By Daniel Nardini
I have been hearing from many youtube commentators on both the political left and the right that either the red states (Republican-controlled) or the blue states (Democrat-controlled) are superior to their counterparts. Those who favor the red states state that the red states have the most natural resources and many people want to move to them for both new opportunities and cheaper land. Those who argue the blue states are better state that the blue states have the best skilled workers, the most jobs, are home to the largest cities, and therefore generate the most tax revenue. These blue state supporters further argue that they have the best universities and without the tax revenue that comes from the blue states the red states would not be able to build the roads and provide what social services they have for their constituents. The arguments presented on both sides fail to mention a lot of things that are needed to understand the symbiotic relationship all of the states have with each other to exist.
Let us take the red states. Yes, most of the red states are blessed with abundant resources and lots of land. This makes some of the red states appealing for Americans to want to live in. Red states like North Dakota have oil that attracts employees in the petroleum sector with good paying jobs. And we should not forget that red states like Florida and Texas have been favored by many people as places to live and work. Then there are a number of blue states where people also go to find good paying jobs, better public schools for their children, more cultural and academic opportunities in America’s Ivy League schools, and religious diversity. It all depends on the individuals on where their needs are best met. One thing I should point out is that while the red states do not have Ivy League schools, they nevertheless do have good colleges and universities. Because of this, people from red states are able to find good paying jobs not only in red states but even blue states because of their education background.
Not all red states are poor, and not all blue states are rich and well populated. Red states like Florida and Texas are good examples that red states can also prosper. New Mexico is a moderately blue state but has a sparse population and is fairly poor. But what concerns me is how political division is tearing at the fabric of this country’s cohesion. Trade and shared tax revenues keep all of the states functioning so that none of the state governments shut down. If blue states and red states were to opt for shutting trade down we would all suffer. If U.S. President-elect Donald Trump tries to use the national guard from the red states to force compliance in blue states to his policies it will tear this country apart and could force civil conflict. One must keep in mind that the blue states have more people and better infrastructure to respond to any federal acts of coercion. What would happen when the Democrats come back to power on the federal level and use the power of the blue states to coerce the red states into compliance? But this is not the path we should be going down in any way. My fear however is that my advice will fall on deaf ears both ways. The politicians of today may simply set precedents that will only exacerbate the political divisions which exist now. It could lead to a break-up of the country.
Red States vs Blue States?
By Daniel Nardini
Let us take the red states. Yes, most of the red states are blessed with abundant resources and lots of land. This makes some of the red states appealing for Americans to want to live in. Red states like North Dakota have oil that attracts employees in the petroleum sector with good paying jobs. And we should not forget that red states like Florida and Texas have been favored by many people as places to live and work. Then there are a number of blue states where people also go to find good paying jobs, better public schools for their children, more cultural and academic opportunities in America’s Ivy League schools, and religious diversity. It all depends on the individuals on where their needs are best met. One thing I should point out is that while the red states do not have Ivy League schools, they nevertheless do have good colleges and universities. Because of this, people from red states are able to find good paying jobs not only in red states but even blue states because of their education background.
Not all red states are poor, and not all blue states are rich and well populated. Red states like Florida and Texas are good examples that red states can also prosper. New Mexico is a moderately blue state but has a sparse population and is fairly poor. But what concerns me is how political division is tearing at the fabric of this country’s cohesion. Trade and shared tax revenues keep all of the states functioning so that none of the state governments shut down. If blue states and red states were to opt for shutting trade down we would all suffer. If U.S. President-elect Donald Trump tries to use the national guard from the red states to force compliance in blue states to his policies it will tear this country apart and could force civil conflict. One must keep in mind that the blue states have more people and better infrastructure to respond to any federal acts of coercion. What would happen when the Democrats come back to power on the federal level and use the power of the blue states to coerce the red states into compliance? But this is not the path we should be going down in any way. My fear however is that my advice will fall on deaf ears both ways. The politicians of today may simply set precedents that will only exacerbate the political divisions which exist now. It could lead to a break-up of the country.