|
Resolution Opposed To The Exploitation of The Culture and People From The Appalachian Region of The United States
Letter Accompanying the Chamber's Resolution
Mel Karmazin
President and COO
CBS Corporation
51 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
Dear Mr. Karmazin:
Enclosed is a Resolution opposing the airing of the "Real Beverly Hillbillies" on CBS. The very premise of this show exploits the culture and people from the Appalachian Region of the United States, particularly Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Your idea to capitalize on people from our part of the country to turn a quick profit on the tails of the "Reality TV" craze is morally offensive.
The people of our region have struggled from lack of education and extreme poverty for decades. Most are hard-working Americans who love their country, their families, and the beautiful land on which they were raised. Our people have worked hard to build themselves up from lives most could not imagine. Despite insurmountable odds, many are finally building dreams of their own, getting an education, making a better life for themselves and their children. They deserve to be portrayed with respect and honor, not ridicule and disdain.
It is a sad commentary on our media when the misfortune of others is considered "entertainment" for the arrogant and elite. Please do not continue the crass trend of holding up a segment of our society for public mockery.
Should this program air, however, we will join with other Chambers of Commerce, Industrial and Economic Development Agencies, and other interests groups to ensure that any sponsor affiliated with the "Real Beverly Hillbillies" is boycotted.
Sincerely,
Karla Lutz Bowling, Executive Director
Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Katherine Reese Cawood, Vice-President of First State Bank and
President of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Dempsey Miracle, Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers and
Vice President of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Ken Jones, Vice-President of Home Federal Bank and
Treasurer of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Steve Obermann, Edward Jones Investments and
Immediate Past President of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Pat Bingham
Bell County Public Library
Charles "Chuck Bishop
Bell County Chamber Member
The Rev. John Bowling
Covenant United Methodist Church
Peggy Capps, Executive Director
Bell-Whitley Community Action-Agency
Joy Cardwell, owner
Cardwell Home Furnishings
Rosemary Combs
Bell County Chamber Board Member
Harry "Bo" Hoe
J.R. Hoe & Sons, Inc.
Jeanette Grandey, Manager
Dawahare's
Jeff Johnson, owner/president
Johnco, Inc.
Charles "Chuck" Sivley
First State Bank
Patricia Welch, Executive Director
Cumberland Trails United Way
Shea Yoakum, esquire
Bowling & Johnson Law Office
|
