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I think any city that has the power to raise or lower taxes, put martial law on nation, distribute currency, send troops to foreign nations, createpolicies, etc must be the powerful city. So once again, DC must be the most powerful city in the US. The thing about DC is that its in a strange scenario, if NYC collaspes so does most of the globe but if DC collaspes it can be replaced overtime though that isn't the case for NYC. So I think DC is more powerful in the now, but NYC is the most powerful for the globe.
DC is more powerful. New York is infinitely more influential and globally recognized...but it does not have the sheer power that DC has. New York can ruin America's economy. DC can ruin almost every facet of Americans' lives if the politicians there really wanted to.
I think any city that has the power to raise or lower taxes, put martial law on nation, distribute currency, send troops to foreign nations, createpolicies, etc must be the powerful city. So once again, DC must be the most powerful city in the US. The thing about DC is that its in a strange scenario, if NYC collaspes so does most of the globe but if DC collaspes it can be replaced overtime though that isn't the case for NYC. So I think DC is more powerful in the now, but NYC is the most powerful for the globe.
It never cease to amaze me when people contradict themselves. Lol
We all have opinions.
I wish I knew that quote in another thread about this, but I don't feel like (or care to) search for it.
After reading over this entire thread, I find that we all need to separate power and influence. The definition of power is: the capacity of ability to direct or influence the behavior of others over a course of events. Political or social authority esp. excersised by a government
With that said clearly the District of Columbia has more power nationally than New York City does but NYC is either the first or second most powerful on a global stage. To undermine either industry each city has is truly ridiculous. NYC practically plays the role in keeping our wealth, while DC plays the role of distributing that wealth. NYC along with 50 states pays DC bills (although they aren't being paid very well) but DC offers something tremendous in return, the power for NYC to stay as a premier city of the world, for America to continue to be wealthy, and for the globe to someday become a safe place.
DC needs NYC, NYC needs DC. It's almost as if they balance each other out which is one great thing about our nation.
NY governs most of the world's economy, but DC has the Hill, the Pentagon and Langley. One could render the world bankrupt (almost!), the other could rewrite the entire government to become a post-Marxist Kleptocracy or blow up half of the earth with doomsday devices.
It is hard to separate NYC and DC in terms of power: NYC money influences DC politics; DC politics impact and influence NYC industries.
The "NYC control of finances" argument reminds me of a quote from N. Rothschild: "Let me issue and control a nation's money and I care not who writes the laws". NYC is the most powerful financial center in the world; but, at the same time, the Fed and the Treasury are both headquartered in DC. Also, according to the 2014 "Index of Economic Freedom," the US govt spent 41.6% of the total US GDP. This makes the government the largest spender in the economy.
Finance really does influence just about everything else in society; but, at the same time, it is just one form of power – among many. If you are talking about total power, in all of society, across many dimensions, then I would give my vote to DC, due to the fact that it is the center of government. DC has control of the government, which:
1.) Sets the laws and regulations for the country.
2.) Prints the money on which the entire economy runs (and which also happens to be the world's primary reserve currency).
3.) Sets the base interest rate for the entire country.
4.) Is the largest spender in the economy.
5.) Has control of the most powerful military that the world has ever known.
I love NYC, and have tremendous respect for NYC as a center of finance, advertising, fashion, arts, etc. The greater NYC region exerts tremendous economic power and influence. But, if we are talking about which city has the most power (on many dimensions), I would have to go with DC.
I believe that NYC and DC are the most powerful in their own realms, and I am even going to throw Los Angeles into the discussion. NYC is the most powerful city in terms of economics and finance. DC is the most powerful city in terms of military and politics. Los Angeles is the most powerful city in terms of culture.
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