I am proud to be a West Virginian...

[CrownPrinceBandar]

Not only do we have some of the last undisturbed tracts of wilderness in the East, we have two KICK-ASS democratic senators working for us in Washington. Particularly, making things tough for BushCo. Check out these links:


Sen. John "Jay" Rockefeller:

http://www.npr.org/display_pages/features/feature_1335540.html


Sen. Robert Byrd

http://www.senate.gov/~byrd/byrd_speeches/byrd_speeches_2004_january/byrd_speeches_2004_january_lis/byrd_speeches_2004_january_lis_2.html

I realize Byrd has a past, but he, along with Rockefeller, a former WV governor, have jumped through so many hoops since then to make the standard of living for those of us here in the Mountain state more commensurate to the national norm.

I know this thread may be a little self-serving, but I feel good knowing that these guys are going to bat for my state, not only against the Bush plutocracy, but in the court of public opinion.

[HFishbine]

1. Yes, sir

I'd been camping in WV as a small child. Just drove through there again a couple of time last year and it is indeed beautiful (in places).

What's life like? I stayed in Charleston, and it seemed a little sleepy. Is there a place where one get get a does of culture, meet people and still enjoy the scenic beauty?

[CrownPrinceBandar]

7. There's plenty of culture....

we have a great symphony, there are more small-town festivals you can shake a stick at. Old-time music has been a fixture here, well before the "Oh Brother" resurgence. If you're into the old time scene, check out the Augusta Heritage arts website. It happens in Elkins, which is my hometown.

http://www.augustaheritage.com/

The natural beauty of the area sort of makes its own culture. The ski resorts and camping areas garner all kinds of folks. If you aren't into the campground scene, there are still plenty of camp able wilderness areas around. Did I mention the natural beauty?

Unfortunately, these benefits have been largely overshadowed by the dire lack of jobs, severely underfunded education system and misinformation. One says West Virginia, and some immediately hear "Dueling Banjos." This is the reason why I'm thankful for Senators Byrd and Rockefeller, they are helping to dispel these myths.

[HFishbine]

10. Thanks! (nt)

[Bill McBlueState]

2. I grew up along the state line, in OH

I grew up in Marietta, OH. I have a lot of respect for West Virginia, and the state doesn't have anything close to the respect it deserves.

The state has swung our way in the electoral college 5 of the last 7 elections, 1980 and 1984 being the only exceptions.

Rockefeller and Byrd are great assets in the Senate. They're often accused of pork-barrel spending, but there's nothing wrong with helping out your own constituents, especially in the heart of Appalachia.

[MilDem]

6. Minor, nitpicky correction

WV didn't go our way in 1984 and 2000, it did vote for Carter in 1980.

[Bill McBlueState]

8. boy it's been a long day

I was looking at the line for Wisconsin. You're right.

:dunce:

[xxqqqzme]

3. moved away from 'almost heaven'

in '82. We still have out land tho.

[onecitizen]

4. As a WVirginian myself.......

I concur. BUT we gotta get Capito out of there doncha think? How can we do that? Any thoughts?

[CrownPrinceBandar]

9. Yeah, we gotta ditch the crook's daughter. n/t

One idea: run a stronger candidate. Jim Humphrey was just not a good prospect, even I didn't really like him. But I did vote for him, considering the alternative.

[tom_paine]

5. Pretty damned proud of Bob Byrd himself

Historians may label him "The Last American".

I'd say he was America's Cicero, but that presupposes that the Old American Republic is dead and I am praying that it can be revived and restored.

Which would make him something else besides America's Cicero, and I would be perfectly happy withthat if I could have my Free Country back from the thugs who stole it.

But roll it over your tongue and, boy, don't it sound fine, "Robert Byrd, the Last American".

[CrownPrinceBandar]

11. BTW... I loved that "America's Cicero"

I don't judge that statement by what happened to Cicero's Rome, but what he said while it was thriving.

Well said.

[laruemtt]

12. i've only lived here in wv

a little over 11 years and i feel lucky to be here. you're surrounded by the rhythms of nature here and i love the simplicity, creativity and intelligence of so many of the people i know here. and thank god for byrd! i thought hubby was insane for taking the prof position here back then, but i'm happy to say i was so wrong!

[Champion Jack]

13. I'm movin' back there just as soon as I sell this house in CA

I've already made the deal on 93 acres and I can't wait.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

14. Wanna trade?

You can have my cold-ass apt. here and I'll take your house in warm Cally? hehe.

[Champion Jack]

20. You wouldn't like it here

WAY too many people. The weathers fine but it isn't worth the cost.
BTW--Contrary to popular opinion We DO have seasons in Ca:
summer
earthquakes
fires
mudslides

[CrownPrinceBandar]

24. Ok ... I take it back.

I would like to check out Oregon, WA and BC though.

[McDiggy]

15. Shhhhh!

Don't tell everyone how great it is here! I don't want any more people from New Jersey infesting the town than are already here. (You have to live in Morgantown to understand)

[CrownPrinceBandar]

18. No. no....

we welcome all the lovely folks from NJ who want to partake in our education system. As long as they leave promptly thereafter!

NO! Just kidding. I'm gonna get flamed for sure.

[linazelle]

16. I'm a "Rock and Roll Baby"

Remember that song from the 70's/80's...

"He was born in in a theater...in Bluefield West Virginiaa.."?

Well I wasn't born in a theater but was born in Bluefield. Spent summers there with my grandparents growing up. Those are the best memories of my life. The last visit was in 2000 to bury my granddad. Sadly we have no more family left there.

But it's a beautiful place and I miss it.

[theboss]

17. Too bad the state is broke as can be

The Workers Compensation System is in tatters, tax revenue has dried up, and we are utterly and completely dependent on tourism and gambling for any future it seems. The whole gambling thing depresses me. We are not enough of an attraction to rely on gambling as a revenue stream. It's just transfer of dollars from citizens to the state at a huge social cost.

Sorry, but I've been really depressed about the state of the state for a few months now.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

19. Tell me about it...

I've been out of work for over three weeks now. No end in sight.

I'm depressed about the state now too.

[davidinalameda]

21. lived there for the majority of my life

only been in California now for about 5 years

I would love to get home but not right now.

Grew up in Tyler County--Sistersville. No smart ass comments about the name--I've heard them all

I'll be back this summer. My mother wants me to visit

and since I went to WVU, I understand about the New Jersey comment

[Champion Jack]

23. Tyler County is where I'm goin'

near Lima

[CrownPrinceBandar]

25. Nice area up on the Ohio. n/t

[Malva Zebrina]

22. I had a great time traveling the blue and the black roads of

West Virginia in my travel van a couple of years ago. It is, indeed, beautiful country. We did enjoy West Virginia and it's very friendly, down to earth people.

[Woodstock]

26. West by God

It's a beautiful state and wonderful people.

[arewethereyet]

27. as well you should be

I have nothing bad to say about any West Virginian I've ever known. They have all been good, honest, decent friendly people. I can't say that about many other states.

[McDiggy]

28. .

Unless you are from New Jersey - in which case we hate you.