A Resource, our talent, an Opportunity - Hands of Coal Across Bell County

There are many things in life that make a difference. Sometimes they are the simple things like a hello or a smile. Sometimes they are a handshake, a wave or a pat on the back. All these are good things that help to encourage others along this journey in life. In today’s world there is a lot of negative about everything. Few folks seem to have the passion or desire to work together on projects or to help others succeed. Not sure why folks don’t enjoy helping others reach their goals. This is certainly one of the aspects of my heart for others and I know others that have the same desire as I do, but normally folks are not lining up to help. August 11th there was a great number of Knox County residents who assembled in South Knox County in Flat Lick to lend a supportive hand to those Bell County neighbors. Citizens from Clay County were also in attendance and joined the assembly of people. The rally cry was to send a message of the importance of coal, the impact it has on our specific communities and the belief that coal must be a part of our Nation’s energy policy. Our elected officials in Knox County, representing both political parties helped to assemble on the Bell/Knox County Lines in the “Hands of Coal Across Bell County” event. Because of the success and excitement plans are being made now for Knox County residents to get a chance to show their support for coal here too. The Kentucky State Policy estimated that 15,000 people came out in Bell County to stand along U.S. 25E showing their support for coal, coal families, and the economic impact it has here in our communities. In Kentucky there are two coal fields. We are located in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field. Pike County (Pikeville) is planning an event and in the Western Kentucky Coal Field Muhlenberg County is also planning to have a “Hands of Coal” event. It is amazing what a single idea did and how it has brought so many together for this common purpose. There are plans also being made to have an event in West Virginia to show their support for coal. Joe Harris is a great example of what happens when we share an idea or thought. It also shows what happens when we invite others to help and unite for a purpose all under one banner---Coal. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear announced on August 16, that Kentucky and West Virginia had struck a deal with the Country of India for 9 million tons of coal, worth $7 billion that will span over the next 25 years. This is great news for Kentucky and great news for us here in the mountains. It is possible that this single deal will help open up additional markets for Kentucky Coal, and that’s a great thing! As a Christian writer I have long been showing the association of scripture to our everyday lives. Some folks are not always eager to hear the Word of God and I understand that for those that are non- believers. The Bible talks about working and eating, and if you don’t work, you don’t eat. That is not always welcomed words to idle ears. The Bible also encourages us to use what we have. The Bible instructs Christians to not neglect the resources, talents, and opportunities we have. Certainly here in the mountains Coal is a resource. We the people are talented. We are skilled with knowledge about how to mine coal and to do so safely. There is no doubt about the opportunity we also share. A moment to work together, to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and that benefits all. Until then

Hands of Coal Across Bell County

On August 11, 2012 the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky are attempting to make a huge statement about the meaning and impact of coal. Joe Harris, a local businessman from Pineville, Kentucky came up with the idea to create “Hands of Coal Across Bell County”. The event idea came about because of the recent continued lay-offs by Coal Companies. The lay-offs, coal company shut- downs, all have a devastating impact. The mountain way of life has been associated with coal mining, coal production, coal hauling since black diamond was first carried out in buckets and wheelbarrows. Coal has been a source of heat for our homes and the power behind the lights coming on when we flip a switch in our homes. Coal has been the source of income that allowed banks to take deposits from customers for every product they provide. Coal income has provided for car dealerships to sell cars because of steady incomes. Coal dollars provide for medical insurance for individuals and families, that in-turn provide for those in the medical field to provide services and follow their dreams, provide for their families too. Coal production has helped build our schools, provide for new buses, roads, and all opportunity that comes along with those improvements and changes. Coal has filled the tables with food, cars with gas, families with trips, experiences and most importantly opportunity. Coal has built homes, impacting construction; churches have been established because of population locations and individual communities were born with each mining operation and today we identify places throughout the mountains by a single name all because of coal. There is a political debate about coal and there are many opinions on all sides. Folks who have worked directly in coal are staunch supporters of course. Flip the coal tag and there are those that are willing to form picket lines to protest coal production, they want nothing short of the death of coal and all her associations. Education, opinion, facts, and reality are all important in any discussion. Extremes on positions will never agree. Unwillingness to adjust, consider and appreciate is normally not a part of the mindset. Some individuals have dug into the ‘mountain side’ and buried their opinion deep without any room for compromise. I am a person of opinions, appreciations, and respect for individualism. I believe in personal and corporate responsibility. I welcome differing thought, I understand agreeing to disagree but yet I will fight for cooperation, unity and vision for common cause without any apology for position, statement or support. For any individual living in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky you will be hard pressed to show your independence without the touch or impact of coal in our counties, the impact of coal on our region especially, not to mention the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our Nation. Citizens are forming lines of support on the Cumberland Gap Parkway (US 25E) from the Bell County/Knox County Line beginning in Flat Lick all the way to the Cumberland Gap Tunnel in Middlesboro. Individuals, groups, churches, companies, school organizations life football teams, bands, community groups are all gathering roadside at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 11th. Citizens from Knox and Harlan County have joined too, volunteering with Bell County residents for this historic moment of unity when we unite to say we care about families and that coal is important to our economy, our families, and our way of life. Hands of Coal Across Bell County is a chance to send a message to Frankfort and Washington, D.C. that coal is important and a tradition and way of life we appreciate, and support. Until then