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I used to live near DC and yes, it is where the government is, but in terms of the actual city itself, no way is it number 1, 2, or even 3. Yes, it's the "Nation's Capital", but that doesn't make it the most important city. Is Sacramento more important to California than LA or San Francisco just because it's the capital? Is Albany more important to New York state than NYC? Is Springfield more important to Illinois than Chicago?
There's a big difference in that DC is the capital for entire nation whereas your comparisons are cities against their state capitals. DC is orders of magnitude greater in importance.
DC is run a bunch of out-of-towners who are more loyal to their constituents back home.
Not many decision-makers are from DC or act in a capacity of power representing DC and its environs.
The difference in magnitutude does not make the analogy invalid. DC even though the nation's capitol is hardly ever considered a social, economical or cultural center of the US.
Exactly. Here in California, we are facing a major budget crisis. This state is about to fall apart budget-wise. When you watch the local news, everyone is talking about Sacramento. Everyone is "looking to Sacramento for the answers", just like everyone will be "looking to DC" for the answers to an international crisis with North Korea or whatever. California is an enormous state on a scale that is difficult to comprehend. It's virtually a mini-nation. The decisions made in Sacramento will affect the lives of 37 million people. However, this situation hardly makes Sacramento the most important city in California. Just because the political decisions regarding California's budget future aren't being made in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, that in no way makes those cities second-fiddle to Sacramento.
All would probably agree that New York and LA are number one and two US cities but who is number three? Is it DC for its political imapct on the planet, Chicago or Houston for their business might, SF for culture or Boston for education?
Please vote and then support your opinion with comments and verifiable data.
Thanks,
Your premise is false. Los Angeles is not the number two city in the US.
Your premise is false. Los Angeles is not the number two city in the US.
Of course it is. It's the second largest city, second largest metro, second largest local economy, it's the national and international media and entertainment center. On top of it is located in California.
The difference between DC and say Sacramento is the difference between hot chili burning your mouth and someone throwing gas on you and lighting a match. DC decisions are world decisions. Life or death! Example: Cuban Missile Crisis. The UN has no power at all. Bush proved that fact with Iraq.
Power brokers in DC are bailing out Wall Street & Detroit. Government agencies like the IRS touch American citizen. Keep thinking that DC is a non player in the grand scheme of things.
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