I Went To The Poorest County In America
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- čas přidán 17. 03. 2023
- This doesn't even look like America anymore.
McDowell County is now the poorest place in the country. You could say McDowell County is West Virginia’s West Virginia.
It was Day 11 on my Appalachian adventure, and my last stop in West Virginia was the small town of Welch. It’s the biggest city in McDowell County. That’s where we’ll spend most of our time today.
Driving around this part of Appalachia land is kinda like exploring a real live ghost town in progress. This is not what the United States is supposed to look like. But, truth isn’t pretty, or always something you want to see is it?
#westvirginia #realestate
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This channel is about America!
The best video on this topic!
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Im a disabled veteran, but I don’t need drugs. I have Jesus. The whole world needs Him.
Nick please visit Beckley, WV and maybe a small town called Arnett, WV not far from Beckley. I think you'd be surprised.
@@stoveboltlvr3798 I tried getting him to do Huntington and be his guide to explain how it was compared to how it is now.
I love watching your videos, Nick, they’re always very interesting. I live in the U.K., it’s a real eye opener. Keep up the good work. 👍
Don’t forget McDowell county is home of the Rocket boys from October Sky.
Social security isn't Government assistance, people worked for that money. Thank you😊
Yes! Hoping someone would point that out.
Not necessarily I know several people who have never worked and still get a check every month
This isn't true. The people currently receiving social security draw more in than they paid out, paid for by the younger generation who probably won't get it
How bout all those scammers on SSDI... Govt handouts.... lazy shifless people.
Cross the border and get a free phone... who pays for that?
If we just had the $300 billion we used to bail out the banks last week, we could fix all of this. Some problems will never be fixed because a certain class of people doesn’t want them to be fixed.
And, certain people of certain political persuasion are poor, prop up politicians who are going against their self interest but because they're too ignorant to realize it.
And, one side with its pet projects burning through tax dollars on non sense with no commonsense solutions.
Thank Biden, your president, he is worried about Ukraine, but they don’t give a damn about you, especially banks, debts will be written off, people will be thrown
More than just that certain class. Now that borders are open, we're all ants in a jar, being shook.
Its the rich. The oligarchs.
Say out loud.
Grow some cojones.
Banks are way more important than people at least it feels that way that 100 billion that went to Ukraine would of made a big difference in the lives of the people here but the government knows best not us
As a truck driver..
I have to say that WV is absolutely beautiful to drive thru..
One of the most beautiful states..
And the ppl are the same..
Haha.......drive THROUGH? So not to live, stay, visit or to relax as a holiday town? Haha
I heard VW is pretty good to drive too!
Well, thank you, lol. It is incredibly beautiful here and most of the people (those not in active addiction) are very friendly, warm, welcoming people.
lol
Well Welch is getting better now many new businesses are opening and lots of tourists are coming in because of the trails… can’t loos hop… the people won’t mess with you if you come as a tourist and there’s also a new sports bar opening down town there’s also a boba shop and Mexican restaurant/ bar and ATVs rentas and so many other businesses that are putting in there grain of sand to bring Welch back to life!!
im from Australia, someone very close to me lives in WV. Its so beautiful there and all the buildings and houses are gorgeous. if any of those 2 story houses were in my city they would easily be a million dollars. its a crazy world we live in.
Her comment about strong men going into a hole in the ground struck a chord with me. I grew up in Northern Ontario Canada in a mining community, mostly goldmines. My dad worked underground all his life with never a complaint. Hard dirty dangerous wet work. I worked underground every summer to put myself through university. My dad always wanted better for his kids. He always told me” this is just a summer job, get your education and don’t look back “ Thanks for sharing this video.
Was it the nickel mines in Sudbury? Oh NM I just read closer and it says goldmines.
@@chrisccc22 City of Timmins further north
Been there many many of a time. I'm in Hamilton.
@@stewslaney1199 45 minutes from were I'm watching this video from the big city of Iroquois Falls population 4500 😂 we lost our paper mill a few years back everyone was nervous about the towns economic impact but thankful the mine industry is still booming up here. With the price of housing down south your bang for buck goes alot further in small towns. I'm in a wheelchair and on a fixed income and Im living like a king up here were if I was in a big city I would be barely getting by.
This is a wild happening! I was born in iroquois falls and had family/friends working the mines in timmins. What a small world.
I was born not far from Welch in the 40s. It has changed. There is a war but it's not a war on poverty; it's war on the poor.
It's the same as in inner cities.....The cure is education, and relocation.
The war is being waged on them, by the same people they vote for.
I don’t mean for this to sound gross or nasty and I really hope you take it the way I am intending it but for someone born when you say you were you look great! Hope you have an amazing long life!
Diana, you are so very correct. Unfortunately our Government is fighting on the wrong side.
God Bless U ridge runner Root hog or die by poverty , ‼️
You nailed it, WV once was thriving and many business but thanks to the corrupt leadership many thriving communities are in decline.
I was born and raised in McDowell County. I am a coal miner's daughter. I lived in WV until 1989. When steel companies, like US Steel, took their operations to foreign countries, things took a turn for the worse. I was a teacher there for 4 years in the 80s. I had students who never saw their parents go to work. They thought everyone received a government check.
Globalization has destroyed a lot of this country and a lot of other countries besides. They're ramping it up even further has time marches on.
Wow I was born in 89 lol
Everything was taken and not reinvested. Billions of dollars in coal taken by absentee owners. Having graduated from Concord College located in Athens WV I saw Florida county school boards come on campus and recruit upcoming future teachers/graduates that were raised in towns like Welch and the tiny unincorporated communities
Welcome to Latin America.
