For all those who are into the, "Country Boys," Documentary on PBS

[JohnnyBoots]

You should check out a book called, "A Framework for Understanding Poverty," by author Ruby Payne. It is really insightful look into the reasonings behind generational poverty. It also offers ideas on how to effect change in communities at risk. I was turned on to the book while working on a literacy campaign at a high school in south WV. The book really helped to identify the cause behind so many of the problems at the school. I highly recommend this book to any interested in this area, but especially to educators in poverty stricken districts, be it rural or urban. The book is great. ( I think it has a sequel, but I am not sure).

[SheepyMcSheepster]

1. My fiancee is reading this book right now

she is a school conselor.

[JohnnyBoots]

2. Does she like it? It relates to politics as well. All the kids who were

so caught up in the Bush pre election hype, were shocked to find that their free school meals no longer existed post election. Don't even get me started on NCLB. Hope the book helps your finace' to do some good.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

3. I watched the first night and was in shock

It was like a different world. The one kid's father blew his stepmother away/shot himself and the other kid's dad just drinks all day long. The mother quit school at 16 and cleans hotels.

The poverty, the lack of ambition, the lack of education just continues generation to generation...it was depressing.

Missed it last night.

[Arkansas Granny]

5. It's really a tragic situation and who knows how many kids are

trying to overcome the odds like these boys are. Hopefully, Chris and Cody can break the cycle. The last episode airs tonight. Hope you get to watch.

[Beausoir]

4. My husband and I are engrossed in the documentary.

We watch it together and just keep looking at each other and shaking our heads.

Those poor kids.

[JohnnyBoots]

6. It is not just Western KY either. It is already a big and growing

epidemic accros the nation. One of the reasons I liked Edwards were his views on how to fight poverty. Then again those people are right were the GOP/Corporatists want them, easily spun voters and wage slave workers.

[MountainLaurel]

7. Another relevant book

Is Night Comes to the Cumberlands by Harry Caudill, which speaks specifically to the history of that area of Appalachia. It was written just after the "War on Poverty" was launched following the CBS reports showing third-world conditions in the mountains, but rang true to me as a native West Virginian despite its age.

[JohnnyBoots]

8. Where are you from in WV?

[MountainLaurel]

9. Monongah

Which is just outside of Fairmont.

[TNOE]

10. I don't know who posted about this show yesterday

may have been you - but I'm so glad you did. I think I just scanned the thread and in looking to find something on last night ran across that show and decided to check it out. It was beyond real and just blew my mind. I live in Kentucky, closer to Cincinnati - so not that rural but have been to rural areas like that. Thanks to poster above - I was wondering how Cody's parents died - and looks like his grandparents spent his inheritance and the other kid - it just shows how hard it is to get an education while having to hold down a job too. That guy has got some serious emotional problems I believe. What a great show - and all I could think about - was Bill O'Reilly. Yea, Bill, see this is why everyone can't get an education that he seems to think is such an easy thing to do.