Changes That May be Permanent

I was reading this story about the de-peopling of large cities, and it occurred to me that this may be our "New Normal".

For those activists that have been complaining about the White people invading the more affordable parts of the cities, it will be a real trial to keep city amenities going, when the people who paid for them have gone.

CA has decided to try to claw back money from those leaving - even years after they have gone.

Lotsa luck with that, Sunshine!

The thing is, too many people have lived the life of middle to upper-middle class residents, without paying for it. That includes:

• Students, many of whom have done it through the assistance of their student loans (Which they cannot begin to pay back, and are demanding taxpayers take responsibility for paying. Good luck with that demand!).
• Retirees, some of whom have used their senior status to grab all of the price reductions and freebies available, lived in rent-controlled apartments, spent every dime that came their way. Now, when the nearly free is almost over, and inflation is hitting them heavy, they are pleading poverty. Now, SOME of the elderly are, in fact, broke through no fault of their own. I still think a sensible person would look around for a cheaper place to spend their golden years, and live within their income. They could get together with friends, and make a game of looking around for cheap living in smaller towns. They could organize a mass exodus, and keep a good portion of their support system intact, while escaping the worst of city living. Hell, I think that would be a GREAT business idea - find the locations, work out the logistics, and deliver them to the new place, with amenities ready to go. I'd bet landlords would contribute a chunk to such an idea, just to free up an apartment currently under rent control.
• The 47%, who take more than they give. Look, I'll admit it's easy to continue living in a place where just about every living need is met (although at a bargain basement level). Starting over again in a new place is scary. Again, a business plan could be made for greasing the way out of NYC and other metropolises, and making the process easier. It won't be for everyone - there are those who have no connections out of the area. But, what I do know is this: however much damage the 2005 hurricane season caused the residents of New Orleans, in some ways, it was the best thing that ever happened to many of them. They were able to get out of decaying neighborhoods. Some were able to establish themselves in new cities and even states, often with better job prospects and safer neighborhoods.

And, this indicates that more LOCALIZED control of resources might be the salvation of our economy. 

Now, it’s likely that Dewine’s efforts will be crushed by the federal government. But, kudos to alike for putting this into motion.