Are we trying to force the issue?

[lukecuddy]

As America develops and transitions into the new millennium, I am noticing that regional differences are mounting. These differences have always been present, but the nation as a whole has been able to integrate these differences of opinions by focusing on similar values and shared goals. I no longer believe that the separate Regions of America are

Comments

[taennyn]

I don't think it's going to happen--there's too high a percentage of people who take a great deal of pride in being American, even if state or federal policy make them bonkers. Hyperbole includes statements like 'greatest country in the history of the world' and 'hey--that's the u s of a you're talkin' about--'

The Canadians wouldn't be down with joining any part of the former US, either--they take a lot of pride in not being American.

I will grant you the budget for California is rather higher than several independent countries, though. Rest of us would be in trouble for things like food supplies and energy--not every state has major power sources or water.

It's true

[lukecuddy]

There would be difficulties involved, but they are addressable. Purchasing water and power from other nations happens quite frequently in Europe, and with little to no fuss. I don't see this as being a major obstacle to separation, nor any logistic system in the next twenty years. I think that regions would be able to meet their own requirements, or manage trade with other nations in an amicable sort of way, while keeping political independence from one another fairly well

[gaidig]

I think that the way the British decided to divide up countries is a great example of cultural insensitivity and there has been a lot of fall out from it over the years, but I have a HUGE problem with the idea of breaking a country apart over "cultural identity". First of all, I'm really not so sure that America really is all that different across regions. Sure, there are differences, but in my experience, they are exaggerated by the way they are portrayed in the media and by politicians. Far too often an area is defined by what the majority believe, even when 49% of people believe differently. I don't think that's truly representative of the whole. Secondly, once you start down that road, where do you stop? What about, for example, Atlanta vs. the rest of Georgia? When do people start moving because they don't belong to the "culture" of their area? What happens to cultural or racial minorities? I think it's a recipe for persecution. Furthermore, if the incompetence of our state government is any gauge, then there's no

Eh, more of an outcome, not a reason

[lukecuddy]

Oh, I agree that cultural identity is no reason to divide a country. Political division however... That's the thing about America, is that politics is such a massive part of our cultural identity. You have arguments in other nations, surely- but the degree of opposition bordering on if not crossing the line of hate- on both sides- really staggers me. What you say may be true, but it seems, in our two party system, there is no room for discussion. Both sides are so busy attacking the other, and working at cross purposes for their own benefit rather then the nations (exceptions excluded, naturally) that I honestly think the entire system would benefit if each region received the representation and government they desired. Federal powers are sweeping, and on issues where their is little to no gray area- the right to die, abortion, other key moral and ethical decisions, we are forcing people one way or another to swallow a bitter pill- one which I do believe they should stand up against. If you truly believe that abortion is murder, how