Born and raised in Magnolia, AR, joined the military, lived all over the world, but there's NO place like Arkansas. 💪👍 Yes, I moved back. 4 acres outside Little Rock. I love it here ❤️
@Mark Williams what are you talking about? Nowhere is perfect. Live where you want, but don't hate on me. Arkansas is diverse, as far as geography. Forests, mountains, hot springs, beautiful lakes, etc. We're all Arkansas at the end of the day.
@@ashleybonanno3043 Sounds like your time there could've been better spent. I don't think Smackover has much to do - like most of the small towns in Arkansas
The woman you interviewed has a heart of gold. I admire how knowledgeable and passionate she is about her area and state. I can really see the pain she's carrying, but she still continues to believe in her community. She's a strong woman and I really wish her the best ❤️
I'm a heathen living in a rural area in Arkansas. The people are extremely friendly, there is a food, music and art culture everywhere you look here. I'm not sure where you got all of your information but this is a beautiful and amazing place to live. All walks of life are welcome and appreciated.
Being from Australia 🇦🇺, it’s really great what nick is doing to show your incredible, diverse and multi layered country to other places in the world, including ours ( Oz 🇦🇺) yeah, thank you. Thank you for keeping it real Nick. Your doing an incredible job, and doing more good than you know. 🌟🌺
@@NickJohnsonNick, I do enjoy a lot of your videos, and I love the unboxings. But if I had one criticism, it’s that you should leave you personal conservative bias out of your videos. Other than that, it is usually pretty interesting.
The humidity in Arkansas is high, but that keeps a lot of people from buying a home here, which leaves it beautiful, green and natural. I moved here from So Cal, and love it. Lots of lakes, hills, waterfalls, national forests, and so many beautiful State Parks. Little Rock, Fayetteville, other larger cities are great, but l prefer the rest of the state, the beautiful, natural areas.
@@vickielewallen3799 I have lived in Florida for almost all my life I am originally from the West-coast of Florida and Siesta Key is a great beach . Usually ranked at the top of all beaches in Florida and Nationwide. White sandy beach just like powder
I love that scene in King of the Hill when Hank is crossing into Hot Springs, Arkansas and the welcome sign says “Home Town of President Bill Clinton”. Hank then proceeds to lock his car doors as if he was driving into a bad neighborhood lol
And to think, I love Hot Springs in the fall because of the beautiful foliage. Wanted to move there until now 😅 and I'm in La. Ughhh. Love this guy. 💕 Shreveport is getting really bad. 😿
This was the best interview I’ve seen on any of your videos. The real and raw emotion from your interviewee really speaks to the fact that while your videos are funny and I’m sure accurate, there are REAL PEOPLE who are living there, doing their best. Thank you. She reminds me so much of my Arkansas born mother.
Are you still there? I am interested in moving to Arkansas and I have a hard working army coming with me that can bring healthy positivity to the area. And we truck too! ✌️❤️🇺🇸@@lorirobertson643 are
I grew up in Arkansas.... about 25 miles north of Little Rock on western edge of Pulaski county. I lived in the hills. I loved to hunt, fish, camp, go mudding, frog gigging, etc. I graduated in the top 5% of my class, spent 23 years in the Army, got a degree in history and speak three languages. Never smoke Meth, coke, heroin, crack or any other illegal drug. Im in shape, never had a mullett, have all my teeth, have one mother for all four of my children, never been to jail or any of my relatives that matter. I don't like NASCAR or pro wrestling. The stereotypes are true for a reason, no more than any other "southern state" but we do have success stories
@S S after both my parents passed away, I had no family in Arkansas. I spent from 18 to 41 in the army....lost all connections once my mom died 2 years ago. Love in Oklahoma now, but I will always and forever be a razorback!!
I've considered buying land in northwest arkansas, still am. I didnt realize how rough the rest of the state was though, very sad. Come on Walmart, step up and put some of your billions toward revitalizing the rest of the state!
There are sadly elements of truth in this narration (we’re not perfect) but, all sweeping generalizations made herewere either very exaggerated or just dead wrong. Look at the musicians from Arkansas and then tell me there’s no Arkansas music? We’ve got plenty of regional food culture, 6 different geological zones and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
That’s not their jobs, Walmart already set up jobs all over the state. The government job is to invest in other industries to give opportunities to the rest of the state.
