I recently moved back to the giant warm embrace of the Midwest after 20 years away - 20 years of seeing people in DC, LA and Houston NOT pull over for sirens. I sometimes feel silly after saying for the millionth time that I enjoy the change of pace - but its not just my pace that is slowed, its that in certain parts of the country, everyone feels compelled to slow down for what's important. I don't think its a coincidence that less urban areas are filled with more hope and people of a spiritual inclination.