I work in Seattle and see the opioid problem every day, and I'm saddened to see such a big problem in such a small and rural place.
and yet they allow the Sackler family safety from prosecution for this crime.
Same here, matter of fact the last project I worked on in Seattle was 5th and pine, somewhere wrote “fentanyl is a human right” on the side walk. Sadly the opioid crisis is all over the US.
Facts!
It’s disgusting 🤢 I live in LA and people became pigs from using drugs. Unimaginable
The entire city of Pittsburg and the surrounding region look like this as well..
Being honest, generous and hard working doesn't go very far in this world these days.
That is a solid fact for sure
Only in THIS COUNTRY. Tell the truth.
@@kimblack1636 same in the UK
When you have Senators like Manchin and his Crime Family You're Hooped! 😢
They're Trump supporters what do i care
What a great ambassador Sandi is for her town. One of the best things about your videos is you talking to the local people.
I used to have to drive through West Virginia to get to university, drove through it about six times a year. It's amazing how the entire state gives off the same vibe and look. The thin little strips of buildings in between the tall mountains, the small outdated and often dilapidated buildings, a feeling of abandonment and emptiness.
Yeah I do the same Im in college myself in PA I always pass through Wheeling the place looks depressing although obviously not McDowell County level bad.
I remember delivering to that WalMart there years ago. The manager who was a cool guy, would tell me there were nothing but thieves working there. Unfortunately it took its toll. I always liked delivering to that store and slept many nights in that parking lot when I ran out of driving hours. Its a beautiful but depressed area of WV.
Can someone tell me how this happens? Trump loving, Republican voters who are so righteous, into God and church are somehow thieves, drug addicts, and on government assistance from the very government that they hate. Is this one of those situations where what they say and believe is the exact opposite of their own reality?
I’ve lived through this drug epidemic in southern WV
This lady is very knowledgeable
I’m so glad you are allowing her to articulate our challenges so clearly!
I’m stuck between staying and fighting and bailing on this poor sad place
And I’m a Coal miners daughter through and through
Both grandfathers were miners and
My Daddy and Mommy were both coal miners
Please stick it out. Our country needs you.
Stay and fight. Help your disabled and elderly neighbors clean up their yards. Make flowerbeds from old, discarded tires, trash cans, bins, whatever is lying around. (just make sure you have drainage holes in the bottom) Plant wildflowers in them, or veggie plants. You can make drip hoses from old hoses. You really don't have to buy much, just use whatever is available, and your imagination. If you transform one person's' yard into something whimsical, believe me, others will want to hire you. Accept whatever they can afford to pay (or trade) and work your way up. I saw a LOT of yards there that need some serious help. --Discarded tires are an excellent way to make raised flower/veggie beds for those who have trouble bending over or kneeling! We do this in Ohio! ---You can make your own compost with grass clippings, leaves, newspaper, kitchen scraps, twigs. There's plenty of videos on YT about it.
STAY and Do something Positive for your community! Make a Positive Name for Yourself! You'll be in business in no time, and heck, you might even make the news....
I know of someone who started out with a single push mower, mowing people's yards for practically Free, and now he owns his own business, employs 100 people, and is a multi-millionaire and lives in the country! He started on the poor side of town....
Thank the government for taking away they're livihood. There were ways of making the burning of coal cleaner, but government said "too bad for you "
The Joe Biden administration is just killing small towns and large cities. We need coal and Don't need his green deal dream. It's not going to happen.
So many people in the US aren't even aware that places like this still exist.
Would they care if they knew? These folks need jobs and rebuilding.
More of them are popping up all over in many countries. Our city is quickly falling apart and stores closing up all the time also. So many living on the streets. So sad. Is nothing like it used to be 25 years ago.
You need to go into any big Democrat city and drive around in the ghetto
That's why I don't travel south of the Mason Dixon line! Lol
Most Americans have a very low sense of awareness anyway. More than half the people do not own a passport
I can relate to this story !!!! I was born in 1952 and raised in the auto town of Flint Michigan, lots of businesses lots of good people, pretty safe ,great schools, then GM started to leave the city and things started down, lots of the factories have closed and are torn down!!!! Abandoned neighborhoods and businesses!!! We were raised in a small house that looked like a Monopoly piece 😂😂😂 but ours was the best one on the block!!! Big front porch, garage, rear addition with bedroom bath and a basement. When my mom died and we sold it, 10,000!!!!! is what we got . So Flint is a bit like WV , EXCEPT YOU HAVE NICER MOUNTAINS!!!!😊😊😊😊
Yep. Everything you said. I spent my childhood in Flint and we used to drive "down South' once or twice a year, passing through W Va. It's a shame to see what's become of each place. Both so beautiful (as I recall) in their own way. Something similar happened to Virginia and parts of North Carolina in the early 2000's when the textile mills left the US.
My Son is a Coal Miner. Marshall County. I'm very proud of him.
My uncles and cousins were coal miners, one became an inspector. Unfortunately, the companies didn’t invest in good health and safety equipment for its workers, nothing like what the firefighters have in breathing apparatus, say in Fairfax, VA. Black lung from the coal mines. Really is sad. Big pharma should be sued, or the doctors, for handing out the meds. After all they sued tobacco companies for people getting sick. Want to sue gun companies for criminals shooting people. Sue big pharma. They got billions from us tax payers during COVID, and we had to sign a document that said we accepted whatever negative consequences and held the pharma co. harmless. Sickening.
