Presentation to the Nation on our Situation

By Scott Straight

Dave Cooper and Larry Gibson have been traveling all over the country presenting "The Hidden Destruction of the Appalachian Mountains." Speaking about the destruction of the oldest mountains in the US, they deeply touch audiences at churches, civic groups, business clubs, schools and elsewhere. Larry and Dave recently spoke to Ginger Louder's class at Indian University-Purdue University in Indianaplois. Here are a few of the reactions:

I don't think that too many people in our class knew what mountaintop removal mining was until we heard about it from Larry…There are between 600 and 800 men that work in a mine shaft. It only takes about 15-20 men to mine a mountaintop in less time. With the loss of so many jobs, many towns became ghost towns and were abandoned. Nobody in the mining industry or the government seemed to care that people lost jobs or that so much land was being destroyed. - Matt

People don't realize what is happening. We are taking something so beautiful and blowing it up. "The love of money is the root of all evil" seems to show truth with this issue. - Ben

At first I didn't know what to think of Larry Gibson…But after five minutes or so of hearing him talk, his passion came through. This guy wasn't just talking because Ginger paid him to come. He was talking because he knew that what the coal companies are doing is wrong…His pride was an honor to witness, and if I got anything out of this presentation (which I did), I learned that you shouldn't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what the consequences are. - Casey

During Larry's talk, I could feel something inside me that was just burning and I want so bad to help him. I love the mountains as well. That is where I feel the most free. It is a beauty that is unlike anything I have ever seen before. It is hard to believe that 727 miles of streams have been covered by their valley fills. What goes through their heads? Do they not see what they are doing to the land? Is greed really so dominant in their minds and hearts that they can not know what damage they are causing?- Sarah

Larry's compassion for his mission did not go un-noticed. I was/am very appalled by what is happening to the mountains. I'm glad that I was made aware of this issue. Knowledge is key! - Melanie

Thank you Larry for coming and talking to us. It is rare to see someone so passionate for a cause. And you are out sending your message to young minds to help us become more aware. - Michelle

I can say that our discussion has encouraged me to keep up the fight in me. I am now considering after I get my B.A. in telecommunications, going on to study media law…It's so amazing how a seemingly un-related topic like environmental protection could encourage one to go on and continue his/her education…Thank-you so very much for everything you've done for me. I only hope I can do as much to help you. - Wendi

Since he spoke with us it has made me think a lot more about what I take for granted. Even the little things like the electricity I use and the water. I think it's a great thing that he does speaking out about MTR. He's a true motivation to me. Thank you for showing that there are still people with more compassion for nature than money. I'm very proud of what you do. I hope there are more like you. - Tasha

I am grateful a man like Larry is standing up for what he believes in. I don't feel sad for him, but I admire him…I want to say that after I heard Larry and David's talk I went home and started turning out the lights that I wasn't using to help a little. - Stacy

As you can see, Larry and Dave are reaching out to people and not only challenging them intellectually, but also touching a piece of their soul. The work that they are doing (like many of you readers) is priceless. We may not have the financial resources of the coal barons, but we do have truth, justice and committed citizens on our side. By reaching out to people (sometimes 10; sometimes 100) the "Road Show" is helping to spread our message across the nation. Soon not only will a majority of West Virginians oppose mountain range removal, but a majority of American will join us in demanding and end to this destructive practice.