I just drove to FLA and back " America looks like hell "

we do our best to shop local, bypass walmart and go to a local store, everybody should

Me too

GT500- I send my love and sincere condolences and sympathy for your loss of your Mother. I am so sorry.

My beloved Father is dying also at this time.

Take comfort though brother- I know that we do not really die and we go to a much better place. (See my Near death experience thread for details)
We will be reunited again.

As to the report on Salt Lake City, Utah- there are definate and disturbing changes. Cities within SLC that used to be very upscale areas now look like some of the slum areas of L.A. Bulletproof glass businesses where they have a kind of bank teller drawer that delivers your goods.
PayDay Loan type business's are everywhere as are pawn shops.

Lots of homeless people even in the couple of nice (used to be very high-class) cities at all stop lights etc. used to be that you only saw a few homeless people in downtown SLC.

Roads and Bridges falling apart- Rusting out. Potholes. No snow plowing in areas.

We have problems even in the most upscale neighborhoods of -Meth Manufacturing and drugging of young girls to make porn. Meth infestation.

Our water supply has become contaminated with Prozac and other medications just from people swimming in areas like- Lake Powell. I read about that in a government report.

I have some severe injuries and deal with chronic pain- I had a hard time even finding a pharmacy that would fill my prescription for pain medication.
They all just said- we do not carry or stock this medication and I felt like a criminal. I have to stick with one pharmacy and I see them turn away people. I guess they took me because I am a well dressed non-sketchy looking person who I am sure they checked out thoroughly.
We have lots of problems with drug stores being robbed, fast food, gas stations, tanning salons etc. being robbed. Places where where you would only get $60 are getting robbed. : (

Lots of gang activity, spray painting markings. People stay to themselves and will not stop and help someone in need. People have a scared look in their eyes.

The population of Hispanics outweighs the white population. The west side of town looks like you are suddenly in Mexico. Any new businesses are Hispanic stores.

We used to live in a neighborhood where we knew and were friends with neighbors for miles around- now- we don't even know or have ever even talked with our neighbor's right next door on both sides. People are not friendly and you always feel like your being sized up for weakness and scamming.

I recently had the freaking FBI show up at my door because they had busted a huge ring of identity theft and these people had my name and were working on getting more information on me to start actively using my identity. Stuff like that just never used to happen here.

What really worries me is the young people. They are so disrespectful. They are no longer interested in getting married and having a family.
They do not date just 'hook-up' and want no relationship.
There is a huge problem with Heroin here. Yes Heroin. A lot of the young people from good homes who have gone to the best schools are Heroin needle users (addicts)- I know this because of the problems I have had with my daughter's friends.

There are a few places in SLC that are kind of in a bubble that give the illusion of a good economy, nice people, beautiful environment but even these areas have the problems with drugs mentioned above.

I was talking to my daughter about a city close by where we live and was asking her- Have you noticed how strange it is there? What is that? She told me that it was known as 'happy valley' because everyone was on adderall. ??

Jobs are scarce and pay 8.00-12.00 hr. no benefits and people with serious college degrees are fighting over them. Competion is fierce. It has become survival of the fittest. No job security, dog eat dog. Obamacare has ruined the few good places that did employ lots of people- the insurance companies/brokers.

Most people are on food stamps. This once thriving, nice, beautiful, family- oriented city has changed drastically. I hardly recognize it anymore.

The person who said that the worst part is that -"They have somehow gotten us to hate one another" is correct. This is the saddest and worst sign.

Folks- we have to pull together and help each other and stop being so critical and rude to one another. Common decency and Love for one another is all we have left. I will not be changed from being loving and friendly, helpful to all and any in need. I don't care if they take advantage of me, scam me, steal my identity. I will not be moved!

So- I am sorry to any people on here who I have said rude things to. There have been a couple comments that I was provoked and regret. I am sorry about that and I will not respond with anger even if provoked in the future.
I feel strongly that this is our only chance is to be kind and helpful to others.
Set the example and even if attacked- just keep being strong and standing your ground in love.

Yes there are definitely some decent areas left. If these are "approved" cities I don't know, but I do some traveling for work....

