Until corporate America decides to invest in towns like Beattyville the way they used to in the 19th century, these problems will always exist.
There has to be a way to get the decent, middle-class careers to the people who desperately need them the most. It'll require a reassessment of "requirements" and "qualifications." It will also take diverse industries that both men and women can use: I know in my small town, there are people willing to stay here, but they can't find love. Then they find love out of town and, no matter what, they move away. The partners don't move here.
The problem is, other than perhaps direct government intervention (nationalized industries) I don't know what kind of help the government can be. Corporations have pretty much written off places like Beattyville as backwaters.
I think that, rather than waiting for a large corporation to come to town and bring plenty of good jobs with it - the people would be well-served if gov't would just get out of their way. There are lots of fantastic craftspeople and some pretty beautiful local scenery, not to mention a very unique culture to show the world.
I like the idea of more Mom & Pop business and less big business. If one small business closes down, it has minimal impact - instead of the one huge employer closing down and leaving a ghost town.
Having been self-employed for 26 years - gov't agencies and their never-ending taxes, fees, licenses, paperwork and stifling laws....not to mention the disastrous health insurance mandate.....I personally know of many business owners who shut their doors because of the growing restrictions, just not worth the trouble anymore.
This is even before Obama shut down much of the industry around here that was dependent on coal - without paying customers, the small businesses are forced to close too.
