[Jared Russell]

Originally Posted by Chris Hibner

Seriously, most people in the so called "rust belt" area find that term pretty offensive. Every time I see it in the media I cringe and fire off a nasty e-mail to the journalist.

Steel Belt, Manufacturing Belt, Large Industry Belt - these imply correctly that this area is responsible for creating much of the large heavy machinery that makes everyone's lives better.

Rust Belt implies decay, mechanical death, and junk piles. I don't really appreciate my chosen area to live being compared to a junk pile.

I honestly had no idea that the term Rust Belt had so many negative connotations. Chalk one up to ignorance. Sorry!