There is a lot to digest here. I think your pragmatism relating to decentralization vs. centralizing is very sound and reasonable. If we moved to this type of government we would be leaps and bounds ahead of where we are now.

Moving from Bronx, NY to rural Michigan, I have a broad experience of cultures. I do agree that rural communities tend to be more bigoted, but it isn’t because a lack of education. I find in general, a lot of people are more educated out here than in the “inner city”. A large percentage of populations in the cities are impoverished and poorly educated. I think “cultures” is the difference. People in the city are constantly experiencing new cultures and this puts them in a mindset more open and willing to accept new ideas. I massive problem rural America has from the artistic, gifted, talented, and open individuals leave to the cities. Thus leaving the rigid and “backwards” folk and the culture never is challenged or grows. A solution to this would be decentralizing the population where there is access to education, culture, art, nature, and agriculture for all. That is easier said than done and would require a complete restructuring of our societies though. The internet is changing that however, as people are no longer bound to living in a city to find high paying work.