How odd.... California is 50th on your list, but according to you, it "added more private-sector jobs since the recession ended than any other state, at 1.5 million; and remains home to more venture capital, patents, tourism, Fortune 500 companies, agriculture, biotech and manufacturing output than any other state." I suppose if you add the seemingly endless recreational and educational opportunities, environmental stewardship, and the world's best weather (at least here in Orange County), then If all of the above makes California a loser on your list, then count me among the luckiest losers on the planet!