Florida points out that a dramatic regional variance exists within the United States, noting that areas such as Silicon Valley and the D.C. metro area would rank among the top ten if counted alone. As part of the U.S.A., they serve only to highlight an enduring inequality.
"While I am not as pessimistic as the declinists-there is still time for the nation to reverse course-many of "the rest" have clearly caught up and jumped ahead on this score. Given the deep divides that vex this country, it may be an issue that is particularly difficult to address."