• AA5B@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    The traditional map is more reflective of electoral power. This one is by population which would be critical in a republic, but traditional map where each count is colored by their majority shows how being the majority in lightly populated areas gives outsized power.

    Cities tend to be Blue, but cities don’t get a unified vote, plus are subject to state laws. Look at Houston: they don’t have a chance

    But yes, we do federalism. Speaking for Massachusetts:

    • as close to universal healthcare as you can get in the us
    • healthcare “sanctuary” state
    • consistently the best or near the best education system
    • free tuition at state universities
    • minimum wage over $15, among the highest
    • strong emphasis on transit, walkable cities
    • strong anti pollution and anti climate change laws
    • strong wetlands and coastal protection
    • immigrant protections
    • first state to legalize gay marriage
    • among the first to legalize marijuana
    • by some reviews, highest quality of life in the US

    But we’re affected by everyone else:

    • not allowed to make air pollution rules. All we can say is we agree with California
    • led a bunch of big lawsuits against Midwest polluters affecting us. Worked for a bit but decent Supreme Court ruling says EPA can’t regulate that
    • strong gun control laws, partly invalidated by Supreme Court