Thanks for the observations. I can relate to them. I was born in Philly and raised a few miles from Center City in a NJ suburb. As kids we all went to Wanamaker’s to hear the great organ recitals and did our shopping at Strawbridge & Clothier, etc. Later, I went to grad school at Penn and lived in a house on the 42nd block of Spruce Street. I’m now told by fellow alumni that this is no longer part of civilized society but the Third World. I admit I was prompted to post this article partly because of personal anger about what’s happening to our city’s and culture and also because I directly observed it taking place and was forced to be part of it. It’s been a long and horrendous experience and I hope Americans wake up to what’s happening to all of us.
I've been back a few times, and anything outside of Center City seems like an abandoned area out of one of Heinlein's books.