I grew up, and still live, in Pennsylvania. I have never even visited California.
When I read about the scale and destruction of West Coast fires, I am astounded and deeply saddened. I also am deeply angry at a president who seemingly shows no bottom to his lack of empathy for our fellow citizens.
Like many of you, I have also heard and/or received stupid-ass shit from trump supporters disparaging California. The ignorance and lack of compassion in these comments is astounding. Many of them have no idea how important California is to our national welfare and international standing. When I try to tell them that the United States needs California a lot more than California needs the United States I generally receive a blank look.
In the interest of possibly helping those who must also deal with these ignorant comments, here are just a few reasons why I believe California is so important to us. I have no doubt that many more reasons can be cited.
(Admittedly, some of my numbers here might be outdated. These are the figures I have used in my recent online responses. Additions and corrections are encouraged.)
1/ California - by itself - is now within the top five of the world's largest economies. With a GDP of more than $2.7 trillion in 2017, California's economy is roughly 14% (1/7) of the entire economy of the U. S. The loss of California would significantly drop the standing and influence of the U. S. economy in world markets. (Without California, could the U. S. dollar continue to be the world’s dominant reserve currency?)
2/ West Coast ports are a critical economic engine for the U.S. economy. The loss of the California ports alone would cost our economy billions of dollars in Trans-Pacific trade. Add into the mix the resulting losses of many thousands of U. S. jobs.
3/ California agriculture generates roughly $37.5 billion annually, more than any other state. Much of our food comes from California. The state produces almost half of all the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in the country, as well as a large share of the livestock and dairy. No other state, or combination of any two states, can match California’s output per acre.
4/ The loss of California would create the possibility that tariffs applied to goods from foreign nations would then apply to California goods. The resulting raising of prices would not only hurt all consumers of those goods alone; it would also would take billions of dollars of disposable income out of the U. S. economy.
5/ California is the greatest contributor to the U. S. treasury of all states - by far. The contribution of California by itself subsidizes much of the Deep South. Without California's tax contributions, the resulting policy changes would probably force several Republican states into insolvency.
6/ Approximately 32 military installations are situated in California, easily the most of any state, including several ports. That's approximately as many bases as Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska combined. The loss of California bases means the loss of U. S. dominance in much of the Pacific. No way could the U. S. strategically project power into the South Pacific by the bases in those other Pacific rim states alone.
7/ The sheer number of Californians serving in the military, although not as high in percentages per population as some states, is still crucial. The loss of California significantly depletes U. S. military strength.
As I said before, I am a Pennsylvanian. And yet, I truly believe that the United States needs California a lot more than California needs the United States.
For our California citizens and all others who are suffering, you are in our thoughts and prayers. And I will chip in a few dollars to a worthy organization that helps with disaster relief in your state. Recommendations are welcome.