Posted by Dave W. on January 29, 2002 at 15:49:12:
In Reply to: RV debate - Urban vs Rural posted by MH on January 29, 2002 at 14:45:44:
> Reading through the previous posts over the whole Rural Valley debate brings up points on both sides.
> I do firmly believe that small town USA (any small town) can provide many things that more Urban communities do not. Real friendships, a sense of community and lesser worries about crime. When was the last time you had to worry about getting mugged in downtown RV?
> But I also agree with Dave W. Yes, he seems on the young side but he has a point in that people need to grow beyond the limitations of the small town mentality. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to move out of the area. Go to the big city and see how hard it is to 'survive'. I can turn the debate of survival back on Carl by asking, 'Can a rural-born person survive in a major metropolis for an extended period of time?' Without changing, that answer will more often than not be a resounding 'No!'.
> All small towns are being hurt by having their youngest and brightest members move out of the communities in search of better jobs, better education, etc. Seriously, look at Kittanning. I truly don't mean to offend anyone here on this list but the average age and IQ of Kittanning's general populace isn't getting any higher now, is it?
> Which leads to a diminishing economy, which leads to more people moving, etc, etc.
> Kittanning, Ford City, RV and the surrounding areas need people to step up to bat for them and it doesn't seem like it's happening. What happened to the Fiber Optics plant that was slated for RIDC North?
> I wish the town(s) much luck in finding its/their way as I still have family there. But in reality, there isn't much worth visiting in Kittanning. Even though I have many cherished memories of my childhood, it's hard to watch the direction Kittanning has chosen to take.
> Oh and by the way, JA, you really need to type in a reply before hitting the Submit Follow Up button. Clicking on links with no reply is rather annoying.
MH-I can't believe someone from the area/rv actually had the guts/courage to agree with me on this-at least on my main point.... it's a small town mentality that I was referring to..age has nothing to do with it.small towns are indeed dying for all the reasons you listed. Not much worth visiting Kntg for...young people have no reason to stay. take care.