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Across the Fence:  The Diane Sawyer documentary  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 09:50:57 AM
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Did anyone watch this documentary that was on a couple of nights ago about the children of Appalachia? What did you think?
Farmgirl Sister #98
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 09:54:01 AM
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I always have wondered about Americas Lost Children. This just proves we need to help those in our own back yard. I know that there is poverty all around us but those familys need some help.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 10:47:15 AM
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Well, living in the state (Kentucky) where much of it was set, I feel a little funny about it. I'm frustrated that poverty still exists in such form. But, I'm also frustrated that some folks can't see the forest for the trees. That, when the "football" star kid received pain medicine for his knee surgery, the first thing his mother said was, "I could sell these right now if I wanted to..." Would that be the first thing you'd think of? I mean, as a person, as a mother? It would never occur to me that I should sell a prescription, namely one that was given to help my son.
I understand that an oppressive environment breeds depressive society. But, when does the cycle end? Why didn't these parents think more about that boy going to college on scholarship--I believe it was spelled out what was in the scholarship, and to quite literally, set him up to fail by not providing for him, well, that's just ridiculous. Why didn't he think he might get a job at a fast food restaurant (Pikeville has them, believe me) while going to school? Why was his ONLY solution to go back home and steal coal out of the side of the highway? I just feel like they're so limited in their thought processes but I can't for the life of me figure out why.
The coal mines are a fact of life there...and frankly, at $60K starting salary, I even thought to myself, "wow...that's some seriously good money." and in a place like that, could buy and sell quite a bit. Dangerous, though, and I guess that's where you weigh the pro's and con's.
Some of my family came from areas like that in the 1920's and 1930's....the key is "came from". They left, they moved because they lost their homes, or jobs or couldn't stand to live that way anymore and attempted to make their lives a tiny bit better someplace else. And they did.
I also found the whole Mountain Dew thing really disturbing...in baby bottles? Please. Whether it's the system that has failed them, or they simply don't want help, I can't tell. Like I said, it's difficult for me to imagine that with all we know today, that they live in deeper poverty than some third world countries, as a resident of the state, I wish these media pieces were a little less telling...very sad. |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 10:54:54 AM
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It is quite amazing what people will do in the name of survival. It is hard for many of us to understand. I work with children in the school system with Emotion/Behavior disorders and it is unreal sometimes the things that go on. We do not even live in an area that is as deep in poverty as they are. I agree with Diana that we really need to look at our own country and take care, not that I don't think others deserve help as well. Sometimes I think we all need to look a little deeper in our own backyards and see if we can help in anyway. A positive word here and then can even do wonders.
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31 |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 11:43:46 AM
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| I just remembered a documentary on Frontline a few years back called Country Boys that documented life in Appalachia. It was very very well written. Check out PBC for more information. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 12:16:37 PM
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My maternal family is from West Virginia and I went back there a few years ago to a family reunion. I did notice a marked difference in the attitude when I left the city where the reunion was being held. My mom and I went for a drive in the hills - and we were met with very unfriendly people whenever we stopped. Our purpose was to return to the area in which my aunts were born and my grandparents left before my mom was born, but I'm afraid the locals thought we were just nosy. We did encounter evidence of extreme poverty - the Family Development Specialist in me wanted to stop and do home visits at the homes where we saw small children because of just some of the things they mentioned in the show - such as soda in the baby bottles and lack of dental care at home. I hope they have an Early Head Start home visiting program or something similar there so at least parents are aware of what they can do to prevent some of these problems. It was my first trip to that part of the country - it was so beautiful I'd love to go back again.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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Edited by - mikesgirl on Feb 17 2009 12:24:51 PM |
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cabingirl
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Rose Mary
Arkansas
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 12:58:48 PM
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I'm like melody--I just caught a few minutes of the special and had wanted to see all of it.
FebruaryViolet, don't feel bad about it being in KY. They could have found plenty of places in my state (AR) to shoot that documentary, too. Especially the mountain area that I live in. Poverty is every where and most people caught in it just seem to accept it as a way of life and go on, never trying to 'improve' themselves. It's a very sad mindset and very limiting for their children.
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
www.lifeinacordwoodcabin.blogspot.com
www.cordwoodcabinprimitives.com
www.cordwoodcabinprimitives.blogspot.com |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 1:23:24 PM
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I saw that Documentary too Melody! It was very interesting. I wish there was an update on how the boys are doing NOW. I'm afraid I missed the more recent one Sherri mentioned.
