Been to many third world countries - tourism doesn't really count? I didn't think so. Shame really - the crime, disease rates, lack of clean water, safe food, difficulties in getting basic education and healthcare, lack of public infrastructure like roads and power, corruption, and in many case, number of crazy somewhat organized and well-armed characters wandering about, sometimes with bad intent, really does give one an appreciation for an organized society with social programs to benefit public welfare and safety. You certainly benefit from these more than you likely realize.

I can't help but point out several inconvenient facts. The oil companies didn't complain at all when SB22 came along -- they promoted it; that we are subsidizing private firms with state money with no guarantee of return; and that the oil belongs to us -- would you sell your house in a down market providing a substantial interest-free loan while assuming almost all risk? Why do it with our resources?