I love that lady. Very practical, strong, smart. If every town had 10 of her, the world would be a better place.
she is a good woman I think. I personally do not know her but I have seen her around and she runs a foodbank locally.
This lady is so lucid and grounded. Not to mention how good a narrator she is. I feel like I've lived there for years. New to this channel but if that's the quality of guests then it's really going somewhere
Haha sometimes the guests are this good!
Unbelievable very sad it's getting bad in Canada as well.. God bless 🙏😘
Just because I have always loved to travel, and I deeply love history -- I think you have one of the best jobs out there, Nick.
I *never* take interstate highways, except if I'm traveling at night to get somewhere quickly (as I did to go to my father's funeral). There is so much history to be found by driving U.S. and state highways. I like eating at the Mom and Pop restaurants, sleeping at the Mom and Pop hotels, and interacting with the Moms and Pops I find along the way.
I'm from Ireland and I was in W.V. about 20 years ago. For me it was like going back in time by about 30 years in so many ways. I met some lovely people though and enjoyed my few weeks there. So sad so see the area deteriorating.
You can see that people in Welch have pride - although the poverty is obvious I don't see mountains of trash or excessive graffitti, etc., I hope they can get that community back on track it's beautiful country.
Where would trash and graffiti come from. They don't have money for food, drinks, and spray cans.
There were literally mounds of trash in the first two minutes!
You racially overlooked the mounds of trash these good ol'boys keep in their yards, just to slander inner cities.
People have pride everywhere. Exactly where are they gonna spray graffiti? Trash? Lol…they LIVE in trash.
@@darrellmitchell5400 they don’t have money in Detroit slums either. but still got all that trash and graffiti. It’s called gobermnt handouts
I used to drive trucks for True Value Hardware Co back in 2014 when I first found out about Welch. I went there every week for a year. I'm a young black man, but I never felt unsafe there, awesome people but the condition of that place was unbelievable. Thanks Nick👍👍👍
So they needed alot of hardware supplies in those small towns like Welch where you made deliveries???
Yes, klwthe3rd we Appalachian natives live in homes that often need repair. Thus, we need a hardware store. If you have any more erudite, insightful questions please feel free to ask them.
Thanks for all of your hard work, brother. You’re doing a very good thing.
🙏
Hello Nick! I've been following a lot of your videos across the American states! Loved them! Will go on watching them!! Reading them is giving me a lot of knowledge about all the places of America! Keep on doing it, man! Congratulations!
I love hearing and viewing these treks around America 😎. We're all so quick to travel or want to travel the world. We have entire different worlds here in America
open borders for israel.
@@radfan7020 indeed 😎 and border sovereignty for America
Back road America is the best...I love looking at the junk..
@@davehughesfarm7983 Her accent is pretty hot too
@@radfan7020 what do u mean "open borders for israel"? u want it to b another islamic hell hole?
The nurse told the absolute truth . 😢 I hope she and her family stays safe . ✝️☦
Ex nurse B&B owner
I 👍
Stay safe - that phrase is such a bs phrase.
Government brought it in during the minor cough-19 pandemic. More people died from that than got shot in the year in nyc., and government lies & still lying about it.
Stay safe 😂😂
She said they were "20 years behind culturally than the rest of the country." It's more like 120 years behind.
@@douglasdea637 And they'll never catch up.
Golly!! When I saw the sign for Welch, did that wrench a memory from the cracks and crevices of my mind. In the late 40's or early 50's, my mother, father and I with another rel were approaching Welch. A bread truck going in the opposite direction, rounded a curve, hit a bump. A large quantity of wrapped, sliced, Wonder bread fell off. The truck continued. We stopped and collected the bread. We also stopped in Welch to lunch. We gave the restaurant the bread in exchange for five lunches.
Great memory! Thanks for sharing!
Big pharmacy (and so many doctors) love "prescribed" addiction $$$$!!!! And they all blame the addict.
i’m not from this county, but i am from a poor community in the appalachians. thank you for showing this, the poor of this region are always ignored/forgotten, most people don’t even know that it’s one of, if not THE poorest region in the US. i felt quite emotional watching this, as i’m one of those kids who escaped to university and never looked back. i miss my home but i worked damn hard to get out of that situation. i can only hope that some day these people will also escape the vicious cycle of poverty
I am not from this area but I lived here for years. A lot of businesses closed down in Fort Lauderdale. I will never go back there to live. There area is full of drugs, homeless people loitering, and people robbing each other. My life changed when I left there. I heard that there is a rich section but the poorer sections have gotten worse.
@@heatherfulmore3412 dirt Lauderdale is an orange vs West Virginia. I lived there and My family is in West Virginia. I take WV over ft Lauderdale anyway . but The common denominator is the Drugs are distributed by design . think about it.
@@MichelleJohnson-tg5lx I still think that West Virginia has more food. Fort Lauderdale is more like a beach. I lived here from the 80s during the crack epidemic. My furniture, my money, clothes and favorite bath suit got stolen by my room mates relative. We had no idea that the woman had a serious crack addiction. I was young and always on a mission to better my life . I had no time for fun.I still notice people who are strung out on drugs . They fell for the baits
Thanks to my father in Logan, I also escaped after college. I am in Murfreesboro TN now and very happy, but visit family in WV often...nice people still there.
@@mtmc823 I live about an hour from you in McMinnville. I'm glad you are doing well. West Virginia is such a beautiful place I wish thay could get some industry or something there for people to earn decent livelihoods. Just so they could stand on their own 2' feet and be proud.
