From The Mountaintops You Can See Forever
I remember President Johnson’s “War on Poverty” in the 60′s. My grandmother would pick up government cheese and marvel at how, “They just give it away, honey!” Although she didn’t really need it, she got it because it was free and the people of those mountains never passed a bargain. She gave out her share to anyone who needed help, whether they were family or neighbors.
Granny would pick through clothes donated by people from all over the country, and give them away to any and all who asked. Her front room had piles of used clothing waiting for anyone who wanted to root through them. Granny was a thrifty, generous soul. She clothed many more than her own with whatever she found. But, my grandmother was luckier than many. She lived on a bluff, overlooking 100 acres of beautiful Cumberland River bottom land. The view from her back porch was spectacular. This was the difference.
In the mountains, far reaching views are rare. Most people look out their front door to see a mountain sitting in their way. They look out the back door and see an even closer mountain. Valleys there are not the valleys known to most of us, with gentle streams and little fields. Valleys in Appalachia are Hollers…with barely enough room for a little garden plot and so deep that the sun is blocked for a good part of the day.
So, what’s Feng Shui got to do with Appalachia? Without the view, with the mountains so close, the people do not see the world. They see only their little piece of land. The mountains block out possibilities, as solidly as they block the sun, while holding the people to them like magnets. This magnetic attraction keeps them tied to the mountains, and to the poverty that will always be there.
Some have accused companies of taking advantage of these people. I suppose the coal companies have abused their workers, but on the other hand, jobs in the coal mines have always paid very well compared to jobs outside the mines. It was a trade-off, and one the mountain people were well aware of.
I remember hearing stories about my grandfather’s brother and his family, how they would spend their money, buying cars and fancy clothes while the coal mines were running. The pay was excellent and they loved to spend it. Then when the mines shut down those same relatives would move in with my grandparents because they had nothing saved. Soon though…the mines would be hiring again and back they would go to the same old routine. Is this the fault of the coal company? No. But, it is directly related to the Feng Shui of the mountains.
These spendthrift relatives of mine could not see a world outside of those mountains. To them this was all there was. They saw no future, so they would not and could not prepare for it.
When we look at those who manage to leave these mountains, we find several common factors.
1. Many were drafted.
2. A few had a view that awarded them vision into the future.
3. Some were helped by family members to get out.
4. Some married well and left with their spouse.
These people didn’t wait for a company to bring them jobs. They saw a future and took charge of their own lives.
Those who can’t see past the mountains are destined to become a part of them.
