[RayO]

I can relate to your story, as I think most of us can in some way. I grew up in Kansas City, MO, my dad worked for TWA. They operated a large overhaul base just north of KC with their own runways and all (of course) for test flights and bring the jets in for service etc. When the 747 was introduced around '71, I don't remember exactly, the KC airport couldn't support the 747 because the runways weren't long enough, and the river prevented making them longer, so they moved the facilities out next to the TWA overhaul base. The old airport became a small local airport and started going downhill quickly, along with the area around it. That area is depressing now, as I imagine a lot of Detroit and other auto plant towns will become soon.
We need to realize and expect change, like it or not. We are now in a global market and the world is a new place. Like our communication now on our little note posting board!! When we were growing up this would have been a bulletin board at a community center MAYBE, now it is world-wide for anyone anywhere to access.
I am excited about all the information available to us, and I do hate to see some people lose their jobs and all that, but there are also many new jobs opened up too. Let's just hope the changes are mostly for the good!! ;D