One glaring fact that the "Country Boys" series brought out was how some people are their own "Worst enemy." It's amazing how you can take two kids from basically the "SAME" environment and watch as they go two different directions. One is determined to "Make something of himself," while the other one plays out the "Poor, Poor, PITIFUL ME" card."
It's like watching my own two brothers. Our mother died when they were 14 and 7. They are now 26 and 20. One has taken the hard knocks life has given him (and some of them were VERY hard!!) and turned into a very successful young man. The other brother has chosen to use his childhood loss and the shortcomings of his father as a crutch and an excuse to be a "Non-productive" citizen. He mooches and bums off family and friends, won't hold a job... he refuses to even TRY to get a GED, let alone CONSIDER College.
He moves from place to place one jump ahead of his credators and totes a girlfriend (who doesn't work EITHER, but gets some kind of disability benefits) and several dogs.... He has absolutely NO AMBITION in life and even less prospects. He expects everyone ELSE in the famliy to support him. Unfortunately, he's in the WRONG family! That just doesn't happen with us.
We are quick to help out in a serious bind, but none of us are "Enablers." He doesn't want to help himself (and he's UNGRATEFUL when we DO help -- because, of course, there ARE strings attached-- strings HE doesn't care to get "tangled" up in). What can you do for someone like that? I understand that CHILDREN are the "Victims of circumstance," but at what point does the CHILD grow up (litterally grow into adults I mean) and finally stand up and say "I REFUSE to be a victim any longer" and MAKE SOMETHING of themselves?
There are two things I've ALWAYS told my children-- "be BETTER than your father and I!" and "The WORLD does not owe YOU a SINGLE THING... and niether does ANYBODY ELSE!" Watching the choices my boys make as they become men (such a TOUGH thing to admit! LOL!!) proves that, sometimes, kids really DO listen to their parents!!!! YEAH!!!!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 1:37:32 PM
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Wow Tracy. You really touched a nerve for me. My second son is a cocaine addict/alcoholic. He can never hold a job for more than a couple of months and has been in and out of jail at last count 13 times and now this past December he became a father of a baby boy. Within a week of becoming a father he took $200.00 his father gave him for groceries and disappeared for a weeklong "high." His license has been suspended until 2012 and now he is back in jail again for driving without a license. I have raised my children without special attention to any one individual child unlike my own upbringing...loved them the same....they came from a drug and alcohol free family, middle class and intelligent parents....I am continually stunned by his behavior. He is 26 years old and I constantly think about what I could have done differently. It's very difficult as a parent to see one of your children go down this path. Anyway....sorry I rambled on!
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 2:55:00 PM
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No need to apologize Melody. As parents, all we can do is the best we can in raising our children.
I have been accused of "Being too HARD on my kids" when they were growing up. If that means-- taking my oldest son to the police station after getting a call from the school principal telling me my son stole a check out of my checkbook and tried to cash it at the school book fair for $100 (he was 7yrs old), then I admit it.... I'm a TERRIBLE mother! If that means that my sons have not been allowed to lie, cheat, steal, bully other kids, and be disrespectful to adults without suffering the consequences, well, again, I'm a TERRIBLE mother!
I've ALWAYS put them first. I have ALWAYS encouraged them to be the best at whatever they set out to be (as long as it was good and productive! I steered them clear of anything I saw as a DISASTER waiting to happen--- fight or no fight!). I've always told them "Peer Pressure" was an EXCUSE others used to dismiss their own bad behavior, that no one can MAKE a person do something they didn't want to do and that I did not buy into that lie for a second. I've always told them that a REAL friend would never ask them to do something stupid, to hurt someone else, or encourage them (my boys) to do something to hurt THEMSELVES. I've always taught them (and SHOWN them) that you treat others the way YOU want to be treated, and to pick and choose your battles in life. Not everything is worth fighting about, and those things that ARE need to be fought HARD for! I've taught them not to listen to others when they say "Oh, you'll NEVER be able to do that!" Life is what we make of it and NO ONE can live our life better than WE can ourselves!! If YOU think you can do it, you CAN do it! It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of your abilities.
