Empire State Building :: Location Scout, originally uploaded by Sam Rohn – Location Scout

The irony is that cities are good for the planet.
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Leaving aside the planning insanities, both the UK and the US do a splendid job of directing tax revenue away from the cities and towards the countryside. In 2006, Wyoming received almost six times as much anti-terrorism funding as New York, per person. Londoners contribute at least £1,700 ($3,450) a year more in tax than they receive in government spending. Wales, Scotland, the North East and Northern Ireland receive at least £2,000 per person more than they pay in tax. Rural mail, telephones and utilities are cross-subsidised by city-dwellers. And European Union farm subsidies are infamous.
People, of course, have the right to choose to live wherever suits them. But when they choose to live in cities, the rest of us benefit. Why, then, are we so keen to pay them to stay in the countryside?

What have cities ever done for us? (via Big Media Matt via Ryan Avent)