Facts are not opinions. Although Mr. Colburn is allowed his extremely negative “opinion” of the industry, he should not be allowed to disregard the basic facts.
Does anyone out there really believe Colburn’s claims that workers are not protected by OSHA because they don’t work in a building or “hole in the ground.” The oil industry is the most highly regulated industry I know of.
Drugs? I challenge anybody doing drugs to try and get a job on a drilling rig – you won’t even get in the door. He says that some workers may be “denied worker’s compensation.” Should it be that anybody who “applies” automatically gets approved? Self-employed not required to pay workmen’s comp or unemployment benefits? I just mailed my check yesterday. It “is” required just like the taxes I pay.
Yes, I work in the industry. I came up from the bottom on a drilling crew. Now I manage drilling operations. It is by far the best job and work I have ever had the “privilege” of doing. Many feel the same way as I do, and not just for the money, which is always above average.
Where can a guy with not much formal education but a willingness to work and learn and get ahead? I’ll tell you where – right along with the people who proudly work in the oil industry. The work is interesting and meaningful and you will be well-compensated. That is the “reality” for most people, but perhaps not all. But what industry can claim that.
This “journalist,” or whatever Mr. Colburn calls himself, would like you to believe otherwise and will disregard the truth and distort the narrative to do it.
Don’t take my word for it and especially not his, check it out for yourself. My bet is you won’t regret it.
This column reminds me of another badly distorted and untrue piece, “The Gilette Syndrome,” I read in another local publication. Those of us who know how bogus these stories are need to start standing up for the reality.
Just because you vehemently hate an industry for whatever reason doesn’t give you carte blanche with the facts.
—Rick Leech
Moab