[longshadow]

Does living next to large water masses have anything to do with being liberal? Weird.

It's simple: most cities were founded along waterways or as ports (that's why they grew more rapidly than other settlements, and thus became cities). Urban areas are Democratic strongholds. Thus, the heaviest Democrat voting is found in areas along major rivers and in port cities, giving the illusion that living near water induces political insanity.

[Atlas Sneezed]

It's simple: most cities were founded along waterways or as ports (that's why they grew more rapidly than other settlements, and thus became cities). Urban areas are Democratic strongholds. Thus, the heaviest Democrat voting is found in areas along major rivers and in port cities, giving the illusion that living near water induces political insanity.

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Indeed. And centuries later, the folks that were raised in a way, or with personal inclination towards interdependency (as opposed to rugged independence), tend to employ our freedom to live where we choose to move to cities. They move their attracted by the socialist benefits (mass transit, public spaces, etc.) and willing to enjoy the paid-for infrastructure, and to fund the latte-parlors and sushi restaurants (mmmm, sushi!). Then, to the pleasure of the city fathers who shut down trash collection and police protection (of the disarmed populace) at the slightest hint of a slowdown at the rate of increase of tax increases, they vote for more taxes!

Put short:

Democrats like cities.