I am also from Inez, KY. I have read these posts and I am somewhat amazed at some of the things that have been written. Although I do understand what you saw was probably shocking, you have to remember that they only showed certain one-sided stories. I must admit, these stories and many more like them are very true, and there are some that are even worse. However, there are problems all over the country. This special showed the poverty and drug addiction as it is for some people in this area because the special was specifically intended to show what some people go through and address the problems here. However, it is not like this for ALL people living there. I went off and graduated college and I have a degree in CHEMISTRY. Guess what?? I moved back. Why? Because back home holds the most loving, caring, and sweetest people I have ever met. I have brought many people from other states here to visit because I am proud of my hometown. They all said the same about the people here. I have met so many rude people in so many countries, (Yes, I said countries.) and these stand out by far to be the most genuine people that I have been in contact with as a whole. I am priveledged to have so many opportunities such as college and traveling and everything. I have money because my parents both worked for the coal mines. You are not seeing both sides to the story on this show, and that is because its not the purpose of it. You are judging and basing opinions of us "mountain people" on 1 hour of clips that sadly are true, but shows just one side. This, in turn, makes you just as "ignorant" as them. Also, addressing the whole "toothlessness" problem. Yes, this happens. There are people like this, but its not from some kid drinking mountain dew all the time alone, its from bad hygiene, which happens all across the country. Would you all like to know that the same high school that Sean Grimm played football at has won 1st place in the INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC COMPETITION for several years, as well as the middle school. There are people in poverty all across the nation. And the comments on the coal miners and their salary, yes they make good money and those are NOT the people in poverty that they are showing on there. Coal mining is dangerous, and it has its downside including health issues, but they are not the ones in poverty. Also, I think it is a good thing that people in general rely on and turn to God in their time of need. There is nothing wrong with having something to believe in. This is one of the things that keeps some of the people from having drug addictions, or brings some people out of them. The cause of the poverty is there are no opportunities around here and it is hard to leave because back here we are really attatched to our families and are very close-knit. That is something that I LOVE about home because so many of the friends that I have brought here have been jealous of that kind of relationship, that closeness, that they haven't felt. Drug abuse is horrible here. It is a lot of reason for the poverty but religion has no way of keeping us in poverty. How ingnorant of YOU to say that. And the addictions are not consuming the entire town, there are MANY hardworking people out there who are very successful. Some of which grew up with very little just as those on the show. I have been many places and this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. And for the most part, if you talk to anyone from here, you will hear the same thing about the scenery and the caring people. We love home. We do not love the problems that some people have here, but problems exist EVERYWHERE. This show was not intended for you to talk badly about this and put these people down, it was intended for you to see how lucky you do have it and how things are in the real life for some people. So how dare you make unjust assumptions about our communities as a whole when I am sure we could come ANYWHERE and find the same problems. But, in your cases, there are many more opportunities, unlike here. I have a nice house, a nice car, nice clothes, and lots of opportunities, but that is because my parents worked hard to give me those. Some people do not have the same chance. Before you judge, you shouldn't be so ignorant yourselves, and look at both sides of the story. Why don't you look a little deeper and see what really lies within the hearts of some of those kids that were shown. They live through this everyday and don't know any better. So yes, they are ignorant about many things, but someone with a college education should know better than to place such weight on such a short one-sided story. I love where I am from. I am getting ready to go to pharmacy school and come back here to raise my kids and have a family. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the most beautiful place I have ever been, and I wouldn't change where I grew up for the world. Why don't you come and visit and then write your response. The people here are happy, simple minded, and are pleased with the things that they achieve and get instead of always wanting more. As much as I would like for some of the problems to be fixed, that was the point of the special, to bring attention to them, not for trash talking. So when you are laying in your warm bed at night, try to imagine what life might have been like for you to not be so fortunate and be raised in a situation where NOTHING was provided for you.
