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The Unvacionated

I am stating exactly the opposite: communities and societies are dynamic and constantly evolving. They coalesce into nations and states temporarily, and then they eventually dissolve and form new communities and societies.
You think they form new communities and societies based on beliefs? Or is there economic/power/armed conflict reasons?

People moved out of the "rust belt" or out of farming because of beliefs????? No, economics and changing technology.

Prussia was built and disappeared because of beliefs or war?

Closest you can come is the American Civil War.............but that was more economic necessity than belief in slavery (slavery was dying out before the Civil War).

Not to be an economic essentialist here, but that is the #1 reason people move around the US. The #2 reason is retirement/more appealing climate.

Frankly, although this is an interesting discussion, it is kind of silly.

Now there have been intentional communities formed for several hundred years. Many of these were religious communities, but not all. Here is a pretty big one that lasted almost 40 years: https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/religious/the-oneida-community-1848-1880-a-utopian-community/

The Amish communities are pretty long lasting, around 300 years, and have around 25,000 people in the Lancaster PA community.

The Roycrofters in NY were based on artistic expression and design and were successful in creating an entire movement in furniture design, et al.

Monasteries are another example.

But, most either fall apart quickly or lose their hold on what beliefs are accepted to live in an area (The Mormons). And some become more cult-like.

So maybe, what you are reaching for is more like an intentional community based on some specific shared beliefs rather than an intentional country. So, first you have to solidify what beliefs your community is going to coalesce behind and then you have to purchase land/housing for your group. Much work to do!
 
Like I said: we can't come together on Russia, the pandemic, the election, or really anything. We do not have a shared reality. We do not have a shared culture. We do not have shared values. We are moving further apart in almost every meaningful way. We are not a community, and we should be allowed to separate in order to form more functional communities on our own.
Ok, I'll play:
1) You're calling the shots, describe to me how you would handle the war in the Ukraine? (and in doing so, explain to me why it matters to US interests that Russia wants to keep "friendly" governments on its border in Belarus and Ukr.), given the fact that almost all of Europe is in NATO).
2) Describe to me how the nation should break apart? 4 nations, 3 nations? north, south east west? Based on geography, culture, etc.??
 
Because there seems to regularly be a difference between where people consider themselves and where other people consider them to be.

OK, I'm going to stick my neck out here and say this. I understand what you're saying, but WHY are you saying it? Both his perception of himself, and yours, are mere opinions. WHY is there a need to point that out? Why didn't you preference your question by saying where you think on the spectrum he lies?

These are the kinds of posts that eventually lead to ruining good threads to the point of getting them locked.
 
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Because there seems to regularly be a difference between where people consider themselves and where other people consider them to be.
Why is that relevant? People naturally see themselves differently than others view them. If a persons views are a direction right or left of your own they are viewed to lean that direction. Rarely do you see people with views completely fit in one side or the other or those that tow the party line no matter what. These are the extremists. IMO of course.
 
1) I am perfectly fine with how the U.S. has been supporting Ukraine thus far. I am in favor of the U.S. supporting any nation that is invaded.
2) I don't know, exactly. I think the map that I posted earlier in the thread makes sense. I think that we should let people vote to form whatever states/nations work for them.
But what is better support or prevention? The US had every opportunity to try to avoid the invasion and or negotiate an agreement with the Russians. Obviously the threat of kinetic engagement was no longer on the table when Putin decided to invade so why use Ukraine as a pawn?
 
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Why is that relevant? People naturally see themselves differently than others view them. If a persons views are a direction right or left of your own they are viewed to lean that direction. Rarely do you see people with views completely fit in one side or the other or those that tow the party line no matter what. These are the extremists. IMO of course.
Because the discussion started when Brian said he considered himself to be a centrist. People's views have become more extreme as the outer poles have shifted farther from the middle. Many who consider themselves to be moderates would have been labeled far right/left not that long ago.
 
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Because the discussion started when Brian said he considered himself to be a centrist. People's views have become more extreme as the outer poles have shifted farther from the middle. Many who consider themselves to be moderates would have been labeled far right/left not that long ago.
I guess that's true. The conversation had started before that with the Covid discussion. I don't know if the poles have shifted or that peoples views are more in line with the tribal boundaries. The subjects that define where we stand have changed as well. Not too long ago the biggest item was abortion and the death penalty now its transgenderism, inclusion and your views on Covid. Its a different world now.
 
