Now that the topic of redrawing the map of North America has been raised, I wonder if the idea doesn’t have merit. Some Americans, in their egotistical little way, see it as an opportunity to expand. However, it seems to me like the whole of our combined territories might benefit from a reshuffle.
The South
A large hunk of the southern United States never wanted to stay in the Union. They lost the Civil War, but they still haven’t given up. Why not let them go? They can take the rest of the Republican Great Plains with them. Albertans make a lot of noise about their Rightist beliefs. Let them get a taste of what Real Conservatism means.
Quebec
One province of Canada came within a 49-51% margin of seceding in 1995. I think they bring a great deal to the cultural ethos of Canada, but it’s hard to argue against their independence when others are getting it.
Cascadia
Most people don’t know it, but when British Columbia joined Canada in 1858, there were so many American miners in the Cariboo gold fields, it was a close thing whether they would choose the US option. The Lower Mainland and the Pacific Northwest combined would form the world’s 20th largest country, with seventeen million people and a GDP of over a trillion US dollars. If California voted to join, that’s five trillion more, creating the third biggest economy in the world.
This idea has been around since the 1960s at least, mostly due to a perceived regional ignorance on the part of the eastern political elite.
The Mechanism
The division is an easy proposal to make, though the process would be complicated. To keep it as simple as possible, it would be necessary, except in cases of extreme political difference, to keep the states and provinces intact. For example, the eastern parts of Washington and Oregon swing heavily to the Republican. Only the Sea-Tac and Portland areas are more progressive. Montreal might want to stay with Upper Canada (“upper” as in “upriver,” the pre-1867 designation for the area; no jingoism intended). I’m sure the so-called “swing states” in the Mid-West would show their true colours when faced with a hard decision.
Transportation and energy corridors would be a mess, but you gotta be prepared to break a few eggs.
And then there’s Alaska. Anybody like the idea of “HRH Queen Sarah?”
The Bottom Line
A lot of us above and below the 49th have recently become aware of the major social and political divisions within our countries and are starting to wonder whether it’s worth putting up with the other side. Those who want to rock the boat should be ready to get very wet.
PS
Of course, if there were a few regions of our southern “neighbors” who want to become closer than “neighbours,” Canada has a record of receiving all comers. Just bring your geography with you. The Ottawa elite could use a shakeup.