Would we really want a rural/small town revolution?
The “return” of many to small town life would immediately and permanently change the rural life.
First they would bring their big city issues with them, drugs, crime, overpriced everything.
Second the attitudes.
Thirdly, the small resource base of the rural area would be stretched beyond the limits. Infrastructure that is already maxed out, sewers, water, power, it can’t keep up.
Then there’s the prices, compare a 40 acre lot today to ten, twenty, thirty years ago. And housing. What happens when people with money start moving in? Californians who have to reinvest their house sale monies or pay taxes will cause prices to do what?
Back to the land sounds well and good, until you look past the facade.