Most Powerful City in the World? (live, money, cities)

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by oilpainter

I think that just happened. And yet another example of how industry is being subsidized in NY by the rest of us when it fails. How many banks dipped into the sub-prime mess, looking for even more money? Could happen again, and the Feds (the rest of us) can only bail those institutions out so many times. Typical.

Industry being subsidized is one issue, and an issue I, too, have a problem with. The fact that it was in NY is coincidental. Businesses and farms all over the country receive subsidies and bailouts.

It's not as if the rest of the country is somehow propping up major cities. If you look at maps of donor states, most of the states containing major cities are actually paying more in taxes than they are receiving in federal spending. That's due, in large part, to those major population centers and their wealth.

[goozer]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

I live in Los Angeles, and entertainment is only a small piece of the pie here. It's an alpha city not because of entertainment and media, but because it's a huge city with a very diverse population.

I've never been to London or Tokyo, so I don't know what they're like. I think New York, as the financial hub of the U.S., could have a slight edge. Washington, D.C. has the political power, but I'd still say New York is #1 - at least in the U.S.

Yeah, but the entertainment industry is what gives LA its glamour. Sure there are other industries there and non-media moguls...but it seems like everyone wants to be associated with the entertainment business in some way. Even if it simply means playing golf with the Steven Spielbergs and David Geffens of the world once a month.

[oilpainter]

Originally Posted by goozer

Yeah, but the entertainment industry is what gives LA its glamour. Sure there are other industries there and non-media moguls...but it seems like everyone wants to be associated with the entertainment business in some way. Even if it simply means playing golf with the Steven Spielbergs and David Geffens of the world once a month.

This 'myth' of everyone running around L.A. with a script in their hands is about as stupid as Woody Allen's assertion that the only cultural advantage is the ability to turn right on red. L.A. is a very big place and so far, judging by the short-sightedness of those on this board, no one seems to realize this.

[SouthCali4LifeSD]

i'm changing my vote from nyc to LA! for no particular reason!!!

ps... i've been to both places!

[matt345]

Even though I live in LA and love it, I can't deny the power and influence that comes out of NYC. Worldwide, yes it's debatable what the most powerful city is, but in the United States alone, it's NYC without a doubt. No other place even comes close. I don't care if DC's where the government, it doesn't compare to NYC. Saying otherwise is completely denying reality IMO. Besides, are you going to tell me that Sacramento, CA is much more important to the state of California than San Francisco or Los Angeles, simply because it's technically the capital? Or that Albany, NY is more important than New York City? Or Springfield, IL over Chicago?

[rural lady]

Better watch out for China!!!!!!!!!

[dpc]

A friend of mine works for hmss (her majesty's secret service), make no mistake, it's London England.

[CMDallas]

Originally Posted by DC's Finest

I'm not a homer. I'm a realist. Don't be a hater. I know people hate DC but when you see iconic structures like the Pentagon, White House, Monument and the Capitol, you can't deny the power.

uhhh...ok...that was sort of random...
ANYWAYS
DC does do it's job, NYC too...maybe Tokyo....

[trackstar08]

NYC takes the cake..for one its let least homogeuous of all of the cities mentioned making it a powerful cultural center and two its the home of wall street the largest stock market trading headquarters in the world.

[DannyBanany]

I chose Los Angeles earlier, but now that I think about it New York is way more powerful. Nearly every major American (and some foreign) corporation has its headquarters in New York City. If not its headquarters, it has a branch. And beings corporations really run America and America is the most powerful nation...

Yep, New York takes it.