Memphis separates from TN and forms its own state? (Franklin: crime, live)

[bluffcity]

Since Memphis is so different from Nashville and the rest of Tennessee, and the rest of TN thinks Memphis as a crime-ridden city and drags down the stats for the entire state. Are there any thoughts of Memphis secedes from TN and forms its own state of West Tennessee? maybe with a few N. Mississippi counties and all western Tennessee counties?

[VSRJ]

By your logic, New York City should probably separate from New York and become its own country. And New Orleans? It might as well be its own continent. L.A.? It should be its own planet.

Memphis is no more dangerous than in any other mid-to-large city in the U.S. Marginally? Perhaps. But you cited no actual statistics, you just mentioned the word "stats" and therefore further a stereotype that you likely gathered from word of mouth or the "top 10 most dangerous cities" lists. Memphis is different from Nashville and other TN cities because it's a different city with a different culture, history and people. No two cities are alike.

[danielj72]

Memphis may have its problems but it adds to the culture of TN immensely. Blues music, BBQ and Elvis, are the obvious ones. If anyone thinks Memphis hurts us that bad because of its crime issues then they should consider what other states live with. Illinois has Chicago coloring its image, worse yet the entire state of Michigan which is a very nice state has Detroit to deal with. Detroit has no redeeming value, its just a drag on the state which carries it as a burden. No one thinks of that states beauty or good things, only what Detroit is. Anyone who has ever been there can attest to how severe that cities problems are, in fact the place is quite hopeless. We are so lucky in TN not to have something like that here. I live on the east side of the state and Memphis is quite far from us. Many don't see it often, but most are aware of what it adds to the state. No one hates it, even if they are concerned about its crime rate. In fact ive been thinking of a get away weekend over in Memphis if I can just find enough time to do it. Its a nice long 5 hour long drive from here. Tennesseans should not be bashing other Tennesseans, were better than that.

[jabogitlu]

I agree with Daniel - Memphis has a lot of unique characteristics that are in a genre that is VERY "Tennessee." Musical heritage, unique culinary line. East Tennessee is also quite different from Nashville, so if we're taking this line of thinking to completion, I think TN would have to split into 3 distinct states.. or maybe even more...??

[bluffcity]

there was a time there was a state called Franklin in East TN although never was recognized by the Fed Gov

[Longtimelistener]

Why would we want to form the poorest state in the country?

[bluffcity]

worse than Mississippi and W Virginia?

[ColliervilleMom]

Originally Posted by danielj72

Memphis may have its problems but it adds to the culture of TN immensely. Blues music, BBQ and Elvis, are the obvious ones. If anyone thinks Memphis hurts us that bad because of its crime issues then they should consider what other states live with. Illinois has Chicago coloring its image, worse yet the entire state of Michigan which is a very nice state has Detroit to deal with. Detroit has no redeeming value, its just a drag on the state which carries it as a burden. No one thinks of that states beauty or good things, only what Detroit is. Anyone who has ever been there can attest to how severe that cities problems are, in fact the place is quite hopeless. We are so lucky in TN not to have something like that here. I live on the east side of the state and Memphis is quite far from us. Many don't see it often, but most are aware of what it adds to the state. No one hates it, even if they are concerned about its crime rate. In fact ive been thinking of a get away weekend over in Memphis if I can just find enough time to do it. Its a nice long 5 hour long drive from here. Tennesseans should not be bashing other Tennesseans, were better than that.

Well said! +1

[the_commuter]

The State of Franklin existed before there was a Tennessee, not concurrent with Tennessee.

[tigerphan]

Originally Posted by Longtimelistener

Why would we want to form the poorest state in the country?

Memphis would instantly be the most disfunctional state in the union.