[mywholebodyisaweapon]

Blue states, and more accurately blue CITIES in all states, are net users of energy, food, water, waste disposal, and virtually all other resources.

Contrary to what Citifried economists like Ed Glaeser say, cities are net importers of virtually everything they rely upon for survival. In exchange, they export sewage, nuclear waste, air and water pollution, etc. to the countryside. This Keynesian calculus treats all economic activity as equally valuable, whether it is saving lives or rebuilding a hopelessly floodprone New Orleans after Katrina (courtesy of Bush the Idiot).

The “monetary” flows merely disguise the true story by considering goods and bads as fungible substitutes.

How long would any city survive if it had to grow all of its own food, provide all of its own water and electricity and absorb all of its own waste?

The “country” could last indefinitely without the contributions of the “city,” but not vice-versa. Our much-vaunted urbanization is a one-way arrow to a very unpleasant destination.

[semimojo]

Blue states, and more accurately blue CITIES in all states, are net users of energy, food, water, waste disposal, and virtually all other resources.

It's true that the divide isn't by state - it's urban vs. rural.

But in terms of economic production urban wins.

"The Brookings Institution’s Mark Muro finds that “Biden’s winning base in 477 counties encompasses fully 70% of America’s economic activity.” In contrast, “Trump’s losing base of 2,497 counties represents just 29% of the economy.” (The gap in numbers of counties just underscores how many American counties have very small populations.)"