That’s very true.
The frozen plains of North Dakota aren’t worth much without oil. With oil, they provide good paying jobs to people who otherwise won’t have them.
I lived in the next state south for many years. Oil is definitely popular with the people of North Dakota.
With all due respect, I disagree.
I loved the winters. I loved the people. I loved how its natural beauty was subtle and rewarded the patient, unlike El Capitan or the Black Hills. The economy was fine before oil appeared.