A Continental Kansas

This fascinating essay posits that the ascendancy of the American political right may actually harm our economy over the long term. The theory goes that an increasingly educated and talented pool of workers around the globe is choosing to work in countries besides the United States because, among other reasons, we are seen as an evermore intolerant and xenophobic nation. The essay also points out that even within the US, political polarization has created economic disparities. The so-called “blue” regions–those that tend to vote Democratic and are more urban in character–are propelling the American economy. Meanwhile, the more conservative “red” regions become even more conservative and economically stagnant as they lose their brain trusts to more progressive, vibrant areas of the country.
The argument is a bit pat for my tastes, but it’s intriguing nonetheless. If Bush does win in November, will this shift become even more pronounced? I’m a child of the 80s and I don’t remember such a clear schism in American political life as what we have right now. In twenty years, what will our place in the world be? And how will history remember these times? These are questions that every voter should be asking themselves this election year.
I splurged today and bought some clothes in preparation for my trip to Miami. Mostly pastels. Now I just need to load the Miami Vice soundtrack onto my iPod.