Very well said all around. When I moved to Florida from Jersey, I felt like I had moved to a foreign country. There are many who believe that the US will split into regions and your piece highlights some of the reasons it could happen. As I grow older and greyer, I realize that I am more a Jerseyite than an American. Now, I am feeling homesick and will have to go watch an episode of "The Sopranos" and no, not for the mob connection but how they "tawk to each otha." Peace and love from Kyiv, Ukraine (yea, no good pizza, cheesteaks or bagels here).