Federalism should be abolished!: The alternatives

[MRT144]

I was thinking about this in relation to red state blue state and I became more and more convinced that the United States should really be a coalition of the different states for mutual protection from enemies and nothing more nothing less. This really comes down to earmarks and pork spending but also moral issues as well (though to a lesser degree)

In this way the areas we live in would truly be a reflection of our regional choices and I think people would be much more apt to participate and respect the government.

I think that the only thing states should contribute to the greater whole is military expendetures and resources. thats it.

[DaShi]

I disagree.

[Dr Strangelove]

It was tried and it failed. It's time to move on, the Articles of Confederation have been dead for over 200 years,

[MRT144]

But we are at a different time and place where it might be more feasible.

[MRT144]

perhaps we could abolish the federal government in respect to paying taxes towards it and states would be left to decide the rates.

[Flip McWho]

I agree.

Even though, how dependant are some of the states on the federation. Splitting them all up may screw some of the states over chronically.

[Flip McWho]

perhaps we could abolish the federal government in respect to paying taxes towards it and states would be left to decide the rates.

You'd have to have a minimum, otherwise why should a state bother paying any taxes.

Thats the same reasoning that anarchists use to justify not making any one pay tax. Most people will free ride given the choice.

[MRT144]

well, the reason is states then become the sole provider of the services in their jouristiction. and i dont care if some states get screwed over. texas and florida are getting hosed.

[Zkribbler]

Re: Federalism should be abolished!: The alternatives

Originally posted by MRT144
... red state blue state ...

Beware of this kind of thinking. It's a trap!

The key is counties! Urban counties tend to be blue; rural counties are red.

The only reason "blue states" are blue is because they have a concentration of urban areas. Similarly, "red states" are red because they are rural with few if any cities.

Eg. Go north or east of the Bay Area in California, and you're in Republican territory. Likewise, Dallas and Atlanta are Democratic.

[Nubclear]

Originally posted by MRT144
But we are at a different time and place where it might be more feasible.

China would love you if you did this

[MRT144]

Re: Re: Federalism should be abolished!: The alternatives

Originally posted by Zkribbler


Beware of this kind of thinking. It's a trap!

The key is counties! Urban counties tend to be blue; rural counties are red.

The only reason "blue states" are blue is because they have a concentration of urban areas. Similarly, "red states" are red because they are rural with few if any cities.

Eg. Go north or east of the Bay Area in California, and you're in Republican territory. Likewise, Dallas and Atlanta are Democratic.

i meant the thread, i didnt add that though. ive been drinking while watching cal football and this is what came to mind.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by MRT144
But we are at a different time and place where it might be more feasible.

No, it's less feasible now.

[MRT144]

because of...200 years of precident? i think socially, technologically and economically it is more feasible.

[Imran Siddiqui]

No, because today more than previously, economies of scale make bigger groupings more productive and successful. It's why Europe is experimenting with an EU.

[MRT144]

you know, youre right imran. perhaps this is just a hyperbolic expression of my hatred of earmarks and pork barrel projects