"It can also be argued that the blue states are "waterlocked" and are therefore "internationalist,"
The way I see it, the blue states are the outer provinces, huddled around the coastal inlets, far from the heartland and ignorant of its vital energies.
Largely made up of traders, middlemen and moneychangers, they never have truly embraced the values of the great nation to whose margins they cling, and which supports their existence.
Mix in a few centers of tourist interest, exotic bazaars and entertainments, and there you have it--the essence of the Blue Fringe.
Very well said, hb. Maybe you and I should collaborate on a book about this.