[Dilbert San Diego]

Not to be contrary here, but, I’ve often wondered why a resouce rich state such as West Virginia also has such chronic poverty among big numbers of people there. I’m sure that the extractive industries are being taxed. Do they need to pay more to alleviate poverty or other problems there?

[wideawake]

Commodity prices are volatile, which creates cycles of boom and bust.

If an economy is based principally on raw commodities and does not use prosperity to diversify itself, then it will be chronically weak.

[conservaterian]

Not to be contrary here, but, I’ve often wondered why a resouce rich state such as West Virginia also has such chronic poverty among big numbers of people there. I’m sure that the extractive industries are being taxed. Do they need to pay more to alleviate poverty or other problems there?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> West Virginia was basically raped by the coal industry since the 1800's. No royalties, etc. for all of the coal taken and shipped out of state. If West Virginia had gotten royalties for its coal as Alaska has had for its oil WV would be the richest state in the country.

[exit82]

but, I’ve often wondered why a resouce rich state such as West Virginia also has such chronic poverty among big numbers of people there

Especially after decades of Bob Byrd siphoning untold Federal dollars to that state.

[freekitty]

Deals and stealing.