Conservatives have long made jokes about how great it would be if California fell into the Pacific Ocean. However, I'm thinking that the west coast would be far better off as an independent country.
-- California, Washington, and Oregon pay far more in taxes to Washington than they receive back.
http://www.calinst.org/pubs/balance2003.htm
-- The west coast has become increasingly distant from political trends in other parts of the country (i.e. the Tea Party's influence stopped at the Rocky Mountains).
-- The west coast has also become increasingly distant socially (i.e. medical marijuana, assisted suicide, sex education, and environmental protection have much greater support west of the Rockies).
-- West coast culture is also divergent -- everything from the music and movies to beer (just try to get a good beer east of the Rockies).
I'm thinking we'd all be happier if we just draw an international border down the great divide. The west coast would also be richer.
-- California, Washington, and Oregon pay far more in taxes to Washington than they receive back.
http://www.calinst.org/pubs/balance2003.htm
-- The west coast has become increasingly distant from political trends in other parts of the country (i.e. the Tea Party's influence stopped at the Rocky Mountains).
-- The west coast has also become increasingly distant socially (i.e. medical marijuana, assisted suicide, sex education, and environmental protection have much greater support west of the Rockies).
-- West coast culture is also divergent -- everything from the music and movies to beer (just try to get a good beer east of the Rockies).
I'm thinking we'd all be happier if we just draw an international border down the great divide. The west coast would also be richer.
