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You ought to visit the reservations of So Dak. I don't think there is any worse poverty and hopelessness in the US than the Pine Ridge reservation here. The sad part is, the reservation system is a gov't made and fostered phenomena.
SO true. South Dakota is a very poor state overall. You have hillbilly hell out here once you leave the cities (which aren't much better) just like in rural CA.
Sounds like you were in California. Yes, California is a national disgrace. You should have come to Texas.
I can show him enough deprivation in Texas in one day to last him his entire life. Hell, i don't even need a whole day...a few hours TOPS. Put a sock in it.
Anyway, this is a huge country. You can't travel that many miles and not see variations on the American Experiece. Some of us are prosperous, some of us are poor, some of us just barely get buy, some of us are wealthier than you can imagine. I like that about America....our experiences run the gamut.
I can show him enough deprivation in Texas in one day to last him his entire life. Hell, i don't even need a whole day...a few hours TOPS. Put a sock in it.
Anyway, this is a huge country. You can't travel that many miles and not see variations on the American Experiece. Some of us are prosperous, some of us are poor, some of us just barely get buy, some of us are wealthier than you can imagine. I like that about America....our experiences run the gamut.
I can show him enough deprivation in Texas in one day to last him his entire life. Hell, i don't even need a whole day...a few hours TOPS. Put a sock in it.
Ya obviously don't understand the difference between anti-materialism and deprivation.
Last I heard, California was still part of the United States of America, so yes, the OP did experience part of America. Considering that California's population is larger than Canada, we probably have the highest number of many groups, not just illegals and gangbangers.
Also, you're incorrect that two or three counties have declared bankruptcy. These cities have declared bankruptcy:
Vallejo (2008)
Stockton (2012)
San Bernardino (2012)
Mammoth Lakes (2012)
By all means, the OP should visit other parts of the U.S. It's a vast place with a lot to offer. However, bashing California isn't the answer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by softblueyz
You didn't experience AMERICA, you experienced the welfare state of Mexifornia. The state with the largest number of illegals and gangbangers and where two/three counties declared bankruptcy.
There are 50 states to visit and yes, poverty can be on a widespread scale or there are pockets. Americans have a history of not travelling beyond their borders. Americans do travel, within their own borders as there is so much diversity with things to see and do.
If you should decide to return, take a look at what other states have to offer. Why, you might even find something to do "in the middle of nowhere".
"long lost outposts steeped in poverty and decrepitation "
First consideration is that there is an equlibrium in America that settles out in a choice of a place to live and like minded people tend to gather.
2ndly, the old cars or boats and tyvek wrapped houses unfinished with siding, represent someone's dreams. Ask if the car is for sale and the answer will be, 'no, I'm going to fix that up some day". Same deal with boats and home projects not completed.
These are the personal dreams that people need to fuel their life.
It is not importabnt that dreams are fulfilled, it is far more important to have a dream you can hold onto to carry you through the days.
The beauty is of America is you can go wherever you like, depends on your motivation and dreams. That is the American dream. what you saw in your travels are primordial dreams waiting to be dreamt.
A myopic view to characterize a diverse nation is so euro provincial.
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The state with the largest number of illegals and gangbangers and where two/three counties declared bankruptcy. 
