Modified Sat, Nov 14, 2009 06:28 AM
One combined Carolina
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close xFLORENCE, S.C. -- In the service of frugality and efficiency, large corporations have merged to create leaner, more complete companies that can effectively compete on the global stage. Might it be worth considering the same model for governmental entities, i.e., states of the Union? Why two Dakotas, Virginias or Carolinas? Why not one of each?
Take the case of one Carolina as a model. The combined resources of North and South Carolina might be more efficient, leaner and more influential, not to mention being a very complete and interesting place to live. Right up there with the larger states of New York, California and Texas, it would be a major player on the national scene. Let me describe such a singular state.
First of all, it would be simply and beautifully called just Carolina. Its most logical capital would be Charlotte, already a major city in the Southeast and centrally located on the border between the two current states. Carolina would have nicely varied geography from mountains to sea, with cultural and historic cities from Asheville in the highlands to Charleston on the coast. Other great cities from Greenville to Greensboro, and Columbia to Raleigh would be found on the piedmont in between.
Popular seaside destinations would range from the Outer Banks to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach and on to Kiawah and Hilton Head. Mountain venues would dot the western part of the state, from Boone on down the Blue Ridge to Hendersonville and Highlands/Cashiers. Pinehurst, arguably the golf capital of the world, would head up a list of many great golf and tennis locations from the mountains to the coast.
Major sporting events are currently held in both states, including the NFL games of the Carolina Panthers (incidentally, already named for one Carolina), multiple U.S. Opens at Pinehurst, annual PGA events in Charlotte and Hilton Head, Family Circle Tennis in Charleston and the best of college athletic conferences in the ACC and SEC with their national affiliations.
Speaking of colleges, what a university system one Carolina would have with the combined campuses of both states. Advancement of knowledge and technology would be led by the Research Triangle in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area as well as by the research facilities on all the university campuses and medical schools of this great state. Industrially, Carolina could become the auto capital of the United States, not to mention being the agricultural, furniture, textile, recreational and health care leader it already is.
In U.S. history, one Carolina is at the heart of Revolutionary and Civil War action and still plays an important role in our national defense with its numerous military bases. It also has considerable potential on the alternative energy front, with solar, wind, nuclear and geothermal all having good potential.
As for livability, Carolina enjoys relative meteorological and geological calm and a temperate climate that varies nicely from mountain to sea. A reasonable cost of living would make one Carolina desirable for young and old alike, keeping the state a lively place for young families and older retirees to call home as the demographics of our society change.
Politically, efficiency and cost effectiveness would be enhanced by having one instead of two heads of various agencies across what are currently two states. We would lose two U.S. senators and one governor as one state, but we would still have as many representatives in Congress. The remaining two senators and one governor presumably would be all the more powerful and influential among their peers. To be sure, political transition would not be easy. But a commitment to making it work would set the stage for rising above any challenges that arose in the process.
I have lived in both states for extended periods, have loved both states and have proudly claimed residency in each one. But I would be all the prouder and happier in not having to choose, and in being able to say that I am a Carolinian, from one Carolina, the best and most beautiful state in the country.
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