I lived close to that area for a while and know people that have moved to North Dakota to work. They're coming right out of high school and immediately making tons of money. A lot of it is wasted on motorcycles, TVs, trucks, alcohol and drugs. The work itself can be very hard, taking a toll on even the youngest and strongest of them. It's put a strain on a lot of marriages as husbands have moved away to work leaving their wives and children behind in communities that can provide decent homes, schools and safety.

It's a difficult situation for me because I know a lot of people that rely on this work to support themselves and their families. Without oil, gas and coal many of these communities would collapse. At the same time, I know the effect this has on the environment and I support us moving towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. I don't have a solution for any of this, just a lot of empathy for everyone involved.