Why a Better West Virginia?
Written by Jason Keeling on June 20, 2007
Today is West Virginia Day, marking the 144th anniversary of the state’s inception, recognizing its rich history, and acknowledging its significant contribution to the national interest. It is appropriate to reflect not only on the state’s past, but upon its present and future as well.
Also, today is the official launch of aBetterWestVirginia.com, and as our mission states, the purpose is “to establish productive dialogue regarding West Virginia’s culture, economy, and government.” This site is a “blog,” but the only real difference between a standard Web site and a blog is that the latter is designed to elicit conversation. If you’re interested in the aforementioned subjects, then you might want to check back on occasion, and your comments are what will make this a place of forward-thinking.
‘Montani Semper Lenimentus’
So why pick the name aBetterWestVirginia? Quite simply, this phrase calls us to recognize and build upon our strengths, and to constructively identify and work toward resolution of our challenges. Friend and designer Jesse Corlis, who put together an excellent logo for us, suggested a tag line for the site, a play off of our Montani Semper Liberi slogan (”Mountaineers are Always Free”). His suggestion: Montani Semper Lenimentus (”Mountaineers are Always Improving”). That’s a mode of thinking we can all benefit from.
All are welcome here, but to the younger generations, I hope that you’ll be particularly interested, as your optimism is truly the fuel for aBetterWestVirginia. To the “more seasoned” generations, your wisdom and experiences will provide insight as well, but please resist the drain of cynicism.
Posted in Culture, Economy, West Virginia
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June 20th, 2007 at 9:40 am
And why not a better West Virginia! You mountaineers are a strong people whose roots run deep, and even wide when you must leave your beloved state. You have weathered the storms both above ground and below. As you join together in this productive dialogue you will be poised like an arrow and ready to shoot forward through this new century. Happy A Better West Virginia Day!
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Finally, a conversation worth having. I like that this communication site and its potential impact will promote the solution rather than perpetuate the problem. Go forth and be strong West Virginia, we’re Mountaineers!
June 25th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
If Having All This Makes Me a Hillbilly, Then I am a Proud One Indeed
First of all, you will find no cynicism through this comment. I have covered this page with a fine tooth comb, or so us country folk would say (read it all) and found it a very pleasing piece of work. West Virginia is a state that does not get the recognition that it should have been receiving a long time ago. It’s sad to me that people proclaim this Beautiful state as knocked up women walking around bare foot with a kid slapped on her hip and one in each hand. Oh and let’s not forget the bibbed over-all men with corn cob pipes and floppy straw hats. When I hear us called Hillbillies it almost comes clear what they are talking about and a farm house with pigs running in the yard is usually in the picture.
I moved here when I was young and I do know this is the most beautiful state I have ever been in awe at. I have been across this USA four times or more. Up, down and in between. And, I have found not one state as beautiful as West Virginia. There is nothing better than going into our back yard, looking beyond our porch to the valley below, all the while knowing that beyond that is another valley and beyond that is another. The rolling hills that seem to go on and on. In the evening when the fog of a hot day lays in the deep valleys, it seems to sneak up on the night. How beautiful that is. When the night animals talk to the trees and valleys, all you hear is beautiful. What else could you ask for? If having all this makes me a HILLBILLY then I am a proud one indeed. I could go on and on but, I will not. Thanks to those who put this page together. I take my hat off to you GREAT job. It’s about time WEST VIRGINIA was recognized.
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
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