Something Strange in the Air What is it about this year that is forcing so many conservatives to cut back on drinking the Kool-Aid?

One of these days, the 80 percent of Americans who live in more populated areas may tire of being obliquely insulted. Most urbanites and suburbanites don't think they're any better than their country cousins. But Palin might want to think twice before telling them they're worse.

As a resident of a small town who spent most of his life in urban areas, I have to agree with the sentiment that it is insulting to hear how much more integrity we have "out here."

Both urban and rural living have benefits and drawbacks. Personally I'll take North Adams over Detroit any day of the week. I know my neighbors. I'm on a first name basis with many of my local politicians (although many of them call me different names when I'm not around.) I don't worry about my kid running and playing in the woods. I buy my chicken, pork and many of my veggies directly from a farmer. The friendships I've made here are strongest of my adult life. For me, this place is great.

But pound for pound we easily have as many social problems and cultural taboos as "the city." They just manifest in different ways.  ¶ 8:32 AM