The opening really grabbed me. The music is wonderful.

I can't believe such "radical" textbooks were available in '74!! I graduated high school in '73 in the San Fernando Valley of California, a very conservative place, but no W. Va, and I only started reading stuff like that in jr. college -- and MOST curricula didn't teach that stuff; it was just a few pretty radical teachers who did!

I was expecting another "narrow minded hillbilly" story. I have people in KY, TN and W Va, and I'm pretty sick of that crap, in spite of the "monkey trials," NASCAR and bubbas.

I wish the piece told me what grade level text books had quotes from Malcom X, et al and Freud.

Parenthetically, I hate Freud; he's a sexist, homophobic, phallocentric jack ass and I wish he wasn't taught in schools, ever, except in historical
context including the damage he did, esp. to women and Queers.

I'd like to know why 4 letter words and sexually I can't remember the word used... but ... language was used. I understand about Ginsberg and, while I know he's literally pun intended a mouth full, again, what grade?

I love that argument: Should Blacks be represented by "the Eldridge Cleavers?" It's a good point, unless the books contain counter balance to racial stereotypes. I have problems with Mr. Cleaver, too. Didn't he say a woman's place in Black Power was spread eagle, on the floor? I only wish the Black minister had addressed that, rather than the "antiChristian" and "unpatriotic" line.

"Words and ideas can never harm me" Love that and the audience's reaction. Thanks for using that.

The background on the miners is wonderful.

More emphasis, please, on out of towners, coming in to exploit the situation. I remember Bob Dornan from California. jees.
They don't want outsiders influencing their schools? Bob Dornan? Nice history of heritage foundation, etc. I never knew that.

The history of the escelllation of violence: that's hard to report in any sort of rational way. Good job. Snipers? Jees.

Did I miss it, or was the violence a direct result of influences by outside agitators? I know they had that rumor of a Black protest, before the agitators. And I know how my people are when they feel threatened.

"Cabal of cultural elitists:" that's such a good phrase. And it's true, I'm afraid. The so called "progressives" are a little too interested in interfering in folks' lives "for their own good," too often. It doesn't teach more conservative people to be more open minded; it teaches them to fear, resent and suspect the motives of these so called "progressives." The phrase is powerful and respectful of the feelings of those who opposed the textbooks. It doesn't describe them as
ignorant, superstitious and small minded. You can tell a West Virginian, even if an affluent one, is involved in this project. Classy.

"We 'bout made a redneck outta him that night." Brilliant. Thanks for leaving that in. I love Appalachia's humor about herself. The story wouldn't be complete without statements like this. Again, this shows love and respect for these people, humanizes them, doesn't allow the listeners to fall into stereotypical and black/white thinking about the issues.

...followed by that hideous plan to blow up a car full of kids. So, no sentimental covering up of how brutal things can get. Creepy music back not necessary, but I understand it. I think I'd have left it out. The horror of what they contemplated didn't need the extra emotional push of the music, IMO, but what do I know? Still, I don't think that's why this one a Peabody.

The Episcopal minister, the idea of reconciliation, it's wonderful. That's a hero. Another bubba stereotype bites the dust.

"When the textbook war was over..." made me think, I've always believed the Civil War still isn't over. And I doubt the textbook war, which is looking like an argument for my position on the Civil War, isn't over, either.

Finally, I can define myself: I'm a liberal redneck!

Beowolf is a dirty book, so the conservative schools didn't win, either. So's the Bible. Song of Solomon?

The "it's time for us to grow up..." speech is gorgeous.

"Who does own the child?" is the wrong question. THAT is master mentality!

The heritage foundation is scary.

Chicken and apple pie. Salmonella and high fructose corn syrup.

"In 1974, when we got started, there was no Fox News (sic). . . ." I hope this scares the snot out of your listeners. We have GOT to take the concerns of conservative people seriously and figure out some way of having a conversation. This documentary does a lot to help that happen. It's so level headed. It's not some sensationalized depiction of a "hillbilly" freak show.

Me, I think there was condescension, belittling, threats and taunts on both sides, especially with the outsider press, like the Village Voice's take on things.

"...believing the world would be better if the other side just went away."

I came to tears at least six times during this piece. As the closing credits run, I'm crying openly now.

They should teach THIS in schools.

Thank you SO MUCH!

And congratulations on the Peabody Award. They made a good call.

PS: I realize Mr. Kay grew up on The Hill, but NO W. Va. accent, at all? Is there a camp to reprogram hill people to sound like generic news casters? Do they employ water boarding?