Alaska is the American past, or rather a certain segment of the American past. Homogenously white, except for the natives. No history of slavery or of the exploitation of Hispanics or Asians deprived of political rights. Never industrial or urban. Living primarily off agriculture and the extractive industries of fishing, timber and minerals. A large class of small, independent owners, with fairly low barriers to entry. An immense amount of undeveloped land and resources in relation to a small population. Plenty of room, so one man’s individualism doesn’t bump up against another’s. Minimalist government. Lots of tourists (more than inhabitants), but too far away for the rich second home crowd that is turning Montana, Idaho and Wyoming into suburbs of LA, Seattle and Denver.

Alaska calls itself the Last Frontier. Its as close to the America Jefferson dreamed of -- a homogenous, socially egalitarian country of independent farmer-owners and craftsmen - as it is possible to find. For some people, like Sarah Palin’s parents, it’s where you migrate to for a fresh, independent start when even Idaho becomes too constraining. For others in the Lower 48, it plays the same role in their fantasy life as the Pendleton shirt in the closet or the SUV in the mall parking lot. That Palin’s nomination has proven so popular within her party tells us a good deal about what Republicans think the real America is and dream about what the country ought to look like.

Unfortunately, that imagined America has little or nothing to do with a country where most people live in suburbs or cities and will spend their entire lives working as employees for some large organization or other, at the mercy of economic developments around the world. People like Palin's parents move to Alaska because they want to get away from life as it is lived in the Lower 48. Maybe that's why Palin was involved with the Alaska Independence Party when she was younger.

What Palin exemplifies is the Frank Capra - Jimmy Stewart sentimental populist wish-dream, seen in movies like Dave, and on every daytime tv judge show, that all would be well if a regular person, just like ourselves, only a little bit better, ran things instead of professional politicians, lawyers and intellectuals. I don't underestimate its appeal.

'Unfortunately, that imagined America has little or nothing to do with a country where most people live in suburbs or cities and will spend their entire lives working as employees for some large organization or other, at the mercy of economic developments around the world.'

poor little helpless things. only the gubmint can save them from that horror!

i agree though. no one dreams of being on food stamps and living in section 8 housing.

If Alaska is really the Republican party's vision of the American Dream and America's future then they will win in a landslide. The reality is that runaway mass immigration has kiiled the American Dream in much of the lower-48. Alaska is one of the few places left where ordinary people have a chance to get ahead in life.

If Repubicans are willing to take the tough steps needed to stop mass immigration and make the American Dream real in the lower-48, they deserve the support of the vast majority of Americans.

Will John McAmnesty every do this? Not likley.

The America Obama seeks to create

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'The reality is that runaway mass immigration has kiiled the American Dream in much of the lower-48.'

i'm sorry but you are full of it. i'm pushing 60 and there have never been so many opportunities for a young person that is willing to work, sacrifice and save their money. millions do it.

you liberal leftists have been saying the same old shit for the 50 years that i remember. playing the victim and making excuses for your lack of ambition.

those are not Liberal Ideals.

The Greatest Generation (your parents) was willing to do all that, and more, and win a World War at the same time.

Which is why you hold those Values.

Many of the young generation today, many of the Obama Voters, well, they want, they want, they want..... and they want it all given freely.

They feel they are Owed things.