Anyone from Harlan County

[censusdata]

IMO Harlan and Bell counties have by far the prettiest mountain terrain in the state. You'd really think there would be a ski resort or Gatlinburg like area to attract tourist. I think the KY 160 corridor has a lot of potential with the Coal Mining Museum in Benham and KY's highest point which only 5 miles down the road - you'd think it would have more than just a radar tower.

I am hoping to take a weekend vaction down there sometime this spring to take a lot of photos - there's not really anything of Harlan / Bell County on Wikipedia, Panoramio, or this and other sites. Middlesboro, Pineville, and Harlan have some really neat downtown areas

[No attitude]

Did anyone see the 20/20 on abc last night about that area.Is it really that bad there or was it just exagerated pity hype?Why do people stay there if it really is that distressed?By some of the comments here you wouldn'nt think it is that bad there but it looked really dangerous and miserable on the show.

[lovethetruth]

Originally Posted by No attitude

Did anyone see the 20/20 on abc last night about that area.Is it really that bad there or was it just exagerated pity hype?Why do people stay there if it really is that distressed?By some of the comments here you wouldn'nt think it is that bad there but it looked really dangerous and miserable on the show.

Well, my family comes from Eastern Kentucky and there is no place on this earth that I love better, so I am definitely not one to put down the area. I believe that show was about 50/50 true. Yes there are many decent homes in that area and many many good people, but on the same token, poverty there is also rampant. The area generally feels safe, and violent crime is rare, howver there is alot of petty crime that comes with the drug use.

There is a strong sense of community there and everyone knows everyone, and most people look out for each other. Some of the best people I have ever known live in Eastern Kentucky. It is just like my mom says that it is a totally different world there, people think different, they have a different world view, and they are for the most part law abiding upstanding, God fearing people. Yet the poverty is there, and all anyone has to do is travel 1/2 mile off the main roads to see it. If you think the area that Shawn Grim lived in looked bad, well believe it or not, I have seen worse.

I love Eastern Ky, and there always will be a special place in my heart for it, I hope to move back someday.

[Jamie40829]

Its no where near like the place 20/20 depicted. If it was, I wouldnt be dying to move back! You can take a group of camera men and a veteran interviewer like diane sawyer to even the nicest of areas and they can manipulate it to be what they think will convert into ratings. This was a ridiculous story and I lost all respect for Mrs. Sawyer as a journalist.

Originally Posted by No attitude

Did anyone see the 20/20 on abc last night about that area.Is it really that bad there or was it just exagerated pity hype?Why do people stay there if it really is that distressed?By some of the comments here you wouldn'nt think it is that bad there but it looked really dangerous and miserable on the show.

[LindySueP]

My Uncle was from Harlan a great man! Married to Betty Bowman! O how I miss them! Wonderful people, they gave me a great life! Lindy

[Thomas k.]

Born and raised in Harlan, its the outside world that's backwards when it comes to real issues,like god,family and learning to live by simple wisdom. I have lived and traveled all across the eastern u.s. I am proud to be a Harlan countian! 20/20 has an agenda.

[Thomas k.]

Wanting to talk to Tonya j.m. Originally from Harlan ky she may now live in Lexington,the last place I talked to her. I hope to find you. Its been over 14 years.

[Thomas k.]

Looking for Tonya j.m. From Cumberland ky. This is Thomas I hope we can talk.

[Thomas k.]

Harlan is a special place on this earth! Hey Tonya m. I hope we can talk soon.