Progressives say the blue-state model works. After all, states like California, Massachusetts and New York have some of the nations wealthiest and best-educated populations. But many are also basket cases, reeling from problems ranging from high costs of living and widening income inequality to chronic fiscal crises. And leading blue states often possess unique assets that protect them, at least for a time, from the full economic consequences of their public policies. What happens when the blue-state model is tried in a place without the advantages of a favorable climate, educational hubs and fortress industries? What happens when you go blue in an average, workaday place? For an answer, look to Rhode Island — a blue state in its purest form. Founded by Roger Williams in 1636, Rhode Island was for a long time economically innovative. Positioned with excellent seaport access, small, easily dammed and managed rivers and a freethinking heritage, Rhode Island became a central hub of the Industrial Revolution in America. It developed into a textile powerhouse — the first textile mill in the United States opened in Pawtucket in 1793 — and excelled in jewelry manufacturing and merchant shipping, while also boasting a large naval presence. All this activity created fantastic wealth in a state that became home to world-renowned institutions such as Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. The good times spanned well over a century. But Rhode Islands prosperity came with a dark side: an arrogance that persists today. Like Detroit, Rhode Island enjoyed success for so long that it came to believe that it could do whatever it liked, without consequences. Complacent Success Perhaps that complacency helps explain why Rhode Island was also a leader in the more dubious areas of corruption and misrule. It has often been said that Rhode Island has a rich political history, former Providence mayor — and two-time convicted felon — Buddy Cianci once wrote, which in fact is a nicer way of saying that in Rhode Island, politicians get rich. Some say that Rhode Islands unofficial state motto should be: I know a guy. Democrats have held the state legislature since 1959 and currently enjoy an overwhelming majority there, along with every statewide elected office. Republicans occasionally manage to get elected governor or mayor, but party allegiance hasnt been strong. The current governor, Lincoln Chafee, was a Republican senator who became an independent before migrating to the Democratic Party. Cianci originally won the Providence mayors office as a Republican before becoming an independent. news.investors/ibd-editorials-perspective/070714-707615-rhode-island-shows-failure-of-blue-state-government-model.htm
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:05:59 +0000
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