In the last post I had shared a New York Times opinion article about the perceived lengths a family will go to to make sure their child continues to receive Supplemental Security Income. Today, I am posting a response to that article that I found interesting:
http://www.dailyyonder.com/speak-your-piece-why-regions-fail/2013/01/08/5574
(I know the article gets a little long, so even if you don't feel like reading it I would highly recommend scrolling through just for the pictures)
The Daily Yonder is an online publication that I try and keep up with, now that I live in a rural area. The articles are usually interesting and relevant to the politics and culture of Appalachia. What I find especially interesting is the main question of the article- Why do regions fail? I've been thinking a lot lately about the cycle of poverty and if there really is a solution. I would like to think that providing safe and decent housing is one solution. It is something I obviously feel passionately about, that's what I'm doing with my life at the moment. I have a list going of books I've been meaning to read on the subject, especially in Appalachia, so I'm sure I'll write another post or two about that eventually. Here is an excerpt from The Daily Yonder's article:
"They characterize nations’ economic and political institutions as either inclusive or extractive. Inclusive institutions create a fair environment for competition, provide education and encourage innovation, distribute political power widely and encourage public participation, and have an accountable and responsive government. Extractive institutions are designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. They discourage democratic participation, fail to enforce the rule of law or promote new economic activity, and are characterized by corruption and cronyism."
...
"Although Breathitt County is not now one of the region’s major coal producers, it has been part of eastern Kentucky’s coalfields throughout its history. Coal exemplifies the kinds of challenges Acemoglu and Robinson identify. Its dominance in the region politically, economically and physically has limited economic diversification. The rule of law and protection of private property, two attributes of inclusive institutions according to Why Nations Fail, often haven’t applied to coal. Laws to address the impacts of coal on land, water and worker safety have often been missing or simply unenforced. Just one example: In 2009 flooding along Quicksand and Cane Creeks, exacerbated by poor reclamation of surface mines in the area, destroyed hundreds of homes – in Breathitt County."
And again, somehow I have circled back to the issue of coal. And it really is a many-sided issue. But I can vouch for the impact of the flood in Breathitt County- the HDA was involved in the Long Term Disaster Recovery from that flood and I've driven through that area.
The other article I was going to talk about is about a little town in Perry County and it's mayor.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/us/vicco-kentucky-passes-ban-on-gay-bias.html?pagewanted=all
This article made national news, and I am happy to say that I have been to Vicco, and drive by it often whenever I leave Perry County headed South. Now that Vicco is famous, my newest claim to fame is that I've had my hair done by THE Johnny Cummings. And I will say that he did an excellent job. It is a great thing that Vicco passed a ban on gay bias. But I also think it's interesting how sensationalized the New York Times makes the whole thing seem. Apparently Vicco passing this legislation means more than if it was some other, more "normal" place like Apex or Cary. The article makes it seem like America is surprised that a small town in Appalachia could make such a progressive move. And lastly, I would like to note that there were other articles written by more local newspapers, all much less dramatic.
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