I think there is a growing backlash developing against the political and social rigidity of rural society. I'm seeing normally even tempered people I know living in urban and suburban areas becoming increasingly frustrated with rural reactionaries. The new attitude seems to be "we're the economic and technological engine of the country while these people who rely on us call us anti-American and an existential threat. Screw them and let them fend for themselves.". If this mindset gains more traction among people in the cities and suburbs, I shudder to think how rural Americans will fare in the long run and what the effects will be on our political economy.
"While a small minority of rural residents care about democracy, individual liberty, the common good and the rule of law, a large majority does not."
I grew up in the rust belt. Got married there. Lost her to cancer there seven years later. And when I later remarried my new spouse hinted that she wanted to move back "home". So now we live south of the Ohio River deep in "red" America where Dems regularly vote Republican and people like me get introduced to new words like "Dixiecrats". Everything you just read here? It's true.
Sometimes I agree with you so much it hurts my head. I was in conversation about this with a friend yesterday... they - the "rurals" are so terrified and filled with resentment they no longer care if the nation collapses - maybe they never truly did. ( BTW this is an outcome I now perceive as more likely than not. There is increasingly little logic in the wealth producing "urbans" in the Acela corridor/New England and West coast from SD to Seattle to prop up the INSANE middle and its sadism....while Canada , the E.U. and AUS/NZ lapp us in quality of life)
If Trump pulls off an EC win - or steals one - at least a 50/50 chance of this - Barr has proven again he is an amoral malignancy - anyone with any sense, a passport and 10 grand will head for the exits.
I think there is a growing backlash developing against the political and social rigidity of rural society. I'm seeing normally even tempered people I know living in urban and suburban areas becoming increasingly frustrated with rural reactionaries. The new attitude seems to be "we're the economic and technological engine of the country while these people who rely on us call us anti-American and an existential threat. Screw them and let them fend for themselves.". If this mindset gains more traction among people in the cities and suburbs, I shudder to think how rural Americans will fare in the long run and what the effects will be on our political economy.
"While a small minority of rural residents care about democracy, individual liberty, the common good and the rule of law, a large majority does not."
I grew up in the rust belt. Got married there. Lost her to cancer there seven years later. And when I later remarried my new spouse hinted that she wanted to move back "home". So now we live south of the Ohio River deep in "red" America where Dems regularly vote Republican and people like me get introduced to new words like "Dixiecrats". Everything you just read here? It's true.
....
Sometimes I agree with you so much it hurts my head. I was in conversation about this with a friend yesterday... they - the "rurals" are so terrified and filled with resentment they no longer care if the nation collapses - maybe they never truly did. ( BTW this is an outcome I now perceive as more likely than not. There is increasingly little logic in the wealth producing "urbans" in the Acela corridor/New England and West coast from SD to Seattle to prop up the INSANE middle and its sadism....while Canada , the E.U. and AUS/NZ lapp us in quality of life)
If Trump pulls off an EC win - or steals one - at least a 50/50 chance of this - Barr has proven again he is an amoral malignancy - anyone with any sense, a passport and 10 grand will head for the exits.