The State of New York, like the States of California and Michigan, but unlike the State of Texas, is learning a cruel lesson: that it's unwise (because self-defeating) to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. If you want prosperity and happiness, cut taxes. If you want poverty and misery, raise taxes. For many years, New York's politicians have been driving businesses (and therefore jobs) out of state. Good work, morons! Note that I'm not questioning the motives of these politicians. They mean well. Their intentions are good. I'm questioning their intelligence. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Addendum: As proof that imbecility never sleeps, the city of Pittsburgh is taxing college students to pay for retirement benefits. This is as bald a redistribution of wealth as you are likely to find. If you're younger than 30 years old and voted for Barack Obama or any other Democrat, you need to have your head examined. These leeches are seeing to it that you will devote your working life to paying for Baby Boomers' health care, prescription drugs, and Social Security pensions. How does that not make you a slave? Perhaps next time, you'll put some thought into your vote.
Addendum 2: Why is there no mention in the New York Times story that Pittsburgh's mayor is a Democrat? Do you think this salient fact would have been omitted if he were a Republican?
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 