SLC- I was floored by Salt lake city. Incredible growth. The houses are amazing, and the neighborhoods something out of the fifties. I thought I was in a timewarp.

Phoenix-Seemed okay I noticed the people here were much friendlier. There seemed to be some talk of the economy here being crappy, but everything especially DT seemed great.

Portland- Really impressed. Spent some time in one of the sketchier neighborhoods, and people were explaining to me the recent improvement in the area, and how a particular neighborhood was flourishing, however I also went to a small town about 45 minutes outside of the city and it was astonishing how slow and beatup the town looked. I was only maybe 10 minutes from Beaverton for those that know the area.

I'm not doubting others on this thread, but this was my honest experience. I am well aware of how bad things have gotten, and I know people are struggling. I would just like to add this, because I think the Agenda21 theory may be a reality.

and these 3 cities would fall into the category of well funded cities.

GT500 sorry to hear about your mom, my mom passed a few months ago too. In a way I'm glad she doesn't have to live through what's coming, people don't understand this is just the begining, it's not real bad yet.

We moved away from CFL earlier last year for medical reasons.

Since near the end of 2008 CFL has really been deteriorating, no jobs to speak of, people just existing.

Since 2008 we'd worry about the SHTF, how to get out of FL if needed since there's only 2 main paths in and out and lots of people along that path.

Oh- this post was from me- goddess of the sea- I must of got logged out somehow.

Wow!!! I would never expect to hear that about SLC

Damn Crystal Meth has wiped out the South West

Thank you for detailed information

Thank you very much GOTS

I'm so sorry about your Father

up north, I don't doubt it. Folks lived and died by industrialization, and when the industry all moved overseas, they were done for. In my neck of the woods, the primary industries are agriculture (rice, fish), education, and a few other industries that can't really be outsourced, plus all of the small businesses that support that economy.

To be sure, there are poor people here, but in my small town there are actually food pantries and other charitable services, and we have some active civic groups including one of which I am a member, and we just do what we can to help our own needy people. Our area is small enough in population that I believe anyone truly in need is receiving help from one or more of our local charities. In ten years, I've seen one guy ever sitting on a corner begging, and that was actually just last week, but he was clean shaven, had a nice warm coat and looked very healthy.

The only folks I really worry about around here are maybe a few children whose parents are crack/meth heads who maybe go hungry because their parents don't give a shit. However, our school district has a breakfast program, designed primarily for those kids, and in recent years we actually have a summer lunch program which is open free of charge to the entire community, kids or not. Also, the teachers keep an eye out for any kids that might be going hungry at home and we have a backpack program where they send prepackaged shelf stable meals home with the kids in their backpacks. I guess if it were a really bad situation the teachers would report the situation to DHS. I like to think other areas of the south would be similar to mine, but I'm not surprised that yankees aren't taking care of their own.

That FBI thing may have been a scam. We had the same experience. You better make sure they are legit before you give them any information.

It would be very unusual for an agent to knock on your door...doesn't work like that...be aware

Maybe this post should have it's own thread,but I think this country was delibrately put into this sitiuation by the Flag Draped Politicians as far back as KISSINGER who first gone to china during the NIXON admin. WE proped up the Japanese Economy they got a foot hold. Now we sell everything out to the Chinese including Great cities like Detroit i.e.General motors and ford and Chrysler. I remember this was one of the greatest city in the Country.
This was a delibrate domino affect. The readers can talk about Shithole this and shit hole that but it was caused by the way you think and the way you vote. No one can blame anyone but ourselves for the way America looks today.



BTW I'm From the South and is doing rather well for myself but I just think of the Glory days of America Industries.

Here's a link to the Chinese Army amassing troops along the Mexican Border.

[link to www.chinadaily.com.cn]

Thank you very much AC , dark days ahead for sure !

I completely agree , I hope some one does !

I should probably add that that was south of SLC closer to Park City/Lehi area.

You are right about the meth. I'm based out of the SF bay area, and I actually see it a lot. Most people are still blind to it, but I can spot user a mile away. They aren't bad people, and at times they are really good workers, but its like a time bomb...you just don't know when its gonna go off.

