Posted by Dick on January 30, 2002 at 18:36:25:
In Reply to: Re: RV debate - Urban vs Rural posted by Dave W. on January 29, 2002 at 15:49:12:
> > 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.
Can you define what, exactly you mean here about "small town mentality?" Everything I have seen thus far could also describe every large city I have lived in also, so we need some clarification, if you please.
>>One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to move out of the area.
World War II accomplished this for many many people who came home and procreated and made........US! And the communities in which we lived.
>>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!'.
We are getting cute with our words here. Can a rural-born person survive anywhere without changing? No. Can an uirban born person survive without changing? No. Change is an essential part of living.
> > 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.
So which came first--the jobs dried up and the young people left, causing a shrinking tax base which short changed education, OR the jobs left (coal mines, Linde Air, etc.)and so the young people--many, not necessarily the best and brightest--left in search of employment? I suspect there are still many "best and brightest" in the Kittanning area, who do care and would like to move the political structure to get some new economic development going.
>>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?
What is the source of this comment? Prove your assertion! This is a real slap in the face for the citizens of the area.
> > 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?
That's why there are elections every so often.. You don't like what's happening, get a new board or council! Very American in it's concept.
> > 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.
I too have many cherished memories of Kittanning AND Rural Valley (ever hear of Pina's?) and return trips to the area are great for remembering them and passing them on to my children. And I'm not sure Kittanning (however you define that in this paragraph) actually chose the direction you are so fond of pointing out. Was there a vote--Yes! Let's vote to have all industry move out of state and not get anything new here!!--? Yes I moved away--to find love and life to do something new and go where no man went before. So I was young and stupid, but I survived quite nicely thank you. That's kind of how this country got so spread out, I think. Are there problems in Kittanning? Sure. Are there problems in Pittsburgh, Duluth, St. Paul, Los Angeles, Spokane, Elderton, Jamestown...you bet. But concerned people who do in fact care about their communities large or small will act to make them better. Get the political types to run for office and throw out the old sleepy guys. Travel and get ideas and bring them home. If you hate an area so much you have nothing to offer, by all means get the heck out and help the area improve by virtue of your leaving. But don't ever insult or demean those who stay.