The Newest 20/20 special is so freaking good
- Thread starter Necrophagist
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Wow I feel out of touch, and I live in Michigan too... Oh well thank you.ace_of_something said:
/facepalm
One thread can single-handedly bring about racism, stereotypes, religion, addiction, and so much more. Not touching this one any further. >__________________>
One thread can single-handedly bring about racism, stereotypes, religion, addiction, and so much more. Not touching this one any further. >__________________>
Reply to the 20/20 Report About Eastern KY
Have you ever noticed that the news media loves to report negative information without mentioning much news that is positive? If you haven't seen the 20/20 investigative report about Eastern Kentucky, you can still view it on the ABC news website. (www.abcnews.go.com/2020) In my response to their report, I must admit I have a bias toward the people of Eastern Kentucky. My 15 month old son lives in Martin County, near Inez and many of the people in Johnson, Floyd, Perry & Martin Counties are personal friends and clients of mine.
Diane Sawyer gave the world a glimpse into the problems of this region, but other than noting the achievements of a coal tycoon and a dentist who uses a mobile office to help people in the region, most of her story seemed to trash the people who live at the other end of Mountain Parkway. In fact, I noticed that the two men who were considered heroes in her report were part of the select few who have tons of money in the region. In the past four years of traveling to Eastern Kentucky almost on a weekly basis, I have had the pleasure of meeting many people. Most of my clients in the area are not the richest people in Kentucky, but they have been some of the most generous and kind people I've ever met. I have yet to really see the drug problems she spoke of, though I've heard about it. This could be because I haven't been out looking for it.
In Johnson County, one place that was heavily mentioned in the 20/20 report, I have 5 different families who would be willing to allow me to stay with them if I needed to make a trip down for business. I've rarely had to rent a hotel room for a night because of these people and usually, I have a home cooked meal when I stay. These are people who have worked hard and have strong family values. Most weekends, you find them caring for their children and grandchildren at home. During the week, they struggle to make ends meet, but they pay their bills. Many of the people I've met from Eastern Kentucky would give the shirt off their back to help someone.
Ms Sawyer focused on families with substance abuse problems. Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem that every community in America faces. It is not isolated to the hills of Kentucky. This subject strikes home for me because alcoholism was prevalent in my family when I was growing up. My Dad has been alcohol free for the past 16 years and he is a totally different person sober than he was under the influence. Neither myself or my sister has an alcohol problem. I can go out and have a social drink, but I limit myself because I'm aware of the addictive tendencies of alcohol and I know my family history. It is somewhat of a personal choice whether we give ourselves to addiction and though it is tough, those addictions can be broken if and when we choose that we truly want to quit.
Ms Sawyer singled out a few specific stories to tell in her report. She talked about the football star who lived in his truck, the 12 year old who walked around town alone to get away from it all and the coal miner struggling to support his family. Very seldom have I seen 12 year olds, or anyone else for that matter, walking the streets in Eastern Kentucky alone. I'm also pretty sure that most high school students in Johnson County are given a curfew and expected to be home at night. I doubt many sleep in vehicles. Coal miners are hard workers and they do have a dangerous job. Most of these men work long hours so that they can support their family.
I know that the things Ms Sawyer reported do happen, but it is not isolated to Eastern Kentucky. It happens everywhere. What appals me is that she didn't mention that there are hardworking people who are doing everything they can to make a better life for themselves and their families and the way they are doing it is not by selling drugs or prostituting themselves around. It's by good old fashioned hard work. There are young people in Eastern Kentucky who are attending college so that they can find jobs. Also, there is a lot of love, compassion and hospitality in that region of our state. There are more heroes than just Dr Smith and Jim Booth. Money and material possesions don't make a person a hero. Character does.
