Matt Elliott, in light of the good discussion we’ve been having, has pointed us to an interesting set of maps done by Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman of the University of Michigan. The electoral maps represent size in terms of population rather than land mass. They also show shades of purple to represent the strength of support. It’s an interesting map that I believe helps give another perspective to the debate over blue and red.
Even in the solidly blue or red states, you can’t run and you can’t hide . . . we live and must talk and continue to be good neighbors to those around us who differ with our opinions.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6
You may say, “that’s the church, this is politics . . . ” But being baptized into Christ is the most politically radical statement we can make: our allegiance is not to the state but to God alone. Yet God does not call us to rebel wholly against the powers that be but to work cooperatively and peaceful, unless government in some way opposes him and keeps us from honoring him.
Greg R. Taylor 
Conrad Gempf (ex-pat, professor of NT at London School of Theology) has some interesting things to say about this topic. Here’s his blog:
http://homepage.mac.com/conrad.gempf/blogwavestudio
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