Dear FRONTLINE,

Like other who have written in, I came across "Country Boys" Monday night by chance. Immediately I was sucked in by Cody and Chris' story.

We often think that we are aware of the different situation and circumstances that others are facing, but this documentary made me feel so many emotions. I have found myself not being able to stop thinking about it. Chris tried hard and made a lot of progress in spite of his odds. Hopefully, Chris will find peace...I feel so badly for him.

Cody came so far. I admire his honesty and determination. Those boys are fortunate to have been students at the David School...what a dedicated and caring faculty and staff. (I cried when Mitzi resigned.) Liz was so loving and respectful to Cody and he to her. I was happy to see that Cody and Jessica married. God Bless them.I could go on about all the touching aspects of the show. Thank you so much, David Sutherland and Frontline for making and airing such a moving story.

Debbie Wallace
Acworth, GA

Dear FRONTLINE,

I became addicted to Chris and Cody over the past few nights. I had seen previews for the movie and didn't know what to expect. It was excellent--so good that I can't stop thinking about these two young men and their struggles. They should each be so proud of themselves! They possess wonderful qualities. Chris struck me as such an intelligent person, he has so much going for him. I sincerely hope that through your film he will be taken under the wing of someone who will help him to become successful. He was so mature beyond his years.

I enjoyed learning about Kentucky's Appalachian hills--a part of America I have never visited.

I really look forward to viewing more programs of this nature. Thank you for three enjoyable nights of television. And please keep us viewers updated with the lives of Cody and Chris.

Robin Q
Highland, NY

Dear FRONTLINE,

I feel like I have been transformed to rural Kentucky and into the lives of Cody and Chris. Last night I was shouting out to Chris to "not give up!"

What really came across to me in this documentary is that poverty really has nothing to do with lack of money. It might start there, but it is really the loss of hope. I think that is major difference between the two boys - Cody had hope, perhaps because of his relationship with Jesus, while Chris was scratching his way for any shred of hope. Everytime he grabbed ahold of some, it was snatched from him. He wasn't born into poverty - he was born into hopelessness.

Chris and Cody have been with me these past few days, and it doesn't seem as if they are leaving any time soon. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of experiencing these fine Country Boys.

Ceil Fitzgerald
Roanoke, VA

Dear FRONTLINE,

My son, age 17, is going through similar growing pains - even though his family situation is 100 times better than what Cody and Chris have endured. This helped him - he watched every minute with me - and it helped him open up and talk and it helped me to listen. - Thank you

Jan Budnick
Syosset, NY

Dear FRONTLINE,

My son and I watched the Country Boys together and found it to be a bonding experience. David Sutherland has brought another masterpeice to PBS that I embrace as tool in parenting my child.

Living in a lakefront home in an affluent midwestern suburb, my son sees just one way of modern life. His. As we watched the Country Boys he had many questions and was completely stunned by Chris' friend Jay being illiterate. My son had not heard of such a thing. He is nine and reads, writes and performs mathematical miracles at two grade levels higher than his own.

This story told through Chris and Cody connected with my boy in a special way. Thank you for great programming that is reaching a new generation. My family wishes the best for Chris and Cody and The David School.

Amiee McCarty
Fenton, MI

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thank you for one of the most engrossing programs I have seen in years. I am a NYC born and bred girl, yet I could not leave the house during the 3 days "Country Boys" was showing.It spoke more to me than anything I have experienced in real life or on TV(!) in a long time.

I just kept on thinking of Chris and Cody. Cody will get through, because of his own construction of life, and I am happy for him. He is a good kid-and smart. And his girlfriend is wonderful. Can't underestimate how much love kids can create.

But Chris has to deal with ...Even in Manhattan, and as sophisticated as I think I am -the problems were the same The boys' stories made me think we are all really alike. Yet there was an amazing lack of interest in the larger picture. Unions, poverty, coal--mining, some mention of what their parents actually did. Why? Chris-we think of you because you are so smart and mature. I did not live in a trailer, but had to deal with parents who fought all the time and I was the caretaker, like you. It does not matter if you come from ----though not a wealthy family like mine-just intellectual middle class- -(urban planner and librarian) - or what your parents were- the problems are the same. When I looked at you I saw myself back then and even today. I am no longer a teenager, yet the family problems I face make me just stall-put things off.Still. I cried when I saw both of you graduate. It is TV and I will never meet you but I congratulate D. Sutherland for dedicating himself and his team to something really worthwhile, someting that brings people from such different backgrounds together in a story of -well-just people. We need so much more of this to hopefully create a better world.

