Rural America "disappearing"

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20110727/D9OO8DTO1.html

QUOTE: "Rural America now accounts for just 16 percent of the nation's population, the lowest ever. The latest 2010 census numbers hint at an emerging America where, by mid-century, city boundaries become indistinct and rural areas grow ever less relevant. Many communities could shrink to virtual ghost towns as they shutter businesses and close down schools, demographers say."


 I've always had this sneaking suspicion that "The Powers That Be" (whoever you believe them to be) want everyone sequestered together in large urban enclaves.  I'm not sure why, maybe to control what people do, maybe to concentrate resources, who knows....  My hope is that the Self-sufficiency/Preparedness movements are slowing that momentum down and perhaps can reverse it at some point.  There are, of course, many downsides to living in big cities as well as some positives (mostly job opportunities and certain types of services that smaller communities might not be able to provide).  Given the choice, I'll stick with small towns or even farm life over urban squalor and the "Rat Race".