Would you consider Missouri or Illinois more patriotic? A new study claims to use science to show that the Show Me State is more red, white and blue than the Land of Lincoln. Let's see if you agree with their findings.

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This All-American ranking comes courtesy of WalletHub. It's a very timely 2022's Most Patriotic States. It's important to note how they came to their conclusions. Here are their exact words about their methodology:

To determine the most patriotic states, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key dimensions, “Military Engagement” and “Civic Engagement.”

We evaluated those dimensions using 13 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of patriotism.

Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order the states.

Using that science, you'll find Missouri at #25 mid-pack among the most patriotic while Illinois comes in at #32.

Source: WalletHub

The one reason why I put more weight on the typical internet "rankings" is because they at least try to use measurable data instead of just someone uttering an opinion when more than likely that person hasn't ever visited the places he/she/it is talking about.

I've lived in both Missouri and Illinois a majority of my adult life. I'm not trying to play both sides of the room, but I've always been around extremely patriotic people on both sides of the river. My dad was a WW2 veteran and always displayed his flag in front of the Hannibal home where I grew up. In Illinois, I see red, white and blue everywhere on my way to work every day. Let's face it. We live in what most people consider the "heartland" and I'd argue we are the heart of America.

My main problem with this ranking? There is no way in you-know-what that Missouri and Illinois are below North Dakota. Not a chance. No offense intended if you're from North Dakota, but I've seen the movie Fargo. Chipper shredder, anyone?

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