tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565709473400239017.post5883652290852988201..comments2023-12-30T00:13:58.399-08:00Comments on barrycasselman: THE PRAIRIE EDITOR: Returning To ErieKavon W. Nikradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03749383243211539628noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565709473400239017.post-20904557196335707112012-11-15T09:58:23.405-08:002012-11-15T09:58:23.405-08:00Perhaps in a way Erie may be a microcosm of what l...Perhaps in a way Erie may be a microcosm of what large numbers of other communities and even the United States as a whole have to do to compete in a global economy. The absence of change and re-invention only leads to stagnation and decline. There would seem to be no middle ground. Erie has moved down a path that offers some hope for its future. For any of us that are satisfied with our own status quo there might be a lesson there.Jeffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565709473400239017.post-44151975607333287532012-11-15T08:36:01.943-08:002012-11-15T08:36:01.943-08:00Barry, I both enjoyed and was encouraged by your r...Barry, I both enjoyed and was encouraged by your report from "home." Having recently returned to my hometown in Michigan (another representative of the Rust Belt) for our 50-year high school reunion, this column was especially relevant to me. One concern that I have is that the new vibrancy you described is confined to such industries as health, education, and tourism -- all life enhancing for sure and one doesn't even have to get their hands dirty. However, we all need "stuff" (need less than want, but need nonetheless) and if we don't contribute our share of "stuff" we become takers and we all know what happens when there are too many takers and not enough producers. Gary Russellnoreply@blogger.com