I'm sorry, Major, but the issue here is not diversity or integration either economic or racial. The one thing truly at stake here is civic responsibility. It is natural for there to be differences in wealth and culture within a society, and those different elements cannot be forced to live side by side-- but one cannot rightfully secede from the other, any more than a state could rightfully secede from the Union.

The rich do not have money because individually they are geniuses or individually they are the hardest, smartest workers around. The rich have money because they have earned it from society. It is their right to enjoy their wealth, but they must, by right, use some of it to propel the common good.

Kings of old spent their gold for the nation's defense.

The emporers of Rome built roads and great theatres.

How can the rich of today escape this timeless and most natural duty?

Government is evil but necessary. If it is flawed you must work to fix it, not subvert it. When the rich take their ball and go home, they stop the game for everyone. They violate the social compact. This is inexcusable.

Furthermore, you ignore the fact that this concept has already been tried. St. Louis is a perfect example of a Metro Area built entirely on the model which you have advocated. The result is tragic, absurd. A city with a soul but not a heart.

You have always seemed a reasonable person to me, Major. If you really knew, you would not be supporting these most destructive and traitorous ideas.