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West Virginians have an important decision to make. What values do we hold most dear?
A few years back, when we picked an image to represent our state, what did we put on the state quarter? None other than Gauley Mountain behind New River Gorge and the New River Bridge.
This is a beautiful image of enduring beauty, symbolizing the natural wonders of our state, wild, wonderful West Virginia.
What do you value?
Do we relegate that view to the dustbin of history--thankful it was captured on countless quarters, post cards, and Kodak moments for posterity. Will we sacrifice yet another mountain top, yet another stream bed, yet another watershed to the Gods of commerce. Will we be listening from New River Bridge for the echoes of dynamite blasts, content in knowing the ever diminishing ridge line increases coal company profits.
If nothing changes, that's the path we are headed down.
Or, we can stand together, take action, and insist the coal under Gauley Mountain be mined the old-fashioned way, leaving the mountain intact, and digging underground to get it.
Take Action
If you're like most people, you think unfettered greed is bad for society. If you're like most people you think there society should place some bounds on corporate actions. If you are ready to to say this is one step too far, here's what you can do.
First, join over 2,500 others and sign this petition: Save Gauley Mountain.
Second, if you are a member of Facebook, join this group to keep informed: Save Gauley Mountain.
Third, get informed. You can read even more about what's happening at Gauley Mountain in this article in Smithsonian Magazine and this diary, Mountain Monday: Gauley Mountain, WV.
Fourth, spread the word. Send your friends these links (or, a link to this diary).
Finally, below the fold, the latest news from the Save Gauley Mountain FB group.
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