I have this fantasy that I and everyone in the US who shares my ideology could all move to the same state, take over the state legislature and just build our own semi autonomous micro nation. But then I realize that 12 people moving to the same state probably isn’t going to make any difference.
Balkanization isn’t a master plan of any thinker, it’s a natural process as people move to cut themselves off from those they strongly disagree with.
I think there is a strong argument to be made that Balkanization is the ultimate, if unintended, result of the US founding fathers’ plan. From the very beginning it was a deal with the devil: a compromise between factions — who ought to be bitter enemies — under threat from a superior foe (the British Empire).
The collapse really began to build steam after the last great foe, the Soviet Union, was defeated.
Isn’t more division inevitable, though? I know a lot of people want to believe that Americans are more unified than not, and that we only disagree on some details, but agree on the core principles, but is that actually true? I think most Americans generally believe in broadly liberal ideals, like individual rights and freedoms, but disagree pretty strongly on which rights and freedoms should be prioritized (or recognized/enforced at all), and for whom. And that makes a pretty big difference. Those differences are more fundamental than a lot of people would like to acknowledge. Plus, there are, I think, a not insignificant number of Americans who aren’t guided by liberal principles at all. I’m one of those people, and, look, I understand that people like me are a small minority, but we exist. And I’m kind of sick of not having any representation at all.
That’s what’s getting us into this mess in the first place. The individuals from marginalized protected groups are socially pushed from their towns, eventually migrating to cities where their votes are less impactful.
I’m obviously not blaming the marginalized individuals, but the system designed to keep red land red.
I have this fantasy that I and everyone in the US who shares my ideology could all move to the same state, take over the state legislature and just build our own semi autonomous micro nation. But then I realize that 12 people moving to the same state probably isn’t going to make any difference.
Balkanizing the nation isn’t the solution.
Balkanization isn’t a master plan of any thinker, it’s a natural process as people move to cut themselves off from those they strongly disagree with.
I think there is a strong argument to be made that Balkanization is the ultimate, if unintended, result of the US founding fathers’ plan. From the very beginning it was a deal with the devil: a compromise between factions — who ought to be bitter enemies — under threat from a superior foe (the British Empire).
The collapse really began to build steam after the last great foe, the Soviet Union, was defeated.
What is the solution?
I have no idea, but more division isn’t the answer, champ.
Why? If people really truly deep deep in their hearts, fundamentally disagree about something, why should they continue living together?
Couples break up, roommates move out, people immigrate, empires expand and recede, borders change.
Why must the US be this sea to shining sea empire? It’s not like there is some natural or physical reason.
Why does one border have to be here versus there, it’s arbitrary anyway, it’s changed in the past and it can change again.
Isn’t more division inevitable, though? I know a lot of people want to believe that Americans are more unified than not, and that we only disagree on some details, but agree on the core principles, but is that actually true? I think most Americans generally believe in broadly liberal ideals, like individual rights and freedoms, but disagree pretty strongly on which rights and freedoms should be prioritized (or recognized/enforced at all), and for whom. And that makes a pretty big difference. Those differences are more fundamental than a lot of people would like to acknowledge. Plus, there are, I think, a not insignificant number of Americans who aren’t guided by liberal principles at all. I’m one of those people, and, look, I understand that people like me are a small minority, but we exist. And I’m kind of sick of not having any representation at all.
that has been the thinking that got us in this boat to begin with
People have been doing this?
That’s what’s getting us into this mess in the first place. The individuals from marginalized protected groups are socially pushed from their towns, eventually migrating to cities where their votes are less impactful.
I’m obviously not blaming the marginalized individuals, but the system designed to keep red land red.