One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State, Red State, Blue State. Two Americas. Divided Nation. by by Doug Edelman

One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State, Red State, Blue State. Two Americas. Divided Nation.

July 23, 2005 01:08 AM EST

We keep hearing about the cultural divide in the country. So what can be done?

A simple hypothetical exercise in the shower this morning has blossomed into an interesting contemplation:

How about a TRUE split into two nations... Amicable divorce!

Let's create "Lib-Land" - a BlueState Mecca. Territory ceded to Libland would be Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and (of course) Massachusetts. The USA would consist of the remaining 42 states.

Libland would create their own constitution, and they could outlaw religion if they wish. Gay Marriage could be a constitutional right. Abortion would be the default unless an application for live birth was filed. They would pay no US Federal taxes. They would not be subject to US law (except as related to International Laws and Treaties). The tax revenues they generate would remain in Libland to be redistributed amongst the masses as they see fit.

Conversely, they would receive no funding from the USA (unless we were foolish enough to grant them foreign aid). They'd be responsible for their own infrastructure, defense, economy etc.

Dual Citizenship would be granted to residents of all 50 states for 3 years to allow for migrations to or away from Libland. After 3 years of residency, nonresident citizenship would be terminated. Immigration between the US and Libland would be regulated and the borders of the 42 state US would be secured.

The 8 State confederacy of Libland would no longer contribute Senators/Congressmen to the US legislature, and would no longer participate in US elections. They would create their own capitol (Albany?) and governing bodies.

A NAFTA type free trade agreement could be crafted to allow any capitalists left in Libland to actually sell products and services in the USA.

Libland would provide a place where Liberal Democrats truly ARE the mainstream... without eroding the fabric of the heartland of the USA. And the USA could then freely express its conservative and religious underpinnings without the constant assault by the ACLU!

Hmmm. Perhaps these purely academic musings could actually WORK!