Dear FRONTLINE,

While I found Country Boys riveting, I couldn't help but think that this could have been filmed in any town in the country. Every city, town and state has a ton of Chris and Cody's. Actually, Chris's story is so close to my nephew's life that it scares me. It just reminds me of how much we need to get back to the basics of good supportive parenting,community involvement and faith. Good Luck to all the Chris' and Codys in the world.

Geno Altimari
Tampa, Florida

Dear FRONTLINE,

I just finished watching the first segment of your program. It was well done and left me wanting to know more about the two young men. It also leaves me angry that our government spends billions of dollars in countries that "hate our guts" and we still have millions living on the verge of poverty in our country. Americans need to help Americans first.

Beatrice Johnson
Tulsa, oklahoma

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thank you for making this moving documentary. I felt immediately concerned for these two young adults trying to make their way. How can a teenager succeed when the adults around them are struggling so hard to get by themselves? I came from a troubled background myself and my father committed suicide when I was 8. I know so well what these kids felt like trying to awkwardly get to the other side of the teenage years in one piece with personal tragedy and low self esteem looming around them. I was lucky to have the support of my mother and a teacher who helped me reach college. I did not have a clue or a roadmap to life at all. If I had not had a small support team behind me I don't think I would of gone to college. I am glad that Frontline has this discussion board and a follow up on what Cody and Chris are doing now. I hope they both believe in themselves and know they are both important individuals. Thank you!

p h

Dear FRONTLINE,

I couldnt stop watching this program. I am only 22 and it reminded me of when i was that age, going through most of the same things they did...even though i am a girl, life didnt seem to get any better. I am still struggleing with my beliefs (mainly because of the way i looked at the time, it was not "acceptable" at our church)...but being as young as they where i was happy to see such hope and belief in themselfs.

Theresa Pulvermacher
Milwaukee , Wisconsin

Dear FRONTLINE,

What an eye opener this program has been! Being that I am from Southern California, this has been both a culture shock and awakening. These young men from Kentucky, are like any other typical teen...they seem to lack self confidence and feel the typical feelings of teenage angst, and the yearning to belong. However, I am in awe of these young men; they are so mature for their age and do display a lot of determination. They've endured so much hardship, but instead of succumbing to it like most teens would, they continue to just live their lives the best way that they can.

Michelle O'Keeffe
Columbus, Ohio

Dear FRONTLINE,

Wow It was incredible to see these young mens coming of age in rural America. Having just returned from a trip to rural Louisiana I felt their story could have equally well have taken place there, with a small, barely stocked public library and little opportunity it didn't look much different. Where are the transition programs needed to help guide these amazing young individuals into college or other vocational training?; I believe such a program is required normally according to special ed law.

sue palmer

Dear FRONTLINE,

The constant complaint given by the carious critisc quoted is that the film is too long. I've only watched two hours, so I can't speak for the remaining four, but I can guess as to why the frustration over the length.

It's because the critics watched it on their own, in between deadlines and work schedules, interrupted by the quotidien and routine. Sitting on my couch in th eevening, a day full of work behind me, this two hours was my best spent time of the day. I can't wait until tomorrow.

Chris Baldwin

Dear FRONTLINE,

I had all intentions of watching Medium tonight, but I got pulled in instantly by the stories being told in Country Boys. I am a 27 year old female from Milwaukee and these Boys moved me. Cody's turn to Christ after all his hardships was really inspiring, and I like his way of viewing religion. It would be great to be a member of his church someday. I felt proud of Chris for his work on the paper and I sincerely hope he sticks with the David School to graduate, and gets his license. I'm pryaing for you both to succeed.

Marie Thessin

Dear FRONTLINE,

I was flipping through the channels and came across this program and what really pulled me into it was Cody. He is very much like my two daughters. Very much an individual and a very artistic and intellegent person although probably judged by the way he looks. I was also trying to figure out where this was taking place the town is so small. I'm very glad that Jess and Cody are still together and I wish both of them all the best. Be what you know in your heart you are and know that god loves your heart not the covering for it.

Michele McMullen
Lancaster, pa

Dear FRONTLINE,

I just happened upon the show and watched it this evening. What struck me first about the show was a sense of sadness for both Chris and Cody. The day to day struggles they must endure in the poverty stricken mountains of Kentucky are just unimaginable. Then I realized that even though these boys are struggling, it seemed that they had many adult figures surrounding them that were supporting them in their efforts. The pastor, the principal, teachers, and parents all were urging them to do their best to move beyond their surroundings and build betters lives for themselves. Without these important role models, I wonder what would become of them. I just wish they could for a moment, venture out of their little worlds to see what the world can offer them if only they would listen to the advice of the adults in their lives. I think it must be extremely difficult for them to imagine a life beyond the Appalachian mountains. Good Luck to both boys. You have a lot of people rooting for you both.

Carla Clapp

Dear FRONTLINE,

The first program provided a powerful view of rural life and poverty and difficult personal circumstances for 2 adolescents. That view was riveting. What was most striking however was the intelligence,will and soft heartedness of Chris and Cody. In spite of their losses, pain and disillusionment,typical teen issues and Chris' anger, they seem to have preserved a place for hope. I admire their grit.

patricia murphy

Dear FRONTLINE,

I was channel surfing while doing my homework and caught part of Chris and Cody's stories. It was very interesting to see because I'm in school and I can understand some of their struggles. My life is nothing like Cody or Chris' but I think that I learned a lot from them. I've also never been to Kentucky, so I also learned about a different part of the country. Thank you for bringing this to television. I also wish Cody and Chris the best of luck and thank them for allowing America to have an up-close and personal look at their lives.

Lauren Stein
State College , PA

Dear FRONTLINE,

Anxiously awaiting the conclusion to "Country Boys." I am grateful for the opportunity to be reminded of the obstacles of those wonderful,awful teenage years. My heart goes out to these boys, all of the children of Appalachia. So many have never known the pride of accomplishment, so many never have a dream. Although we are periodically reminded of the Appalachian struggles through the media, they continue to be a forgotten population in this astonishing country of ours. Hopefully, many of the viewers from tonight's viewing will do as I am about to; research the David School, surely there is one small thing I can do to make a difference.

Misty Browning
West Chester, OH

Dear FRONTLINE,

I grew up on Bucks Branch in Martin, smack dab in the center of all of this footage.My cousin Allison was shown in this numerous times, and I was floored to sort of finally get to know Cody, her best friend whom I've heard so much about. I can see how her friends and the David school influenced her to be so wonderful.My cousin Allison is now studying to become a nurse, and I can't help but think the David school, as well as all of the influential friends who came along with it, had something to do with it.

Thank you for finally showing true Floyd County. That name has meant so much to me my entire life. It will forever be called my home. Even with all of it's quirks, this documentary proved that Appalachia isn't what its rumored to be.

This is an amazing film, and an amazing story, which touches me very close to my heart; for it is based on my home. Thank you so much for that.

Cristina Crisp
Richmond, Kentucky

Dear FRONTLINE,

I have total respect for these teenagers. I like that one teenager wants to create a new church of exceptance and tailor the Bible to each point of view. Also I respect the teenager that wanted to start a newspaper that took him out of his comfort zone. My question: there are psychological challenges in the lives of these two teenaged men. Psychologists' assistance to overcome these very difficult situations is needed. These are two very intelligent men and they should have extraordinary professionals helping them to let them know their future possibilities are unlimited. Why are high schools not providing psychological help that is desperately needed?

cryst cryst