[meddlepal]

I was thinking more like regions composing several states. As a New Englander like hell I want people south of NY making political decisions for me. I don't feel a strong association or any affection for the South, Midwest or West. They're places with their own problems none of which I care about.

[throwaway91111]

Heh, in my experience most of new england geographically feels that way about Boston. People can feel disillusioned, alienated, and isolated at any level. There's no natural state size.

[meddlepal]

Totally agree that Boston dominates New England. As someone who grew up and lived outside of the Boston metro people always complained about Boston's dominance of local and regional politics. That said, there is a very strongly shared cultural identity throughout Massachusetts and New England that unites us far more than the cultural and linguistic identity that exists between more geographically distant areas.

The only thing I can tell you that I have in common with the average Georgian or Texan is that we probably both speak English, enjoy hot dogs, and watching Football and Baseball. That's not much of a strong reason for us to both be in a strong political, economic and militaristic union.

[kirse]

The only thing I can tell you that I have in common with the average Georgian or Texan is that we probably both speak English, enjoy hot dogs, and watching Football and Baseball. That's not much of a strong reason for us to both be in a strong political, economic and militaristic union.

You're right, those aren't strong reasons at all because they're entirely self-centered. Here's a hint -- our union wasn't founded and littered with blood and bodies on the basis of trying to make sure everyone had the highest possible match percentage on eHarmony.