“Any historian of warfare knows it is in good part a comedy of errors and a museum of incompetence; but if for every error and every act of incompetence one can substitute an act of treason, many points of fascinating interpretation are open to the paranoid imagination.”
β Richard Hofsteader, The Paranoid Style in American Politics
Ward leaders had stuff like this memorized in their heads back in the day. I think it's fascinating how Democrats and Republicans cluster around themselves on the same streets. Also this kind of map doesn't have the problem of the exaggeration of the rural vote.
ο»ΏI often think Rural America, at least in New York State is getting redder, while the inner suburbs and even some of the outer suburbs are getting bluer. Maybe that observation is antidotal, not based on facts, but I could also see that being true.
Rural areas are undergoing a lot of change, old ways of doing things are being confronted by a new reality of the world that doesnβt work the way it once. Technology continues to replace mechanical labor, automation means more economic output with fewer people working in rural areas. Natural resources are more regulated, but also are managed much more efficiently with greater output.
The problems of cities β pollution, crime, and violence β are spilling over onto the ways of rural life. While most rural areas donβt have a significant issues on this front, urban politicians which tend to be Democratic are pushing for one-size fits all solutions, noting the real problems they face. And that is generating a reaction against their policies in rural areas.
I think pragmatism makes a lot of sense when it comes to politics these days, but it sure seems like most people are clearly in one camp or another, certain how they are going to vote long before Election Day. But I like to learn the facts, learn about the individual candidates and issues, and make my decision myself. I don’t need a political party or ideological group to tell me how to think.
I often feel like people are using politics as a way to avoid personal responsibility and not address problems in their own lives and own communities. While I’m sure whoever occupies the White House or the State Capitol or City Hall has some minor bearing on your life, the truth is what you choose to do, the people you choose to associate with and the community you choose to live in has as much larger bearing on your life.
Do vote. It’s a low cost activity that doesn’t take much time. Early voting and absentee voting makes it even easier. In the autumn, spend a Saturday afternoon knocking doors and maybe a weeknight or two making calls. Attend public meetings and protests, be heard. It does make a difference to scream at and put pressure on the politicians, as few do.
But remember, the buck ultimately stops at you, and your life is only as good as you make it.