Dividing America In Half--Literally

America is split into two philosophically opposing camps. There are those of Democrat-Socialist-Communist-Liberal (left) leaning. The others are Republican-Libertarian-Constitutionalist-Conservative (right) leaning. This results in constant political haggling and divisions, while at the same time all of us try to live together in peace. 

An obvious solution is to divide the country in half, literally, so there are two separate and sovereign entities. Now I know this sounds absurd, but at least thinking through this prospect creates some clarity in terms of the causes of the present downward spiral of our economy and society and the direction we should vote. 

Play along with me here and imagine all those on the left move left of the Mississippi, or some other geographically fair line. Those on the right move to the right. Borders are set and there are then two new countries. No civil war would be required, just people voluntarily moving to where their political philosophy rules. 

Those moving left of the Mississippi would be those who believe and want to live under the first statement in the following list; those moving right would be those who believe and want to live under the second statement: 

1. The Constitution should be "living," flexible, easily changed, or ignored. VS The Constitution (minus amendments that have diluted it, like the income tax) is fixed and the law of the land. 

2. People should pay tax based upon their income (work and success) since that "is only fair." VS No tax based upon income since that penalizes success, impedes the economy, and thwarts the "pursuit of happiness." 

3. Those below a certain level of income should pay no tax. VS Everyone, other than those physically not capable and children, must pay a yearly membership fee (tax) for the costs of the country's infrastructure and security, plus pay usage tolls where appropriate. You get only what you earn, and pay for what you get. 

4. There should be guaranteed wages and benefits. VS Wages and benefits are determined by the free market. Employees and employers freely choose who they wish to work with. 

5. Free health care, food, housing, education, and living allowance. VS People are responsible for their own health and sustenance. Where that is not sufficient, private charity and public assistance tied to merit would take over. 

6. Open borders. VS Legal immigration only. 

7. Generous unemployment benefits with lenient looking-for-work qualifiers, and early retirement with full, or near-full wages and benefits. VS If a person cannot find work in the private sector, they must take a government sponsored public works job. Everyone must earn their keep and save for retirement. 

8. Money should be redistributed by government from each according to their ability, to each according to their need. VS Individual responsibility and free enterprise--you are free not to work, but also free to starve. Government would have no right to confiscate money from you to give to others. 

9. There need be no balanced budget and there can be unlimited printing of money and government debt. VS A balanced budget is mandatory and paper money must be backed by actual physical gold. 

10. No qualifications other than age for voting. VS Only those who can pass a test on the Constitution and the platforms of the candidates are permitted to vote. 

Now I know these definitions may not perfectly fit everyone's views on where they stand. But by drawing sharp contrasts, as opposed to the jumble created by the grey of politically correct opinion, it is possible to see more clearly consequences and outcomes of a particular line of thinking. 

One more thing, before you pack and move, understand that the left side country does not get to tap into the wealth generated by the right side country (as those of left leaning do now). The right side country does not get to tap into the freebies offered by the left side country (as those of right leaning do now). 

Ask yourself which half of the country is likely to prosper and which half is likely to financially collapse and descend into social anarchy? Which side do you think business and jobs will move to?   

Thinking through this hypothetical division of America is a useful exercise when sorting through political ideas and their ultimate consequences. Before voting, such critical thinking is the responsibility of every citizen.