You know, I really love your interview style. You LET people take their time, you don't talk over them, you don't change the subject every 40 seconds... Most 'interviewers' are hurried, harried and thoughtless (gotta get through their prewritten notes). You are not any of those. I appreciate this. Another interview channel (totally different than yours altogether) is Soft White Underbelly (I know, strange name). He also lets people go after getting them comfortable and people WANT to tell their story. I love that you (like that other program) are NOT driving the wind, but merely managing the sails for the person who's speaking. GREAT JOB. Thank you for adding the interviews at the end of your informative explorations of our country. :)
I didn't realize how informative and interesting an interview would be about Arkansas, but this one was worth watching until the end. Great job Nick, and this woman was very nice and knowledgeable about her home state. I wish her nothing but the best, and I wish her the best of luck.
I love Walmart, I lost everything and my house due to flood damage. I was able to clothe my family and furnish my home for extremely cheap. It has its huge downsides obviously. But the cheapness dug me out of a hole.
Thanks Nick for educating us on different parts of the United States 🇺🇸. You’re both educational AND entertaining! I’m beginning to learn about and appreciate my country more and more and I like your interviews of those who live in each state you feature.
I have visited Fayetteville several times and stayed a few days in Conway once, yet never realized what it is like in many other parts of the state. This video is eye opening and the interviewer's account is so heartfelt. Thank you so much, Nick for all the work you put into the research & sharing these videos.
How he described Northwest Arkansas, or NWA, as a completely different from the rest of the state for positive reasons couldn’t be less accurate. As someone whose family is from Pine Bluff, spent half my childhood in the rural parts of the state, even people from NWA don’t realize how much worse off the rest of the state is. Most of my family has either relocated to NWA, Conway, or left the state entirely. NWA is the only place I would live in Arkansas and you couldn’t pay me enough to move back south or east as an adult.
Northwest Arkansas is amazing and super underrated for how many good outdoor recreation places and good restaurants they have. As far as identity goes - this region may become the mountain bike capitol of the US and Fayetteville is hosting a world championship for cyclocross
We lived in NWA for a short while and moved because it was too much like California to us. Too crowded, too busy, too citfied to corporate. We wanted to slow down and live more rural. We called it little San Diego and truly it needs to be it's own state. It's nothing like the rest of Arkansas. Not that there is anything wrong with that if it's the lifestyle you want.
I’ve lived in Arkansas for 46 years. And this guy is spot on. Either he’s done his homework or he’s lived here. Funny as hell to. Nice video thanks for the honest opinion.
@@thepeachy_08 this area reminds me of the 70s Black Widows bike gang from the Clint Eastwood movies. 😄😄😄..If you wanna eat take a seat..if you wanna talk..take a walk!!😅😅😅
Thank you for the non brutal unboxing of our great state. I know you could have focused on so many more negative things. I appreciate you listening to that woman at the end so respectfully. I’m a proud lifelong (51 years) NEA resident. Thanks again. God Bless You!!
You know, sometimes I wonder if I should hop across a border and live in MO or OK, but RU-vid commenters tell me I'm better off where I am in AR. Well, okay then 🙂
@@tiffanymendoza9523 Oh yeah! SDC was awesome. We also went to a water park in Branson (Whitewater?). Pretty good Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. I haven't been to Branson in a long time, but it was fun as a kid. There was also a reasonably priced hotel that had crab in their buffet. Pretty novel for us at the time. I also know many people who like to camp in the area.
@@peregrination3643 we always did Ripley's too! There used to be a place called the Butterfly Palace that we went to a lot too. Along with The Hollywood Wax Museum, and the museum at the College of the Ozarks. Our go-to eating place was Starvin' Marvin's! My grandparents took us to Branson at least once or twice a year. I'm on the East coast now and while I visit my family in Arkansas about once a year, I haven't been to Branson in quite a while! I'm not sure what's still there, especially after Covid.
