[QUAD-L] tobacco farming

[William Willis]

Here in Kentucky raising tobacco has been a way of life for generations. 
Every family farm had a tobacco allotment ranging from a few rows to several 
acres. Preparing the plant bed, ground, etc. is a family ritual as are 
cutting and stripping. In a poor-as-dirt state it has been a saviour for 
thousands of families. Unfortunately, it, along with coal, has also been our 
greatest curse. We have the highest rate of smoking, highest rate of lung 
cancer, and one of the overall unhealthiest populations in the country. I 
grew up with it, but I must admit, I detest it. It killed my father, 
grandfather, and a host of other relatives.
As for coal, strip-mining speaks for itself.Majestic mountains turned into 
poisonous slag heaps.