President Trump's election was, in large part, the result of his promise to enact policies that focus purely on the welfare of Americans. Many of those who supported his populist message were looking out for their own welfare, placing it above the welfare of humans in general.
Such provincialism is especially strong in rural areas and small towns, where residents tend to be like-minded and where a distrust of the Federal Government is especially strong. Though many rely on subsidies (e.g. farm supports) and turn to the Federal Government when natural disasters destroy their homes or threaten their livelihoods, they abhor the liberal politics of urban centers.
Were this provincialism limited to regional politics, it might be amusing. But the welfare of our species and the health of our environment depend upon cooperation throughout our country and across the globe. We cannot effectively deal with climate change, pandemics, poverty, environmental pollution and human rights by focusing solely on our local community and personal welfare. Provincialism is selfish, close-minded and, in the long run, self-destructive.
Such provincialism is especially strong in rural areas and small towns, where residents tend to be like-minded and where a distrust of the Federal Government is especially strong. Though many rely on subsidies (e.g. farm supports) and turn to the Federal Government when natural disasters destroy their homes or threaten their livelihoods, they abhor the liberal politics of urban centers.
Were this provincialism limited to regional politics, it might be amusing. But the welfare of our species and the health of our environment depend upon cooperation throughout our country and across the globe. We cannot effectively deal with climate change, pandemics, poverty, environmental pollution and human rights by focusing solely on our local community and personal welfare. Provincialism is selfish, close-minded and, in the long run, self-destructive.
