Judy Does increasing size lead eventually to breakdown? This certainly was true with Athens and the Delian League, despite Athens’ draconian response towards possible deportees. The Greek city states never, for an extended period, worked together. The transition from small hunting tribes to larger populations with an ‘agricultural surplu…
Judy Does increasing size lead eventually to breakdown? This certainly was true with Athens and the Delian League, despite Athens’ draconian response towards possible deportees. The Greek city states never, for an extended period, worked together. The transition from small hunting tribes to larger populations with an ‘agricultural surplus,’did not lead to permanent larger entities, with the exception of Egypt.
Empires rise and fall. China is a prime example of an ebb and flow, while other empires seem to rise then fall. In the American colonies, the first unifying move was the Articles of Confederation, with unanimity from states for any action. Thanks to Rogue Island, they couldn’t agree to impose taxes. The drafters of the 1787 Constitution clearly did not envisage a country of 50 states, including two non contiguous states, nor the increasing non-Western Europe diversity.
The Civil War was a major effort to split the United States. Back when I rated the credit of Canadian provinces, I was aware of ‘Quebec Libre’ (de Gaulle I found galling on this subject). Nearly 50 years later, this appears more aa threat than a reality. In the United States, it would be difficult to carve off a separate nation. A number of the Southern states are dependent on the surplus taxes from other richer states. Intercontinental free trade has been a hallmark of our economic expansion. The federal military seems essential compared to state National Guards.
Despite the rumblings in various states (Texas?), I can not imagine how these malcontents could ever work out a viable confederation much less a workable constitution.
I applaud your wish for a Platonic foundation of ‘higher thought & intelligence.’ Of course Plato, not trusting the ‘demos’ who condemned Socrates, his teacher, to death, sought rule by philosopher kings. Ain’t going to happen. Czechoslovakia can split into Czech and Slovakia, with a rational division point geographically and economically. The United States will remain with 50 diverse states, despite my personal wish to cut loose Texas, Florida, and perhaps a few other states.
Judy Does increasing size lead eventually to breakdown? This certainly was true with Athens and the Delian League, despite Athens’ draconian response towards possible deportees. The Greek city states never, for an extended period, worked together. The transition from small hunting tribes to larger populations with an ‘agricultural surplus,’did not lead to permanent larger entities, with the exception of Egypt.
Empires rise and fall. China is a prime example of an ebb and flow, while other empires seem to rise then fall. In the American colonies, the first unifying move was the Articles of Confederation, with unanimity from states for any action. Thanks to Rogue Island, they couldn’t agree to impose taxes. The drafters of the 1787 Constitution clearly did not envisage a country of 50 states, including two non contiguous states, nor the increasing non-Western Europe diversity.
The Civil War was a major effort to split the United States. Back when I rated the credit of Canadian provinces, I was aware of ‘Quebec Libre’ (de Gaulle I found galling on this subject). Nearly 50 years later, this appears more aa threat than a reality. In the United States, it would be difficult to carve off a separate nation. A number of the Southern states are dependent on the surplus taxes from other richer states. Intercontinental free trade has been a hallmark of our economic expansion. The federal military seems essential compared to state National Guards.
Despite the rumblings in various states (Texas?), I can not imagine how these malcontents could ever work out a viable confederation much less a workable constitution.
I applaud your wish for a Platonic foundation of ‘higher thought & intelligence.’ Of course Plato, not trusting the ‘demos’ who condemned Socrates, his teacher, to death, sought rule by philosopher kings. Ain’t going to happen. Czechoslovakia can split into Czech and Slovakia, with a rational division point geographically and economically. The United States will remain with 50 diverse states, despite my personal wish to cut loose Texas, Florida, and perhaps a few other states.