I've been to Gilbert which is not far from Matewan, and yeah, you have to want to get there if you're going. Same as where my father's family is from in northern WV.
They decided to play a long game and won. The truly sad part is that this is true across the spectrum of right wing issues. Someone, somewhere there understands Grand Strategy, Strategy and Tactics. The total loss of Roe is a prime example of Grand Strategy. Despite years of defeats and setbacks the forced birth fanatics set their sights on the Supreme Court and one by one got their majority in place. It was a devil's bargain with the oligarchs of America. The culture warriors got what they wanted and the oligarchs got to make sure they all stayed "in their place". None of these people are anything other than stooges for the bosses. Their grandfathers and great grandfathers, the ones who fought and died for their rights as workers, would disown them.,
In the early 20th Century, the coal companies ruled West Virginia as a fiefdom. In those hollows, where people or information could not easily come in or out without the companies knowing, miners lived as it if were the Middle Ages. Little schooling, shoddy housing, high-priced company stores, debt, mining accidents, and black lung disease defined people’s lives.
What's weird is this is the "heritage" West Virginians think they want back.
I've been pro union since learning about them in HS. 60-70's. I've told many people, the history and the horrors inflicted on workers. Many times, I believe that my audience thinks I'm making it up. They haven't a clue what is owed to unions. Nor do they realize it can happen again.
Ta, Erik. I love Sayles, and have not seen Matewan. I shall. Solidarity forever.
Don't forget "Battle Beyond the Stars"!
I've been to Gilbert which is not far from Matewan, and yeah, you have to want to get there if you're going. Same as where my father's family is from in northern WV.
Google 'The Cultural Slagheap" long dead blog site written by a born, raised, wva prof, with attitude.
Hi from a born and raised WV coal mining family.
“I’ve been called nigger all my life, but I’ve never been called no SCAB!”
They decided to play a long game and won. The truly sad part is that this is true across the spectrum of right wing issues. Someone, somewhere there understands Grand Strategy, Strategy and Tactics. The total loss of Roe is a prime example of Grand Strategy. Despite years of defeats and setbacks the forced birth fanatics set their sights on the Supreme Court and one by one got their majority in place. It was a devil's bargain with the oligarchs of America. The culture warriors got what they wanted and the oligarchs got to make sure they all stayed "in their place". None of these people are anything other than stooges for the bosses. Their grandfathers and great grandfathers, the ones who fought and died for their rights as workers, would disown them.,
Well said!
1996
Thanks, Erik.
Thank you Erik. This is the history that should be spotlighted more than it is.
In the early 20th Century, the coal companies ruled West Virginia as a fiefdom. In those hollows, where people or information could not easily come in or out without the companies knowing, miners lived as it if were the Middle Ages. Little schooling, shoddy housing, high-priced company stores, debt, mining accidents, and black lung disease defined people’s lives.
What's weird is this is the "heritage" West Virginians think they want back.
I love the Wonkette labor Fridays.
I've been pro union since learning about them in HS. 60-70's. I've told many people, the history and the horrors inflicted on workers. Many times, I believe that my audience thinks I'm making it up. They haven't a clue what is owed to unions. Nor do they realize it can happen again.
Tobacco was safer in those days.You would not live long enough to get Cancer or COPD from it.
I don't either. I would still seek out anything Sayles touched, because his touch is so hauntingly original. Especially loved Lone Star.