[mariatherese]

Yeah, I was wondering that, too. Blue Grass Fever, you and I have to represent northern Michigan, because no one else is standing up for it!

There are a lot of great places in the US, in fact I am planning on moving... but I will always love my home. It is a unique, great place!!!!!

[politikally]

Originally Posted by Blue Grass Fever

Just wondering what northern cities reek of decay?

Depending on how far "north" you wish to go: Flint (really bad), Saginaw, The Soo(UP), and quite a few ghost towns over by Baraga (UP).

I will note I wasn't intending the decay comment to apply to the northern cities - though as I read it now it did sound like it. I was more using it to describe Lansing/Detroit/Flint/Saginaw.

Anyway, I'll defend the UP all day with you maria... I loved it up there. I spent alot of my childhood there and I still visit there alot!

[mariatherese]

Originally Posted by politikally

Depending on how far "north" you wish to go: Flint (really bad), Saginaw, The Soo(UP), and quite a few ghost towns over by Baraga (UP).

I will note I wasn't intending the decay comment to apply to the northern cities - though as I read it now it did sound like it. I was more using it to describe Lansing/Detroit/Flint/Saginaw.

Anyway, I'll defend the UP all day with you maria... I loved it up there. I spent alot of my childhood there and I still visit there alot!

Cool! Then really, we agree. I know that there are a lot of problems/decay in MI- especially in SE MI- but I just wanted to point out some of the more beautiful, thriving areas we have as well for others who may be reading this.

Say Ya To Da UP, Eh!

[mike jones]

This state is dead.
There is nothing to look foward to.

I put much of the blame on the auto unions.
They are responsible for this mess.

[Blue Grass Fever]

Originally Posted by mike jones

This state is dead.
There is nothing to look foward to.

I put much of the blame on the auto unions.
They are responsible for this mess.

I'm sure you weren't blaming the auto unions when things were going good.

Your motto should be "stop the world and let me off"!

[annaandbill]

I find it pointless to go to work for $8.00/hr after paying daycare and taxes. I was making $40K/yr 4 years ago. I even ran my own businesses since with little success. This is a sad time for Michigan.
Yes, the Union has alot to do with this!!! Yes we were happy when all was good. Floor sweepers making $20+/ hr. Even my dad, a computer tech, he makes $100,000/yr. Cries everyday wanting to afford retirement. So sad. Not willing to give up his piper airplane or any of his other prizes from the auto industry! His career (except his associate degree) was paid for by the auto company. SPOILED!!! That describes all these UNION workers.
Not saying they should have expected less than they were guaranteed by these companies but we have to FLEX with a downward spiraling economy. What gives?
Foreign auto companies are steering clear of Detroit. The fear is highly paid union folks. Think about it. In China what do they work for an hour (think Walmart, great prices for cheap labor)?
This whole country will become Michigan unless government changes and foreign trade policies change. Michigan is only the beginning to the ruin of the U.S.
That's my thoughts. Beat me up all you want but just saying my thoughts!
Anna

[cassy1]

RedWingsFan - Have you left Michigan or are you still there? I went home for Christmas (my three kids still live there), and the news and state of things so very depressed me. Everyone keeps saying "Michigan has been hit hard before and pulled out and it will do it again". Wow, the houses are still on the market that were on the market when my husband and I left. I find it safe to say that if we had stayed we would have had to file bankruptcy! Good luck to all in Michigan, it is a beautiful state and the people are great, but I choose to live comfortably. Regards........