So I hear that some idiot on MSNBC said today that we Midwesterners "live in the past."

[Brigid]

And that people migrate to seek jobs. Yeah, like that is so easy. I am preparing to move only 70 miles to the east, to Indianapolis, and even that would be nearly impossible if I had an underwater mortgage, a family, and no savings, as is the situation for so many working people these days. The only reason I can do it is that I came into a modest inheritance I am basically using as a grubstake. It also helps that I'm moving to a city I've lived in before.

I suggest that this idiot sell his fancy, overpriced house -- probably at a big loss -- and buy some neglected foreclosure around here, or maybe in Flint, MI, or Youngstown, OH. Or maybe Detroit. We are not living in the past out here -- this is the future for the whole country. Because of the economic conditions people who think like this idiot created, we just got here first.

[gateley]

1. Excellent post. I'm so sorry it happened in your area, and fully

expect, as you noted, it to spread from Sea to Shining Sea. :(

[Proud Public Servant]

2. The past isn't a bad place to live

If you actually lived there, you'd have widespread union membership, a high top marginal tax rate, a decent public schools. We should all be so lucky.

[Brigid]

4. Yes, this town used to be like that.

Like Flint, it is a poster child for the gutting of what was once the most prosperous working class this planet had ever seen. Maybe that's why "Roger and Me" made such an impression on me, and why it is still my favorite Michael Moore film.

[LuckyLib]

3. And wary midwesterners no doubt raised an eyebrow at all of the "funny money"

mortgage offerings that were offered . . . "No money down? 0 interest? A $400,000 home when my wife and I together only make $52,000? No thanks. Sounds fishy." A few more Americans could have stood to be "living in the past."

[Brigid]

5. Nope, that didn't fly around here.

Just a few blocks from here, there is a small subdivision of McMansions. They were built about six years ago. They took forever to sell, and there appear to be several empty lots for sale there. There are quite a few bank-owned properties for sale around town, but they are far more modest affairs. People didn't buy too much house; they just lost their jobs and that was why they ended up in foreclosure.

[mysuzuki2]

6. Midwesterners do NOT live in the past.

Everything's up to date in Kansas City. And Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis too! Not sure about Detroit.

[sufrommich]

7. Hey, Detroit too!! And our skyscapers are over 7

stories tall.

[mysuzuki2]

9. maybe you're right. But as a good White Sox fam I still hate

the Tigers!

[Broderick]

8. I always wondered if they have running water

And toilets out there in flyover country? Do you have outhouses at most homes? I have to say, driving on paved roads is nice here on the East Coast. We have electricity piped right into the house and cell service virtually everywhere you go. Do they have cellphones out there? There is no cord on them that connects to a wall. I like the romance of the idea that cattle roam free and children skip to school carrying lunch boxes as a slow moving horse and buggy glides by. I reckon most homes were made by the owner's hand, and everyone drives a 82 Celebrity or 84 escort.

Just being facetious of course. I am from the Midwest. The card carrying elite can't imagine being out of the gated communities they call home. The heartland is for serfs ya know.