Why Always Arizona?

I live in Arizona.  This is a beautiful state.  You can go from nearly sea level to over 8000 feet in altitude between breakfast and lunch. At the right time of the year you can water ski in the morning and snow ski in the afternoon. This is the only state in the U.S. where saguaro cacti are indigenous. There are deserts and pine forests. We have the Grand Canyon, sweeps of almost endless vistas, the oldest continuously inhabited town in the U.S., more golf courses are in Maricopa County than in the whole of Germany.  You can swim in unheated outdoor pools at least 10 months a year in much of the state. Arizona is home to more than 20 Native American Tribes, many of whom produce works of incredible beauty (Did you know that apparently no Native American tribal language has a word for art?  The traditional products were utilitarian and decorated to give the users pleasure.)

So please tell me why almost all the news that leaves the state is embarrassing?  Our politicians seem intent on showing how not to run a government.  Whether it's a pol you support or one you oppose, the chances are that they will appear on CNN or the national nightly news with pie on their face. Some get caught, some eagerly seek out exposure.  All contribute to people outside Arizona wondering if the heat has fried everyone's brain.

Perhaps those of us who are long time residents should be grateful.  The state has grown so fast that many of us who moved out to the boonies are now in suburbia.  Maybe some of the bad publicity keeps a few potential residents away even if they weren't scared by 115 temperatures in July.  Every state has it's pie in the face people- we just seem to have more!  We are currently in national focus of the immigration debate, which is one of the most divisive issues in years.  There are so many ways to look at that issue. I don't know what to believe about it.  Especially about the children brought here when very small: many of them don't even know they are illegal residents.  Then again, what part of the word illegal isn't clear?  Still you have to admire the people who go to such lengths to seek a better life for their families.  Is there a solution, never mind an easy one?