If all of that makes me a lousy parent-- then I am 100% GUILTY. If my kids turn out bad for one reason or another, I'm not going to beat MYSELF up over it. I won't allow myself to do that. I raised them the best I knew how. Your son is an ADULT Melody. HE makes the "Choices" in his life, not YOU, therefor YOU are not responsible for the outcome of his choices. I know it's frustrating and sad having to watch him go through the things he's going through right now, but you raised him right and one of these days he WILL wake up and say "What the HECK am I doing?" He'll straighten out when he's ready. Until then, all you can do is --- PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!!! (if you're a Pray-er, that is-- which I AM!!!!) The Bible says to "raise up your children in the way they should go and they will not stray" -- at least not for long! We all step off the path now and then, some just wander away a little farther than others and it takes them a little longer to get back. Hang in there hon. Things will work out in the end. ~~~ Hugs! Hugs! Hugs! ~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 3:26:42 PM
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I would say that Idaho has it own lost children too. There seems to be a standard that everyone is entitled to a hand out and once they get it they never seem to try to do anything else. I am all for a unemployment checks foodstamps and any thing that would help people but maybe they need to have a bit of the work ethic it takes to see that you help yourself. I think that a program that would allow the people to receive govt. support should be done somehing like the Habitat for Humanity. That in receiving the support you have to do something in return. I think that sometime people get the help after a long struggle and get run down and don't have a will to do any thing different. I also think some kids seriously don't get the whole job thing because they see their parents play the govt support game and win.
These are really troubled times.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 3:49:09 PM
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I am in agreement with Diana too. I am in favor of the government helping , but not hand out.. Free.. If they would offer money in the form of cash to able working bodies say weekly $300 here's the cash now go paint that park fence, work on the highway, help at an animal shelter, or help Grandpa So & SO repair his roof. when that is done & inspected Give them another job & pay them when they have completed satisfactorily. People would understand You must work for a living.. No free lunch. I don't know ...I also think some kids are given way to much free time to watch & play video games at 15yo they need to have chores and responsibilities with accountablilty. We have way too many "poor me" people. "Will work for food" cardboard holders..make good money..off the kindness of others. and some don't want food, they want cash.. I have seen people offer groceries to these moms & dads with tiny kids beside the road & they have turned up their nose at the offering. asking for cash instead. What kind of a life are they showing their children. I say Enough free lunches! I have worked hard for the things I have and have taught my children to do the same. Hopefully my grandchildren will follow suit.
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
Almost daily posts at:
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise',
I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
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downbranchroad
True Blue Farmgirl
374 Posts
Joy
Southern
KY
USA
374 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 5:58:52 PM
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Amen Sister's...I live in Southern KY and for 3 yrs worked in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. In fact, a year ago I had a family that I worked with that had no running water or electric...for real... with 3 school age children. It was heart breaking to the conditions they lived in but they seemed happy and well fed. I know we can not force our standards on others but when it comes to children...it just seems like something needs to be done.
Appalachian Girl
Jem
*If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.
http://downbranchroad.blogspot.com |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 9:03:37 PM
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I haven't been on here much lately with work, things going on back home with family, and everything else. Being from Kentucky and having family that was raised in the same hills, I was interested to see what they would say about the folk living here. There were some interesting things they showed like the coal miners looking over their shoulder before they would speak, if anything. But I was shocked they make a heck of a lot more than I do. However, we saw the typical sterotype that you think of when you say Eastern KY....toothless folk, poor, drug ridden people who can barely take care of themselves. I think it did show the beauty of what the region looks like, but it hit on so many hard and bad things of the region. Rather than showing the downside, why not show the good things and accomplishments of those who rised above the hardtimes? What gets me is that in 2 years of travel they could only come up with 1 hour of story. One story they could have done without was at the end with the stepkids...I won't go into depth on that. That honestly put a downer on the whole program.
In light of the program, there has been some good. Donations have been pouring into different agencies that directly put money into programs in the region, one being the Christian Appalachian Project. I've seen first hand while I was in college the good that it brings to the region. Others have offered assistance & help to businesses & to the children. If anything, it did show awareness that we need to help our neighbors in our own backyard rather than outside of the country.
I really wish they would have shown the good with the bad to show "yes you can be successful". Look at Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yokum, etc. We've had Nobel Peace Prize winners, award winning actors, actresses, singers, athletics, and so much more. Maybe one day the media will get it right and throw in the "good things" into the mix.
