Has anyone besides me noticed the interesting correlation between the
colors of the "Homeland Security Advisory System" (a.k.a.: color-coded
terror alert level), and the colors that are now widely used to
represent the political leanings of the states?
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Political Affiliation:
Red = Republican
Blue = Democrat
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Terror Alert Levels:
Red = Severe
Orange = High
Yellow = Elevated
Blue = Guarded
Green = Low
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And here's the interesting bit: the greater the perceived threat from
terrorism, the more public support leans toward Republicans. As the
fear of terrorism subsides, support for Democrats increases.
In a nutshell, the terror alert level accidentally describes
(actually, dictates) the political climate in the U.S.: as the
government moves the "terror alert" barometer towards Red, Republicans
gain support. As the terror alert lowers toward Blue, Democrats gain
support.
If I were in a position of power in the government, I might have
noticed this obvious correlation sooner. Were I a less principled
individual in the same position, I might be inclined to abuse that
correlation for political gain.
However, I am not in a position of power in the government. And I
haven't previously noticed this peculiar phenomenon.
But I'll bet Karl Rove has.