Tallulah: I am angered, I am disgusted, devastated, mortified and sadly I am not surprised. When I moved to West Virginia, I knew that there would be issues concerning those who are different be it, race, political leanings or religious affiliation. It happens in rural areas but it also happens in big cities. I have known my fair share of racicsts, political wackos of all kinds and religious zealots in sunny "liberal" California. However, I was absolutely stunned by the news of a young woman tortured by 6 people two of them mothers of the other perpetrators.
Let me make myself very clear, the majority of the people I have met and become friends with here in West Virginia are decent human beings. They are willing to give the shirt off their back in a moment of crisis or lend a hand when you least expect it.
So what are we going to do West Virginia? Oh great state that's 50th in global economy? How can the state repair itself from this horrific tragedy? Come on tell me, how can the beautiful state of WV stop this from happening again? Perhaps a little diversity training in your rural schools? That may just be an interesting starting point on a long road to repair and rebuild.
My heart goes out to that young woman. I hope that she can be strong enough to try to live a life that will not be filled fear forever.