It is the central paradox of American politics: blue state voters support a robust national welfare state; the welfare state results in massive transfers of wealth from blue to red states; and the red states respond by electing representatives who do everything in their power to reduce the size of the welfare state that sustains them. Call it the institutionalization of ingratitude, or cutting off your nose to spite your face.
And so, we are treated to spectacles like Mitch McConnell, senator from a state which relies heavily on transfers from blue states, opposing “blue state bailouts.”
You occasionally hear about efforts in red states–particularly Texas–to secede from the Union. Perhaps that should be encouraged! Maybe the rugged individuals in McConnell’s Kentucky should have to stand on their own two feet! Wouldn’t that be great!
I can see it now: the red states become a new country, called the Reactionary States of America (RSA). What would the RSA look like? For that, see my next post.