By KFTC member Silas House
Originally published in The Courier-Journal

Recently "an anonymous donor" paid for a sign to be made up and displayed at the Stonecrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg, Ky. The sign uses a photo of a semi-nude Ashley Judd that originally appeared on a 2006 cover of Marie Claire magazine. The caption beside the picture reads, "ASHLEY MAKES A LIVING REMOVING HER TOP. WHY CAN'T COAL MINERS?"

The sign is sexist, ignorant and infantile. The sign shows that the coal industry will stoop to any level to pit Appalachians against one another, and illuminates the fact that some people who support mountaintop removal will try to prop up their argument by misconstruing the facts and quotes.

Since Judd's speech on mountaintop removal mining aired, WYMT, the Hazard, Ky., news station (and a sister station of WKYT in Lexington) has repeatedly aired reports on the controversy brewing around her speech. Yet most of the controversy it's reporting on is being created by the station itself. All of its reporting has been incredibly biased. With its coverage of the sign, the reporting was not only biased, but sexist.

The sign came in response to a statement Judd made in a speech she delivered to the National Press Club in June about mountaintop removal, which she opposes. Her exact quote was, "I don't know a whole lot of hillbillies who golf." When put into context, it's clear that Judd is saying that true Appalachians cherish a mountain more than they do a golf course. And she's also pointing out that most MTR sites are not put to any use, despite a handful that have been used for things such as a prison and a golf course.

Much ado has been made of this quote. Those in favor of MTR have used it to say that Judd is using the word "hillbillies" in a negative connotation. They fail to point out that Judd starts the speech with these words: "Being an Eastern Kentuckian is the simple fact that brings me the most honor ... I ... am proud of being a hillbilly." They also say that her golf course quote is perpetuating a stereotype about Appalachians being backward. But they are misconstruing the quote and taking it out of context.

People who pass along this interpretation of the quote are doing exactly what the coal companies want them to do: they're perpetuating a lie and they're letting the importance of the issue get clouded up in something else.

The sign insinuates that Judd has made her career on taking off her clothes. Nudity is sometimes a part of acting, yes. But to imply that Judd has made her living off that is ridiculous. If George Clooney, another Kentuckian, had made the same speech, would they be putting up a sign about him taking off his clothes, since he, too, has appeared nude on film? Of course not. Because he's a man.

Lots of folks in Eastern Kentucky think that destroying the land is a lot more offensive than someone being naked. Yet the news seems to not know they exist, and certainly hasn't interviewed them.

WYMT furthered the sexism by only interviewing men during its report on the sign. The station refused to show the picture because it feared it "might be offensive to some viewers," implying the picture was vulgar instead of an artistic statement. It also threw in its own opinion with little nuggets like this: "We only found one person who thought the sign was a little over the top." That's blatantly leading the viewer/listener, and it's something that journalists are not supposed to do in this sort of report.

I believe everyone has the right to offer their opinion about MTR and Judd's speech, and I welcome differing voices. But twisting words and purposely taking things out of context is just flat-out wrong. It's lying.

When people and the media do this, however, they're doing just what the industry wants them to, as big corporations have always furthered their own causes by dividing and conquering the people. And when they do this they're simply illuminating to most intelligent folks that they don't have enough real facts to back up their argument that MTR is a good thing, so they resort to name calling and lying. That's just pathetic, and I hope more people will start seeing through these tactics.

Read Ashley Judd's comments here.

Ashley Judd wrote the statement below in response to recent attacks from industry representatives on her public comments about mountaintop removal at a National Press Club Luncheon. Ashley is a KFTC member and spoke at the 2008 I Love Mountains Day.

I am proud to be standing with so many Eastern Kentuckians everywhere who are working to build a better future. There's so much potential today, right now, for Eastern Kentucky to proudly and bravely lead the way to a new energy economy in this country, with more jobs and more justice for the people of the Appalachian Mountains. It is time for a community abused and exploited by outsiders who have never had our best interests at heart to rise and lead our entire country into a renewable energy future. We can and do have the hope and the vision to bring real, diverse jobs, money, health, and generativity that benefits the broader common welfare.  The cost of premature mortality related to coal mining in Eastern Kentucky was 3.1 to 6.2 billion every year. Kentucky's annual net loss related to coal mining is $115 million per year.  This must stop.
 