Born and raised in Little Rock. This truth she is speaking has broken my entire family. Most of them are dead now and I cannot take back the time I lost with them trying to make a living for myself and children. It's like I had no choice but to move out to survive. My relatives being military, returned home to retire. If you are not a farmer, or retiree, you will suffer here. I feel safe here, and happy, at peace... but fight poverty and its so sad. ANother issue is when getting on your feet, you be even 2 hours late on rent (since you can't make enough $ to buy), you're arrested.. children took to cps, and all your belongings seized to the landlord. sadly, most landlords take full advantagveg of this. I remember losing EVERYTHING I OWNED not knowing this rental law. The ONLY state that does this. Lost everything, eviction, arrest, and I was a college student who wasn't even 24 hours late on rent. Ruined my life for 7 years. The gang culture would die out if there were jobs and opportunity. It's soooo sad the higher ups won't do anything. There are elders there that desperately miss their family just like this lady interviewing. But we cannot return, I've tried maybe 13 times; failed every time. Then since the airports aren't busy, visiting is too expensive. I miss my remaining family there so much, my own mom is buried there. I am so hurt my home state is like this.
Awesome interview. I agree with her, if people can bring back home their education/expriences/talents it can help turn things around. The problem is the big city and the healthier places keep you there because you feel like you are a part of something when really they'd often be fine without you. but your small hometown area might not.
Thank you for understanding. Some people just don't get it. Yes, it takes money but that's not the whole answer. If there are got fresh minds backed with drive/ambition, that money is poured down a rat hole.
Oh my goodness, your interview at the end really touched my heart. I live in the West Memphis AR area and relate to her story 100%. I'm 65 and remember how wonderful the small towns used to be. It is heartbreaking to see what has happened to our state. Bless her heart.
I visited Arkansas last summer I thought ppl wouldn't like me cause I'm black they were cool with me until they saw my ID say California lol they rolled their eyes and was like "oh god" they were surprised they got along with me being from Cali
There's lots of blacks in Jacksonville and Little Rock too. I'm black and I live in Cabot, Arkansas, which is primarily a white, Republican area. Everyone that I've met is very kind and the neighborhood is quiet and peaceful.
Lmfao they were more judgemental that you were from California more than anything. It's funny seeing people from other states have a reaction that someone is from the west coast. xD
@@JamesKPolk-ik6kg no by empting out downtowns and moving profits out of town and state. By not replacing lost jobs. Everywhere Walmart and big malls went, devastation followed. Small towns just dried up.
Born and raised in Arkansas. I still live here and will die here. I’ve lived in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Both cities are in decline. Crime is way up. Now living in a small community with great schools. ❤️
I'm from Arkansas, born and raised. I enjoyed your tour. I enjoyed the interview you did with the lady from Pine Bluff. She's a good person, I proud that we share the same state. Arkansas, as with other places has it's problems, but it's home sweet home.
Wow, wow, wow. This was one of the best interviews you've done. I'm still kind of emotional over this one. I could really feel her pain. She really cares about her area and her state. She remembers the more prosperous times in her community and really is sad about how it has fallen on hard times. This was very heartfelt. If only there were more people like her, a lot of areas would be a whole lot better. Cheers to you Nick for hopefully opening a lot more people's eyes. I know you did mine.
Thank you for listening & understanding my frustration 💜. Hopefully this will fall on the ears of someone who has the ability to affect change. I recently found out Bill Gates is the single largest land owner in Arkansas. I didn't realize he was into farming. I wonder if his intentions are to help Arkansas prosper or to keep the majority of it poor & needy.... Hmmmm..... 🤔
You interview with that wonderful woman was incredible! I wish everyone in this country would watch it. Keep it up! If enough people wake up maybe things can change. Thank you.
As a resident of Northeastern Arkansas, Osceola to be exact, this is NOT what the towns look like...entirely. LOL. You would've passed many very-very nice homes to get to the unsavory parts of town. The video is informative, but damn. You did NE bad.
Thank you! I Live in Jonesboro and it is not even close to what he described! You can tell he isn’t from here and has probably never even been here ever.
I believe Nick compiles his information based on police & census reporting. Maybe numbers don't lie but I suppose they can be misleading. Just be proud you aren't in the Pine Bluff area 🤦♀️
Moved to Arkansas from the central valley of California. Fayetteville definitely just feels like a forested Los Angeles in the hills. At least, the people there would fit right in in LA. Didn't like it at all.
Nick, Thank you for putting the hard work in to make this video. Im from Arkansas and I know our state is far from perfect, but its honestly a great place to call home! Keep up the great content!
