LM Group Responses Joe Kerry Max Mike

1) Well, we don't really eat squirrels, and so on a purely utilization basis, other species of animals that are dying out from our interaction with the environment is just an unfortunate byproduct of human life. However, we do understand that all nature is connected, and so eventually the decline of other species could affect us.

2) The breaks keep the book fresh. The shorter chapters make the book more dynamic, and the anecdotes keep the very bleak and repetitive story of the mountain's destruction somewhat more interesting. One question: there's so much controversy involving other strip mining sites... where is the controversy involving lost mountain? Maybe it'll come later in the book, but we think it would add some substance to the book.

3) We think that Reece is assuming that his story will change you. However, he assumes that you feel just like him about all of these issues... if you do, then you think his writing is amazing. If you don't you're left wanting more. As far as values, we haven't changed our actions at all... what change can we make that will directly alleviate this problem? Also, if the situation is so bad here, the question of why people don't move away was raised.

4) We enjoy his jokes and sarcasm, and the occasional colorful (aka profane) language adds some variety. However we feel he is pretty repetitive. The mountain is being destroyed, we get it already. Also, we feel like he is ignoring some social issues that are probably affecting the situation, such as some kind of class struggle.

5) Ultimately the coal company needs to be more responsible. Even if we cut down our energy consumption by 50%, why would the coal company stop mining coal? It's inherent in the name of the company: coal. We would expect the government to step in and protect the rights of its citizens, but when the government is profiting heavily also from the coal industry it doesn't make sense for them to stop it. By this analysis, there is no hope for the people of eastern Kentucky.