One thing I forgot to add is that I've seen dollar stores popping up in stripmalls in the nicer parts of the city. I was truly shocked about that one. Also, shopping at thrift shops is the new in thing around here. People who 5 years ago would have gagged at the idea are doing it now. Might be the Macklemore effect, but it is interesting. :)

Exactly , once you know the signs they are easily spotted a mile away

Horrible , horrifying drug , it's a soul destroyer !

You better believe it , thanks for bringing that up

Must be why I couldn't watch Breaking Bad. I just don't find anything having to do with that awful stuff entertaining at all.

God me either , I hate that drug and what it does to people

Makes me sick , not entertaining at all in any way shape or form

I am in a burb 27 miles from the hated DC and a few more from Baltimore. Lived in my particular burb 17 yrs; 800+ homes in a waterfront community. Eclectic mix of haves and have not middle class wage level people. 90% white 10% other.

We have had a slight uptick of homeless living in our woods and at our beaches in the last 5 yrs. we locals are aware of them and do what needs to be done depending on the individuals; creepy or strange are run off or police called. Others have stayed and been given assistance. FB has been great for community to keep in touch and guard our assets; humans/personal property. Somebody is always watching like big brother.

We have recently had more vehicle breakins; stealing of loose change or items left in cars. Used to be teens now more drug/job lose types. More are buyng camaras to video their property here so we can keep up with trends of these types of people.

I also have worked from home for the last 7 yrs and noticed an increase in the number of people home in general due to job loss or hrs cut but most seem to be doing okay in my burb for now; not sure what the long term will be like tho. The future is scary to contemplate right at the moment but I am prepping as needed, always have.

On a personal note: I am so sorry about your mom GT. My MIL of 23 yrs did a new round of chemo the first wk of this 2014 new year went in the hospital on the 3rd from major side affects and we had assistance removed on the 7th after all who could come got there. We are heartbroken, shocked, and not even a second into our greiving after seeing her so happy and doing good at Christmas with all our loved ones around us. My love, who just turned 50 this year and is the baby of six has not even breathed yet... I know and I feel your pain. As I read your story I hurt for you. (((hugs))) Can't believe it is only Jan22, 2014 feels like we have been thru a war already this year and can't bare to see what else is to come at the moment. Strength and peace to you my friend.

Someone wants Michigan and the Detroit decline is a managed fall IMHO, I just can't place who and why unless its the fresh water supply from the Great Lakes.

Remember Ft. Meigs in 1812

[link to www.fortmeigs.org]

^^^^^bingo !!!!

Here are some observations of my own.

From 2006 - 2001 I had a job that required extensive travel to many rust belt areas Detroit area, Cleveland, Suburban Philadelphia Metro (where I reside) and sections of Connecticut.

From 2008 - 2011 I visited SW Florida annually.

My home town area. We have shopping centers and main streets that have less than 50% business occupation. Some are less than 25%. But developers keep building new ones. We have more check cashing places, pay day loan and cash convertor locations. Lots of rent to own places. We had a two lane bridge declared unsafe and closed in 2010 it may not be repaired until 2018, if ever.

The stores aren't crowded and the carts aren't full. At the grocery stores I would say 7/10 times the person in line in front of me is paying with EBT. Last week I actually witnessed a couple who had no money on their EBT. It made me sad; unfortunately I didn't have the money on me to help them.

As I traveled through the North East I saw lots of dead and dying towns. If you are from the east coast take a look at Ohio home prices. We saw listings for decent homes for $20,000. Nice homes for under $100,000. Unfortunately there aren't any jobs in these areas.

Where I live we have houses that have been on the market for years. The prices have been lowered, the realtors have changed but the houses stay unsold. I also see more and more larger properties for sale. For example House + 20 acres and Acreage for development that go unsold. On some nice streets in my area there are 3 and 4 homes in a row for sale.

There are sections of Ohio and Michigan that have massive shuttered factories. It is unreal. While driving through one of those area in Ohio we saw a house where "For Sale" had been painted on the side in 6' tall letters.

