(Dis)equally Divided...

How in the Hell did we get this way?

I'd like to say I don't know the answer to that question, but I cannot.  Because I do.  And it's simple.  I'll share my thoughts on the subject:

Each and every election we have, those of us who can still think and reason hope to God we can finally get some resolution to our Great Country's infernal political divide.  And then build upon that so we can fix whatever ails us.  And there's quite a bit ailing us, as it happens.  I'm sure you'll agree. 

If you look at the political map you'll see that Democrats control the areas of highest population concentration.  And always have.  Look at the Big Blue Cities, mostly up north.  Since the Civil War those in need, of most anything, food, a job, lodging and safety flocked to these northern cities.  And soon thereafter they were exploited by 19th Century Robber Barons, who stole their labor to make steel and build cars and manufacture products.  Soon labor unions followed to protect the interests of those workers, and wages proceeded with their steady march upward.  And also creating and fueling the inflationary economy we've always entertained, and feeling to an even greater degree due to today's out-of-control Gubmint spending. 

Those Americans who didn't buy into this schtick moved westward.  And southward.  Creating alternate cities where freedom reigned.  Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Charlotte, etc.  No taxes, no unions, nobody in the way of exercising one's Constitutional freedoms.  And growing and prospering.  

Excepppppt, these Big Blue Cities attracted political bosses and hacks who acted more like the Mafia.  Lots and lots of broken skulls, and hospital visits, to get those votes. And visits to the local graveyards for any others they might need to win close union votes.  JFK actually thanked the mafia back in 1960 for helping him achieve victory.

Flash forward to today: those "Big Blue Cities" have been completely and totally co-opted.  And those who escaped the iron fist of their control by moving elsewhere, have rendered our Country split right down the middle.  What we have now is... 

    ...the Makers, and the Takers.

The IRS will tells us only half of us pay income taxes.  Actually, the number is now 49%.  The other 51% are therefore "free riders," in legal parlance.  They drive on our highways, they read the books in our libraries, they drink water from our fountains, they enjoy the safety that our police and Military provide.

But they don't pay for it.  They either don't make enough in payroll to qualify for Federal Income Taxes, or they do, and are simply cheating.  And if they don't, the Gubmint most likely gives them money.  And trust me, that happens.  All day, every day.  Maybe some of those new 87,000 brand-new, well-armed IRS agents will track them down.  For their $20.00.  Or $200.  Or maybe $2,000.  

But the worst part, in my opinion, is that they vote.  Sometimes in their own best interests, and in the case of the last Mid-Term Election, sometimes not.  We're watching that all play out.  To some it is a relief, and to others, a call to arms...

There are, as I have written, 27 countries in the European Union.  In a geographic area smaller than Texas.  And yet, they have somehow forged an alliance that permits them to live together, in peace, after more than 1,000 years of war.  The "War of the Roses."  And the "100 Years War."  And the "War of Succession."  There were more.  Look them up.  But their major political differences have been put to rest today.  We should find a way to do the same... 

And I believe that "way" is to agree to disagree; to finally, and completely, forge a break between our two philosophies.  Let the Big Blue cities devolve into crime and lawlessness, as they are currently doing.  Let the Biggest and Oldest of our cities conduct themselves in whatever way they choose.  Let the Chicago's and the Baltimore's and the New York's and the Seattle's become awash in homelessness if they wish.  And they must wish it so, because it is.  We don't want that.  We want a New Beginning.  Starting now...

It is time for a divorce.  Call it the Union of Big Blue Cities and the Republican States of America.  I don't care.  Just Let Our People Go!  Because, be warned, if that doesn't happen, there just might be a conflict.  And remember, we're armed...