Just one problem with this theory.
On average, blue states pay more to the federal government than they receive in services, while of course on average red states take in more than they pay out.
This is primarily because blue states on average are wealthier than red states.
I have no idea how such an analysis would play out on the county level.
...but is that really true any more? I don't know. I do know that Americans are fleeing CA, NY, and other blue-bastions in droves. Same with businesses; a trend that has been going on for years.
Do you have any sources for this? This is the first time I've heard of this phenomena
You are right about the blue states paying more in. One has to remember that the finance sectors and a lot of manufacturing is still in very blue state areas. Agriculture does not make nearly as much income per capita as the other sectors per capita.
Now, a lot of the manufacturing is moving to red states and this will change. Finance will likely be centered in the blue states for a long time.
However think about this in terms of production, not income. Wall street doesn’t produce anything (just income).
I think the red states need to focus on increasing their manufacturing capability, although this will be very tough in the current politcal climate and with the croney capitalism that places like detroit enjoy. However, if we have more manufacturing capability then if the fecal material hits the fan we will have more options.
Remember, in 1861 there wasn’t a single cannon foundry in the South.
Free people do not want those government services (EPA, FDA, etc.). They are imposed on the red states.
And a big part of it is welfare to Southern blacks to keep them as a permanent underclass of welfare queens.