During our trips to Florida we dined in mostly empty restaurants, in 2008 we flew on mostly empty planes - this was before the airlines figured out they needed to eliminate flights. The first year we went to Florida my hotel room was close to $400 / night. In the subsequent years the rate was cut in half or better; same hotel, same room, same amenities. And in some ways in Florida it felt more desperate. We saw shuttered car dealers, closed restaurants and bars, shopping centers that were less than 10% occupied. When we left the resort areas we were stunned by the number of pawn shops, there was one every block.

Since 2009 I have noticed more people living in cars. These aren't the 'traditional homeless', these people have jobs and decent possessions but they can't afford somewhere to live.

Speaking of cars, I don't know anyone who has bought a new car. A few people have bought used but most keep driving their old ones. My current car is 10 years old - this is the longest I have owned a car in my entire life.

Lastly I know few people over 40 who are working in full time good jobs. Of my friends and family who got laid off none have found a replacement job that came close to their previous job. They work part-time or temp jobs. Two of my friends already know they will lose their jobs by June one is in sales one is in manufacturing management. one has stated unequivocally that they will have to move to get another job.

These jobs were good paying ($50K+). In PA unemployment maxes out at $60K so if you earned 61,000 (median family income in my county $78,984) or $400000 you get the same unemployment approximately $1600 / month. )

This isn't sustainable. Back in the 80's during the change from a manufacturing economy to the service economy a wise person asked "What happens when we have flipped the last burger and sold the last insurance policy?" I am afraid we are about to get the answer.

Wow, I did not realize it was this bad.

How is your Mom?

Five stars and a pin suggest.

I just drove from Minnesota down straight to Florida. It really depends on the route you take. There are always shitty looking cities that have been partially abandoned because they aren't part of a rush anymore.

I passed through Chicago and it looks the same as usual, the roads there are way better than they were 4-5 years ago, but there is always construction. I saw the same amount of homeless people I see in winter months there.

We stayed in places in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana and Georgia. All looked average and the stores were all busy, roads were good.

Chattanooga, TN was the only place that looked like Detroit, but it looked that way 8 years ago when I was through it too.

Upper Florida has always looked like an abandoned shithole next to the highway. Lots of old abandoned gas stations that are still standing.

It really depends on what roads you are traveling and a lot of these places that are derelict have been that way for years. The only difference I saw on the whole trip was the roads were more packed with traffic than back in 2007 when I last made the drive.

Lol , your a doll

Unfortunately my Mom is gone and mods already pinned

Thank you very much

I worked near that stretch of Georgia I-95 in the late 1990's. On my commute I saw a constant stream on giant factory equipment heading south to the ports. I can only assume it was emptying out the heart of the mid west industrial infrastructure.

Middle Georgia seemed to have a good and growing if still low wage economy back then. Sad to here that its hollowed out now.

Lost mine too. Truly sorry for your loss.

Good thread GT!


And in reference to the post above. All I can say is Agenda 21.
Some cities get the money, some get the finger.

GT- have you been to Phx lately? You should see the downtown area! Phx gets the money.

Also, side note. Central coast Cali.. All the roads leading from the beach areas connecting them to I-5 are getting or already been redone/ surfaced and/or widened. Kinda curious..?

Thanks for the heads up. Wow! Never thought of that. They did show me their badges and I looked at them closely. I did not give them any information. They knew where I lived and my full name etc. they gave me the information as I was scared and home alone with these 'Men in Black' with guns showing up at the door. Black nice, shiny car but unmarked.
IDK. The whole thing was strange. I am just a small town, sheltered, naive small petite woman who just does not expect the lows that people will stoop to. You guys educate me to a lot. I appreciate it but also hate it. You know what I mean? I don't want the world to be like this but I would rather know the truth and do what I can to help.

I sure hope that was not the case. But I did not give them any information. Just listened and said thank you for catching them. I sure don't need any more problems than I have already got. : (

I watched 'Breaking Bad' because it educated me on this Meth thing. It explained a lot to me and that show caught my eye because it was explaining things that I have seen around here. I did not like the show but watched it so I could be educated.

I now can spot the Meth users also a mile away and understand the behaviors that were so confusing to me. Also- it is all over this city not just the Lehi and Park City areas I am sad to report.

for you GT500. I hope your doing okay and I send my love.

Sorry to all that have lost family members recently. My heart goes out to you all. I send you all much love and.

So sorry for your losses.