Harlan County, Ky. documentary on the lives and struggles of the miners on TCM. Great show..n/t

[monmouth4]

[appalachiablue]

1. Exploitation of miners, communities and the environment by a corrupt modern

feudalistic system comprised of out of state corporate elites, local officials and dependent workers. And very little in between. ~ Which side are you on?

[monmouth4]

2. I should be doing other things but am transfixed on this program. Wasn't that long ago either..n/t

[appalachiablue]

4. A boss of mine, one of the finest human beings I've ever met was born and

raised in Harlan Co. in a coal miner's family. A remarkable woman of intelligence and courage who was also gracious, hard working and fair. If someone teased her about being from Kentucky, the land of beautiful horses and fast women she took it well.

She told how her mother and miner's wives once located their absent husbands in a woodland cabin where they were drinking, gambling, spending their pay and worse. The men wouldn't listen so finally the women set the cabin foundation alight with fuel. In no time the men were flushed out and never went back. Survival justice.

The year of the Harlan Co. strike, 1972, we moved but I retain fond memories of the place that provided me a wonderful education and foundation for life. This account of the miner's struggles and hardships back then is powerful and poignant. Another outstanding film is 'Matewan', director John Sayles 1986 story of the 1920s southern WV mine wars in Mingo/Logan where I was born.

[michreject]

9. My mother was born in Harlan County

Granddaddy worked in the coal mine and later was the county Sheriff. He died from black lung. After he passed, they all moved over to Middlesboro, KY.

Still got a lot of kin folk down there.

[appalachiablue]

12. There are quite a few on this forum from central Appalachia and also a sub group.

I'm a coal miner's child with a sheriff in the family, and grew up near the KY and OH borders. Sturdy people there for sure.

[Cal Carpenter]

3. Which side are you on, boys...

Which side are you on...?

Is this the old one from the 70s or some newer doc?

Harlan County USA is an excellent movie.

[appalachiablue]

5. It's the 1976 documentary made about the 1972 mine strike and the issues workers fought. Strong

people to endure in that environment for sure.

[Cal Carpenter]

10. Yep that's a great movie

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a glimpse of the ongoing labor struggle.

Glad to hear it is being shown on TCM!

[lpbk2713]

6. I admire that lady that stood up to the sheriff.

I'd like to have her in my corner any time.

[Ex Lurker]

7. Progressives who think white southerners are a lost cause should watch this documentary NT

[struggle4progress]

8. Florence Reece

[appalachiablue]

11. A strong woman with a legendary song for workers. Thank you.