Summary of Research Problem
Recall the final Macro Index results are the sum of the ranks of the states according to the three criteria. States' ranks were summed and states were then sorted in ascending order (the smaller the rank, the geater the propensity for friction). The quartile map below illustrates the broad demographic trends observed over the past 25 years: the Turner thesis is alive even today as population growth in the West accelerates at a pace not seen since the late 19th century (recall mean population movement). This pressure has led many Western leaders to decry federal control of their limited resources. These claims often include a call for less federal control of land, transferring management decisions to the states, or even privitzation of federal lands. However, the legitimacy of the foundation of Westerners' claims must be questioned when the implications are as potentially serious as the above options.
In short, there are many facets of public policy problems. Based on the (rudimentary) analysis presented here, the macro trends so often pointed to by Western politicians to justify appeals for additional federal resources are not initially obvious. The micro level does not appear to refelct the macro trends to the same extent. Or, at least, that was my initial impression.... Further analysis yields a much different story (see next page).
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