August 19, 2009
This is a serious question because what we now have seems to be on the verge of not working and our population is, and will continue to grow. Perhaps even up to 500 million.
On the face of it, the answer would be no, because the US government has so many national responsibilities. Obviously defense. And then add: the banking and money system, the interstate highway system, etc., etc. etc.
But how about administratively? Would a concept that grouped (for example)the New England States or the Pacific States plus Alaska and Hawaii as governing (and even political)units be more responsive to the needs of the citizens of those areas and also be more efficient for them and benefit the national interest as well?
In some/many cases this already exists in one form or other with the Federal Reserve Bank Districts, the Federal Appeals Courts, the Tennessee Valley Authority, The New York Port Authority, et al.
In some cases the grouping could link the weak with the strong. But at the same time this same grouping could create political mismash and thus chaos. It would also open us up to national gerrymandering.
Nothing is ever easy. It is usually easier if it is anticipated and plans developed to cope with the changing need.
I am proposing nothing. Just gve it some thought.