Behind The Jefferson Curtain

As anyone who has spent time traveling in far Northern California knows, there is a secessionist movement afoot up here. From roughly Tehama County up through (possibly) southern Oregon many folks seem to like the idea of breaking away and forming the 51st state of Jefferson (named after our 3rd president). They even have a flag with the same colors as my Oakland A's baseball cap.

Now California is a prosperous state, but not all regions are faring equally well. Life can be tough in far flung rural areas and many residents here feel ripped off and not listened to by Sacramento.

Though the notion of snagging two new U.S. Senators might be tempting, would a new state government (seated in Redding?) really be able to make a go of it? What effects would statehood have on the local economy (who would pay for roads and schools, etc.)? I dunno... we'll see.