RAT machines have always used their patronage and jobs filling abilities to buy votes of the lower classes. It has been that way from the beginning of the Republic.
Without cities one does not have civilization or culture. Blanket condemnations of them are as silly as complaining that there is an anus in the human body so the whole thing stinks.
I don't see much civilization or culture in modern cities. Distress More Likely in New York(City), Study Finds
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe in the arts, for what they're worth. I'm not impressed. K - 12 public education is generally an abomination.