Hundreds of anti-mountaintop removal activists gathered today at the Marsh Fork Elementary in Sundial, WV, deep in the Appalachian mountains. Hundreds of pro-coal counter protesters also turned out, resulting in constant interruption of speakers and musical performers and culminating in charges of battery against local woman Ruth Tucker, who struck Goldman Environmental Prize winner Judy Bonds in the face. Bonds has reported pain akin to whiplash when I spoke with her this evening.
Marsh Fork Protest, May 23, 2009 - Images by antrim caskey