Miners doomed by collusion between regulators and coal companies
In the wake of Monday’s explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in southern West Virginia, a mass of evidence has emerged of wanton and pervasive safety violations by coal giant Massey Energy, the owner of the mine. The facts show as well that federal regulators, well aware of the deadly conditions in the mine, did nothing to force the company to comply with safety laws and protect the miners from the inevitable consequences of the company’s willful disregard for elementary safety standards. As of this writing, 25 miners are known to have died in the massive explosion that ripped through the mine Monday afternoon, and hope for four others who remain trapped underground is dwindling. The disaster at the Montcoal, West Virginia mine is already the most deadly US mine accident in more than 25 years, and seems likely to become the deadliest in four decades. Raw Story: Four missing US miners found dead. NZ Herald: Missing men found dead in coal mine. WSWS: West Virginia miners speak on unsafe conditions.
FROM THE MADHOUSE: Westboro Baptist Church Blames Homosexuality for Coal Mine Disaster:
On Thursday, April 8, the Westboro Baptist Church showed up in Charleston, West Virginia to protest. They said the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine accident happened because God is punishing America for homosexuality. One flier said, "God hates WV! The dead miners are in Hell!" Signs proclaimed: "America Is Doomed," "Thank God for Dead Miners," "God Hates Your Tears," "God Hates West Virginia" and "God Hates You."