Another W.Va. Mine Disaster: Two Miners Found Dead

How sad.

 

Why can't they strip mine, if that's the word for it. Where they simply open a big hole with trains going round and round to get the coal up and out? Oh maybe some of it's under a town.

 

Right. Some of it can't feasibly be open-pit mined. But the accidents aren't necessary.

I was pleased to see this second one has convinced Bush to re-instate the mine safety program he cancelled earlier.

"The Bush administration is now reviewing safety equipment in mines after previously scrapping similar initiatives started by the Clinton administration. At the time, the Republicans cited changing priorities and resource concerns, but miners' advocates said pulling those initiatives stopped potentially important safety rules from becoming reality."
http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/ap/2006/01/22/ap2467019.html

Hopefully, Bush's change of heart will save some lives.

 

You know what I fear happening? Families are going to sue the mines and the mine owners will declare bankruptcy and no one gets anything. Worst of all, those who depend on the mines for a living will be out of work in an area of the country where work is hard to get. The best solution is for the miners to work with mine owners to protect themselves. Legislation isn't going to accomplish much, it just means that the mine companies will do a better job at covering up.

 

I think a few regulators, who were working for the mining industry, instead of the American people, should go to jail.