[SubiculumCode]

100% this. All across the country, California is subject to ridicule, inane accusations and misconceptions, the devil and scapegoat and example of every red-state citizen eating on food stamps from California tax dollars and on Californian grown fruits and vegetables. Yes, there are things wrong with 'ol Cali, and its not the sunshine, but if California kept to itself, it would be just fine, but what would happen to California's detractors? Starve?

[robswc]

About 10 years ago I would have agreed with this comment but now… not so sure. Seems everyday there’s a new law or initiative to push productive professionals/companies away, not a fan of the trajectory… but who knows, maybe I’ll be surprised in another 10 years ;)

[thrwawy283]

I think most of the country gets a bad rep for regulation and initiatives and laws that don't have positive effect. My parents are in the crowd that want to leave California because of supposed "over-regulation". I was telling my father this morning about the Songs-Beverly Act (California's Lemon Law) which essentially protects products you buy for 7 years, giving you the right to repair them. I just sued my employer for not allowing me 2nd meal breaks (every 5 hours), rest breaks, and for not giving me proper/reasonable notice when making schedule changes. These are all things I didn't have when I worked a federal job. Btw, it's hilarious that you're not entitled to (just 1!) meal break at the federal level. California has excess regulation, but I wish people weighed it against the positives instead of assuming it's all red tape.

I think California deserves more praise for how it protects people. Net Neutrality is effectively upheld by state-by-state regulation, because the federal gov couldn't secure this for us.

[robswc]

I honestly agree with you on all of those points. Those are very good things to have.

At the end of the day though, people _are_ weighing the pros and cons and deciding to leave. Perhaps it’s not the right conclusion but it’s not like people are leaving due to mere “rumors” or “bad press” - Texas/Florida have been punching bags for the past two years and people keep moving there.

My personal opinion is just to live where you want to live. If the cost of regulation is too high for you, move to a less regulated place. You’ll lose culture and entertainment but you’ll gain freedom.

If you prefer the regulations, stay, at the cost of some freedom.

But honestly, if everyone is happy in their own state I consider that a win… now rn I’m “stuck” in the “actual” worst state, hands down, which is Virginia ;)