Jessica in KY |
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 9:25:42 PM
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Its odd that I stumbled on this discussion today. I have been thinking alot about the poor because some of my friends have been traveling to third world countries on 'missions trips' through their churches to work with the poor. The price to go on one of these trips is astounding. I am totally at awe how hard they work, and the poverty they encounter--but I can't help but wonder if this was the best use of their resources. I keep wondering if they sent half of the cost of their travel expenses to these third world missions, and then went to places like apalacia and worked equally as hard improving homes and lives of people right here in the united states if more wouldn't be accomplished in both places. I'm worried that a type of tourist industry, well intentioned as it is, has developed in the name of missionary work to help people feel better about themselves...while people go hungry in our own back yards. I may be way off base here (and way off topic) but if there is such poverty in these areas around our country, are we truly doing all we can?
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are"
--Confucious
www.urbanprairiehome.blogspot.com
www.kitchen-klatter-urbanprairiehome.blogspot.com
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SarahAnn
Farmgirl in Training
18 Posts
Sarah
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 01:20:28 AM
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I know southeastern kentucky and many of the people who live there.I go there quite often to visit friends and family. It is a beautiful part of this world with many beautiful, hard working people.I know some there who live a homesteading life. These people do not need government handouts or drugs.These people have plenty to eat because they work to provide food by gardening, caning, and keeping livestock.Some still have outhouses because this is more sanitary to them and they do not want toilets in their homes.The people there who can not work get government help.
Most live in very simple homes with nothing modern. They think it is very wasteful to live in a modern home.
I think the adults in the program are living the way they want to, but the children are being neglected. The government gives and the parents do not spend it on the children as they should.It is sad and I wish I could help the children.If money is given to the parents who are doing drugs, it goes for more drugs.If clothing, toys, or other items are given to the children some parents will sell the items for drug money.
Pepsi in the childs cup, I think it was a toddler not a baby and I did not understand why that was even mentioned....I see many wealthy, educated people at resturants giving soft drinks to their toddlers.I think water would be the better choice.Did it look like the children who were shown drinking Mountain Dew were in a school lunch room?It did to me, this is something that the school needs to correct, no soft drinks at school.
As for dental care, most of those people are getting medicaid and the parents just do not take their children to the dentist.Where are the social workers?
Maybe the football player can find a job since he is willing to leave that part of kentucky.Maybe the job will be low wages, but it will be a job and he will not be out stealing or living the life that he hates so much.I hope he does not give up.
I was surprised to learn how much the coal miners made, WOW! Working in the mines would be better than stealing coal alongside the road or selling drugs and he could save up for college. Sometimes people need to take advantage of what is there in front of them and what they really want will come later.At 60,000 a year he could get to college in no time at all.
I wonder what point was to be made by showing a soiled diaper in the yard. Maybe a cat or dog got into the trash and drug the diaper out into the yard without anyone knowing it was there.
I felt that the program was so negative and made life there seem hopeless. It is not hopeless! |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 02:39:05 AM
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I really agree with the idea of work for money! I think that is one of the big problems in this country today. There are those that don't fall into this category but unfortunately too many think they are owed. Do parents use the word NO anymore?? I see at work whenever I say it the kids have a fit, I am mean and yelling at them. Somehow the pattern has to be broke, especially in the kids as it will otherwise keep on going. Hopefully the help will get to those that really want to take care of themselves and their families. I don't think we should give "free" rides to those that are able.'
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31 |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 06:08:31 AM
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You know, I never understood the mentality that unemployment checks or disability checks or welfare checks were good enough. I grew up fairly poor - not as poor as what you're all discussing here - we did have electricity and indoor plumbing but my mom raised us 4 kids by herself. My mom was educated and had a nursing degree but after a car wreck messed up her back, no hospital would hire her as they considered her too much of a liability (this was before the anti-discrimination act). So, she started her own business by holding ceramics classes and that grew until she had a huge inventory and capital. Then she (we) built a greenhouse and Mom started having "plant parties". These were along the same lines as Tupperware parties and she made a decent living at that, too. When I was eleven, Mom encouraged me to get a job so I could have the things I wanted. I was wanting more expensive clothes and lessons and stuff. So, without really knowing it at the time, I was helping her out by buying my own school clothes and other stuff.
