[allseasonfan]

I really wish everyone would not be so upset about how it portrays Eastern Kentucky. It's the truth.

I live here and have lived here all my life. What was shown was not true of me and my immediate family, but do I know people, people close to me, who have gone through addiction to Oxy, getting a GED, rotting teeth, no hope, horrible living conditions? Sure. They're here, people.

I think what Diane Sawyer wanted to highlight is the fact that there are still people and communities in the margins that are being forgotten.

IF this exposure could funnel any money our way, then I'm glad it was shown.

But, I have to admit, the Mountain Dew segment and the incest where the man said he'd shoot his own mother made me cringe.

Just because we don't like it doesn't mean it isn't the truth.

I think the coal miners portrayed came across as hard-working people who did what they could to make a good living. Not dumb hillbillies.

And, what perseverence must someone have to walk 16 miles a day to a GED class? That's not laziness.

But, the Shawn Grimm segment brought tears to my eyes. I saw him on campus and spoke to him frequently--never knew his situation. Reminds me that you never know what the people right beside you are going through.

Pray for this area, our people, and our problems.

I respectfully agree with most of what you say, however I have 3 questions for you:
1. Is the way of life depicted in the program the norm in east Kentucky?
2. Does Poverty exist in other areas than here?
3. Why do they always choose us?