When I started speaking out about mountaintop removal, I expected to be attacked personally. I told my husband we should be prepared for it, because the coal companies are cunning, callous and greedy. They use people on the ground as their front, and pit us against one another. However, I know the derogatory and defamatory comments directed at me absolutely pale in comparison to what it is like for those who live every day in the war zone created by mountain top removal mining in our beloved communities and mountains.

 Thus, rest assured, I will continue to speak out about the many reasons I’m so proud to be from Eastern Kentucky for so many generations, and also about the things I think can be better. I stand with those whose jobs are lost by increased mechanization, and those who are a terrified to lose the coal jobs they do have, because coal does not allow for other local economies. I stand with those whose land has been stolen from them, whose homes' foundations are cracked and whose water runs orange and black. I stand with those are sick from particulate dust and pervasive environmental toxicity related to MTR. I stand with those who grieve dead loves ones, killed on dangerous mining sites, by fly rock, by overloaded coal trucks, by social problems such as addiction related to the despair this mono economy wreaks. I stand with those who grieve the 800 mountains gone forever, the 2,500 miles of stream buried. I stand with those who believe we do not have to choose between mountains and jobs, our past and our future. I even stand with those who oppose me.  I believe we can work together.  

I look forward to the chance to have a real conversation, a civil conversation, as we retire the cynical and superficial coal company-created argument that we must choose between people and mountains.  That is simply false, fear based and fear mongering. The time has come for Appalachia to have a dynamic, diverse economic base that actually supports and perpetuates our inherent richness, rather than destroying and depressing it.  

KFTC is proud to stand with Ashley and people from Eastern Kentucky who are working to build a better future in the region. There is great potential right now for Eastern Kentucky to help lead the way to a new energy economy in this country, with more jobs and more justice for the people of the Appalachian Mountains. Talking together in a civil, honest way about how we'll get there given the very serious issues we're facing today is the start of a real solution.

Here are pictures of some of our work from over in Floyd County.

1.  Amanda Moore, an associate new member, doing turn out calls
2.  KFTC members Sheena Hill and Chris Ann Hall, who are working as election officers today at the Wayland voting poll
3.  Judy Combs and Katelynn Banks going to vote and learning the importance of voting. Katelynn has helped with numerous KFTC functions and was stoked to be helping her mamaw Judy vote today!

It might finally be the dawn of a new day in Frankfort.  House Speaker Greg Stumbo is saying that now is the time for comprehensive revenue reforms. 

Noting that only 12 of every 100 students in Kentucky who enter the ninth grade graduate from college, Stumbo pointed to the need for revenue reforms.  “I think the debate should continue about our entire taxing structure, the entire revenue streams in this state,” Stumbo said. “If we were running a business like we run government, we probably would be broke because we don’t re-examine and adapt our revenue sources to the changes in the economy.”  You can find the full article on Bluegrass Politics, here.

Speaker Stumbo is also a co-chair on the poverty task force, which has been learning about the work that a state Earned Income Tax Credit would do to help keep families out of poverty. 

If you appreciate this kind of insight, call Speaker Stumbo to thank him and ask him to cosponsor legislation by Rep. Jim Wayne that would add a measure of fairness to our tax system and raise more than $300 million in new revenue. 

Phone Numbers:
Home: (606) 886-9953
Annex: (502) 564-2363
Capitol: (502) 564-3366

And while you're making calls, call Governor Beshear and tell him that his lack of leadership is unacceptable.  (His office's response to Speaker Stumbo's statement?  “Now is not the time to raise broad-based taxes on Kentuckians ... Tax reform means different things to different people, and we will continue to listen to whatever ideas the legislators may have.”)  You can reach the Governor's office at (502) 564-2611, or you can email him here.

   Last Friday Billy &  Eileen Tussy arrived home to find a massive boulder had crashed into their bedroom and destroyed their home on Caney Fork in Floyd County. The Tussys lived at the foot of a mountain now being strip mined by Frasure Creek Mining.  The state Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has determined the boulder was dislodged by a blast from the mine and stopped work pending an investigation and "mediaton" at the site.  The Tussys and three other families were evacuated to motels. 

   The family was quickly contacted by several nearby chapter members and Floyd County organizer Brittany Combs to see what help was needed. The Tussys, who are both deaf,  requested help in meeting with the company so the Appalachian Citizens Law Center was alerted.  Today ACLC attorney Mary Cromer met with the family and representatives of Austin Powder, who set the blasts at the Frasure Creek job, to negogiate a fair settlement.  The family is afraid to live again on their property and hope to resettle in Floyd County. When asked if Austin Powder planned to apologize to the Tussys, the company's Corporate Risk Manager Constantine Toscidis responded, "We don't really go there."

