Here is a letter I sent to the Governor of WV yesterday. It sounds very capitolistic, but you have to speak their language to get their attention. I'd recommed lots of letters to him. Also Senator Byrd has gotten quite hip in his old age and is sympathetic to the peace movement. Perhaps he would be another candidate for letters. I've lived in WV 30 years and this is one of their dumber moments... Dear Governor Manchin, As you are probably aware, the National Rainbow Gathering is coming to West Virginia this year. There is currently a disagreement about the chosen location, due to environmental and constitutional permit issues. Law enforcement has blocked the road and is not letting anyone in. People are being ticketed. This condition will become less and less acceptable as time goes on. Thousands will arrive shortly, and they will be met with State Police and other law enforcement. This arrival can not be stopped, and the people have to go somewhere. The cost to taxpayers for all this law enforcement harassment is great. This state is a very poor one. The economy is bad, there are few jobs. We can ill afford to play the enemy when such a massive group of colorful tourists arrives in the area. The amount of money that stands to come into the state from hosting this Gathering can only be imagined. If the Rainbow Family were welcomed with arms open wide instead of harassment and road blocks, even more would come, bringing with them even more money to spend in the neighboring towns. I believe that tourism is the only real way to save WV from it's economic woes. Why discourage an endeavor that could be to everyones benefit? It only lasts for a few weeks, and then they're gone. Rainbow family is well known for living lightly on the land. You will find there, more environmentally friendly people than you will ever see anywhere else all in one place, and their record for cleanup after gatherings is commendable. It would be foolish to assume that any endangered species' territory ends at the boundary of the proposed gathering site. Considering the nature of Rainbows, and that Mother Nature is very forgiving, in one season, no impact would be visible at all, in two, everything would be just as it was. How does it benefit WV to be so inhospitable? How can we afford it? Please consider doing whatever is necessary in making the Rainbow Families stay in WV a happy one. Thank you
Great, that was kinda along the same lines of my letter I sent him. But maybe they will pay more heed to your letter seeing as that your from WV.
That was a great letter and I too will send letters as I live in Elkins great idea thanks for the inspiration. jahmai
jahmai & all you wv folks should concider trying to get freinds & neighbours to send some too..especialy those who live very close to the site..if the governotr realized how muchthe people in the immediate area wanrt it maybe hed act..thank you all, & see ya home this weekend!!! lovin ya