I really appreciate the Unboxing videos. Hearing experiences from real residents of the state are so humbling. I appreciate the residents sharing their thoughts and lives. Thank you Nick.
Great video, very informative. This interview was excellent, it's my favorite one that you've done so far from what I've seen. The woman interviewed seems like a wonderful person, and it's people like her that renew my faith in people. America needs more people like her.
I had the pleasure of living in Mountain Home for 1 year! I loved the people and met some really nice everyday folks who are heartful, kind, and well mannered. I stayed there with my father during the last year of his life. He was originally from Chicago and moved to Arkansas to retire in the low cost south. I finally got to know him like I should have, but back in my youth I was a rebellious teenager and raised hell often. I changed over the years and eventually got a degree and a job in New York City where I lived and worked most of my life. Now I'm 65 and I plan/hope to go back to Arkansas and call it home. I'll be sure to spend my retirement dollars locally.
The USA is truly a whole bunch of mini countries under 1 Flag. If you look at it that way, instead of in a homogenous frame, then it becomes easy to understand the diverse sub-cultures. It's similar as to looking at Spain and Germany, under the EU .
No one seems to understand this. They'll try to compare the US to countries like the UK, but it can't be compared that way. An comparison to the entire EU would be more appropriate.
This interview with Lori should be a powerful reminder to Nick how his assessments of these poor communities might impact big-hearted types like her...but I really appreciate him giving her the opportunity to express herself....I think, with her experience, big heart and concerns for youth, she would make an excellent teacher or teaching assistant...hopefully she can find a community that is deserving of her contributions and one where she can thrive
I work with developmentally disabled adults. It the most rewarding job I've ever experienced. Immediate gratification. I don't have to wait for an annual review only to have someone tell me I've been doing it wrong for a year. I pushed paper for other people & it just wasn't me. I love working with my friends! I think I need them as much as they need me. Probably more!!
@@peregrination3643 I literally just commented to you on another thread. So grateful for the opportunity to share & glad you learned something. It means a lot that you have chosen to stay in Arkansas. Stay cool. Its a sauna out there!
I love Arkansas. My dad's family is based there, in Parron, Saline County. My dad just happened to pass away and left us in Dallas. The lady is wrong about Clinton. That was actually a high point. Hot Springs even had these free trolley's that toured the city. The Bush era, both of them , is when Arkansas got the imperial pecker-roonie. But more than that, the state just doesn't dress for success. The labor force is poorly educated.Retiree's on government and military pensions do fine there. But the locals are expected to be grateful for low paying jobs.
Hi ya Nick , you never fail us ! Consistently providing great , well researched content. But I think what I like about you the most is your endearing approach the inflection in your voice the excitement and your humor you keep me coming back😘
I used to live in Arkansas now living in Chicago. This city is straight trash with all the violence, car jackings and shitty Mayor. I'm moving back to where I don't have to worry about any of the above
Wow! That was one of the greatest interviews I've seen. You can tell she has been effected and truly cares. Great woman! Gone are the days when Elvis and many greats played at Pine Bluff and Texarkana.
You're right about the concerts in Pine Bluff. I saw Elvis, John Denver, Tim McGraw & the g.o.a.t. Stevie Ray Vaughn who fronted KISS. The Ringling Bros. Circus performed 3 shows July 4, 1976 after an awesome parade. The matinee was wonderful!
@@lorirobertson643 I wish I could have seen Elvis! When he died, I was born. I seen SRV once in East Troy WI right before he died. Sad day. Thanks for responding and your interview made me tear up a little. Nick picked a great one to interview. You and your husband take care of yourselves out there. God Bless 👊
You know it's amazing watching this. I grew up and went to school in Arkansas back in the bad old days managed to finish the eighth grade. Before having to go to work and help support the family. With that eighth-grade education I went into the military educated myself and managed to get two Associate's degrees on my own. Back in the fifties and early sixties, you had to pay for your books in high school and workbooks and many families couldn't afford it. Especially if you had more than two or three kids and high school's the same time. But there were ways to make money at various jobs that you can't do today because laws have changed! Many of the changes today I feel contribute to the detriment of American society
For the most part, I really like being here. I moved here from that fire pit California in 2017. I've noticed that people are more real out here than they are along the west coast, and are not afraid to just be themselves. One example is, what you see on a Sunday morning is what you get for the rest of the week. In California, many people seem kind and caring on Sunday, then pretend they don't even know you for six days... That was always frustrating to me. None of that out here that I've noticed. As far as my shopping, I'm a Harps guy when it comes to my groceries and support the small mom and pop shops for everything else. There are a few issues in my area with local government overstepping its bounds, but not like the west coast. Overall, Arkansas is a great place to be.
