I Love Mountains Day

I went to Frankfort, KY, early on Valentine's Day in a van with several other Madison County Kentuckians for the Commonwealth members. There was plenty of chatter about the day's events, what to do when we get to speak with legislators, and how exciting the day will be for all of us. For some of us, it was our first time ever lobbying at the Capitol. We arrived, picked up packets, wrote postcard Valentine's to our legislators asking them to support and move HB 164 into session, and then we delivered the cards to them, getting a chance to speak with some of them in person. The Madison County chapter was quite busy with a question and answer session with two legislators, Lonnie Napier and Don Pasley. Afterwards we all gathered outside on the steps for the Rally... Teri Blanton leading chants and getting the crowd riled up, Wendell Berry giving a motivating speech, Rick Handshoe and Bev May speaking about their own experiences dealing with Mountaintop Removal Mining near their homes, Ronnie Banks reading a poem, with Public Outcry, Clack Mountain String Band, and Randy Wilson providing music. I recorded video, took a lot of pictures, and took part in the chanting, the cheering, and had a good time with my fellow Kentuckians who are also concerned about mountaintop removal mining and saving our streams.

Randy Wilson leads the rally at I Love Mountains Day in a song.


Wendell Berry speaks at the rally at I Love Mountains Day.


Rick Handshoe speaks at the rally at I Love Mountains Day.


More videos to come.

Also, view some photos in my Flickr album.
Randy Wilson coming down the steps and hallway lined with I Love Mountains supporters.

Kate Larken and Jessie Lynne Keltner of Public Outcry performing at the rally.

Teri Blanton speaking at the rally: Who's Mountains? Our Mountains! Who's Streams? Our Streams! Who's Government? Our Government! Who's Future? Our Future!

Clack Mountain String Band playing "Sow It On the Mountain, Reap It In the Valley."