My great grandfather came to the United States from Croatia and was one of the longest working copper miners in Michigans upper peninsula. She is right men who go down into a mine are extremely tough and when you take away their way of taking care of their family it destroys them slowly. Our country is failing its people, they care more about making war for making our politicians pockets than they do the country’s people and soon we will be gone.
Sounds like Denver Colorado...it's so bad here it's disgusting
@@brandybatesglenn8600 , What happened to D town Brandy, I lived there most of my life, finally got out and live in western Colorado now. I know parts of Denver were total crap, and when I left the entire thing was one big urban sprawl from Loveland clear to Pueblo . I always lived out west in Lakewood, never cared for Northglenn or anywhere around Ahora.
THIS gov’t IS FAILING it’s citizens…(WVA is only ONE example…). 🤔😬🤔‼️
@@brandybatesglenn8600 : I live in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles, CA. Nick has profiled the homeless here. Unfortunately, a lot of industry has left the area as well. But this is also a state that refuses to account for everyone and hold anyone accountable. So what happened, is it's attracted the law breakers (whether immigrants or citizens, people without prospects, who are mentally ill and addicted to this state (whether citizens or immigrants).
With NONE of the infrastructure to account for the largest population on the West Coast. Where I live, people are dying on the sidewalks in front of once prosperous businesses from OD's or what have you.
It's been a terrible magnet, and businesses close or can't function like they used to for fear of the bad element just showing up and stealing or assaulting those who would patronize the business.
The crime rates have soared.
It's extremely difficult to get low income housing, even for seniors, because of the horrible competition for it. I mean a six to ten year WAITING LIST?!
I'm NOT exaggerating.
It's BAD, and the politicians that let it happen, refuse to own it's their fault. They just double down on the worst policies ever!
The miners could have left the coal industry for jobs installing solar panels, like the ones on the roof of the building in the beginning of the video. Theres tons of construction type jobs in the energy production industry to this day, you just have to switch from swinging a pick to swinging a hammer
Nick from someone who’s been across country twice you are truly amazing and a gift. God bless and watch over you.
Good take.
Until he flips and acts like this > 😱🤡
I'm watching from Germany. I came across your channel yesterday and came to like it since. You show some nice places but at the same time don't forget about the other US where people struggle and have a real hard time. I like your tour across this wonderful country as I couldn't afford to go there myself. As beautiful as the country and people are there are many shocking sights one wouldn't expect to see in a rich country. I have heard about West Virginia mostly because of the Opioid crisis!! Only watching this makes me depressed at some points so how must the people feel who live there? I hope very much for them there will be better times in the future...
I am from Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii. The town was built by the sugarcane industry. After Hawaii could not compete with the low labor costs to produce sugar in Brazil they all slowly shut down. Now Kekaha has nothing really, lots of poverty and drugs. 3 generations living in one house since real estate on Kauai is too expensive to buy for a family with both parents working. It is sad. My mom still lives there and has watched the town get worse and worse.
More than half of all ancestral Hawaiians live in Stateside US.
Sounds like wv.sorry.
@@stephenbarabas6286 I don’t. I own my house. I worked hard for it.
@@stephenbarabas6286 even then families saved to buy their own home. Now, housing is so expensive it’s pushing that dream further away. I grew up living with my grandparents, aunt and her three kids. My aunt eventually was able to move to her own apartment and then buy a home.
Isn't there a way to convert that place into a holiday resort? It's Hawaii after all...
That nurse Nick interviewed is really insightful. She really knows her community, and she is an excellent ambassador for McDowell County.
I like seeing the different towns .I love that part, I've been watching you so long I can close my eyes, and listen how you speak , until just about where you are, in the people you are talking about.❤
I have to say Nick I love your videos. They are vary informative and beautiful to watch. I feel like I am travelling with you. As somebody who is originally from Croatia but live in Uk and helped me a lot to get to know USA and it's people a lot better. It sadeness me when I see so much of homelesness and drug addictions. All the best and keep up with your work❤
I’m a white man from the east side of Detroit and my heart is with these people. You’re not alone. Stay strong
Thank you!
I have been in Detroit midtown for 5 years after 08 and I witness how Detroit turned from a ghost city into young professional's home. Even east Detroit is slowly changing. I am positive about Detroit, man
Motown is my hometown! 😊👍👍👍
I was born and grew up there. My dad was born in Mullens real close to the video location. I watched both die.
No matter what they say about Detroit coming back, I won't be back. Too much death.
The people in Appalachia are the kindest friendliest people I've met.
If you are white!
@@sleeptimechannel109 idk, I lived in KY for 9 months. I met white, black and mixed race people out there. Noone seemed to care about race.
I grew up in Chicago. I've seen black people not allowed entry into businesses. We have neighborhoods where white people are endanger in they go. Black and Hispanic violence toward each other. Mind you Chicago is supposed to be a progressive liberal city and the Appalachians are supposed to be the backwards dinosaurs.
@@sleeptimechannel109 I'm mixed race, and I agree with the idea the people in Appalachia are the kindest, friendliest people I've met. Some of my family members still live in Appalachia and are valued members of the community. My mom met with a lot more discrimination in an urban inner city than she did living in Appalachia.
@@sleeptimechannel109it's a you problem, work on your issues.