As other's have stated, your interview segment for "Unboxing Arkansas" was in my opinion the best yet in the Unboxing series. It literally had my wife and me in tears. We greatly enjoy watching your and Brigg's channels, which led us to cancel our HBO Max and Netflix subscriptions.
The first interview is really good. The woman being interviewed is clearly a thoughtful and grounded person. Its nice to hear a take on the state of economy in AR that is so reasonable and coherent.
Thank you for this video! My family moved to Arkansas when I was in the 7th grade. It was my dad's home state. We lived in a super rural area named McCormick, He worked for a farmer, and well that did not work out, so we moved to another town. He had a very difficult time finding employment elsewhere. Sadly I was enrolled into 9th grade back in Illinois. I loved it there as a kid. We were beyond poor. But there truly is something about that state that makes you not really care. Watching this video because I would like to move back. Thank you again!
I sold my Temecula, CA insurance agency and horse farm and relocated to the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas in 2004. Bought 36 acres of virgin forest and rolling meadows with a 2-1/2 acre lake. In 17 years of residency, I've never once heard of a police officer discharging his/her firearm in my county. I always sleep with my bedroom/deck door unlocked. At this moment, I'm sitting on my porch drinking coffee wearing nothing but a sport bra. Complete freedom and quiet privacy in paradise! Oh yeah, my property taxes are $48/year. Rich Texans are fleeing their state and buying up land here by the 1,000s of acres. Glad that I bought when I did! I've spent a LOT of time travelling the US (including Hawaii) while looking for breeding stock and there is no other place that I'd rather be. By the way, I'm a liberal atheist and have better and deeper relationships here than I ever made during my 44 years of living in superficial California.
Texas Native here who loves my birthplace. I’ve lived in every major metro and every region of the Lone Star State. I’m working on my second masters and living and working in Little Rock married to an Arkansas native (LR which has the highest per capita income zip in the State ). Arkansas is a beautiful State full of intelligent and caring people. You can portray any State this way depending on your goal. I hope people take this content as entertainment and not fact. It’s misleading at best and just restates rural stereotypes.
Excellent video! Thank you Nick Johnson. I agree with other commenters that your interview style is refreshing, relaxing and revealing. It was so nice that you allowed her to speak and you asked just the right amount of great questions. I can barely find anyone who actually listens these days. Well done! Keep it up.
I’ve lived here for 35yrs. I was born and raised in the upper delta! I don’t hate it at all, but I’ve NEVER heard anyone call a tornado shelter a “friedy hole” or however he spelt it lol
Sittin here in Medora, ND killing a little time before the Medora Musical and came across your videos. I'm hooked. Grew up in Arkansas but left about 40 years ago. I have been to all 50 states and having watched 7 of your videos this morning and afternoon. You do a fantastic job of describing the states you profile. Will make time this winter to watch ALL of videos.
@@lorirobertson643 You're welcome. I think you gave a very good historical account of why your area is having economic problems (and the problems that come from them). Wow - to actually hear from a person in a youtube video is interesting! This is my first time. Bless you, and everyone there. Philip from Montana
To the guest on this video, Lori - I don’t know if you’ll see this comment or not... but I just wanted to tell you to hold on! Don’t give up hope on Pine Bluff! I grew up in a small town in North Texas and left for NYC the minute I could get out of there... but now after 7 years in the city, I’m returning to my hometown to start a small business and use what I’ve learned to help benefit my small town. There is always hope that your grandson will return to do big things in your area! Life in the cities isn’t like it used to be.. and even at its best, inevitably gets old. Just be patient, stay warm, open, and inviting to those that have moved away, and good things will surely come your way! Have faith, and trust in God! :)
Northwest Arkansas is one of the best areas in the country to live right now. Amazing jobs at some of the biggest companies in the country and a low cost of living.
