Land Ho!

Ever wonder why the election maps are red in the middle and blue on the edges? One possible explanation has to do with land ownership. People who own land tend to be more often conservative than progressive. They see moral good in the hard work required to care for land and its fruits. Their values carry over to the small towns, where merchants and small business owners also see good and prosperity tied to their own efforts.

As people get packed closer together, such as on the coasts, land ownership is not all that important, particularly in the larger cities. Indeed, many rent apartments and have only the personal goods of daily existence. Expecting others to provide support, they see government as the answer to the support they need and want to add value to their lives (ie, police, fire, transportation, public parks). With no land to tax and only personal possessions, they feel comfortable with higher tax rates.