Is the idea of "states" outdated?

[Ardent15]

From what I observe, regions of America have interests, but not individual states (except for ones like California and Texas). I believe that the local level of governance more accurately reflects the population, but that's just my opinion.

Another question: do people feel that states are a barrier between local interests and the federal government?

[glowing]

1. Yes. Competing with China and California is like shooting one in their foot.

[ret5hd]

2. Dogs pissin' on trees. This one's mine, this one's mine too... (nt)

[anonymous171]

3. States are an important part of the bureaucracy.

So no.

[DJ13]

4. States are fine, but the idea of a USA is outdated

Its too large, too unwieldy due to the diverse social beliefs as epitomized by the Southern States and their strict religious doctrines that are the base of the GOP.

As its currently comprised, the rest of the country ends up being subjected to living under an increasingly rigid orthodoxy just so those states dont get upset.

Its unfair to liberal states to have them setting the tone of social policies in our national government.

[stray cat]

11. I think diversity in a large country beats small independent states killing one another

[Captain Hilts]

5. NC is not like SC. VT is not like NH. VA is not like MD. Yes, states might be

out-dated, but they're still relevant.

Canada's provinces are much bigger and have more autonomy.

[JonQ]

6. I think it's an essential part of federalism

an idea I generally approve of.

The best governance seems to be done on a local level. People are more in tune with what their constituents want and are more accountable.

Some things must be done nationally but quite a bit of what the government takes care of can be handled at a state/local level.

Besides, it provides the opportunity to experiment and come up with new and better programs, without risking screwing over 300+ million people.

[Fire1]

8. It's the essence of "federalism." n/t

[JonQ]

14. I was being a bit glib

states rights are the very basis of federalism of course.

[TheKentuckian]

7. I think they were outmoded when they were created

the whole system was to prop up slavery and to allow for economic discrepancies. I'm a one nation sort of fella and would eliminate the states in a heartbeat. States rights my ass.

[Zomby Woof]

16. And yet your DU name is based on your state of origin

[XemaSab]

9. I think states based on arbitrary lines were outmoded when they were created

and geographic features might be a better approach. Then again, having states that have a diversity of landforms might create states that have a diverse economy, so I could easily argue it both ways.

[stevedeshazer]

10. I'm in favor of a cooperative Balkanization of the US into regions.

I'm biased because I live in the Northwest US and am in favor of secession much like the right-wing Texans are, just for the opposing reasons. I hope British Columbia will join us.

Hail Cascadia!

[dysfunctional press]

12. all of the great lake states could meld into one....

and have a lock on the wet stuff for the dry days to come.

oh wait...we already have.
http://www.glc.org/about/glbc.html

The Great Lakes Basin Compact

Overview
The Great Lakes Commission is the only regional organization with a statutory mandate to represent the eight Great Lakes states on a variety of environmental and economic issues.

[stevedeshazer]

13. Watch out. the Republics of California and Texas have designs on your water!

California has tried to steal ours.

[JonQ]

15. Balkanization is usually not seen as a good thing

considering how the balkans ended up I don't think that's a good route to take.