This story from the Daily Kos (a few dailies ago, though) really cheered me up. It's the kind of scenario I think of when I think of the cantankerous, independent spirit of West Virginians. Granted, there is a deep-currented and complicated discourse about the mine owners and operators, about the union and loyalties, about individualism, voting, and citizens of the state running through this story, but nevertheless as a sketch of spirit and independence it warms my heart. Bear in mind, West Virginia mines are territory where less than a hundred years ago miners could be shot for this kind of dissent.*
*Please Note: Wikipedia's article calls the WV Mine Wars of 1920-21 the "Redneck Wars". I have never heard this struggle so labeled and I (of course) disagree vehemently with the term. For one thing, it's really hard to get a red-neck when you work underground your whole life (if anyone is confused by the origin of the term "Redneck", let me know. I can set you straight).
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