MSN.com has compiled a list of the 15 richest counties in America, according to the 2010 census. Of these 15, five are in Maryland (Howard, Montgomery, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles) and five are in Virginia (Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Stafford, Prince William). Four of the remaining five are in the New York City area, and one is in Colorado. No Silicon Valley, nothing in the Chicago area, no oil wealth, no Southern California . . .
That’s what’s wrong with this country: You want to get rich, go to Washington. Admittedly, most private businesses in this country were still reeling from the rough economic times when the 2010 census was taken. But what does it say when government work (and its satellite professions — lobbying, law, consulting, etc.) is a highly lucrative growth industry that is recession-proof as well?