20/20

[Kycha]

No, I don't know the family situation. The problems she faced sounds like a family problem, not an Appalachian problem. And you did say "Fortunately my grandmother had enough strength and ambition to get herself out." which could lead some to think that it is best to "get out". It was for her, but some places here are still nice spots to live, whether people who have these preconcieved notions about it, believe it or not.

Did you read my entire first post??? You are reading a lot into what I wrote. I never said the problems my grandmother suffered from are "Appalachian" problems. What an "Appalachian" problem is anyway, I have no idea. Although, the problems she and her family suffered from are some of the same problems many people in that region suffer from...poverty, little to no education, depression, alcoholism. You can't deny that those things are going on. I understand you are sensitive to the preconceived notions people have about that part of the country. I get it. I hear it all the time too, especially from my coworkers who have no idea where my family comes from. If you did read my entire post, you would see where I called the area beautiful and how practically my entire family is moving back there.

 

[jamimb]

I thought they said last night that the coal miners make like $60,000. I thought that was an astronomical wage for that area. Maybe I misheard.

I can tell you my father made no where near that much and there were lots of times when the miners were laid off or striking. My DBIL is a coal miner now and does not make that much. I cant say about anywhere else. I do know that bosses and several other specfic jobs do make decent pay.