America can be very diverse at the local level of government, but on the state and national level most leaders are white and male, even though that is slowly changing. In what ways does setting boundaries, state and regional lines, create conflict even within a country with fairly homogeneous governance? Do people generally feel more like New Yorkers or Ohioans than Americans? Perhaps the most important thing: are these boundaries necessary or fruitless? Does it matter either way, or are we doing damage to our national cohesion and identity by associating more strongly with our local identities? If it does undeniably produce conflict, is that conflict good? (pg. 9)
John C. McAuliff
Mapping American History 