Did we get more than voting with Women's Suffrage?

I heard the other day a theory that is sure to be controverisal and to raise some hairs with some people. We have always been told that big government in the US basically started with the New Deal and FDR. But this theory I heard proposed, argued that it really began with the beginning of onset of Women's Suffrage. And it does make sense if you think about and is at the very least interesting to consider and think about.

When you look through US history before woman's suffrage, you see women basically dependant on the men in their lives, being either their father or husband. I'm not hear to debate whether that is right or not, but that's the fact is that is what life was like before women's suffrage. And with the beginning of women's suffrage, we really begin to see the beginning of the women's liberation movement and the breakdown of the nuclear family. (Again this is not a debate about women's rights or the feminist movement, I have enough to say about that). But the fact remains that throughout US history, women have been paid less and have a more difficult time finding a job. And couple that with the breakdown of the nuclear family, you have a recipe for women relying on the government when they cannot earn enough. And really from there it is just a domino effect, with more and more reasons and causes for government to grow larger. I am a strong believer in multiple causation and strongly support women's suffrage, don't get me wrong. But none the less, it is an interesting propostion to think about. An interesting theory whether you agree with it or not.

The Phenomenon of "Desert Cities"

For those of you that do not follow the happens of the Middle East and in particular the Gulf (as called in the Middle East or the Persian Gulf in the West) States (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, etc. ) there has been, one could say, a phenomenon of these wealthy oil countries building massive and high tech cities completely out of nothing in the deserts of their countries. These cities are an attempt for these countries to diversify their economies which are so highly centered on oil. And since the Gulf States have the money and the governments to allow the channeling of money directly to building massive cities out of nothing, there has been a surge in building in the Gulf States lately (mostly all from South Asia labor).

Most notable of these "Desert Cities," is Dubai, one of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is currently building what will become the tallest building in the world, the "Burj Dubai," scheduled to open in 2009, and will stand 2,694 ft. high (more than 2x the height of the highest floor in the Empire State Building)! The first underwater hotel resort just opened this past year, called the "Hydropolis." The "Palm Islands" are three artificial islands made with 1 billion cubic feet of dregged sand and stone and are therefore the largest main made islands in the world! In Dubai they have the entire world....well, 250 man made islands that form a map of the world, with each country able to be bought starting at $6.85 million. If you like to shop, the Dubai mall, completed in 2006, is the world's largest mall with 5 million sq. ft. And for those who have been to the Middle East, it also has the largest souk :) If your not a fan of the desert and prefer snow...Dubai has the worlds largest indoor ski resort. And there are plans even starting to take shape of a future "spaceport" in Dubai, and I am not lying!
Other countries such as Saudi Arabia are building cities that will be home to around 2 million people and are built literally from nothing! Now they may not be as extravagant as Dubai, but these oil countries are showing the world that they can compete with the big western countries. And to be honest it is a cool site to see these "backwards" Arab countries using the money that they have to build up their economies. Now we can debate about oil prices and these countries taking advantage of the world with the oil they have. But lets be honest here....that is what capitalism is people! And the US in a sense did the same thing these countries are doing in its own history and made the US what it is today! And if these countries by becoming more "western" economically may be the best weapon we have against terrorism. It really is an interesting thing that is happening in the Middle East, but also something that many Americans really don't know much about. I believe that is mostly due to the fact that we have been brainwashed into thinking the Middle East is backwards and can't do anything "civilized." Well I got some news....Dubai is kicking our butts when it comes to showing off in the world and being the biggest, best, and setting all the records (something Americans have always prided themselves in). Hmmm...maybe Americans should realize they are not the only ones that live in this world.