Later, when Mom was diagnosed with MS, she continued with both businesses even after it got to the point that she had to crawl out to her shop to teach class. Which she did before everybody got there. Some local organization had Mom's car remade for the handicapped with hand controls so she could continue with the plant parties and stuff, too. She was finally forced to give up her businesses when she became bedridden but she taught us through example that you work; no matter what your limitations are. That you don't give up on anything just because you're having physical problems. That you MUST do for yourself and keep plugging away.
I have done my best to try to instill those same values in my own children as I want them to stand on their own and not have to rely on or be beholden to anybody for anything they want or have. Isn't that what we're supposed to be doing with our kids? Teaching them to be decent, strong, hardworking, productive members of society?
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog:
http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
[size=1]My apron website:
http://lisamariesaprons.bravehost.com [size=1] |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 06:22:02 AM
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I have been reading this thread and have to say that children in America are unfortunately becoming lost.There isn't just one thing that can change this.I hope and pray that everyone of us farmgirls, who are able, reaches out to the poor and unfortunate in your area. While it is true that Appalachians are some (maybe the most)of the poorest-I think that we can all make a difference-no matter where we live.There is poverty all over the USA.
I have always believed that charity begins in our own hearts and I try and practice this everyday.If I see or hear of someone who needs help and I can-then I do!
As far as the drug addiction, I haven't seen this to be any more prevalent a problem, than in the bigger cities.I think I read here where people were being stand offish or something like that. Well, let me tell you that these people are very protective of one another...many have never finished high-school.They simply don't know any better.
On a brighter note, Gov. Manchin is trying to get mandatory state testing appproved for third and eighth graders(I think those are the grade levels). Children of WV will have to pass a test in order to move on. I can only see good things coming from this.
As for the soda pop, WV is not allowed to have soda or sweets in the schools.We have adopted the Heathly lifestyle approach that is government regulated. If schools are providing this in schools then they are not elligible for food assistance.Bake sales are even prohibited.So, I am not sure why every state hasn't jumped on this oppotunity.
Unfortunately, many nutrition programs have and are being cut everyday. I just read where Meals On Wheels in the town across the river (in OH) has cut down to four days instead of five.This will affect hundreds of elderly people in that county.This same program feeds many children during the summer and so I guess they will have to go without a hot meal on one day during the week. I have asked our church if it would be possible to have that day as a soup kitchen day.I hope that other churches in the area do the same.
I guess I just think that we, as Americans,should do whatever we can for our children.They are after all our future.
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow." Helen Keller
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 07:08:57 AM
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Lisa you have such a great attitude and your Mom was an awesome role model. My folks worked hard too and once we wanted things out of the budget we worked as well, babysitting and up. I think one feels better as well. Praise goes a long way with anyone. WHen I work with tough kids but praise efforts to try they really beam and the majority try even harder.
The drugs are everywhere and the effects on the kids is sad. Fetal alcohol syndrome is really tough as well for kids and learning. I do try to always give positive feedback as we all know that can make a persons day. Part of the biggest problem is parents want to be friends instead of parents or they are so busy running everywhere they don't take the time to just stop, breathe and enjoy each other.