Yea! It's Tuesday and time for new material from Nick 👏👏👏 Just when I thought I was going to have to be productive today, I can lay back down on the couch 🤣 well, for a few minutes anyway 🤣
I'M BLACK AND AS I'M WATCHING THIS, I AM THINKING TO MYSELF, "WHERE'S THE WHITE PRIVELEGE?" THAT WE'VE BEEN HEARING SO MUCH ABOUT LATELY. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE PEOPLE!!!
Arkansas ranks as one of the best states in the nation regarding affordable retirement and end of life tax rates, in addition to still-attractive state income and corporate tax rates, as well as property tax rates; although a little bit high on the sales tax rates. Amazon has obviously eyed that corporate tax affordability. (Will their establishment last there?) I would also just like to offer a heartfelt mention regarding the Arkansan folk, whom this dear lady widely represents, that the greater majority of Small Town (and Metro) America is sharing the same sinking boat at every point she has factored in. Let's not isolate and stigmatize Pine Bluff, Arkansas here. Our nation's society, from state to state, has been swiftly imploding before our eyes, and I deeply appreciate this lady's brave interview for what was an honest, emotional representation of "EveryTown" USA. We are listening and you are not alone, Dear Lady in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Thank you for not only listening but understanding the frustration of watching my town suffer a slow & painful demise. Your kind words are much appreciated 💜
@@lorirobertson643 i live in new england, but had a boyfriend from Arkansas, he was the nicest guy i ever had, i loved him, but sadly he went back to Arkansas, Eureka Springs, he used to live, oh well, i love southerners!
@@rita75ist Awww Janet.... there's something about those Southern guys. Believe me - I know. I have to say - Eureka is a beautiful part of Arkansas. If you haven't visited that area, I think you would be very pleasantly surprised. Gorgeous lakes & wooded hills with steep cliffs. Its peaceful & serene. Breathtaking in the fall with vibrant colors. Fun in the summer with boating, party barges & maybe a few music festivals. Fresh & green in the spring with hills dotted in wildflowers & dogwood. Still & silent in winter for time of reflection. Its all really quite magical. We would love to have you visit 💜
As a native Arkansan (from the “good part” of the state), this felt spot on. I’ve always felt like NW Arkansas is a completely different place from the rest of the state.
How's the job market there? Are you able too live comfortably with how much you make and your expenses? I live in Oregon and it looks alot like NW Arkansa but the housing here is much, much higher.
@@_zombie_0889 yes I've been checking out the housing and some of the prices some of these houses are going for really make my jaw drop, and thats even with the current housing market spike. I wish I would have had known about NWA a couple years ago. And what types of jobs are common around there?
@@StallionFernando There’s lots of work in Tyson Chicken plants or in the office. Also, there’s a lot of opportunities at Walmart or the vendors for Walmart.
I was just in Scottsdale, AZ for three months and I live in Northern VA. Whilst I loathe politics, but both locations are relatively democratic by the way. When I look at videos like this, it makes the US appear like two different countries. It's so sad. The one positive I can find in this whole video is: at least they don't pay $1.5 mil for a shoebox as a house. My heart goes out to those living in the state. Interesting interview by the way.
The more desirable of a place to live, the more you’ll pay for a home. $100,000 will buy you a decent home in most of the state for what will cost you $1.5 million in most of coastal California.
What a sweet lady you had on there. I’ll bet they’re some of the toughest folks on the planet just it’s impossible to give yourself a hand out of big hole, she’s right it’ll take people from the outside bring help. Watch your show all the time, great stuff!
Arkansas is one of the best places to live if you're going off grid, and not just Northwest Arkansas. It has fewer off grid restrictions than a lot of states, and TONS of people are moving to places like Mountain Home and Booneville because the land is very inexpensive. There are some places you won't catch me after sunset, but that's just about everywhere in the US. Nothing open after midnight except legs and the ER...
Arkansas is amazingly beautiful. I am just being honest. Mountain Home resident here. Bought our house 5 years ago for 90k. The house two doors down just sold for 230k. Seriously.
I avoid Walmart at all costs. The Walton School of Business in a nutshell: Teach your employees how to file for SNAP. For the record, I didn't vote for Clinton in 1996 because of NAFTA and welfare "reform." Keep the hair, Nick.
