I live in Western North Dakota, where, as everyone knows, we've had an influx of people to work the oil fields. I've heard it mentioned on this site that at least some of you have friends and family that have relocated to the area. I sincerely hope that they aren't the ones that are wrecking this fine state.
I am appalled at the way many of these newcomers act, drive, and just generally disrespect the state I chose as my home. Our road ditches are overflowing with litter, driving on the interstate feels like big city rush hour, with people cutting each other off and driving like lunatics. Crime rates continue to rise. People are rude and condescending, as though they're doing us a favor by being here. Overall, I've seen way more negative than positive, for sure!
I can't help but wonder if this is just how the rest of the world operates, or if it's just a lack of respect, since I know many of them don't see themselves staying here forever, and therefore they just don't care?
I know this is really more of a vent than anything, but I would like to ask any of you that know people who have moved here if you would please remind them that even though they'll be moving on once they've made their money, there are people who live here because we love it and it is our home.
...
We were so happy to move away from Williston a little over a year ago. It had become a CRAZY town. Accidents and Crime going up every day. Services unable to keep up. And too many men per women to really feel comfortable any longer. We had other circumstances that were driving us to move, but it has been a relief to no longer be in that world. AND we made crazy $$ on the houses we sold ;)
Ditto Tat2d~2~B~Amuse a million times over. I agree with her about everything she said.
What you are describing is often called a "boom-town mentality." The people in your area (and the gas-drilling companies in your area) are not there to make a positive contribution. There are there to get the gas out of the ground, take the money, and run. They want to get a lot and give nothing in return.
This is one aspect of human nature, but it's not inevitable, and people -- even these people -- CAN do better. But since this is your land, not theirs, it's up to your community to find your way of saying "shape up or ship out."
I'd also like to say that when politicians say that resource extraction creates jobs, this is the kind of jobs they're talking about -- a lot of money for an irresponsible few, depletions of resources for the local community (depletion of the land, uncompensated demands on law enforcement, etc.).
It IS possible for our country (which includes vast tracts of land that are sun-drenched and windy) to be energy independent, but it will take intelligence, hard work, and investment.
Most things worth having aren't easy. The easy money mentality in your area is a case in point.
Sounds like southeast Florida . . . drives M. nuts too.
Midland, TX has the same issues.
It's not J. your area this happens everywhere. When I moved to PA I loved that it was quiet and there were not that many people, well within a few year that all changed. The people moved there in droves from NY & NJ with their garbage, attitudes, bad driving and disrespect. Then the housing market crashed and they left their homes in foreclosure and screwed everyone that stayed.
I am currently moving to a country area here in Florida and hoping that I don’t go through that again. I think some people are hypocrites when they want to live in the country and then complain about the bugs, wildlife, hunters and the lack of huge shopping centers minutes from their doors.
Sorry - can't blame this on the Oil Boom.
This is society. This is what happens when people look the other way and don't STOP and SAY something when they see someone littering or doing any other type of damage.
People are doing it because they are ALLOWED TO. People are rude and condescending because no one has told them that is unacceptable. They keep their mouths shut because they don't want to "hurt someone's feelings". Instead of posting here? Get on your local radio stations - start making noise! Call and find out city ordinances...if you see someone littering - call 'em on it.
If people are being rude - CALL 'EM ON IT!!! You can "vent" here - but it won't change anything. You need to get your community involved. That's how things will change. When the people stand up and say ENOUGH!
This has happened in Chicago - when the mafia thugs came in. People were too afraid to stop them. Others - well - they loved the business and money it brought in - so they kept their mouths shut and looked the other way....now - Chicago has the highest crime rate in our country (got to look at the stats again - but yeah...their "strict" gun control laws have ensured that only criminals and government are armed)....
New York....especially in the City.
Hawaii - it's not the quaint little place it used to be...
Washington, D.C.....
North Dakota is NOT immune to this. You can't blame the oil boom on this. Yes, if caused an influx of people...however...too many have turned the other cheek and not done anything....if it wasn't oil - there might be something else there in North Dakota to cause people to come....don't blame this on the oil...blame this on the people who are keeping their mouths shut.
I think it's a population density function.
Anytime you get a big influx of people moving in - especially from lots of different places - rude and garbage J. seems to come with them.
Also - people who come with the intention of moving on (they'll only be someplace short term, a few years at most) tend to trash and run.
In general - home owners take better care of their property than renters.
Some of the roadside trash seems to get a little better if you can get serious about littering fines and enforce them.
A slap on the wrist of $500 that's rarely enforced means nothing.
A $5000 fine that's enforced constantly makes people think twice about tossing anything from a car window.
It's like living in a neighborhood full of rentals. People who own their homes take care of them, those who are transient don't care what state the place is after they leave. You have a bunch of transients living in your state, they don't have the same sense of ownership you do about living there.
We actually do tell the renters in our neighborhood how to behave if we see them littering, parking on the sidewalk, or playing their music too loud. But, I agree with you that you can't chase someone down on the highway. You can, however, get their license plate number and report the littering/unsafe driving if you are willing to make a statement to the police about what you saw.
Maybe you could call/email the companies they work for? They make the company look bad by acting this way, which might make them do something about it.
It is a combination of things. The people are temporary to your neck of the woods so they tend to be casual and careless. A "they won't be there forever so what do they care" type of mentality. It reminds M. of stereotypical teens. What is in it for them with blinders on to the rest of humanity. I work in the industry and the field types tend to be rough around the edges which is a combination of factors too. Their supervisors set the tone and don't crack down on them to behave and/or don't set the right example. They tend to be of a certain personality type which is not typically selfless and caring. They are in it for the money and have a get in, get out mentality. All sweeping generalities but it holds true for the most part in my experience.
Sadly I think you are experiencing what third world countries or any boom area does. Where there is money to be made, too many are willing to trample anything and everything in their pursuit of the all mighty dollar.
Vent away. I am sorry you are experiencing this. The only recourse I can see is petitioning your local politicians and police agencies to step up regulations, laws and enforcement. Unfortunately the politicians are the ones who helped these people get there by paving the way so it may be an uphill battle.
Sounds J. like the suburbs of Chicago. And that's the oldtimers, not the newcomers. Sad.
I would be upset too! People can be inconsiderate and lack morals, especially when they are there to only make money and leave when it runs out. I would call your local news station and get them to start reporting about it.
Wow! I never thought of that happening. I hope they don't find oil in South Dakota! It seems to M. that easy money attracts the wrong kind of people. The cold winters usually keep those kind away. It is like that in other places, sadly. Thank you for sharing that.
I really don't get how anyone could possibly put the current mess on your shoulders.
I find it sad that we even have to remind ADULTS how they should behave. Seriously? Sounds like their parents didn't do a good job of raising them.
This is an issue across the board, across the nation--it's not J. limited to ND. Although you're probably seeing more of it because you've had a sudden influx of new workers in your state.
I don't understand why people think it's okay to throw trash around outside. I suppose they figure mommy or their wife or girlfriend is going to come by and pick up their trash, J. the same as they probably pick up after them at home. Sad. Very sad.
We seem to have a lot of people who never really grow up. And they are the people who are supposed to help govern and run the world/make things happen? ::shudder::
