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March 12, 2003

Dear Mr. Moonves:

As members of the United States Congress, we are writing to express our outrage with CBS's decision to create a new television show called, "The Real Beverly Hillbillies." We are adamantly opposed to this program, which will only serve to propel outdated and erroneous stereotypes about rural Americans. We ask that you immediately suspend all efforts to develop this offensive and distasteful show.

Although the people of Appalachia have experienced more than their fair share of difficult times, they are working hard to make a better life for themselves and their families. All across the region, people are coming together to improve education, boost economic development, and create new jobs. This program is an insult to the millions of people living in Appalachia and threatens the progress and positive momentum that have taken years to create. Most significantly, it will seriously damage the image of Appalachia and efforts to bring new businesses and visitors to the region.

Mr. Moonves, we would like to remind you that CBS has a duty to provide responsible and ethical programming. Any television show that seeks to humiliate and exploit a group of Americans clearly does not meet those standards and must not be allowed to continue. Again, we ask that you put an end to this poorly conceived program immediately.

Sincerely,

Hal Rogers (KY-05)
Nick Rahall (WV-03)
Alan Mollohan (WV-01)
Ron Lewis (KY-02)
Frank Wolf (VA-10)
Howard Coble (NC-06)
John Boehner (OH-08)
Jose Serrano (NY-16)
Anne Northup (KY-03)
Marion Berry (AR-01)
William Jenkins (TN-01)
Terry Everett (AL-02)
John Carter (TX-31)
Michael Turner (OH-03)
John Duncan (TN-02)
Collin Peterson (MN-07)
Richard Burr (NC-05)
C.W. Bill Young (FL-10)
Bart Gordon (TN-06)
Robin Hayes (NC-08)
Walter Jones (NC-03)
Ed Whitfield (KY-01)
John Tanner (TN-08)
Nathan Deal (GA-10)
Roger Wicker (MS-01)
Charlie Norwood (GA-09)
Jack Kingston (GA-01)
Henry Brown (SC-01)
Jim DeMint (SC-04)
Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08)
Charles Taylor (NC-11)
Gresham Barrett (SC-03)
Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02)
Roy Blunt (MO-07)
Virgil Goode (VA-05)
John Culberson (TX-07)
Joe Wilson (SC-02)
Ted Strickland (OH-06)
Ernie Fletcher (KY-06)
Porter Goss (FL-14)
Jim Cooper (TN-05)
Ken Lucas (KY-04)
Zac Wamp (TN-03)