The U.S. vs Us: Essays From California As It Fights—and Leaves—America

California was conquered into the United States in 1848. It has been a state in the Union since 1850. But this union is heading for divorce. In the 21st century, the Golden State and the Uncle Sam have been drifting apart from each other, adopting very different values, economic systems, and public policies. In recent years, the U.S. and its largest state are now regular antagonists, fighting in government, in the courts, and on the streets.In the future, the U.S. and California are likely to separate. But how can they do it peacefully? These essays, from Joe Mathews, a leading journalist and scholar of California and of local governance worldwide, look to the past and to the future in search of a path to a peaceful divorce between the U.S. and its largest state. Read more