Umm...I am not talking about any of this. I am talking about the fact that nations rise and fall for all sorts of reasons, and that is a normal part of human history. What nations do not do is last forever. I am not talking about people coalescing behind any particular set of beliefs; I am talking about people naturally self-selecting into communities in which they feel more comfortable.
Essentially that's what we have now only that there is a job aspect to it. Most live where they are comfortable unless forced into it due to economic considerations.
 
Prevention is, of course, better, but prevention failed. Again, my point was that even something that should be as straightforward as supporting a nation that has been invaded by Russia can not unite the liberal and conservative communities in the U.S.
There was no attempt at prevention there was provocation. I don't think many outside of the extreme fiscal hawks or those who think the President is involved (extremists) are against the support. But there are those (myself included) that think we shouldn't have gotten ourselves into this position as it was avoidable. However, I don't disapprove of the support, in fact I think we should support them further by ending this and taking down Putin once and for all.
 
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At the municipal and state level, perhaps, but absolutely not at the national level. Conservatives do not want to live under a liberal federal administration with liberal federal policies; liberals do not want to live under a conservative federal administration with conservative federal policies. We see this manifested in the proliferation of "sanctuary" policies and punitive interstate policies, including some conservative states now criminalizing the free movement of their citizens who are attempting to circumvent the states' aggressively conservative policies.
Hence live where they are comfortable which is what they do. If there are those who are not comfortable with federal policies they are free to leave regardless of which side of the fence they sit on. It cant just be one way or the other and people have to accept things the way they are and vote accordingly. Its the whole reason for a two party system and checks and balances. Neither side is going to have the utopia they want nor should they.

Please tell me which state is restricting movement of its citizens. Last I checked you can go state to state with no papers.
 
Umm...I am not talking about any of this. I am talking about the fact that nations rise and fall for all sorts of reasons, and that is a normal part of human history. What nations do not do is last forever. I am not talking about people coalescing behind any particular set of beliefs; I am talking about people naturally self-selecting into communities in which they feel more comfortable.
They're called "communes"... they were big in the 1960s... I'm sure there's still a few in California. Join one, no doubt you'll feel more comfortable.
 
Idaho has already done it, and others are in the process of passing legislation.

I do not believe that the two party system is sacrosanct, and I do not believe that people just have to accept living in a nation where their values and beliefs are not represented. I am not certain what you are arguing in this thread. Do you believe that the U.S. has a unified culture of beliefs, values, language, etc.?
Idaho didn't restrict movement. They made it illegal to assist a minor in obtaining a abortion out of state.

You don't have to accept it, if I or you dot like the policies or the system we live under we are free to leave and live somewhere else. My point here is things aren't as bad as you see them. You want a socialist utopia where you live under liberal laws and views and all others are silenced. That's not what living in a free society is about. Its definitely not very inclusive. Things don't always go one way.
 
I am not talking about communes. I am very comfortable in California. I moved here for a reason, and I have stayed here for a reason. The community suits me well, and my values and beliefs are well represented in my municipal and state governance. I like that our elections often feature two or more Democrats as that leads to substantive policy debates. I like that our legislature has a Democratic supermajority and that all of our statewide officials are Democrats. We avoid a lot of partisan rancor and distraction. It's actually really nice.
Sounds like Russia or Bolivia. So it wouldn't be ok if a republican ran for local office?
 
Yes, they literally made it a crime to leave the state to get an abortion.

Apparently, we disagree about how divided the U.S. is and the sustainability of the U.S. as a unified culture, but at absolutely no point have I advocated for the silencing of anybody's views. Please do not project that onto me.

No they didn't. Like I said it deals specifically with minors.
 
I have asked you before, and I will ask you again: please stop taunting and mocking me.
"Lighten up, Francis".... Not taunting or mocking. Just thought it was funny on numerous levels.
I do not trust your question as genuine or well intended.
My question was genuine and well intended, just like the one I asked you in this same thread about the Ukraine and the division of the nation. Trying to understand what particular values you have that are not represented.

