Dow hits 17,000. Unemployment sinks to 6.1% after 288,000 jobs added in June. Republicans claim Obama is destroying the economy.
Inflation in check except oil prices have spiked around the unsettled Middle East. Fed tapering continues.
Obama proposes more regulation of large banks. BNP agrees to $9B US fine for money laundering. Jamie Diamon legendary CEO of JP Morgan has throat cancer possibly linked to HPV infection.
Immigration crisis intensifies with tens of thousands clamoring to cross the southern border.
The Iraq insurgency seems to be in stalemate as Sunni's control the north and a big chunk of eastern Syria, Kurds hold the northeast, and the US supported Shia government controls Baghdad and the south. Kirkuk is still being disputed between the Sunni's and Kurds. Tikrit is on the firing line between Sunni and Shia. The Kurds and the Shiites control the oil. The Sunni's hold the largest refinery. Sounds like a defacto partition.
With crime stats showing New Orleans to be a safer place the Mayor just made an emergency request for State Police to patrol the French Quarter. Oh well it worked and the French Quarter is once again a tourist haven while the rest of the city is not.
Would a partition of the US into the Red States and the Blue States of America make a good story? Maybe an HBO series. Would Republicans be happier? Rush Limbaugh?
The rules would require both new nations start with the US Constitution, but would get their pick of Supreme Court Justices. Envision a schoolyard pick. The Reds win the toss and take young Sammy Alito for their first pick. Ms. Pelosi goes next and chooses sweet Ruthie Ginsburg. Reds seem to be holding a grudge over Obamacare and take Kennedy last leaving Roberts off the bench. President's Pelosi and Cruz each get to name one new justice. Pelosi names Elizabeth Warren while Cruz picks Ron Paul. Texas splits into five Red states packing the new Red Senate. Oh well it would make good fiction and a two hour TV pilot. Sorkin are you listening?
Something like the European Union could be setup to help the citizens adjust. No tarriffs or passports would be required. Unrestricted commerce and movement of people between the states would be allowed. Would we get to see who is right as policies rapidly diverged between liberal and conservative ideology? We could finally clear out Washington D.C. making it an historical theme park. The new capitols could be in San Francisco and Dallas. How about a ten year trial separation with a 67% popular vote at the end required to make it permanent.