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OVEC Action Alert - May 2, 2005 |
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Location Change for Save Blair Mtn Meeting
Mountain Justice Summer Training Camp
May 6—Come Out for Blair Mountain
Please note this new location: The West Virginia Archives and History Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 6, at the Earl Ray Tomblin Convention Center in Logan. The convention center is part of the Chief Logan State Park complex and is located just off U.S. Route 119 (Corridor G.) The meeting is open to the public—and we need a big showing of support for Blair Mountain, as the agenda includes a review of the Friends of the Mountains nomination for Blair Mountain to the National Register of Historic Places. For reasons why we should save this historic mountain, read “Blair Mountain really should be saved”
You are invited to the premier of “The Appalachians.” Join us at 7 p.m. at the Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, W.Va. Read about the event, the film, the book and the music CD: “The Appalachians--Documentary tells story of people’s relationship to land, history, world.” If you can’t make the screening, tune in to WV PBS. On May 8, May 15, May 22 WV Public Broadcasting TV will air one-hour segments of "The Appalachians." On May 18, they will air the entire 3-hour documentary. For listings in other areas, see www.sierraclub.org/appalachia/film/tunein.asp. For info on the series, see www.sierraclub.org/appalachia/film/.
May 8--MTR on "Decision Makers"
This Friday at 10 a.m., I’ll be in the Channel 13/WOWK studio in Charleston, sitting opposite Massey CEO Don Blankenship, discussing mountaintop removal for a taping of "Decision Makers." The local news show has a format similar to “Meet the Press” or “Crossfire.” (Gulp.) This segment airs on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8, at 8 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. WOWK, three other TV stations and the State Journal are owned by the show’s moderator, Bray Cary. Investors in Cary’s company, West Virginia Media Holdings, include coal and timber baron Buck Harless. According to a report from Anna Sale on West Virginia Public Radio today (hear The Last Campaign at www.wvpubcast.org/radio/newsroom/default.asp), former Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw—target of a “multi-million dollar smear campaign” heavily funded by Blankenship—filed a libel lawsuit against the Massey CEO. He also sued WOWK TV, claiming they maliciously aired false ads about him. As a Supreme Court justice, McGraw was known for standing up for people’s rights rather than the coal industry. (Nice knowing you all!)
May 24-31--Mountain Justice Summer Training Camp
From the organizers of MJS: Mountain Justice Summer is a campaign to challenge mountaintop removal coal mining practices across central and southern Appalachia. Greedy coal companies are destroying the life giving natural and cultural heritage of Appalachia. We need your help this summer!The Mountain Justice Summer Training Camp is kicking off this summer’s activities. The camp will teach participants the basics about mountain top removal coal mining and this summer’s campaign, with an emphasis on non-violence, tactics, and education. The MJS Training Camp will occur May 24-31, 2005. The 24th is a check in day. Be on time because courses start early the next day. Food will be provided.
Dorm space is limited (and costs extra), so bring a tent or some tarps for shelter. This is a very structured camp and people are expected to participate throughout the entire event. There are four required courses for everyone who comes to the camp: Non-violence training, dealing with threats from the coal industry, Appalachian culture, and Mountaintop removal basics. Grassroots organizing, media skills, action skills and other topics will also be offered. Please check http://www.mountainjusticesummer.org for updates and details and please fill out the registration form. You must register for this camp! We need to know how much food to get, dietary restrictions, etc... Please bring money! The camp will cost $20 - $50 sliding scale to cover rent, food and gear. If you are flat broke, contact us about poverty rates and potential scholarships. We also need folks to come prepared to participate in Mountain Justice Summer events for much of the summer.
Check for upcoming events, including the Summit for the Mountains (register now!) and a June training from West Virginia Patriots for Peace, part of their new effort in response to the growing militarization of America and the growing need for support services for young people as they face the pressure of military recruitment.
Earth’s Agony
Check it out: www.valleyofthewindsart.com, then read more about Jeff Chapman-Crane’s amazing sculpture and other mountaintop-removal-related happenings over in Kentucky by following the new links.
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