Description
Book SynopsisTexas and California are the leaders of Red and Blue America. As the nation has polarized, its most populous and economically powerful states have taken charge of the opposing camps. These states now advance sharply contrasting political and policy agendas and view themselves as competitors for control of the nation''s future. Kenneth P. Miller provides a detailed account of the rivalry''s emergence, present state, and possible future. First, he explores why, despite their many similarities, the two states have become so deeply divided. As he shows, they experienced critical differences in their origins and in their later demographic, economic, cultural, and political development. Second, he describes how Texas and California have constructed opposing, comprehensive policy models--one conservative, the other progressive. Miller highlights the states'' contrasting policies in five areas--tax, labor, energy and environment, poverty, and social issues--and also shows how Texas and California have led the red and blue state blocs in seeking to influence federal policy in these areas. The book concludes by assessing two models'' strengths, vulnerabilities, and future prospects. The rivalry between the two states will likely continue for the foreseeable future, because California will surely stay blue and Texas will likely remain red. The challenge for the two states, and for the nation as a whole, is to view the competition in a positive light and turn it to productive ends. Exploring one of the primary rifts in American politics, Texas vs. California sheds light on virtually every aspect of the country''s political system.
Trade ReviewAn impressive tome * Mark Pulliam, Law & Liberty *
Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students, faculty and professionals. General readers. * A. J. Dunar, University of Alabama in Huntsville *
An illuminating and highly informative account of why two Western states that share many similarities are so often at opposite ends of the cultural and political spectrum. A must read for any who are interested in the history and politics of the American West. * Bruce E. Cain, The Spence and Cleone Eccles Family Director of the Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University *
Anambitious undertaking about two ambitious states, or'sibling rivals'-- Texas vs. California is well-written, its thesis is expertly researched, and the result is a thought-provoking and engaging volume. * Ann O'M. Bowman, Professor and Hazel Davis and Robert Kennedy Endowed Chair, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University *
Table of ContentsDedication Acknowledgments PART I: PATHS TO POLARIZATION 1 Sibling Rivals 2 Origins 3 People 4 Economy 5 Culture 6 How Texas Turned Red 7 How California Turned Blue PART II: COMPETING VISIONS 8 Rival Models 9 Taxes 10 Labor 11 Energy and Environment 12 Poverty 13 Social Issues PART III: POSSIBLE FUTURES 14 State of the Rivalry References Index
