unalienable rights that we have been endowed with by our Creator as stated in the Declaration of Independence. We have the right to freedom of religion, the right to free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the right to bear arms. The Constitution of West Virginia is closely aligned with the Constitution of the United States. These two important documents work together to ensure that our political freedoms are protected. However, these political freedoms are much harder to enjoy without economic freedom.
The Declaration of Independence set forth the revolutionary concept that we are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Bill of Rights is designed to protect life and liberty. However, the pursuit of happiness is more dependent on economic freedom. Speaking of happiness, let’s start with the grim statistics and outcomes. A recent survey created a “happiness index” ranking each state in the union with regard to the happiness of its citizens. You can read articles that describe the survey here and here. I am sorry to report that West Virginia came in last. In another related survey, the Gallup organization conducted a poll regarding stress levels within the states. The results can be found here.