I will never forget Chris and Cody. For 3 days I felt they were in my life. They are both brave and smart and amazing-Cody will hopefully learn to articulate more-you are so smart we need to hear more of you, and Chris, well you are so intelligent, mature and articulate, all you need is to lose a few pounds- to see how wonderful looking you really are. Your intelligence comes through your expressions-take care of yourself-and all those who love you.

kriti
NYC, NY

Dear FRONTLINE,

dear frontline i am from floyd county originally and my youngest brother went to the david school and he would not have graduated from high school without that institution anyway when i stumbled across your program i said oh no here we go again a negative potral of easter kentucky

but i must say i was pleastly suprised by the true and honest view off life there i want people around the country to know we are not backward or stupid but good and decent people and true we have some people with problem's we also have a lot of hard working people such ad my dad who has worked in the coal mines for thirty year's and just the other day --even though i have not lived at home in years -- offered to pay for my college education anyway i am a hillbilly and damn proud of it

matthew collins
nichlasville, kentucky

Dear FRONTLINE,

Like others, I came across this wonderful documentary while flipping channels and became intrigued. I hated that it couldn't keep going.

I work with kids with mental illness that are on probation and know how often the world seems to want to give up on our youths. I love my job and "my kids" and go home to hug my dear son extra tight and tickle him until I get at least one good belly laugh from him every night.

Cody, I too married my high school sweetheart. I know that it can get hard at times. Know that I, like so many, am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished and will continue to do. You and your cutie pie wife are in my prayers. What a great father you will be someday if you choose.

Chris, I hope someone has passed this quote along to you already; "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."-Ralph Waldo Emerson. I am proud of your persistance and heart. Please continue to follow your dreams, you have already touched so many lives and I can't wait to see how many more you can impact. Hang in there and help your sweet friend to learn to read that people care about him, too. I hope you find the love of your life someday and that she helps you to see what an amazing guy you are. Do not settle, you deserve only the best. You too, will be an amazing daddy someday if you choose. My husband taught for a while at a school similar to the David school. May God bless all who travel on that road or one similar, it can be an incredible blessing to all involved. And lastly, thank you, to Mitzi, and all of the teachers and friends there for the boys. You are angels, and my prayers are with you as well. Isn't it amazing what an ear, a promise, or even an apartment can do for one person?

Laura Grissam
Midland, Tx

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thanks for the gift of this film. My daughter spent time working with a Group Camp project in eastern Kentucky this past summer; watching "Country Boys" enabled me to experience some of what she saw and learned during her time there.

As a retired teacher who spent 33 years working with young people I was struck by ability of this film to explore themes that were both unique to the lives of these two boys (now men) and yet at the same time universal in their character and poignancy. A masterful example of film as art! Again, thank you.

Edward Vanderwoude
Schererville, IN

Dear FRONTLINE,

Just when I think there is nothing worthwhile to watch on TV, "Country Boys" accidentally comes into my living room, only to grip my heart and attention for three nights. Wow, what a true depiction-unedited for what may be more palatable to today's sophisticated viewers!

I, being a born-again believer, was astonished at the air time the subject of salvation and feeling a calling on your life received. The portrayal of Chris's homelife was heartwrenching, bringing me and my husband to tears many times.

We were sorry it had to end, and I was thrilled to find all of this on your website. Please replay this one so I can tell everyone I know who missed it. God bless David Sutherland for his mission that will change lives and hopefully hearts, forever.

Lisa Pitchers
Pontoon Beach, IL

Dear FRONTLINE,

I was very moved that these two were able to overcome obstacles in their life and get their high school diploma.