I'm sorry and feel for you guys and wish you all the best; from Australia. It's starting to be the same here too what your going thru
I love Nick Johnson videos especially the ones about West Virginia. Having three kids and being married kind of changed my traveling ways but at least I can enjoy these awesome videos
when walmart closes, you know the town is not financially well. I stopped in a small town somewhere in texas. There was an abandond walmart next to an Albertsons. It's strange to see one abandond, since they are such a big company. I hope our country improves not only this area, but others as well.
Walmart ripped out Main Street USA. Now it's Amazon breaking down Walmart. Listen to the lady in this video. They rely on Amazon.
The government should start a small business incentive scheme..Help locals start up local stores..The kind of stores you found pre Walmart days..Butchers, Bakers, Fresh food markets, Corner general stores..If people own the land they live on why not develop market gardens or Organic chicken farming/eggs? Fund school leavers into trades like Plumbing, Electricians and Builders..Give people their pride back by enabling them to help themselves..
Sorry your government thinks new stealth bombers are more important.
That's 90% of the problem. There were the local corner stores those Mom & Pop places that sold Bakery. Meats dry goods clothes etc. They were the backbone of the community. Walmart and Amazon have destroyed the cornerstone of our communities.
And the conagra big farm industry has killed off the local farmers and dairy companies. So if we are looking for who to blame, well, we'd better start with ourselves. Who checks the products they buy to see if they were made here in the USA? We let these big companies kill our communities. There's a few billionaire's getting richer daily while towns like this and tens of thousands more are decaying. If we don't turn this around on our own nobody will. But if we all support each other then that "middle class" American family can be realized again. Or would you like fries with that?
@@MickeyGee73 that is antithetical to our governments main goal
It's disgusting that our country doesn't take proper care of its own. These folks shouldn't have to suffer like that. It's not right.
if they don't vote d, then the government doesn't care
it seems like the politicians they support aren’t really into supporting them.. 🤷🏻♂️
They like it.
@@user-pl3lo8cc8y who controls the house sentate and presidency the last few years and what have they done for rural west virgiinia? The Ds did and only made life harder.
@@user-pl3lo8cc8y politicians are what got it to this point. Think about it……. They created lifelong system riders🤷🏻♀️ I know. I live here. Born and raised. It kills the work ethic.
I grew up in WV in the 70's & 80's (left for a 32 year career in the Army) and it use to be a super deep blue state controlled by the unions. I watched for 20 years how they voted themselves into poverty and out of jobs time and time again. I watched folks (including family) vote for democrats who promised to shut down companies and when it happened here came the union leaders rom Detroit and Chicago telling folks it was not their fault. Craziness. Where I grew up there was a huge factory that paid $25 and hour in 1982 - lots of middle class homes, good schools, people were set. Watched that get shut down by politicians along with most of the stuff in the Kanawha valley. If you're from there and are older you know this is truth. People in WV didn't really switch parties until after the act - once the jobs were gone and their futures were over, but it was too late, and will be probably forever at this point.
Thank you for providing an important history and a lesson all these Blue states & cities are experiencing now. I am in California and I am seeing the same thing happening here. Democrats are destroying this once beautiful state into a wasteland while the middle class & the poor are fighting among each other with all these Woke agendas pushed by the left, and still does not aware what is happening. sad!
I'm sorry you had no better choice than the Army.
@@LMB222 Are you kidding me?? I got to travel and live all over the world, made really good money (once you get up there in rank), made life long friendships forged through shared hardship, combat, etc., that still lasts after 35 years. I have a retirement check for life that's bigger than most peoples salaries, medical and other life long benefits. The Army paid for two college degrees (Aeronautical physics & Law), when I retired I had more doors open than most which provided the opportunity to transition to a senior level position in a civilian organization for my second career post Army retirement. I feel sorry or those who lacked the qualifications and or courage to join and instead saddled themselves with 30 years of student loan debt.
@@LMB222I'm sorry that you decided to continue existing
Yeah the army is chocked full of opportunities especially if you don't have much money and the army is the only way youre gonna get those chances@@aaronmatheny695
wow this was really incredible to see. Im from Ontario Canada, and i never imagined west virginia to be anything like this. what an eye opener. I love learning about crazy states/countys in america.
the death of the coal industry really hurt WV, my mom is from there and she left a long time ago
Nick. I love this woman. She speaks from the heart and I think you are providing her a platform to get this message out to the world. The world needs more people like this woman telling these stories to hopefully inch change in a good direction.
Sandy and her husband are great people! A small group of men from my church in Florida worked with them for a week recently.
Social Security isn’t government assistance. I paid for it. Both sides, self employed.
I agree, being 78 now and have paid into Social Security all my working life, it is a benefit we get from having money deducted from our wages, not a freebee. Now the government Dems and GOP are going to reduce that income most of us elderly depend on. It is a promise, another promise the government is breaking. Me while giving millions in aid to the hoards of people walking across our borders that will never contribute a penny.
I'm an Independent & the Dems aren't ever going to touch SS or Medicare. The reps on the other had has suggested it.
Social security is indeed government assistance and one of the largest government safety net programs. Dems have always tried to strengthen social security l, while the GOP has always tried to gut it. Social Security is Socialism lol
Agreed
There's a difference between SSI SSDI and Social security that people get that are disabled and had no work income or very low from Social services compared to the Social security that is paid into. Just saying.