For the first time in the many years we've been on this board, I actually agree with you on 1 thing: the nation should separate.
 
I am not talking about communes. I am very comfortable in California. I moved here for a reason, and I have stayed here for a reason. The community suits me well, and my values and beliefs are well represented in my municipal and state governance. I like that our elections often feature two or more Democrats as that leads to substantive policy debates. I like that our legislature has a Democratic supermajority and that all of our statewide officials are Democrats. We avoid a lot of partisan rancor and distraction. It's actually really nice.

There are A LOT of folks migrating away from your state in record numbers and moving towards RED states.
They've actually dubbed it the "California Exodus".


Hell, didn't your Governor nearly get recalled? I can not think of another state which has fallen so greatly from desired to non-desirable.

GO NOLES!!!
 
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Yes, they literally made it a crime to leave the state to get an abortion.

Apparently, we disagree about how divided the U.S. is and the sustainability of the U.S. as a unified culture, but at absolutely no point have I advocated for the silencing of anybody's views. Please do not project that onto me.
Maybe if we get all the gas stoves banned it would be better?
 
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I know, and I support their leaving. Conservatives will not be happy in California, and they should move to red states where they will be more comfortable.

No, the governor was not even close to being recalled. He won reelection by almost 20%.

It has fallen in the eyes of conservatives, not liberals, which is why the median home price in my neighborhood is still over $1.8 million.

The fact there was a recall to begin with means things are not as bright and cheery as you think. I'm not sure a badge of honor is winning the recall election by 20% is as meaningful as you are characterizing it to be.

Not understanding your point about overpriced home value in Cali though, I'm very knowledgeable that you pay a lot more and get a lot less out there.

GO NOLES!!!
 
Telling me to go live on a commune is absolutely mocking and taunting. Please stop.

I am glad that we can agree on one thing.
Was not taunting or mocking; same intention as when @GeddyLee09 writes a sincere, well-thought out post the length of a solid paragraph and you summarily respond "cool".
You said:
I am talking about people naturally self-selecting into communities in which they feel more comfortable.
A commune would accurately fit this description. This would insulate yourself from the diverse beliefs that you perceive as a danger to your life. Again: not mocking, just pointing out what your advocating for has been done before, in various forms.
 
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I know, and I support their leaving. Conservatives will not be happy in California, and they should move to red states where they will be more comfortable.

No, the governor was not even close to being recalled. He won reelection by almost 20%.

It has fallen in the eyes of conservatives, not liberals, which is why the median home price in my neighborhood is still over $1.8 million.
As long as your mortgage is reasonable you should have a good nest egg sitting there.

I have a house in central Texas and we've had many non conservatives move there from California. Many of them dont stay long but very few are actual conservatives. I've seen the same in Florida although not in as great numbers. From what I see its not just conservatives leaving California.

It will be interesting to see how this works in the future as more businesses and companies then people leave the state. How will al that migration affect home prices. How long before all those homes get gobbled up for the homeless and illegals?
 
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There was no recall. The ballot measure to support a recall was voted down 62%-38%. He won the general election as an incumbent a year after the ballot measure by 20%.

Do you live in California? Do you think that you would know what it is like here better than me, a resident of the state? I know what I experience everyday, and it's pretty great here.

My point is that the idea of an exodus and collapse in California is inaccurate. If people were fleeing the state in substantial numbers, then the housing supply would be increasing, and the home prices would be falling dramatically. That is not happening.

My perspective is that we pay a lot more and get a lot more out here.

I mean, weather and scenery wise.. California is beautiful..

Taxes, home prices, cost of living, homelessness, LA/SF/Oakland crime issues seem to be a major non starter for me ever moving there

San Diego does seem beautiful though. Wouldn’t mind visiting there.
 
There was no recall. The ballot measure to support a recall was voted down 62%-38%. He won the general election as an incumbent a year after the ballot measure by 20%.

Do you live in California? Do you think that you would know what it is like here better than me, a resident of the state? I know what I experience everyday, and it's pretty great here.

My point is that the idea of an exodus and collapse in California is inaccurate. If people were fleeing the state in substantial numbers, then the housing supply would be increasing, and the home prices would be falling dramatically. That is not happening.

