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CC's avatar

I don’t disagree with the author’s thesis, but it can be very frustrating to live amongst ‘the blue’ and many of their misguided ideas, especially when it comes to ‘fiscal responsibility’. In my state, Connecticut - pension indebtedness is profound - the third worst in the nation after Illinois and New Jersey. Taxes are very high which makes it difficult for ordinary young people (not Greenwich Wall Streeters) to stay, hence many leave. And because just about everything is taxed, even business assets annually, new business formation is low. Moreover, with just 3.5 million residents there are 50k public employees, higher per capita than most states. And the state university system has a dozen campuses with duplicative administrations. Expenses only grow, nothing is ever cut, and taxes just get higher (energy costs!) and the spiral just continues. Governor Lamont born with a silver spoon in his mouth and clearly see no need to get the CT economy going again. It’s very frustrating to say the least. Seemingly, enough people aren’t hurting enough to make change.

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Jane De Haven's avatar

It's instructive to live in the deep blue state (Los Angeles, in my case) and pass as one of them. People tell me all kinds of things they would not otherwise, if they knew I were a registered Republican. They are genuinely frightened of those they mock, and think of themselves as morally superior. None of this surprises, I am sure, but it saddens me to know that the common ground we find is not enough for the blue state denizens to accept anyone who doesn't vote exactly as they demand.

However, I enjoy the fact that I don't live in an echo chamber. I have to develop the art of staying silent as necessary, and of tactical speaking up for truth. It sharpens one.

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