The David School has proven what I have known all along, that if children have the support and nurturing that they are not getting at home they will succeed no matter what. There should be David School's everywhere in the United States regardless of socioeconomic circumstances. Poverty of the mind is the worst type of poverty there is.

Chris, Cody and the David School you are a model and inspiration to all!!!

Sekai Mbawa
Chicago, IL

Dear FRONTLINE,

One aspect of Chris' and Cody's stories that grips me is the realization that they, their families and the community which supports them, may be "the silent majority." Suffice it to say that whoever coined the phrase probably didn't have_these_ country boys in mind. It demonstrates without telling us that it does take a community to raise children, and for each absent parent -- regardless the reason -- it takes several more community members to pitch in and compensate for the absent ones.

Sutherland's documentary will stand next to Apted's 7-Up, 14-Up, 21-Up,... series, in terms of their common ability to sustain long-term interest and to edify.

Didrik Thede
Cleveland, OH

Dear FRONTLINE,

I grew up in David and Prestonsburg, Kentucky, having lived there until leaving the mountains in 1965, some 40 years ago. At that time, we attended the David Grade School and Prestonsburg High School and alternative schooling was not an option.

I believe that many problems were created by the "social workers" sent to "save" the poor, ignorant mountain people. With them came government give-away programs and the soul of the moutain people was changed in a very negative way. Many would like to blame the present ills on the departure of the coal companies.

That did create many problems, but the problem of a decaying society presented prior to their closing and most likely was a direct result of the social programs, something for nothing. I well remember: the advent of food stamps (our area was one of the pilot programs), the Vista Volunteers (who brought with them the idea of nonconforming and, some say, the drug culture, the Happy Pappy Program, which demanded that fathers work for their check from the government and was promptly declared unconstitutional. I assume the belief was that we were entitled to the free ride. There is really no free ride, you saw for yourself the price we are all paying now for this lapse of good common sense and pride. This entitlement did not only extend to the poor, it allowed the wealthy landowners and businessmen to dodge paying equitable taxes to support the schools and other programs required by the community.

This was underwritten by the government, state and federal, and just enabled the area to sink further into the abyss of being nonproductive and dependent. I take no pleasure in writing this, as my heart still yearns for the mountains and the people we used to be.

Shirley Howell
Union City, Michigan

Dear FRONTLINE,

This was great I feel like I know these two boys now.

I'm so sorry for them having the life they have, mostly thier family's(or lack of). But now their lives can be better because they can make it better for themselves.

I hope there will be a follow up again so we can learn more of their life,they deserve all of our help and prayers. I hope Chris finds happiness and love. Cody you have that, keep it, you were right getting your money back, it was meant for you, never feel bad for that.

I.m sure theres lots of guys just like you out there -- the world needs to see that!!!

Bonnie Holderby
Proctorville, Ohio

Dear FRONTLINE,

I loved this documentary. It was alternately touching, frustrating and uplifting. It would take a heart of coal not to earnestly hope for the best for Chris and Cody (and those that support them). I am reluctant to post this, but feel compelled.What troubles me is not the film, but the reaction to the film. It seems that the vast majority of people responding think more assistance and help needs to be provided to this community (and communities like it across Appalachia). But there's a great danger in this. Such assistance would have the effect of encourging people to stay, when what's best is for them to leave and strike out for a better life elsewhere. I communities that have more jobs and more potential. Many of the towns in the hollars of Appalachia came into existence because of coal mining. People left other communities to move to the coal country. Now that that mining is gone, maybe the towns and people should naturally go too. While beautiful, these communities are remote and inaccessable, lack meaningful tracts of agricultural land, and are generally a difficult place to sustain a meaningful economy. Spending money to support these towns isn't the wisest use of limited resources. I myself would like to live in a rural mountain community. But there's no work there, so I don't. Government support for these communities is, in essence, subsidizing a culture and way of life that, while both beautiful and tragic, is unsustainable on its own. Just my thoughts, I could be wrong.

Ben Thorp
Richmond, Virginia

FRONTLINE's editors respond:

FRONTLINE explored the roots of poverty in Appalachia and the future potential of this region, with an expert on chronically depressed rural communities in America. Read "Why Poverty Persists in Appalachia" from the Readings section of this site.