Joel Kotkin, who is almost unfailingly interesting and provocative, unveils an extended analogy helpful in understanding our current political divide. Instead of posing 'red states' versus 'blue states,' we should reach back to Seventeenth Century Britain, prior to the (British) Civil War, and realize that we are torn between elitist, Europe—loving 'Cavaliers' and religiously—inspired, Puritan 'Roundheads.'

The analogy works in many respects. We all hope, of course, that our current situation will not dissolve into civil war, so perhaps the larger point that we face such a danger will help us avoid that fate.

Of course, even successful analogies explain some things, but never explain everything.

Posted by Thomas  03 27 04