Why didn't she include in her report, Berea College, a Kentucky institute that provides a tuition free education for poverty stricken students who want to attend college? Why didn't she mention an Assistant Fire Chief who I knew personally in Johnson County, who gave her life trying to assist a pregnant teacher after a car accident? Why didn't she mention those who work every day to educate, protect and help those who are in need? In my opinion, her story was one sided. The report placed an entire region where I know many people personally under a microscope and seemed to paint a picture that these people were pitiful. Yet I see so many people in those counties who are strong, proud Americans who live honest lives.
The term 20/20 is a term used to describe perfect vision. As a person with extensive experience dealing with people in Eastern Kentucky, I felt that this report was farsighted.
Soooo Kryswick....this is another persons blog correct?I agree with this person...on the other hand oxycontin is a huge problem in that area.she doesnt see it cause shes obviously not an addict lookin for it.pill dealers dont hang out on corners.of course theres positive things goin on in that part of the state.theres also positive things goin on in Iraq.and in my opinion we have lost the war on drugs!when pain leaves society,so will the drugs. p.s.20/20 is not perfect vision.20/20 means you have the averags vision from 20ft away.20/15 is better than 20/20.20/15 means you have the average vision from 15ft away and so on. p.s.s Give hugs not drugs!
I hope America doesn't really believe all the crap that you put in that documentary. I cried through the whole thing. I'm from Inez. I was born and raised there. I left when I went to college, and I now live in Paintsville (the other little town you put in your show). You picked the absolute WORST cases you could possibly find and lumped us all together. I graduated from one of those high schools (with a 29 on my ACT and a full ride to an amazing university, I would like to add). Our class had less than 90 people in it, but we now have a psychologist, many teachers, 2 engineers, a physical therapist, and (yes) a few coal miners. (And those are just the kids that I've kept in touch with). When I graduate from college, I will be a pharmacist. I don't have to work, however. My husband (who does not have a college education) just bought 2 gas stations. He was able to this because he has worked as hard as possible all his life. By the way, he's only 27. My 3 year old can count to 100, knows a lot of Spanish, and has known her ABCs since she was 16 months. She does know a few hyms, but she can also sing Rockstar by Nickleback. I also want to add that I haven't even had a cavity. You don't have to choose between coal mining and selling drugs. A lot of people choose to mine instead of going to college because the pay is great, the benefits are amazing, and the retirement is unbelievable (not because they knock up their girlfriends). My 25 year old cousin made well over $100,000 last year mining Kentucky's coal. My mother and father grew up much poorer than the football player you interviewed. Guess what? They still have ALL their teeth. They are clean and wonderful people, and my mother now drives a Mercedes and owns a $250,000 house that she and daddy paid off in 7 years. The town of Paintsville is beautiful. It is a little older but very well maintained. Johnson County is one of the top schools in the state. You also left out the 5 miles of mansions on the road beside Jim Booth's mansion. I have nothing against Jim Booth. He is an amazing man who has done a lot for this community. You made it seem like he was the only one working to better the community. I have 13 aunts and uncles and only one lives in a trailor. (His wife keeps it spotless, just so you know.) They also have all their teeth. Normal people from here DO NOT LIVE LIKE THAT!!!!!!! The only reason that I'm embarrassed to be from Kentucky (and the mountains) is because Diane is from here. I hope she is very ashamed of herself. I'm sure most people will be surprised that I can spell and actually put a sentence together. It is possible. One more thing: I HAVE NEVER KNOWN ANYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN INCEST. That is disgusting and only happens in rape cases.
I like how the main argument against the ideas in this documentary are "well that's not how it is where I live" or "I've never seen anyone's teeth rot from Mountain Dew".
Honestly, it doesn't matter what you know. I live in one of the most high-concentrated areas for producing meth. Well, I don't produce meth, so it must not be a problem, right?
People are so limited in their scope. How silly.
Honestly, it doesn't matter what you know. I live in one of the most high-concentrated areas for producing meth. Well, I don't produce meth, so it must not be a problem, right?
People are so limited in their scope. How silly.
