The Sequestered States of America

Here is an interesting perspective from Salon.com's Michelle Goldberg. States' rights, long the darling of the reactionary right (as in slavery or segregation) can cut both ways. In general, a retreat to states' rights is a reaction to a perceived excess of central power (i.e. the federal government). Goldberg makes the point that "conservatives stop advocating for states' rights as soon as they get their hands on the levers of federal power". With the recent shift of federal influence towards the right, she suggests that left leaning states may now pick up the states' rights banner to preserve (at least locally) the federally protected ideals from the new deal through civil rights and reproductive freedom. Future progressive goals (such as universal health care) could also be pursued on a state by state basis, leaving the red state disinfranchised to fend for themselves.

Jim Holt writes along similar lines in an article in the current (11/21/04) issue of the New York Times Magazine. He notes that a smaller federal government is brought about by fiscal policy (tax cuts). Longstanding conservative philosophy also opposes a strong central presence- although many neoconservatives seem less concerned about this now that they are federally ascendent. Nevertheless, Holt points out that lower federal taxes may set the stage for that blue-state utopia that many liberal writers fantasized about after the election.

By keeping power and money locally, each state is more able to build the kind of society that the majority of it's citizens want. State initiatives can combat national trends that have not been buttressed by federal law or constitutional amendments, such as California's stem cell research funding or Massachussets' recognition of gay marriage. And from a leadership perspective, this makes governerships more appealing than senate seats. Holt notices that "Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Jon Corzine of New Jersey and Charles E. Schumer of New York are rumored to be contemplating gubernatorial runs... convinced that there is now more to do in the governer's mansion than on Capitol Hill".

Keep on Moshin'...

You may have seen Eminem's animated video "Mosh" before the election... an incredibly powerful "get-out-the-vote" anthem in his unique style. The piece ended with an army of citizens from all walks of life charging into a building and registering to vote.

Since the election, the video has been re-released with an alternate ending, still powerful and with a new message- keep active and don't give up!