...for providing this much-needed perspective. My Dad's side of the family is from the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, which is booming economically these days but wasn't always. I lived there for a short while myself, and visit often since my sister has made it her home. I've also lived in the Allegheny Mountains of northern Pennsylvania, an area similar to West Virginia in many ways, definitely similar in your description of the complex culture of that state. I've lived most of my life, including the present, in Minnesota though.

I understand that Obama is visiting (or has visited?) Charleston. I wish he had more time to tour more of the state, and hope he campaigns a lot in Kentucky too. I know that he respects the people there, and many people will recognize that if he spends time talking with them. I've had to remind some of my fellow Obama supporters a few times (not here, I rarely post here) what Obama's message really means, when they've shown disrespect for certain groups of people based on stereotypes.

Obama won't carry WV tomorrow, but with some patience, understanding, respect, and honesty, along with some hard work on the ground, God willing he just might carry that beautiful state in the general. THAT's audacity of hope.