Again the existence of the largest population center in Alaska happened at the behest of the Fed Gov (and at the expense of private enterprise: capitalism in other places). Some people don't appreciate some things when they get them for nothing. I'm not saying it was a bad deal overall; but I also don't think it is unrealistic for the haves to correct some of what was ruined for some of the have-nots. Unfortunately defending that idea clouds some of the real issues that continue to be so wrong. (I would have a hard time saying that the 'railroad to Nome' is somehow worse than the railroad to Fairbanks some 90 years ago was however. In fact it might even make more sense.)
I have to say that living in Fairbanks does seem like easy street compared to life in the bush in so many respects. Things are so cheap.
