Well, I'm a Midwesterner, too, but I've lived exclusively in multiple major cities, including New York City, and I tend to agree that things can get absolutely disgusting.  It's not a new problem, though, as far as I can tell.  Despite the fact that we're constantly informed that the gap between the rich and the poor is widening, it's always been abhorrently wide and has, in fact, been much wider than this (and if we'd like to look globally, the problem is even worse).  

This may be a bit of a digression, but I do have a take on New York in particular.  The degree to which people there put up with discomfort is unbelievable.  The drive that so many have to live there is even more unbelievable (and it's a drive that is often, though not always, based on hype).  In any case, personal space, social niceties, and good old-fashioned politeness take a backseat there, because there is simply NOT ENOUGH SPACE for a sane person to exercise them comfortably.  For this reason, I think New York has become a place of ambition, a place that prides itself on stress, because that's how you compensate--by working yourself numb so you can buy an escape for yourself in the form of spacious and opulent housing, by telling yourself that the discomfort is worth it because hey, you're living in NEW YORK (whatever that means).  If there's a city that embodies the term "rat race," New York is it.  And I'm not saying it's a horrible place for everyone--some people find the rat race to be exciting.  But I would caution against too much jealousy--we have to consider the price (and I'm not talking just money) they pay for their playpens/prisons.  I live in another, slightly smaller city now, and I wouldn't trade my tree-lined street, friendly neighbors, and garden space for what they have.  

As much as I hate having to worry so much about money, I do often think that it's probably a good thing to always have to worry about it a little--sort of gives you an edge, keeps you crafty, keeps you appreciative, makes you clever, stretches you constantly.  Luxury tends to make one soft...I do pity those $25 million dollar people sometimes, and wonder if they ever notice the lack of that edge.  

Thanks for the post--good brain food, for sure!