   A year ago the company asked to lease the Tussy's mountain side for mining but the couple refused.  Since that time, “mine debris has been pushed over their property line and has covered the boundary fence,” according to the Tussey's daughter Laura.  In December a severe blast from a Frasure Creek mine cracked the foundation of a home on nearby Wilson Creek. In January , the company was issued another permit and shortly after was cited for releasing black water into Alum Lick from the same strip job which destroyed the Tussy's home. 

   Floyd County chapter members plan to meet with the Tussey's neighbors and to make every effort to push for a fair settlement for the Tusseys. A fair and just resolution would be for Austin Powder to provide the Tusseys with a new modest home to replace their destroyed home.

   Billy and Eileen Tussy want nothing more than to be safe, which is exactly what they had before Frasure Creek Mining became their neighbor. 

The Tussy Family will be meeting with the company again on Wednesday.  Before then, we need to demand the company quickly get the family a new home on land away from the mining and offer them an overdue apology.

 Here's how you can help the Tusseys:

 ** Call Austin Powder Company's Chairman of the Board, William Davis (216) 464-2400  and urge he replaces the family's home and offers an apology.  Or send a quick note via fax to William Davis at (216) 464-4418.  Or go to www.austinpowder.com and email Mr. Davis requesting he quickly replaces the Tussey's home in a safe location and offers the family an apology.  

It was 28 years ago that KFTC became "official."  According to the book Making History: The First Ten Years of KFTC,

"Twenty-six people from 12 counties formally organized and named the Kentucky Fair Tax Coalition on August 17, 1981. They also agreed on a statement of purpose:

The Kentucky Fair Tax Coalition is a group of community based organizations and individuals promoting more effective and efficient community services through a fair and equitable taxation system throughout the state of Kentucky, with a particular interest in coal counties.

Also at that meeting, members "passed the hat for the first time. They netted KFTC's first funds, $38.

This Hazard meeting was not the first meeting of this group of people who were coming together from across eastern Kentucky. The group had met on several prior occasions to explore the possibilities of working together on common issues. Shared concerns included the quality of (or lack of) community services and public education in coal counties (which suffered from gross inequalities in the tax system) and the rights of landowners.

Many of the people involved were organizing in their respective home counties around these and related issues. The decision to launch a new organization was based on the understanding that the issues were all related and shared a common underlying roots cause: "the inequality of life with a single dominant industry – coal – that was not contributing its fair share."

"People, especially in eastern Kentucky, were getting to know each other. All around the region there was a loose network of people who had worked together with each other in various ways over the past 15 years or so. What we didn't have in those days was a structured connection between us. There was a no interlocking of these community-level efforts, until KFTC" — Herb E. Smith

Thanks to everyone who is helping KFTC continue to make history! If you're not a member click the here or Join button at the top of the page and become a part of the next 28 years!

    The community of Wayland held a public hearing on August 3 at the Wayland Community Center to discuss Abandoned Mine Lands issues. Wayland residents have dealt with water running and standing under their homes since 1999. This water has caused significant damage to houses and has also caused the community to have various health issues relating to mold and mildew.  The Abandoned Mine Lands division conducted research in 2005 and admitted that their division needed to fix this problem. Despite the promises of the AML nothing ever happened and the residents are still plagued with the problems.

    The community began organizing around the issue about 4 months ago and on August 3 they had a public hearing that included guests from  sKentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo's office, Congressman Hal Rogers office and Senator Johnny Ray Turner, as well as local officials Floyd County Judge-Executive Doc Marshall, Magistrate Jackie Owens and others.

   The community gave statements about how the water had affects their quality of life in Wayland and how that they are tired of being put on the back burner with AML. The representatives listened with open ears, making the community promises that they would do everything in their power to try to help get the problem solved.

    Wayland police officer Johnny Lane gave a statement about how the citizens safety is at risk by the water that pours onto the streets and freezes in the winter time to a solid sheet of ice. “ It has the potential to destroy many homes and leave several families homeless if it burst,” said Officer  Layne. KFTC member Susie Mills facilitated the meeting and read a personal statement about how the water had affected her life and the health of her family. She explained to the panel what it was like rushing her daughter to the emergency room and having to constantly give her shots and breathing treatments. Susie also read a statement from her daughter's physician  that cited the water under her home as a constant source that harbors bacteria and molds.

