Dead miners' families being preyed upon

Editor:

I cannot fully describe my revulsion at the half-page ads by the "Underwood Law Offices" preying upon the grief and emotions of the deceased miners' families. I am thoroughly disgusted at this blatant attempt to capitalize on the losses just days after the Upper Big Branch mine disaster. I am ashamed that fellow bar members would undertake such sleaziness. It's just another example of why lawyers such as these are known as bottom feeders.

Scott Icard

Elkview

Why were 29 working in such conditions?

Editor:

I have paid very close attention to the recent mine tragedy that took the lives of 29 miners. For the life of me I can't figure out why miners were allowed to work when the air was going the wrong way. Someone in the past 20 years must have surely weakened the 1969 Coal Mine Health and Safety Act.

I worked in a gassy mine at Dehue, W.Va., in the 1970s and we had several ignitions, but luckily no explosions. Believe me when I tell you that it was never caused by the air going the wrong way. That was against the law then, and I would think, now. I was very surprised to learn that these miners were allowed to work under those conditions.

During my mining career I was employed as a safety inspector for the United Mine Workers and this is where I met and worked with Joe Main who has risen to the top spot in MSHA. Joe was a very good safety expert then and is a much more experienced one now. If given time, Joe will change things in MSHA for the better. However, he will never be able to protect miners as well as the United Mine Workers protected us. At our mine, we would have refused to work under those conditions, and if Massey had fired us, the union was there to make sure we got our jobs back.

Thinking back, it is very disturbing to remember those politicians who have screamed for years on how the coal industry had too many regulations. It was more disturbing to turn on my TV and see those who have always supported less regulation for the industry speaking with remorse, but no shame.

Danny R. Wells

Chapmanville

Don't let mining destroy state's beauty

Editor:

Recently, our group of 10 students from Xavier University visited your state. It is not every day that students from our urban campus in Cincinnati are able to encounter the majesty of nature that is perfectly expressed in the mountains of West Virginia.

After spending time in Charleston, Ripley and Spencer, we were not only acquainted with the beauty of our environment, but the strong sense of spirit from its people. In short, your state, West Virginia, is a national treasure of both natural wonders and vibrant culture.

Unfortunately, our group was disturbed to learn that much of this culture is being threatened by the practice of mountaintop removal. We understand that coal is an integral part of West Virginia culture; however, the immeasurable cost of the permanent loss of your mountains certianly seems to outweigh any of the potential benefits of mountain-top removal. Specifically, Blair Mountain (which carries both state and national historical significance) was recently removed from the list of the National Register of Historic Places and is in danger of being destroyed.

Please, West Virginia: Stay "Wild and Wonderful!" Protect your mountains by urging your senators and representatives to support S. 696 to ban mountaintop removal coal mining.

John Barber

Xavier University Alternative Breaks

Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks, Westboro, for uniting us in love

Editor:

I would like to thank the Westboro Baptist Church for coming to West Virginia! Why? Do I like their message of hate? NO. Do I enjoy thinking of all the funerals they have protested and people they have hurt? No. Do I believe their doctrine that God hates America/solders/miners? Absolutely not. However, they brought our community together on the side of love!

At the counter protest I saw miners and tree huggers standing side by side. I saw veterans and peace protesters holding hands. Gays and straights, Christians and atheists, young, old. People from all walks of life came together and danced!

So thank you WBCers! At a time when we were filled with grief for our lost miners, you helped us to feel good about being West Virginians. You made us forget our differences and realize we are all together in this life. And that love is better than hate!

Paul A. Dalzell

Charleston