Guest Post : Arizona

Arizona has filled up with outsiders who know nothing of the state’s history. Arizona was created by theft from Indians and conquest (and purchase) from Mexico, but also by heroic acts and mighty deeds. Most “Arizonans” know nothing of this. They came for a cheap house and a resort dream (with championship golf). For the sun, which can do the devil’s work on the brain. As I’ve written before, one consequence is the resort mindset: People check in, they check out, but it’s not really home. On vacation at a resort, many people will do things they would never do at home. Unfortunately, what happens in Arizona stays in Arizona, and stays. Among the things most don’t know is that the good of Arizona is the result not of “rugged individualism,” but of collective effort, compromise and plenty of federal money. The violence of the Old West is much overstated, the cooperation and communal efforts barely known. Violence is not merely the province of the unhinged or incited by the white-right. It tends to rise when societies become more unequal and reach economic crisis. Both cases apply to America and Arizona. Today’s apparent status quo of rule by a swindling oligarchy, the wide gulf between the rich and average workers, deep unemployment and the gutting of the middle class are new phenomena in modern American history. Few states are in as deep a mess as Arizona, and none that are so populous. The ruling Kookocracy’s remedy of low taxes and “light regulation” has failed, but it’s all they’ve got, aside from yelling “fire!” in a crowded and seething theater.”

—	Rogue Columnist