COMMENTARY: The redneck riot act

As a former resident of Abingdon and Bristol, VA, I believe I can speak to the feeling that is prevalent in Southwest Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of the finest states in the Union. However, a large number of people believe that the state ends at Roanoke. For many years, Southwest Virginia has been largely ignored by media, politicians and even its own state government. The Bristol Herald Courier is right in one respect, Ms. Mitchell should have checked her geography. Southwest Virginia is in the heart of Appalachia. The State Theater of Virginia, Barter Theatre, is located in Virginia. The Birthplace of Country Music Association, is in Bristol. The area has a large and rich cultural heritage. Names such as Gregory Peck, Earnest Borgnine, and Larry Linville (better known as Frank Burns on MASH) have all performed on Barter's august stage.