Meet the rural Americans who fear they’re being forgotten

Summary

In Ashtabula County, Ohio, rural Americans voice their concerns over job scarcity, low wages, and the opioid crisis. They blame political figures for economic decline, discuss the impact of government assistance, and express mixed views on immigration. The community grapples with the value of hard work versus welfare reliance, and there's a divide on President Trump's performance. Rural residents feel disconnected from urban values and believe young people should seek opportunities elsewhere.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Rural communities in America feel neglected by politicians and believe they are not being prioritized.
• 🏭 There is a perception of a lack of job opportunities and economic decline in rural areas, with businesses moving out.
• 💼 The shift to cleaner energy has been blamed for job losses in industries like coal, affecting local economies.
• 💊 Drug abuse, particularly heroin, is a significant problem in rural communities, affecting many residents.
• 🏥 Healthcare is a concern, with high deductibles and the opioid crisis being highlighted as major issues.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Government assistance is prevalent, with many rural households having received aid, sparking debates on welfare abuse.
• 🌐 There is a sentiment that immigrants receive benefits that citizens in need do not, causing resentment among some locals.
• 🏫 Schools incorporating foreign languages like Spanish from an early age is seen as a negative by some, reflecting cultural tensions.
• 🌾 The agricultural industry is struggling with labor shortages as locals are unwilling to work for low wages.
• 🗣️ Rural Americans have mixed views on President Trump, with some expressing concern over his tweets and potential for war.
• 🏙️ There is a belief among rural residents that city dwellers have different values, being perceived as more rushed and less friendly.

Q & A

What is the main concern of rural communities in America as expressed in the transcript?

The main concern expressed is a sense of being forgotten and left behind by politicians, with a lack of job opportunities and economic decline being significant issues.

How did the shift in voting from President Obama to Trump reflect in Ashtabula County, Ohio?

Ashtabula County, Ohio, which voted for President Obama twice, then swung to support Trump by a 19-point margin, reflecting a desire for change among the voters.

What are the types of jobs available in the rural community as described in the transcript?

The available jobs are mostly minimum-wage positions such as those at McDonald's, Walmart, Family Dollar, and General Dollar.

What economic factors are blamed for the decline in the community according to the transcript?

The economic decline is attributed to the shift to cleaner energy, which hurt the coal industry, railroad, and power plants, along with businesses moving out of the country.

How prevalent is drug use, particularly heroin, in rural communities as discussed in the transcript?

Drug use, especially heroin, is described as a significant and widespread issue, affecting individuals across various demographics.

What are the views of the community on government assistance as expressed in the transcript?

There is a mix of views; some acknowledge the necessity of government assistance for those in need, while others express concern about its abuse and the ease with which some receive it without needing it.

What is the community's stance on immigration as portrayed in the transcript?

The community has mixed feelings about immigration, with concerns about illegal immigration and the perceived benefits it receives, as well as frustration about jobs being taken by immigrants willing to work for lower wages.

How do rural Americans view the values of city dwellers according to the transcript?

Rural Americans perceive city dwellers as having different values, being more rushed, less neighborly, and sometimes rude.

What is the community's opinion on President Trump's performance as mentioned in the transcript?

While some approve of Trump's job performance, there are concerns about his tweets and the accuracy of his statements, with some viewing his presidency as a joke that stopped being funny.

What advice would the community give to young people regarding staying in or leaving their rural community?

The advice varies, with some encouraging young people to leave for better opportunities, while others suggest that hard work can lead to success even in rural areas, depending on the field of work.

What is the general sentiment towards education and language learning in schools as expressed in the transcript?

There is a sentiment of disagreement with the incorporation of Spanish in early education, with some parents feeling that it detracts from the melting pot ideal of America.