i dont get how people who made their living around coal can do this these guys are old enough if they worked on a surface mine they just shoved it over the hill no laws around much or if in a underground mine they did about the same thing to open one and didn close anything back up or fix it where water dont gather and blow out

I think all of these guys are pretty up-front about having been involved in an industry / activities that have hurt their communities.

Looking back, it seems like they're trying to make things right by speaking out and speaking the truth.

With respect, I guess I just don't understand what you don't get.

Getting a pay check from the coal industry doesn't buy you off and prevent you from ever telling it like it is.

okay here goes since you ask.i work for a coal co.working for one dont make me want to honor that and side with them all the time.it makes me see both sides and what needs to be worked on not putting a whole source of income out.when its gone its gone.also everyone says deep mining.look at places that have been deep mined.i for one will never work underground.call me chicken or what but thats that.all the coal cant be deep mined so whats it going to do go to waste.in a country that depends on energy why waste more that we do right now.i dont always agree with mining but i work on things to help make it right and not put a lot of people out of work or work to phase out stuff and not put a lot of people out of work all at once.i agree we need to take care of our envoirment but humans need to eat also.laws has been changed since these guys worked but none to cut out mining all togather like the ones that are wanted to be passed now.

Who dictates what is right and wrong? Obama? The Senate? EPA? The American People (Do we even have a voice anymore)? God? Rabbits? Indiana Bats? The list can go on and on. Figuring out who is right and wrong is almost as elusive as having someone describe what a "Green Job" is all about.

Ive had a job everyday since I was 19. I spent 8 months working for ISP and found out real quick that I didnt belong. After that, I tried telecommunications which lasted all of 3 months. My father gave me an opportunity to work with him, in the mining industry, I spent 5 1/2 years with his company before moving onto a Gas Company. I stayed there for 2 1/2 years and now im back with my father. I love every minute of what I do.

According to the KFTC philosophy (my opinion based on countless interaction via this blog) is that if you work for a coal company, you are either paid off to be pro coal or lack appropriate education to be able to state your opinion. Truth is, im plenty capable to speak my mind, which in essence is exactly what you are doing Brandon. The difference being, you fail to recognize my opinion because it differs from yours. Why? Why do you have a problem with not understanding what F doesnt get?

As ive stated countless times on this blog, I commend the miners for stepping up and speaking their mind. If they have problems with the current mining situation then they have every right (As do all Americans) to. But always remember, everyone (even those that differ from your opinions) has a voice and noone (Not me, coal companies or even KFTC) should be able to censor their concerns.

Now, ill politely step off of my soap box and get back to work.

Todd

I don't think Brandon failed to reconize anyones opinion, I think he was just stating that just b/c those men worked for the industry does not mean they cannot speak out against MTR. I totally respect everyones opinion. My Mom always told me I don't have to agree with everyones opinion but I should respect it. I think we can agree to disagree about things ya know. but you have to admit that the coal industry does not always do things the right way (I know there are companies that do, but I would say the majority don't) and my problem is with MTR and it destroying my homeplace, i.e. water, air, land. I live in an isolated area and so they get by with A LOT of violations that they know better than to do. I don't think KFTC or myself would ever censor anyone from speaking their opinion. I like that we can communicate in a peaceful way. I actually see it as hope that there are people on both sides willing to listen to each other.

Not being directly involved in the coal indusrty in any way leaves me open to criticism so I'll continue with my view. My objective opinion of anyone including their experience to raise awareness for a serve to humanity to recognize the fragile mind and it's relationship with it. Minding the basic of life has been told; job, family and the pursuit of happiness to the tried openess of tumble to the neccessities of child and community. Mundane the results. Left with questions of what the practices of isolation and need for the consumer. These men. Equality for the bustling medium of God and man. The means to the end. Consumption of resources, to the land in which they live and possibly recognize as civility. Needless to repeat that what constitutes the life is dispensibilty of elements firmly established. Frame a picture, fever the pitch, resulting emotion. Man, the environment, what do I consumer actually request and the mirage of populaiton. Thank you! Many Blessings!