New York's old manufacturing base is closing down as plants age and products become obsolete; and there's nothing all that unusual about it. But for decades now, very few new businesses have moved in or started up.
And that includes small businesses which is easily seen in the abandoned storefronts that line the main streets of upstate's small towns and villages. It's a slow-motion process that people, unfortunately, get used to.
Don't expect any revolution in California politics, it won't happen. The countryside will dry up, but San Diego and San Francisco will remain prosperous as what economic activity that exists (government, healthcare, lawyers and colleges) increasingly concentrate themselves there.
Meanwhile, the conservative-leaning middle class will quietly pick up and move away, leaving in their place, the poor and the elderly. It's the Democratic way.
Well said.
I was thinking about NY and CA just this morning. The “coasts” are filling up with liberals, as “fly-over” country builds up their congressional base (from those fleeing the “coasts”) and works to take back our country.
Societal rust?