Rae
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31 |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 07:36:23 AM
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A few things bother me about this thread. First, I agree that everyone needs to earn their keep. Drugs are just stupid, and even as someone who grew up during the drug revolution(late 60'/early 70's)I never could see why anyone would be interested in that lifestyle. Still a mystery to me. The comments about the miners making so much money and that they should be thankful for it bothers me because I don't think you realize what miners actually have to do to earn that money. There has been a long history of mining companies and their actions, or should I say, inactions, as far as the conditions miners work in. If you have never been down, deep, deep, down in the earth via a mine, trust me, it's not like working in an office without a window, but much worse. I have always felt that if you have to, you move to where the work is. That is what I have done many times. Some of the other things that bother me are the comments about no running water or indoor plumbing. These things are conviences, they are not a must have in order to be a perfect citizen or person. Yes, I live in a house with running water and I have electricity, but I have lived otherwise, and personally if I had to choose between having one or the other, I would take running water. Or at least water, that I didn't have to haul very far. From the reading I have done, it seems that a well maintained composting outhouse is much more ecologically sound solution that flushing all our waste into our streams, rivers, and oceans. Out of sight, out of mind is not nearly the neat and tidy solution that most Americans think it is. Our country has many problems, people have entitlement issues, kids and adults, don't do chores because of the conviences offered in fast foods and labor saving devices. Adults don't teach their children values or moral. The government wants to control so much of our lives and our citizens are more than happy to let them do it. We haven't any common sense anymore. Like banning pop from school is a great idea, but banning bake sales? It's like throwing the baby out with the bath water, to coin an old phrase. Moderation is the key, eating sweets 24/7 is bad for you. Having a cookie with a cup of tea, especially if it is homemade with good, organic foods is not the end of the world. Neglecting children is a very bad thing and that should not be happening, but that happens even in families that are considered "mainstream". Education is really the only thing that will help. But, the kicker is this, whose ideas are they going to be educated with? Like one of the above posts mentioned, there is nothing wrong with living in a small house, w/o elec or running water,gardening, canning, etc and living a simple life if you do it with intent and integrity. Just because your life isn't centered around consumerism, doesn't mean it's a bad life. As pointed out above, not everyone in that area is like the people in the news story. Think about people you know, "good" families and "bad". Everyone knows of kids from "good" familes going the wrong way, and of course, the "good" kid from the "bad" family being succesful All, in, all the only thing any of us can do, is live each of our lives in a way that is an example of what we would like the world to be. It's all perspective. And you have to keep in mind, TV does what it has to for ratings or to twist whatever agenda they are interested in. Oh, one last thought, if I remember my history, the majority of the country thought the American Indians needed to live in "better" conditions too, now they are dealing with the same problems the rest of us are. Like I said before, this subject bothers me on many levels. If I offended anyone, I apologize, as that was not my intent.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3329 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 10:35:16 AM
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| AMEN! Teresa Sue. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 11:31:05 AM
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"The comments about the miners making so much money and that they should be thankful for it..."
You didn't offend me, but I never said anyone should be thankful for it. I said that it's a considerable sum, especially for the economic median in the region, but one must weigh the pros and cons.
There is something to be said about moderation and common sense, not much of which I saw presented in this documentary. Most of which is a media portrayal. I'm in agreement with Jessica that they could have put a more positive spin on the people that have come from the region and made good.
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2009 : 3:15:50 PM
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Good news...this Friday they are doing a followup of the show from last week. Apparently a lot of folks took interest..."The show was the highest rated prime-time program Friday, drawing 10.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. It was the biggest 20/20 audience since 2004."
Here is more details from the Lexington Herald Leader:
http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/699179.html
I forgot to mention that as far as the pop in the schools, that is not everywhere. Most of the time it is bottled water in the high schools. This just started about 10 or so years ago. I know in my high school they allowed it our senior year because it allowed the kids to be hydrated instead of getting a small milk at lunch and that's it.
Our education program is different than most states and even inside individual counties the teaching is totally different. My high school was a model for the 4 classes per day & certain days one would be longer, etc. Something I did want to point out that there have been many bright young individuals that have come "from the hill" so to speak who have done very well in this society. I think it took a program like this to show "hey this is in our own backyard" whether you were from Kentucky or even way out in California.
The drug problem became rampent somewhat because there were drug companies pushing for their medicines especially in the heart of the region. I know this because one of my best friends use to be a rep. She got out of it because she didn't have the heart to sit there and sell the drug knowing the doctor is going to prescribe it heavily to patients. Doctors would write prescriptions for narcotics if you had a headache or toothache or whatever. Now days, you are lucky to find anyone to prescribe anything stronger than ibuprofen or a very weak narcotic, even after surgery & you have a clean record with no drug problems! There is some good in that drug task forces were formed and they helped get rid of a lot of the drug rings, but not all.
As far as coal mining, sometimes it is what you have to do because your dad, grandad, etc did it. My husband's grandpa was a miner back growing up. There were no other job opportunities. Factories have come and gone in the region (Carhart being one of them) or they won't even come.
Progress takes time. Some folks live how they were raised and probably don't know any better or were never taught how to do certain things. So in the end, being able to help fund programs that will help these people is a good thing. It will be interesting to see what the followups are this Friday and hopefully they will be positive ones.
Sorry about my long posts on this topic...it's one that touches the heart. I was born and raised there, I've studied it in college, and it's one that I always love to call "home".
Jessica in KY |
Edited by - kydeere40744 on Feb 18 2009 3:18:18 PM |
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Across the Fence: The Diane Sawyer documentary |
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The Diane Sawyer documentary
