In the last few years, more and more attention has been drawn to North Dakota mainly due to the oil rush in the west, however so few local people have been noticing the effects that large outside organizations are having on the state. North Dakota is now one of the very most corrupt states in the union according to national reports.
Besides the obvious rush and the lack of state oversight, the problem will continue to run deeper. The obsession for the free market has not accommodated for the lack of housing, or the strain on our infrastructure. I conjecture, this is exactly what happens when you add large business interests to religious areas.
There has been a strong correlation between religiosity and corruption for a long time, and we should try to find out where the correlation comes from. Clearly, religion does not make you more honest, but in one opinion, simply more apathetic to the dishonesty of others.
Is it from the understanding that having faith will solve all problems, or perhaps by removing critical thinking skills, the public tends not to ask questions? Countries like the United Kingdom, and most of Scandinavia, some of the most secular places in the world also have the lowest levels of corruption. Of course, the opposite is also true, with countries across the middle east, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Brazil, etc...
If we are going to straighten out North Dakota and it's corruption, we are going to need discussion, critical thinking, and secularism.
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