Geography

[TransformX]

I remember that many people blame Americans for knowing little or no geography. Then again, each of the 50 states of the U.S is equal to a country outside the U.S, yet most people (me included) who know some or even lots of geography, know little to nothing about U.S geography. Knowing where NY, TX and CA are, is about as good as knowing where France, Spain and GB are in Europe..

[schmosef]

Cheer up, it's Valentine's Day!

[cjolley]

It's not the same.
NY, TX, and CA have virtually no relationship except through the central US gov.
The interactions that they do have have no effect on anyone living outside the US.

On the other hand, the locations and relationships between other countries can and frequently does effect the people of the US.

That is not to say that the differences between the States aren't interesting geographically, and politically .
They can be very.
But there is no particular reason for people in other countries to care about the differences.

[az]

I think it would be nice if I knew at least where the most important states lie, but seeing as I have trouble naming all 16 Bundesländer, yet alone know where they are, I've given up, and I don't feel too bad about it - only a little ashamed that I really coulnd't tell California from Florida.

[Dr Mordrid]

States demographics

In the US House of Representatives "one man, one vote" is the rule so larger states have more representatives.

In the Senate each state, no matter how small, gets 2 votes. This to prevent small states from being dominated by the more populous states.

Interesting note: up until the early 20th century Senators were not elected; they were appointed by the state governments.

States are largely self-governing. Each has a Governor, legislature and its own military; the National Guard. The NG is under the command of the Governor unless the NG is federalised by the President. NG units can also be called up to serve in the Federal military if needed.

US states and regions are very different in culture.

Ex: Louisiana has a very distinct culture including the Cajuns (French Acadians). Southern and midwestern culture are also distinct. Some would say that California's "culture" is just psychotic

As for politics;

[TransformX]

It's not the same.
NY, TX, and CA have virtually no relationship except through the central US gov.
The interactions that they do have have no effect on anyone living outside the US.

On the other hand, the locations and relationships between other countries can and frequently does effect the people of the US.

That is not to say that the differences between the States aren't interesting geographically, and politically .
They can be very.
But there is no particular reason for people in other countries to care about the differences.

With the new European Union, one could claim that many European countries aren't interesting either. I mean, who cares what Belgium, Austria etc. say, do or practically exist when all that matters is what France, Germany and GB say?

[Brian Ellis]

Isn't it amazing? A thread starts as geography and ends, after a handful of posts, in politics. This is just bloody sickening.

[jms]

With the new European Union, one could claim that many European countries aren't interesting either. I mean, who cares what Belgium, Austria etc. say, do or practically exist when all that matters is what France, Germany and GB say?

Yup, that's why Norway voted NO to be a member, twice

[TransformX]

Isn't it amazing? A thread starts as geography and ends, after a handful of posts, in politics. This is just bloody sickening.

Well, apparently geography is a political matter, even where you live.

[Dr Mordrid]

Isn't it amazing? A thread starts as geography and ends, after a handful of posts, in politics. This is just bloody sickening.

Most definitions of geography include the study of human activities in a region, which also includes its culture and politics.

[az]

With the new European Union, one could claim that many European countries aren't interesting either. I mean, who cares what Belgium, Austria etc. say, do or practically exist when all that matters is what France, Germany and GB say?

So?



(Yeah, I'm really a bad example... I just CAN'T remember any geographical information. I barely know where France is.)

[Sasq]

(Yeah, I'm really a bad example... I just CAN'T remember any geographical information. I barely know where France is.)

It's the place you fly over, on your way to London

[Gurm]

Now, let's not mince words here. The average American couldn't locate Asia on a map even if the map had the word ASIA in big bold letters on it.

Then again, the average American doesn't know where the 50 states are, either.

BUT the average European thinks the average American is retarded when in reality they're victims of our inferior education system.

But, and I cannot stress this strongly enough... virtually everyone here knows how to shower and then use deodorant afterwards... which is MUCH more than I can say for a great percentage of the Europeans who come visit us here. And those of us of the male gender know that NOBODY wants to see us in a thong - on the beach or anywhere else. Someone needs to tell Euro-guys, though.

[Technoid]

As for politics;

It’s also interested that, if you compare the top map to the bottom map showing the light emitting by the US, giving a very good idea about population density, it becomes abundantly clear, that not only is the divide an illusion, but that in the areas where poeple actually live, the states are way darker purple and bluish. The only really red states are the ones were very few people live! The cities are bluer (even in the south and midwest) and they get more purple as you get into the burbs.

[Dr Mordrid]

Actually there are as many red staters as blue, they just know better than to live in the central cities. Look at Michigan; the bright node on the east coast is largely liberal Detroit, yet its only 1/4 to 1/3 of the whole states population.

That and the country/suburban folks know better than to leave their lights on all night