My perspective is that we pay a lot more and get a lot more out here.
So the data is wrong? This says California lost 874k people over a 2 year period.

 
I have not experienced any crime living in LA for the last 20 years. I can not say the same regarding living in Florida for 4 years, and I certainly can not say the same regarding living in Alabama for 18 years. The financial side of the picture has been much better for me here than it would have been in those states.

I've been to California twice (San Diego / LaJolla in the 80's and LA/Pasadena in 2013). Saw crime both times. I guess you are just lucky or insincere.

GO NOLES!!!
 
I mean, weather and scenery wise.. California is beautiful..

Taxes, home prices, cost of living, homelessness, LA/SF/Oakland crime issues seem to be a major non starter for me ever moving there

San Diego does seem beautiful though. Wouldn’t mind visiting there.

My parents went to San Diego for 5 days in April and said there were lots of homeless people.
 
There was no recall. The ballot measure to support a recall was voted down 62%-38%. He won the general election as an incumbent a year after the ballot measure by 20%.

Do you live in California? Do you think that you would know what it is like here better than me, a resident of the state? I know what I experience everyday, and it's pretty great here.

My point is that the idea of an exodus and collapse in California is inaccurate. If people were fleeing the state in substantial numbers, then the housing supply would be increasing, and the home prices would be falling dramatically. That is not happening.

My perspective is that we pay a lot more and get a lot more out here.

I have friends who live out there and believe precisely the opposite. They feel like they get a whole lot less for their dollar than it is worth (for point of reference one lives in San Luis Obispo and the other Pittsburg) as I believe many others do... again, just unlucky unlike you.

GO NOLES!!!
 
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If they do not enjoy living here and it's not worth the cost to them, then they should leave, if they are capable. SLO is a nice little town, but it's really small and out of the way. I can understand not enjoying living there. I only know Pittsburg as an East Bay suburb, and again I can understand not enjoying living there.


If California seceded from the U.S., what would you do with churches or hospitals in Cali that didn't want to perform abortions, transgender surgery or gay marriages?

Just curious.
 
I am not insincere. I do feel quite lucky.

What crime did you experience at the national championship game? I was in Pasadena the entire weekend and had a very good time with no issues. My partner went to college in San Diego, and we have spent a great deal of time in San Diego and La Jolla and have never had any issues there, either.

Robbery and drugs in San Diego (drugs were at customs going into mexico). In 2013 we stayed at the Westin near LAX. Saw drug deals all along Century Blvd and heard gun shot all weekend long.. which I assume was criminal activity.

GO NOLES!!!
 
My parents went to San Diego for 5 days in April and said there were lots of homeless people.
I go there for work quite a bit unfortunately. There are lots of homeless people in LA and San Diego. Even the hotel staff tell us to be careful walking around town due to crime mainly from the homeless people. I actually fly in and out from Dallas and do an overnight there to avoid 2 nites in Cali. Don't get me wrong there are homeless people everywhere but it seems more prevalent in LA, San Diego and even Seattle.
 
Those data appear accurate to me, and that number of people represents less than 3% of the population. To me, that is not an exodus or collapse.

The housing shortage in California is estimated to be about 3 million. We need about 5 more years of people leaving at the same rate with no internal replacement to get things balanced.
As the population decreases along with the housing shortage the demand for housing will go down along with the high prices. Losing 875K a year and meeting the 120k goal of new builds would close the gap in 3 years. If all the homeless were housed in existing or new units. The problem is the people filling these vacant units aren't going to be able to pay 1.8 million. What happens to the economy and housing market then? With no new influx of people and good jobs common sense would say it would suffer.
 
I am sorry that you were robbed in San Diego. That happened to me in both Alabama and Florida and that is a terrible experience.

It does not sound like you were the victim of any crime in L.A., which matches my experience.

I would guess that you were hearing fireworks over in Westchester, as fireworks are essentially a nightly occurrence here. As for the drug deals, that is just weird. I can not recall ever seeing a drug deal go down.

California, Alabama and Montana have almost the same crime rate per 100k people at 4700. Florida is around 3900.
 
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