Migration of the People

Some interesting conversations have taken place lately concerning the migration of Americans for economic reasons. It's no secrete that in some parts of this country, the cost of living is way above other parts. An example would be the cost of living in California compared to the cost of living in Mississippi. Considering the cost of housing, energy, especially gasoline at the pump, food and property taxes, the gap is considerable. Though the real wages vary, the high cost of living is more pronounced and evident in states such as New York, and certainly California.
Following the economy, especially jobs and wages, has become more of a trend than in years past. As manufacturing plants close, jobs shrink in number ( especially high paying jobs ), and the general standard of living becomes more expensive, citizens are being forced to relocate in order to survive economically. This migration is nothing new, but the current economic crisis in this country has accelerated the process.
Looking at the whole picture, including everything from food to taxes and energy cost, Americans are pushed to maintain their standard of living. Lets not forget the health care issue when figuring household expenses, especially medicine and care for those disabled or very seriously ill. The end result is less money for necessities and basic expenses such as utilities and clothing.
Where do we find the cost of living in-step with real wages? This is the question those that migrate ask before moving from one state to another, or move within a state. And, how long will the economic conditions remain favorable before another move is necessary? The current economic condition in this country make it almost impossible to answer the question with even a minute ounce of certainty. Job security and economic stability are not in the foreseeable future in this country.
It seems that “having roots” and a permanent home base is a thing of the past for most Americans. The migration of citizens within this country will continue, at least for the foreseeable future. As mentioned before, this is nothing new, but the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate. Economics is the name of the game, and following the economy is the only way to stay in the game for many citizens.
If we were to play the blame game, and there's certainly enough to go around, part of the blame would certainly fall on the shoulders of the “catch-all” phrase, “Global Economy”. Migration of jobs force migration of people. As jobs leave this country, citizens migrate to the few remaining jobs. I remember a movie about cave men and women migrating to follow the animal herds which supplied their food. Modern man migrates in this country looking for living wages and an acceptable cost of living for much the same reason.
Remember when several generations of one family worked at the same manufacturing plant and lived in the same town for decade after decade? This was true in the steel towns before our leaders sold us out. The “Global Economy” demon has taken its' toll. Now we're migrating like the cave men just to feed ourselves. The selling of America has forced the migration of its' citizens.
When will we wake up and realize that a Global Economy, as we have it today, has, and continues to, damn this country into poverty? How much longer can we migrate looking for work and an acceptable living standard? Where will the jobs be five years from now? Ten years from now? Twenty years from now? Will towns, cities, and states become just transit areas for migrant Americans looking for employment?