I made this argument several months ago. The cultural gap between red and blue states has become too extreme to continue as one peaceful country. It is only a matter of time before the disputes erupt into open violence Greece-style. A significant portion of the blue states sees traditional Christians as objects of ridicule at best and at worst as human rights criminals. Most of the red staters are appalled at the culture or lack thereof, irresponsibleness and corruption in the NE, Chicagoland and California.
The bailouts will only increase the tension. Red staters will begin to understand that they are paying the bill for corruption, insane labor policies and profligacy. The auto bailouts will provide the tinder. State and municipal handouts, which are inevitable, will light the fire. Why should responsible people in South Carolina, Kansas or Utah pay the bill so municpal employees in california can retire after 25 years with a $100k per year pension and gold-plated health care? Why should they be taxed excessively to ease the pain of a UAW worker who has been paid for five years to play videogames as part of the notorious jobbank?
Viewed objectively, the country can be easily and sensibly divided as follows. California, Oregon and Washington, and maybe N. Mexico and Arizona, into a new country called Pacifica or maybe Mexico North. The northeast and new england into a new country called New Europa. The upper midwest into a country called Uniontopia. The rest of the country stays as is. Everybody is happy.