Has anyone one read about applachia?

[JohnKleeb]

because wow this project is really moving.
Ive been assigned a 7-10 page research assignment on poverty in applachia, and reading what I've read so far has really made me near tears, this isn't even 3-4 hours drive a way from me and here am I living in one of hte richest areas in the world, I may not like what he did by continuing the vietnam war but god bless LBJ for having the balls to say something about the poverty problem, bless people like Bobby Kennedy who dearly wanted to help these people, people like Rory Kennedy who seek to show their struggle to the rest of us, and people like Father Ralph Beiting who have selflessly given their lives and time to these people. Yes, I want a second war on poverty in this country.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. I actually did some work in Appalachia

many years ago. The depth of poverty will chill you to your bones. Like the Mississippi Delta Region, almost the third world. We have no business allowing that to happen in this country.

[ET Awful]

2. Do some research on the Harlan County coal wars.

Some really interesting stuff, and the origin of many a bluegrass tune :)

[Droopy]

3. I guess you could say we never won the war on poverty

But it goes far beyond Appalacia in this country. In my own hometown there are people without enough food and without health insurance, living in houses and aprtment buildings that are falling down. Poverty is everywhere and I'll bet even in your corner of the world.

[JohnKleeb]

5. of course, the inner cities as well

There isn't much poverty here in my town, I read only 4.7%, thats stil people though, I know this one part of town where I went to middle school which is sort of imporvished.

[StClone]

4. "American Hollow" a disturbing view of hidden America

Great resource in pictures and documentary.

http://www.horizonmag.com/poverty/rory-kennedy.asp

[JohnKleeb]

6. Yes, I heard about Rory's documentary

she's a great lady, her father would be so proud of her, I saw her documenatries on AIDS, they were moving.

[Zuni]

7. LBJ f-ed up in Vietnam, but he cut poverty in the US in half during his

term.
His poverty program really worked and was the cornerstone of what he wanted to do.
LBJ was not a bad president---he just made a terrible decision that destroyed him. He was crushed by Vietnam, and died soon after he retired. I think the weight of Vietnam on his shoulders killed him.

[JohnKleeb]

9. yes he fucked up in vietnam

oh I don't think he was a bad president, I defend him often honestly.

[forgethell]

8. Nor relevant to

anything in particular, but did you know that Cincinnatti, Ohio, is the only city in the nation who has a civil rights law that protects white people?? The classification is "Appalachian origin", I believe. It's been 10 years since I lived there, so I'm a little fuzzy about the details.

[JohnKleeb]

10. thats interesting

I assume they are discriminated against though.

[forgethell]

12. Yes n/t

[Nikia]

11. I know about Appalachia

My grandfather is from that area. I also have cousins from the other side of my family who live in that area. My grandfather came from an educated family and left the area. About half the relatives still there are college professors and professionals and the other half are dirt poor. I am closer with my cousins who struggle to be overachievers in a place that does not value such things. My cousin who just graduated was told that she was snobbish because she was going to a 4 year college out of state and on another occaision because she said that she wouldn't date a guy who was in jail.
Poverty and crime are big problems in Appalachia just as they are in the inter cities. A crimnology professor that I heard speak said that a high percent of Appalachians are imprisioned in Ohio than any other minority group. Since they are in their own little area far away from rich people, I think that is one reason they are ignored more than intercity residents in regards to poverty.

[yellowdogintexas]

13. check out Appalachian Service Project ..you should be able to

Google it.
Our church has sent three mission teams to Appalachia to help with home construction or housing rehab. This is an ongoing project that started over 25 years ago.

There should be some good info there for you

I was up there many many years ago and it made me sad..and we weren't even in the worst part either.