Add another new perspective to my repertoire...

[KC2UGV]

Last week, I visited friends in Ohio. They live in a very rural part of OH. While they did have electricity and running water (NG too hihi), not more than 1 mile away there were many who didn't. I had very limited access to the internets, and no TV, per se (OTA antenna wasn't installed yet as my friends had just moved in).

Now, these people didn't live in hovels, or anything like that. They had running water, just not utility water. They had electricity, just not always grid electricity. They had fine houses.

After "living" there for a week, and meeting some of the individuals, it brought an interesting perspective into my repertoire, and strengthened my desire to "get closer to the earth".

Now, my experience with rural america in the past has been less than savory. In Texas, people are more interesting in "defending their stuff", and in rural areas of NY, if you look out of place you'll get the stinkeye until you leave (If not worse). Same in Tennessee and Kentucky (Kentucky, you'll usually just be laughed at however).

What an eye opener! People here were genuinely friendly. I looked very out of place in both my dress, and physical appearance; as well as my accent. Never even a glance out of place, however, and always a kind word.

If I do end up getting to the earth, I'll be seriously considering rural OH as my place I settle down into. I like those people. The ones I spoke with are constantly battling corporate farming from middle America, refuse Mosanto's ruses, understand the reasoning behind humane handling of animals, et al.

One thing I found interesting was the lack of exterior lighting. Especially on the back porches there. It was explained,"Well, people know it might shine in other's windows, so we just don't do it."

WOW! Honestly, I've never considered it, but also not being workable in my area I live in (Lit areas are safe areas). But, the notion of "It could bother others, so we just don't" really sunk in.

So, yet another life experience to add to my back pocket :) And, I do recommend visiting OH. One of the nicest states I've visited (In all the years of traveling, it's been my experience), even if their politicians are assholes, the people aren't.

[suddenseer]

I resemble that remark....Buckeyes can be alot of fun at a party, they just don't go home until the food and booze is gone. My family owns property in southern Ohio which is mostly used as a deer hunting camp. Some of our neighbors live in poverty only seen in 3rd world countries. I am thinking of 12 people who live in a converted school bus. They have electrical service, and an outhouse. The fancy 4wd truck, and the sat. dish is an interesting decor I have only seen there. Those folks live like pioneers. They are good to have as neighbors.

[KC2UGV]

I resemble that remark....Buckeyes can be alot of fun at a party, they just don't go home until the food and booze is gone.

Oh, I'm sure! People who are friendly, tend to be great for parties :)

My family owns property in southern Ohio which is mostly used as a deer hunting camp. Some of our neighbors live in poverty only seen in 3rd world countries. I am thinking of 12 people who live in a converted school bus. They have electrical service, and an outhouse. The fancy 4wd truck, and the sat. dish is an interesting decor I have only seen there. Those folks live like pioneers. They are good to have as neighbors.

I'm starting to see that. I'm sure there are some who live in poverty, but I honestly think for there, it might be a thing of laziness vs lack of opportunity, and can see why many people in rural areas think: If you are starving, then you are lazy; because food is made by YOU.

Getting a pound of frozen corn from one family, and 1/2 lb of ham from another (Which my wife describes as,"The best fucking ham I've ever had) as a visitor's gift clued me into that.

The family on one side of the road raises hogs, and across the road is a vegetable farm. It's like the road is split, on one side are the animals, and the other is veggies; and the families have a little market right there. Trade corn for ham, etc etc.

[n2ize]

I'm starting to see that. I'm sure there are some who live in poverty, but I honestly think for there, it might be a thing of laziness vs lack of opportunity, and can see why many people in rural areas think: If you are starving, then you are lazy; because food is made by YOU.

That is still not an excuse for such arrogance. Common sense and an ounce of reasoning should immediately raise ones level of awareness to understand that the entire worlds population is not living on a farm. The rural attitude of poor = lazy bum is inexcusable. As far as the rural way of live goes, frankly I find it a bore. Growing vegetables or raising hogs is not my idea of living.

[kf0rt]

That is still not an excuse for such arrogance. Common sense and an ounce of reasoning should immediately raise ones level of awareness to understand that the entire worlds population is not living on a farm. The rural attitude of poor = lazy bum is inexcusable. As far as the rural way of live goes, frankly I find it a bore. Growing vegetables or raising hogs is not my idea of living.

Schlepping food from the kitchen to the tables ain't my idea of living either, but you'll never hear me tell that to the waitress.

[KC2UGV]

That is still not an excuse for such arrogance. Common sense and an ounce of reasoning should immediately raise ones level of awareness to understand that the entire worlds population is not living on a farm. The rural attitude of poor = lazy bum is inexcusable. As far as the rural way of live goes, frankly I find it a bore. Growing vegetables or raising hogs is not my idea of living.

It's akin to the arrogance of assuming "Everyone has access to the internet", or "Everyone has access to grid power", or "Nobody needs guns" that many people in non-rural places hold.

I'd suggest everyone (Myself as well I learned), needs to step back occasionally, and re-inspect their own situation and that of others to assist in understanding opposing viewpoints.

I mean, seriously John, I think many of the people living in Rural areas don't contemplate population density, only land mass occupation; ie "There's more farmland and rural areas than city" for example.

[N8YX]

There's an absolute shitload of guns and gun owners in that part of the state. Might want to reconsider your choice of locales.

[n2ize]

I

I mean, seriously John, I think many of the people living in Rural areas don't contemplate population density, only land mass occupation; ie "There's more farmland and rural areas than city" for example.

But its the 21st century and there is simply no excuse. Poverty goes beyond just not having food. And there is a lot of poverty in rural areas so what is the excuse ? It doesn't take any great brains to understand that not everyone has access to a farm. It would be like me saying that rural people don't deserve public assistance because they can all grow their own corn and raise their own hogs. The only excuse for ignorance is arrogance.

[n2ize]

I have always felt uncomfortable in rural settings. Where many see rural areas as quaint, and close to nature, I seem a great potential for evil amidst the isolation that comprises rural life. I fee a lot safer in the deepest and darked back alleys of a major urban centre than the confines of a rural setting.

[suddenseer]

I have always felt uncomfortable in rural settings. Where many see rural areas as quaint, and close to nature, I seem a great potential for evil amidst the isolation that comprises rural life. I fee a lot safer in the deepest and darked back alleys of a major urban centre than the confines of a rural setting.

One need not be afraid of rural settings for the most part. However, if banjos can be heard I'd get the heck out of dodge.