Bill Clinton was the best president in recent memory though because he balanced the budget. Hint hint George W. Bush and Donald Trump with all your tax cuts for the wealthy that didn't do bull crap. The number of Americans employed great at about the same rate under Trump as it did under Obama. Look it up on a graph on Google.
@@UserName-ts3sp yeah, until 2027 when the tax breaks stop for the middle class and stick around for the wealthy. Seriously, look it up. Oh, and it turns out the tax cuts added up to about $65 a month for the middle class. Not exactly a huge break. There was a recent study done that showed that the billionaire class already pays an effectively lower rate than the middle class. It’s completely out of hand how blatantly they’re willing to lie to us now.
@@mrburns805 Yeah Warren Buffett said he thinks the wealthy should pay more in taxes. Jesus Christ would agree. I've always been very against the tipped minimum wage too because a lot of waiters and waitresses don't make a whole lot regardless of how hard they work. There's lots of videos about it on RU-vid. It wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the only country in the whole world that has a tipped minimum wage. I'm very much against it and the Democrats are very much against it. It's not very Christian at all.
This was the best interview so far. You're like a youtube Studs Terkel. I'd be interested in more long-form interviews with normal people and their experiences.
I moved here about 8 years ago. I am am not a church going conservative type. People are not overly friendly but they leave you alone to live like you want. Where I live, there is little crime and it is beautiful. Takes me a half hour to get to town. Hate the long humid summers, recluse spiders and ticks. Fall through spring is wonderful, mostly. I live in the Ozarks.
I was born and raised in Fort Smith and then I lived in Alma for about 12 years. My husband and I ended up moving to Charleston, SC because there is a lot more opportunity here and the jobs pay a lot better. My husband makes almost three times as much here compared to his Arkansas salary and his hours are lower so we're able to do more together as a family. While I miss my family in Arkansas and I miss the natural beauty of the Ozarks and Boston mountains, I don't think I'll ever return to Arkansas. Even with the incredibly low cost of living, it was a struggle to survive there.
I’m born and raised in Fort Smith as well! Love living here. It’s really a beautiful state, but also thinking about relocating as well in a couple of years after getting married. I would definitely say that the Northwest part of the state is a great place to raise a family.
Really enjoyed hearing the woman from Arkansas interview. In the back of my mind when she's talking about jobs, I hear what she's saying but obviously it's not a localized thing, it's everywhere. There's been a fundamental shift of employment itself in the United States, the ways and means of income production.
It's a different story in Arkansas. There really are no decent paying jobs in the majority of the state. Arkansas has always lacked good employment, and Arkansas is suffering the worse as the entire US job market crumbles. This causes the effect that the people in Arkansas often are not high quality employees. It's sad as the people in Arkansas are truly beautiful people as a whole, and the state is one of the most beautiful states in USA. I absolutely love visiting Arkansas, and if it wasn't for their economy, I'd move there. Maybe I'll retire on an Arkansas mountainside.
I moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas few months ago, March 31. Left California (born and raised in CA), while Arkansas ain't perfect, it's Wayyyy better than CA, the Northwest part is amazing. And yes, lots of Walmarts. Lol. Love the video nick
My dad's family is from California. He's complained about it my whole life, lol. As a kid we lived in CO, but then that got too Californified. We're in Fayetteville now. We used to complain about the South, but we're appreciating it more over the years.
Hope Arkansas is also home to the Klipsch loudspeaker company. One of the oldest speaker manufacturers in the United States and some of the best speakers made anywhere.
My husband and I just recently found your UNBOXING videos. NICE!!! We have begun watching them, finding much we knew and very much we didn't know about many states. I wish you had found more people to interview for Arkansas. A beautiful state to live in, as I have lived here about 50 years, and have lived in many varied areas across the state. We raised our large family here and have enjoyed the outdoor beauty and activities Arkansas provides. Struggled with some of the lesser options, as diversity and education for instance but was financially easier to raise a family here. This woman's interview was so narrow that a variety of people would have given a much broader view of Arkansas issues, knowledge and attitudes. Most of all, any credibility she had was lost early when she said Bill Clinton had been a Senator, which he never was. We have had some great productive leaders in Arkansas, besides Clinton, such as, Asa Hutchinson, who just left office. This is a poor state struggling for many years, and we have had some good leaders doing their best. I know this video is over a year old, but it would have been nice to have had more than one person's view, speaking on behalf of the entire state of Arkansas. We certainly enjoy your videos, the way you present them, with facts along with such interesting local info. We will continue to watch. 🙂
I’ve been to Arkansas on the west side. Near hot springs. It’s very nice with rolling green hills, plenty of forest and beautiful ozark mountains. I would move to Arkansas if there were more opportunities for employment.