    Susie and other members of the Wayland community have worked day in and day out getting petitions signed and making packets for the guests to take with them after the hearing. The packets included pictures , petitions and various statements from community members. Susie and other members of the community were glad to see that folks from other KFTC chapters in the area came to support the community on such an important day. Truman Hurt, Mckinley Sumner and Russell Oliver were there from Perry County asking questions to the panel as well. “ I was asked to come and  support folks in this community, I ask that you take action and get started today or tomorrow” said Russell Oliver, urging the panel to help the community of Wayland.

    It was a great day for the community however it is just one of many days to come in working for the justice that they so rightfully deserve. The community is hopeful that the politicians will keep their promises and they are excited to see what will happen in the coming weeks.

Sr. Kathleen, Barbara, and Rick reviewing a permit map.

Tuesday July 2nd, Floyd County chapter members from the community of Hueysville attended a permit conference at the Department of Surface Mining in Prestonsburg.

The conference was set to discuss a pending permit that would go in behind the Home of Barb and Todd Bailey. At the conference there was a representative from the permitting office, the enforcement office, and Miller Brothers coal company. In attendance ,was also numerous members of the Floyd County KFTC chapter.

As the permit conference began Rick Handshoe was the first in a line of presenters to plead the community's case as to why this permit should not be issued. Rick began his presentation by showing a long line of violations and citations that Miller Brother's had received in the past few years for the Strip Mine that borders his home.

When they ask for a permit I cannot look into the future and say they are not going to violate the law but I can show you their past record with unabated violations.

-Rick Handshoe

Rick also reminded them about a permit conference in 2007 in which he and the community had expressed concerns about the potential dangers of induced flooding that this mine would cause. Handshoe said, "We talked in 07 about slides and flooding that would happen if the permits were issued and our concerns have become reality", referring to this past May's flooding in the Hueysville Community.

The permitting office responded to the concerns Handshoe presented by saying “we have a database we can pull up past violations of Miller Bros and the technical review has that responsibility”. Following Rick, Barb Bailey took the seat and began to tell them why she feared the permit being issued. After reading a letter that she drafted about how her life had changed since this mining operation moved into her community, she spoke to the Miller Brothers coal representative and said “ You say you want to be a good neighbor, well you are not a good neighbor”. She explained to them how they had stolen what she loved so much about her home, the view from her back porch.

After the Huyesville community had their chance to speak , the permitting and enforcement representatives asked if anyone else would like to speak. A new leader in the Wayland Community Judy Combs stood up and addressed Miller Brothers, “big coal has already destroyed this place we are trying to save what is left”. By the end of the hearing the Hueysville community along with the Floyd County KFTC chapter made a strong case against this permit and the practice of mountaintop removal coal mining.  Check back on our blog later for updates.

A number of Canary leaders worked together to put on a tour about the impact of outlaw coal mining in Perry County several staff from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), including Peter Lehner the executive director, Julia Bovey, Federal Communications Director, and Patrice Simms, one of their head lawyers.  NRDC is a national environmental organization that works on coal issues and renewable energy.  This organization is a part of the Reality Coalition, which seeks to break down the myth about clean coal.

KFTC members wanted to illustrate the problems with the non-enforcement of coal mining laws that are supposed to protect miners and the environment and the devastation of mountaintop removal and other radical strip mining.  They also highlighted the problems with the falsity of carbon capture and sequestration and how NRDC’s support of these measures will likely result in billions of dollars of additional investment in the coal industry.  Eastern Kentuckians from Floyd, Harlan, Letcher and Perry Counties proposed a better investment would be in creating jobs in Eastern Kentucky around renewable and energy efficiency.

“I was pleased to meet an ally and hope that we can create better relationships to get more help on local, state, and federal issues.  I hope NRDC can be a great ally in our fight to stop mountaintop removal and valley fills.  I also hope that with what they saw and heard they took a way a better understanding of how this issue affects our communities,” Patty Amburgey, a member from Letcher County reflected.

Tom Fitzgerald, director of the Kentucky Resources Council, also presented to the delegation.  Jim Welch, Vice Chairperson of the Brown-Foreman Co, and his wife Marianne, both supporters of KFTC were instrumental in the success of this event.

You can check out Julia’s reflections and some video footage take on the trip Here

KFTC is hiring for two new organizer positions, a chapter organizer for our Floyd County chapter and a campaign organizer for our work around energy and against new coal burning power plants.  Check out the job descriptions, and spread the word to people you know who might be interested.