This was really interesting but sadly it’s happening everywhere . Drugs are a major problem and I can’t see it changing any time soon. So sad. Thank you for this docu Nick
This lady is a hero, she and whoever is trying to help the people on drugs, the government should put her in charge of a new clinic, that will help drug addiction, health care for the people in this county, They need grants from the government, I am sure it's not going to be half of what the government sends over seas,I am for sharing with anyone, but charity starts at home, and spreads abroad, please someone pay attention to what this lady is saying, and thank you sir for going out and showing these places and documentaries❣️May Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ send help to you all ❣️
I'm watching this from Sydney, Australia, I'm amazed. The interview with that woman was incredible. She has huge admiration for her own people and their accomplishments. I'm stunned too that the drug problem was allowed to grow - with doctor help. That seems to have played a big part in demolishing that small community. I want those people to recover and rebuild and after seeing this story I know they have the strength for it.
You know it’s bad when Walmart has to shut down
Portland.
Oregon officially died the day Walmart said they were closing all of their stores in Portland.
It’s only a matter of time until Oregon sees a population loss as bad as California’s.
The west coast really is dead forever.
But now the Republican south is their voters’ next destination.
The south will get messed up soon.
Walmarts are usually closed due to theft. We have a city in California called long beach; nearly a million residents with around 3 walmarts. The one downtown closed due to theft
WalMart is what caused many stores in town to close. Barber, hardware, bakery, toy store - gone. All the dum dums decided to buy Chinese crap at Walmart.
That's true ,,,,
Same with Portland, Oregon, while the Walmarts in its' suburbs are staying open, in the city proper they are also closing next month thanks to increasing shoplifting there too.
Excellent video. The last IT job I had, the company had a factory in West Viginia. I was based in NC and would regularly travel for two-three days a week up to the plant in WV. I tell you what the people were amazing, Peanut Butter Pie and Pizza Rolls for lunch. Horrible for the heart but man it was tasty. The plant was way out in coal country too in one of the hollows one way in and out with a beautiful river running through town that came out of national park. Trout like I have never seen. Ill never forget the first time I worked at the plant, when the lunch bell rung I had guys running up to my office asking if I wanted to go catch lunch from the river with them. I really enjoyed going up there as often as I did.
Berkely County in the Eastern panhandle is an outlier in WV. People fleeing the high prices of DC and Virginia have made that area fairly prosperous. The trick is replicating that in more areas of the state.
Appreciate the time and energy put into this well written and researched production. Thank you.
Ok Kim
Very informative, yet sad. I grew up in The South Bronx, NYC, it was described as the place for "animals." This was back in the 70's and 80's, the highest rates of drug addiction, poor health, and life expectancy. I know the feeling of living in an area that is forgotten. The cost of living there is high today, like most of NYC. I'm glad I got an education and trained for a career to escape that environment.
It's worse now. Omg it's sooo bad in NYC
@@krystingrant6292 No lie
is bronx still like that today or did things get better?
@@chriswhynder8311 still like that
And borrowed money to destroy the savings of the neighborhood and demanded higher housing prices thus higher tax on those neighbors..? And held off and out even simple food productions...yahoo..!
So tragic. Im from Australia and the countryside WV is stunning. Cannot get my head around this.
Probably your best interview!
That was intense with the nurse. Insightful . Sees the big picture, completely.
Good job.
✌️ Rosey 🇺🇸
She's a smart lady Rosie
Nick, I can't say enough good about what you are doing. You don't cover in icing the bad , or transfer blame away from the guilty. You are truly right down the middle. I wish some major Network would pick up your work and get it out. You have no agenda except truth. I have to classify you as an important journalist , far more than just another You Tuber.
I like the way you talk and describe all these places.its a mixture of sarcasm and truthfulness.if you haven't been to las vegas please go to the westside and the hub of most homeless people.the county here is trying to hide this because of course they're promoting/ showing only the good area for the tourist.thank you for all the info.
Best narration for all videos thanks.
I had packed up to leave Connecticut and my route out took me through West Virginia. I've been a lot of places but this was one of the most stunningly beautiful I have ever seen.
Thank you. I was born there, but we left when I was quite young. I worked there until 2010, and found the people to be the finest I have ever known. This country ran on the coal and reaped the rewards of the back breaking work of the men. Then they just ignored and forgot it and the good people there. They have tried to get a better road into the area, but this was put on hold many years ago. Left and forgotten after helping build this nation. Shame on America for wasting so much money while our own people are so neglected. Thank you again, as many agree that West Virginia has many things going for it to include it’s great natural beauty.
@@shirleydenton4747 Exactly, all those billions (unaccounted for), sent by our government to support a proxy war in Ukraine, could greatly benefit places like West Va.
I left Connecticut moved to TN had to move back To CT because of COVID….happy to be back for good pizza and seafood.
Your discussion with the lady that owned the place you stayed was very nice and explained most of the problems in the town. Must be difficult to live there !
I can imagine starting out in a rural township, raising a family away from the city. Myself as a Teacher, my husband as a Professional Driver. Peace ‘n quiet. What a great interview with a knowledgable and friendly woman.
At least they still have that fine music. Love seeing towns like this - thanks for posting. Very atmospheric.....(Edit: I posted that before I listened to the part regarding the drug problem. Terrible.)
I’m British but have always been fascinated with America, I have visited quite a few iconic cities but only as a tourist, and I love Country Music, their description of cities and places in the lyrics can put my imagination into over drive. I love your up close and personal visits and reporting on the real America, you do a wonderful job.
I’ve been to Scotland and down through England to London. A lot of beautiful villages and happy you enjoyed you visits here.
good comment sir; our country used to be quite beautiful and thriving - I'm 64 so I have seen a lot of changes, I believe I know why things have gotten so bad here but that gets into the political realm so I will spare you those ideas - take it easy -
Most of Us Is great. But it does have its downsides too .but I love living here .
have you heard john prines song paradise? You can see where the town was on google earth.
