Nestled on the bank where the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers join, is this place, this city, this "Twilight Zone" (Rod Serling) named Binghamton. The upstate Conservative farming mentality meets with the downstate Progressive lifestyle during the yearly migration of "Long Island residents" whom inundate the halls of Binghamton University with their unique perspective on life. The differences local "townies" and migrant "city folk" have in both mentality and lifestyle becomes more pronounced when political opinions are thrown into the mix. The traditionally Conservative upstate is at odds with the blatantly Liberal downstate, setting the scene for a unique marriage of resident and collegiate year resident. Local policy makers often relish the economic boost brought by "New York City dollars" yet publicly balk at the idea of concessions to those entities whom are not involved in the local political process. Yet one must wonder (in private) are some local policies crafted and local decisions made in the hopes of garnering downstate political favor? In the State Legislature this favor could translate into more scraps being thrown upstate (at least as far as Binghamton)
To digress, this blog will examine three realms which have a unique confluence in Binghamton. The Rural / Urban, the Conservative / Liberal and the Personal /Public. All aspects of local life will be used and looked at through the lenses stated above. As Mr. Serling aptly put it " You are about to enter the Twilight Zone" (Rod Serling TV series "The Twilight Zone")
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1 comment:
Sounds a lot like Michigan. The south-eastern part of the state, the "Metro Detroit" area is dominated by liberals and democrats. The rest of the state with the exception of a couple places like the tri-cities area and the capital are generally pretty conservative.
It's sad here , when you observe the political layout, that less than half the Representatives and Senators cover about 75% of the state.
The disproportionate representation that goes to the metro area needs to be changed. Detroit and the surrounding cities have bled population for almost a decade now.
If they did a redistricting, you'd see a reliably "Red" state up here.
Kudos to you my friend on the post. I look forward to reading more.
~tuebor~
Philo
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