This message is to Diane Sawyer
iane,we appreciate your concern, but it is what it is!youve seen all this in the movies,we're the last frontier.ya know the scene in star wars when Han Solo walks into the cantina bar?well to us your Han Solo.this is your 4th year in a row visiting our oasis,but to us your a bit strange.you land here with all your satelites,and wires runnin everywhere.your in these big shiny transports with dishes on the top.youve got these shoulder held devices and bright lights in our face.Ms.Sawyer,These hills are like quicksand the more you kick and scream the deeper you sink....
iane,we appreciate your concern, but it is what it is!youve seen all this in the movies,we're the last frontier.ya know the scene in star wars when Han Solo walks into the cantina bar?well to us your Han Solo.this is your 4th year in a row visiting our oasis,but to us your a bit strange.you land here with all your satelites,and wires runnin everywhere.your in these big shiny transports with dishes on the top.youve got these shoulder held devices and bright lights in our face.Ms.Sawyer,These hills are like quicksand the more you kick and scream the deeper you sink....
Dear Krissyip,If you honestly cried during this episode(which i dont believe you did)well then its time to turn the t.v. off.If Diane and 20/20 only reported on the positive things in paintsville then we wouldnt watch it.If 20/20 showed kids studying in the classroom,and people drivin around in mercedes do you really think anybody would give a damn?Diane is trying to shed light on a real problem in eastern Ky,and that is oxycontin,poor health care,and dangerous work conditions.Heres how you know if your town/city has a problem:The writing is on the wall(literally)if you drive past road signs in the middle of no where that read"Are you addicted to prescription drugs,call this number".p.s.unfortunately Incest happens,its not always rape.
no one said it was poverty. 20/20 didn't even say it was poverty. the miners were showcased because mining is the only job opportunity, and its dangerous and unidealistic. please stop trying to think of things from only your point of view, especially since its obvious you have never been to east ky and cannot possibly imagine what these people go through. the miners do have nice things, but at what expense? their health? their lives?east ky deserves the same job opportunities - something besides dangerous coal mines - as any other city, which is the point of making a broadcast like this to begin with.necrophagist said:
also, your budget makes absolutely no sense to me. between my fiance and me, we make $40,000 which is just enough for us to make the payments on a $90,000 house without making car payments. i suppose it just depends on where you live, and in east ky, for some reason the land value is nearly the same as a city like lexington, ky. don't ask me how or why, my only guess is the scenery.
kupette said:
why should they have to move? why can't more job opportunities come to the area? this is their home, they should not have to leave if they don't want to.
and having kids is not a privilage only designated to the middle and upper classes. having kids and a family is an engraved human need. your comments are ignorant and completely uncalled for.
it always amazed me how people from the area could completely ignore the problems there. the only thing i can figure is that they are embarrassed. why should diane be ashamed for trying to bring help to people who need it? and incest does not just happen in rape cases. i've known alot of people who pull their own teeth and are missing quite a few, or have had nasty rotting looking teeth since they were kids. no one said it was everyone. but i would go as far as to say that it is the norm.Krissylp said:
also, many people have stated that "every place has a problem with drugs!" that may be so, but people who say that are ignoring the scope of the situation. in 2000, there was a huge drug bust in which more than 200 people were arrested. 200 people in a large city is alot of people. imagine what its like in this much lower population area. and it didn't even scratch the surface.
"oneslikeme",I wouldnt bother trying to figure out "necrophagist".shes damned religion,people in poverty,and addicts(thats probably...i dont know 75% of the planet).as far as this Ky subject goesiane needs to go to the appalachians of new york next year.their problems are almost the same.p.s.The thread is getting to sensitive,its making me slap happy...forgive me but my post from here on out are gonna be comical
iane needs to go to the appalachians of new york next year.their problems are almost the same.p.s.The thread is getting to sensitive,its making me slap happy...forgive me but my post from here on out are gonna be comical