Form a new state (Atlanta: construction, taxes, law)

[brown_dog_us]

Originally Posted by primaltech

I think in this case, 'Atlanta' would mean the 5 core counties, which would be a blue state (even including Cobb). And the population is about half of the state's, or close to it.

Sure, but those 5 counties would have a huge numerical advantage at the voting booth compared to the COA, and those counties tend to have a different political philosophy.

Basically, the COA is a small percentage of the population and already has an out sized influence. This thread is a good example of people thinking Atlanta is bigger and more influential than it really is. The COA needs to focus on building coalitions instead of making demands.

[primaltech]

No, the point is that there are liberals in this state. Millions of us in number, even. We're located inside the perimeter and immediately around it, in parts of all 5 of those counties. It's the area called 'Atlanta', but most of it is not actually in the city limits of that city. 'Atlanta' has millions of people, is hugely big and hugely influential and important, yet because of political geographical lines that favor Republicans, it gets very low Democratic representation, and the state politics are dominated by the rural half of the people.

The 2 most blue counties are Dekalb and Clayton, neither of which are mostly in Atlanta proper. The actual city of Atlanta population is about as useful stat as the city of London population (look it up, it's a tiny little area).

Anyway, I agree about the need to stengthen political coalitions within the existing system. But I can acknowledge that progressive interests get unfairly screwed over by that system, in this state. The city proper is limited by its small size and population. The inner counties are limited by the state. The inner parts of the suburban counties are limited by their rural areas and the conservatives living out there.

So the ultimate result is that there is a very large liberal urban area here, even concentrated geographically, but it's limited by not being unified or represented as a political entity of any kind.

[BullochResident]

Originally Posted by fieldm

Its time for the city of Atlanta and whoever else that wants to join to form a new state.

Do not want.

I live in a more rural part of the state where a good amount of $$$ in our area comes straight from metro Atlanta (Georgia Southern students). I want it to stay that way.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

(...Northern Virginia is basically part of the Boston-NYC-Philly-Washington Northeastern Corridor while the rest of Virginia is basically the Deep South.)

Now I wouldn't go that far; Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville certainly aren't the Deep South. But I get your sentiment, although NoVA, along with Richmond and Hampton Roads to a lesser extent, is pulling the state to the left.

While I miss Atlanta, it's very obvious that the state of Georgia holds it back and that's so unfortunate.

[fieldm]

Originally Posted by BullochResident

Do not want.

I live in a more rural part of the state where a good amount of $$$ in our area comes straight from metro Atlanta (Georgia Southern students). I want it to stay that way.

Well more dollars would come to you all if rural GA would let Atlanta be Atlanta. Our relationship isnt good anymore. Its about time for a divorce. You sound like a pimp. You want all our money but we dont get much in return

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by primaltech

I think in this case, 'Atlanta' would mean the 5 core counties, which would be a blue state (even including Cobb). And the population is about half of the state's, or close to it.

The State of Atlanta would be smaller than Delaware, I bet. And, it would be like the country of Lesotho which is completely surrounded by South Africa. I've always found that interesting.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by BullochResident

Do not want.

I live in a more rural part of the state where a good amount of $$$ in our area comes straight from metro Atlanta (Georgia Southern students). I want it to stay that way.

Folks in Atlanta oftentimes forget, overlook or simply don't know how important the non-Atlanta parts of Georgia are. Being from rural south Georgia, I could never support creating a separate State of Atlanta.

[Mutiny77]

If Georgia were to get broken up, which I doubt would ever happen, it would probably be a north/south split occurring roughly along the fall line.

[alco89]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Folks in Atlanta oftentimes forget, overlook or simply don't know how important the non-Atlanta parts of Georgia are. Being from rural south Georgia, I could never support creating a separate State of Atlanta.

I have been living in Atlanta for years and I'm gettin' real tired of people on this board painting folks from my native South GA with a broad, negative brush. Especially when all the recent "hits against Atlanta" have come from its next door neighbors like Cobb, the mountains, and NORTH FULTON (Hello!!!!).

Many people from across the state visit Atlanta all the time visiting the many attractions, having fun for a weekend trip, or simply just flying out of Hartsfield. In other words: pumping money into the Atlanta economy. Not to mention the various natural, agricultural, and logistical benefits the rest of the state provides.

Literally the only thing other Georgians hate about Atlanta is the traffic and how its residents tend to look down on the them. If there is ill-will towards Atlanta from the rest of GA its generally coming from its political "leaders" who only listen to the vocal minority and not the majority. Sound familiar??

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by alco89

Literally the only thing other Georgians hate about Atlanta is the traffic and how its residents tend to look down on the them. If there is ill-will towards Atlanta from the rest of GA its generally coming from its political "leaders" who only listen to the vocal minority and not the majority. Sound familiar??

Spot on, alco89.