US and the solution to the involvement in the Middle East...

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the US began a bombing campaign against ISIS. History proves this isn't a valid solution. There's been fighting in the middle east since biblical times. This suggests there will always be war in that region.

The US has two options: active involvement or no involvement. Recent history proves active involvement does not work. In fact, it only strengthens radical Islamic factions.

In combating radical Islam, the US is battling an individual or a group of individuals. Its a battle against an ideal itself. That's why killing militant leaders do nothing to stop the movement. In fact, it strengthens the ideal by making the leaders martyrs and kindles more hatred for America. The only REAL way active involvement ends in victory is by completely eradicating every single combatant. We all know this is neither practical nor acceptable, as it amounts to practical genocide.

Withdrawing all involvement seems it would be ineffective. Yet its really the only solution. Firstly active involvement simply doesn't work, as discussed above. There will be fighting whether we're involved or not. Secondly by withdrawing, we stop turning their leaders into martyrs, we stop kindling hate for America, and we stop giving their leaders a platform from which to broadcast their ideals.

Finally, we remove the inevitable collateral damage that occurs in the form of innocent lives and property. This inevitable collateral damage makes it easier for radical leaders to recruit new members to their cause.

Saving Eastern Kentucky.....The End of the Road

Time for the final installment of my series. In previous posts, I've discussed my ideas for re-shaping Eastern Kentucky. In short, they involve embracing our culture, focusing on hospitality industry (food, alcohol, and tourism), and spending our money at home.

It wont be easy. It will take time. There will be growing pains. Its also likely the region will experience a very distinct shift in the population. Some, like me, must leave. Its inevitable based on the shifting economy. People like me need be replaced with artisans, chefs, etc. People like Abigail Tolliver (who co-manages the Letcher County farmers' market); Kim Owsley (a talented Native American artists and musician); and Tim Crager (who operates a unique wood carving business) will thrive in a hospitality based economy.

It won't be easy. Teamwork is a must. There needs to be a regional coalition formed by tiny counties that will give them greater cooperation in pursuing opportunities where they present themselves.

Its the same in the hospitality industry. Although counterintuitive, the type of tourism I outlined in Part 1 works for EKY with a regional, synergistic approach where all counties, provide different yet similar options. This provides a multitude of choices that attract visitors. Tourists will not drive to Eastern Kentucky to visit just one restaurant, or just one attraction. However multiple restaurants, wineries, distilleries in the area become a reason to come spend a weekend (for a good example look at Huber's Orchard/winery just outside of Louisville). Like I mentioned in my last post, this is exactly what cities like Louisville, Chattanooga, and Asheville have used to fuel their resurgence.

If Eastern Kentucky can get through the next 1-3 years using a growing hospitality economy, and buying local; the area can then focus on reversing the population trend.  At the same time, the new hospitality based environment creates a very attractive market for a small/medium sized business to locate.

On December 12, 2013 I had the opportunity to hear Texas Roadhouse CFO Scott Colosi speak. At the end of the impressive discussion, Mr. Colosi took questions. One of the great questions was: why locate a business headquarters in Louisville? Mr. Colosi explained that when examining the options, the company knew it could attract top talent only if the headquarters was in a location that had food, drink, entertainment, and culture. Why? Because these are what makes a desirable place to live; and therefore easier to attract top talent.

This brings us full circle: taking advantage of what the area has and what its residents can do. Food, drink, and tourism will not only keep the area alive - it gives the area a real chance of rebuilding. For decades, outsiders traveled to the mountains to marvel at our way of life: the music, the food, the wine/moonshine, and the craftsmanship brought to life by the hands of its people. They'll come again. Then IF we give them reason; they'll keep coming.

Moving forward doesn't always require becoming more modern. Sometimes it means remembering our history. In the end, the answer was always there; right from the beginning. In order to save ourselves, we just have to be ourselves. Easier said than done.