@@NickJohnson Hi, Nick! Omg - I sure sound like an Arky hick. 😂 This Unboxing was spot on! Text me when you're coming thru this area & I'll give you the grand tour. Take care & stay cool 😎
I've been all over the country North east Arkansas is one of my favorite areas. If you like to mind your own business, and cherish you privacy, it's a 10/10.
I'm driving through Ozark Arkansas right now, listening to this interview. I love this lady! I work with disabled kids and adults too. I thought maybe Arkansas would be a great place to live, so pretty! But like so much of the country going down hill. So sad. Wish I could help some how. Hell I'll move here give it go. The advice on your channel is invaluable. All my love and prayers for Arkansas and the kind folks! Thanks Nick!
I've watched all the way through...I moved here 4 years ago from Texas. I talk bad about Arkansas alot sometimes, but Arkansas has taken care of me. It is a fact that Arkansas is not what it used to be. But it's the same everywhere. When I was a kid, we would vacation here. It is a beautiful state. I really believe things got bad during the Clinton era. The drugs are off the charts. I live in Greene county. Near Jonesboro. I have never been so sad and lonely. In four years I have not made one friend. Everyone is just trying to survive. I just gotta believe America will be great again. God doesn't leave us. We leave him. He is the same, always. I often say, i'm gonna leave here. Tear off my rearview mirror and never look back. But where am I gonna go? After watching the interview with this sweet lady. I promise, I will watch what I say about the Natural State. Who am I to judge. If I don't like it. I can leave. No one is making me stay. The truth is Arkansas has been home to me. You know what they say. There's no place like home. Peace Love & Light m
Thanks for another wonderful video, Nick. I love how you manage to find diamonds in the rough for your videos--like the diamonds in central Arkansas! I also never realized before that the economy of most of Arkansas was hurt so much by NAFTA. It is indeed ironic that Bill Clinton hurt his own home state by signing it. Lori is so humble. It was striking to see how she still doesn't blame Clinton for the bad economy in Arkansas despite knowing the effects of NAFTA. I hope places like Pine Bluff can rise from the ashes some day. On a different note, it feels like Mappy and his family haven't been around much lately. Will they make an appearance in the Unboxing Iowa video? I hope so!
I'm Canadian and moved to AR because my husband was from there, and let me say that Canadian shop as much at Walmart as anyone else in the US. They have everything you need in one place, without the hassle to go elsewhere. They literally made Sears/Zellers and other big names go bankrupt. Even the rich shop at Walmart, its so big! No one would be able to change it. The only other places comparable if not better? Are Costco, and I do enjoy shopping there more than Walmart, even their similar "Sam's clubs" aren't comparable to Costco. Is it alright to always shop at Walmart tho? No! Not for everything. Spending locally is important, and while part of their programs is to buy and sell locally? It fails often given they have to keep prices reasonable. I make sure to buy products I know come from local farms/butchers, here In Arkansas. At least, as often as our budget can permit. (We also live in the NW part lol) Now, if you can't afford it? It is understandable--but there is always a choice, even if it's by simply going to eat breakfast at the local dinner rather than Mcdonald's.
What an insightful video on what NAFTA has done to our country. While China booms America goes broke thanks to politicians who are so disconnected from reality. I had classmates at summer camp at an elite high school in VA in the 1980's that were from Pinebluff. They were well off as this camp was anything but cheap. So sad. Bless this lady's heart and her family for staying. Well done Nick.
@@NickJohnson She certainly is. I was born in the south and I miss genuine people like her. I'm in California now and you really have to search for people that are so down to earth and honest. By the way I had never seen your channel before and I really love the way you do your videos. 👍
Good job Nick. My husband and I were born in Yellville and raised between there and Harrison( the hill country) Our families have been in that part of Arkansas for 5 generations. My husband really enjoyed your video.
