[re_nortex]

The article cites The New York Times among the sources so its credibility is subject to question. In the past, Dallas Morning News was a center-right newspaper when the ultra-left Times-Herald was its competitor. Now that the DTH is long gone, the DMN is now reliably a liberal mouthpiece.

That background aside, the article goes on to add: "Of the states with the 10 highest unemployment rates, six are in the South." It also notes that: "The state unemployment rate [in Texas] edged up to 8.5 percent, the highest in 24 years."

[re_nortex]

In my opinion, the economic downturn in the South is due to the policies of the Obama administration. In particular, the harsh regulatory climate and the defacto endorsement of unionism particularly punishes Texas and many of the other Right to Work states pictured here:

Not shown in the web version (but in the print edition) of the article is a comparative map of the nation during the Bush years. In that pre-Obama era, it was Texas and the South leading the way, with low unemployment and vibrant economies. If the article is indeed factual, it further strengthens the need to eject Obama and his crew from power in 2012.

[lonestar67]

Hmm. Let’s see. As you stay on unemployment you cease to be counted as unemployed by the federal govt. How might that fact add to this massive spin of a story.

Or better yet. How might a gulf oil drilling moratorium hurt southern states?

[casinva]

Obama and his crew deserves a lot of the blame for this economy and should be not only booted out but hit in the behinds as they go.

***

Since your article mentioned the extraordinary struggles Nevada has had to endure (granted, we all have had problems of late, but haven't they been hit even harder in some ways?), let's consider what Obama did to Nevada by his actions and words.

***

Barack Obama tells Americans 'don't go to Las Vegas February 3, 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/7149616/Barack-Obama-tells-Americans-dont-go-to-Las-Vegas.html

(Excerpt)

Speaking about the economy at an event in New Hampshire, Mr Obama told Americans: “When times are tough, you tighten your belts.

“You don’t go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don’t blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you’re trying to save for college. You prioritise. You make tough choices.”

The economy of the world’s most famous gambling and entertainment destination is heavily dependent on tourism and Las Vegans were already incensed by a comment from Mr Obama last year that companies should not use federal bail out money for trips to the city.

Tourism and casino officials said the comment hurt the city after companies cancelled meetings in Las Vegas and re-arranged them elsewhere.

(End of Excerpt)

***

Some people don't like to give blame (or credit) to a president or governor for jobs gained or jobs lost under their watch, but from what I can tell, a leader's words and actions make a WHOLE lot of difference when it comes to our economy.