@@77D777 I’m sorry you feel that way, I’ve not heard any general British people talk badly about the general American people.
The lady you interviewed has a sweet soul. Ma'am, if you happen to read this comment, thanks for the work you've done in my homeland Haiti. It's very hard for everyone. I still have extended family there and oh my goodness, surviving in Haiti is not easy with gangs taking over the capital.
I hope she sees it!
Someone who works in a Christian charitable organization in Haiti with his wife and has dedicated their life to helping the poor, particularly children, says that a few elite are behind this chaos. He says that they are the ones behind the gangs, G9 and so forth, and use the current situation in Haiti to benefit economically. This gentleman says it is VERY difficult to do things such transport food and get fuel because of the gangs. As a result, he is trying to set up solar panels to rely less on fuel, for the buildings he runs to help the poor such as a safe place for Hatian women to give birth. He said the previous president was killed because he did not want to follow the agenda of the elite. He has a lot of credibility as he has been there for decades. Many other Christian charitable groups have left because the country has devolved into GREATER chaos.
@@john1gold503 one word Clinton.😡
Money is always the factor over poor people lives.
8:20, "what did the window do to you" is a great line. Also the whole scene reminds me of a Basquiat.
I remember being on one of the riding trails for ATVS around Bluefield in WV. I saw trailers without roofs and kids living there in squaller. I cried and I’ll never forget it.
What a nice lady you had the interview with! Friendly and knowledgeable! So sad those jobs left! She is right, if people come and open small businesses they would thrive! I'm surprised they depend on Amazon when you can grow the fruit and veggies right in your yard, and do canning. McDonald's is the lazy way. If you have a car or someone you know has one, go once a month and stock up if possible. Thanks Nick for letting us know about an area we may never get to see. Beautiful scenery ❤️
I live in WV and have my entire life. The lack of mental healthcare and quality education are huge factors in the addiction problem in our beautiful state. Instead of being encouraged to seek help, people turn to drugs to cope, which in turn causes poverty. It is a vicious cycle. This is one of the reasons I became a nurse. I love my home and I want my community to prosper. *Side note: Medical marijuana is legal in WV 😂
Thanks for the video I am a Bulgarian and it is very interesting to watch videos from USa and around the world showing the world from different points not like Hollywood
I came from Welch and most of my family did. At that time the most honest people came from there. My family is listed on the monument there. Yes we was poor, but I’m so thankful for my family roots. It taught me how to work hard for what I have. Back then it was a booming town. So many people have moved out of the area. Clean energy killed this town, closing up all the coal fields very sad. Still home for some.
Sometimes, commentators’ content becomes worse over time, but it’s the opposite with yours. I am always amused and informed by what you present. You also always find the best people to interview. The lady in this one is very well informed about her surroundings and well spoken. I live in Kentucky, and I’m hoping we have a resurgence of some sort as well.
I grew up in the coalfields of VA. I've often wondered if the area would've been better off without coal.
Love the interview with the lady who explained how the drug epidemic started there. Sad that everything is just about money. No matter how much it hurts the people as long as someone made money. 😢
I feel like I'm always the odd person out but no personal responsibility? I don't buy that myself, a person knows when they're starting to desire and crave the feeling of the pain pill rather than the fact that it's reducing their actual pain to a livable limit. You should never expect your pain to be completely gone when you have chronic pain.
I've never been to Welch but I was in Man for a few days in 2021, it's in the same region and I'm a little disappointed there is no mention of the Hatfield McCoy trails over there, I know Welch is a big spot for tourism on HMT, they might not be there for restaurants and nightlife but HMT brings in a ton of people to the trailheads. I love these videos, it's great to show parts of the country most people haven't seen but i feel like the perspective is from someone more acclimated to the city, not realizing alot of people in the area don't want a big established city, the holler is just fine with them. Of course, I don't speak for anyone living there as I'm in northern Ohio myself, but when you've spent time around some of the folk you kinda get how their idea of living is. But shining light on the underlying problems is important nonetheless and your videos are fantastic and I appreciate what you do
This guy doesn’t do much research. He missed out on lots of good content when he was here.
Thank you Nick 😢 I’ve been traveling the world through you….and you are right we have a poverty problem right here in the US.. this is the saddest of towns I’ve seen thus far….but that lady is so nice and gives me hope for that town
The area looks awesome. I think embracing the outdoors for tourism would be key; mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, hunting, off-road. A small town in the mining area of Minnesota turned the old iron quarry into a mountain bike destination and it’s been successful (Cuyuna MN). I think that could be replicated.
a developer was building an entire housing section and was to put in the 4 wheel paths and the state promised him a big tax break for bringing business and after he built some they reniged on the break so he walked off and left it. Another car manufacturer was coming in west of Charleston and the then governor refused saying it was unfair rivalry to the Toyota Plant. Those in power are the problem.
@@wvhillgaldon't talk bad about big Jim he's one of the best things that has happened to McDowell in a long time he is keeping coal jobs and even gave a emotional support pet to Welch elementary
@@herbalcaribou5082 I don't know who was in at that time, but it sure messed up that end of the valley.
needed: grocers, laundromats, ride and/or delivery service, farm co-ops, social venues like a bar, mini golf, splash pad, public pool, movie theater, axe throwing, etc etc.
@@kelleytillapaugh8609
I can’t tell if you’re serious or not. If you are those things will come if the tourist industry is built .
Great interview. I feel for that lady and the residents there
Great video Nick.I never knew that America had any counties that are actually that destitute. This is absolutely inexcusable, with all the money being sent abroad, and Good Ole Americans having to live in these conditions.
I think what's hard about watching this is it's so easy to see what it once was and it must have been really beautiful which is something I would not expect to say about a coal-mining town so I definitely learned something today.
Good Melinda I'm glad
the further north you go the more beautiful it is, like around Seneca Rocks and further north
Nick, THANK YOU for asking the questions in an open, no spin and let the local folks talk uninterrupted. Not an easy thing to but so informative. Super interviewing craftsman.
PS: any community that has sustained an 80% drop in the population is going to have serious challenges. Other communities have been faced with it for those that pulled through, HOW DID THEY DO IT.
Nick, I just found your channel the other day. Right now, I'm learning "Where not to live in America". I'd like for you to show how bad Denver has gone down hill.
I like how you bring up the money being sent to Ukraine. That’s what happens when you vote democrat. They are famous for their America last initiative
I was raised as a poor kid and became a medical doctor. Left the big city to come back to where I left. Drugs, welfare, isolation, suicide,crime. I had to take up krav maga to survive at my clinic. There are many west virginias in this world of ours. Greetings from Portugal.
There’s drugs, there’s poverty, but all things considered, there’s very little violent crime in WV. Parts of it may be devastatingly depressing to most, but it is a safe place with lots of kind people and interesting history, everywhere you look.
Maybe that's because there is a lot of people that believe in God?
Some of the nicest and most humble people I've ever met in this country have been in West Virginia. At the end of the day, many of the folks in Appalachia who've been left behind might be the only ones that are left to thrive if things keep going the way they are in the world. I'd live in the mountains of West Virginia before I'd ever live in Washington DC, NYC, San Francisco, or Chicago.
@@mattylamb9194Yesn't
That's because they don't have broken communities in the fullest extent
That's just not true
@@mattylamb9194it’s a constitutional carry state, most people there are ARMED & POLITE
I love your narration style. Somehow reminds me of that coming of age film 'Stand by Me'
Used to love exploring Anawalt where all my mom's side of family was from. Greatgrandfather was a coal minor. Grandfather was mayor once. All the overgrown plantlife on the abandoned buildings. No sould around. A real ghostland. So sad as once was a thriving coal town. RIP Mcdowell County West Virginia.
Nick, hey, great work! Your content is always entertaining, and certainly informative. You also did a fab job allowing this wonderful lady, Sandi, to provide such a detailed commentary. Well done!
Thank you for helping us to learn more about what’s really going on in West Virginia. Such beautiful country, and really, good folks. Prayers follow.
That was a great interview. The lady is knowledgeable about her community and has good ideas and a big heart. Hope some investors take notice.
Excellent, I don’t know how. Like this video. Thanks..
We need this kind of travel video. Thanks it serves many purposes
And the thing is, just about any man there would give you the coat off his back if you needed it. West Virginia is a state full of good people.
Trump promised to bring back coal mining for them. 😂😂😂😂
That's the way he brain wash this people
Until today pretty sad.
@@o.amoakohene8147 Most West Virginians didn't vote.
Unless you mocked thier accent to thier face, that might change things
it is but the younger people are the problem now, won't work, drugs, drinking
Wow! This is just heartbreaking 💔
Depression, drug addiction, alcoholism, no jobs, no proper education, no clean water, politicians taking advantage of the local citizens, child sex trafficking, preachers telling them to pray the pain away....OMG!💔 Crack was dropped off in the ghettos in the 80s and now oxy is being dumped in rual counties in Virginia today! 🤬 The American citizens deserve better!
the so-called war on drugs is a bad joke and they lost on purpose---too much money went into politicians and law enforcement pockets??
It's America now
Not so much oxy as Fentanyl. Oxy is safe compared to the drugs people are using these days.
@@TheReaper42069 still very dangerous and it makes you addicted very fast. You just need a little bit more of it than fentanyl to overdose.
The government let the pill mills run wide open and prescribe opioids and get the people legally addicted. Then they put a stop to that and now you have people addicted to opioids and they aren’t as easy to get, so now people are doing meth, heroine and they are lacing everything with fentanyl. It’s sad.
You can't beat that : the triangle of misery : the drugshop, the prison, the rehab. All in one block. If i didn't see it i wouldn't belived it ! Thanks.
I love that lady you interviewed. She loves her hometown and wants the best and still hopes for a better future for her community. I hope they figure something out. Nobody deserves to be born into bad opportunities. Good luck to Welch WV.
It's so sad people are dropping like flies left & right from drug addiction!
She carries Narcan to church! Wow
@J Grysiak honestly it sounds like the drugs are the reason there's no employees. Therefore the businesses leave, then there's nothing to do. So then they do more drugs. It's 100% a choice.
@@sethw997 , delusional people!
If they saved their money & didn't do addictions, then they would have all the money they need
to get out.
Hey Nick, I really was florlored to learn that West Virginia was that far gone... the speaker you had, she was awesome... Thank God for people like her that actually CARE about others... I really enjoyed your video...Thanks and God bless WV
I've been there multiple times riding the trails, it is definitely an awesome experience!
My people are from Mingo and Mercer county’s, this video has got me thinking about going to this area and starting something to benefit the community.
I have people from Logan and Mingo county that moved to get away from those dumps trust me if it ain’t drgs or a pack of smokes they don’t want it they don’t care that their communities are wreck their fine being trash unfortunately.