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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Marshall, Friends of Coal ties troubling
Marshall and 93.7 radio have become complicit in a dangerous campaign. During the “big game,” the “Friends Of Coal” commercial contained the same calls to “take a stand for coal” that were shouted at the Oct. 13 Army Corps of Engineers “hearing” in Charleston. This became a Friends of Coal rally and hate-fest for all environmental advocates and governmental agencies who dare to suggest anything about following appropriate environmental guidelines. I was shouted down as I tried to exercise my right to free speech. Worse, several of us were physically threatened by people wearing Friends of Coal stickers as we left the Civic Center.
For too long, the coal industry has been allowed its way. So, now that there are regulatory bodies and citizens who are issuing cries – based on scientific and quantifiable evidence – for fair regulatory enforcement, and the “Friends of Coal” are offended.
When I attended Marshall, I learned respect for scientific evidence and issues of human justice. I hope that Marshall is still teaching such concepts, and that soon Marshall, 93.7 radio, and all MU grads and fans will see the folly in allowing coal industry sponsorship of our academic institutions – even the Marshall vs. WVU game.
Robin Blakeman
’86 and ’89 MU grad
Barboursville
EPA should not hold up mining permits
The EPA has arbitrarily decided to subject 79 pending coal mining permits in Appalachia to a so-called “enhanced review” process. These officials in Washington don’t seem to understand that coal powers our economy, creating good jobs in many different sectors, from mining and manufacturing to retail and restaurants. These officials in Washington clearly don’t care about our families, our communities and our future.
The reality is that we need coal — for jobs and for affordable energy. Surface mining has proven to be a safe and environmentally and economically responsible mining method. In Appalachia, it’s the right method for balancing our equally important needs for good paychecks, affordable energy and protected environment.
These mining permits mean jobs and food and commerce to the people of Appalachia. The fact that a gaggle of bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., is toying with tens of thousands of lives is an outrage. I hope our leaders here and in Congress will choose economic prosperity and energy security and help lift these arbitrary roadblocks.
I am behind our coal miners 100 percent and so proud to say I am a proud coal miners daughter!
Amy Hunt
Fort Gay
Why doesn’t WOWK show the Bengals?
Why do the program directors at WOWK-TV (Channel 13) insist on showing the Steelers? I thought this was Bengals territory, and the Bengals and Ravens were playing for first place.
I’m wondering if this person is a Steeler fan or just doesn’t care about the many loyal Bengal fans in the area.
Robert Rowsey
Barboursville
Football program sets bad example
Congratulations to the CK youth football program. It succeeded in finding referees and coaches that have complete disregard for the lessons that should be taught to young boys and girls.
Decency, self-control, fairness and sportsmanship were thrown in the garbage on the way into the stadium Saturday against Fairland.
It was fortunate for the boys and girls from Proctorville that they were able to see first hand the small minds and mean spirits that exist in the world. Thanks CK.
Rick Shepard
Proctorville, Ohio
Excise profit tax is needed
What has the devil promised these people who were president? Take just one: Jimmie Carter. Most of our economic woes now can be attributed to his administration. They did away with the excess profit tax on these corporations. (That legalized greed.) The purpose of this tax was to make sure these companies did the upkeep on their equipment. A cap was put on them by the government. If they went over the cap, they had an option, pay the tax or reinvest back in their company.
Without the tax these companies take the profit, divvy it up with the stockholders, who pay their CEOs multiple millions. A very small percent goes back for upkeep. That’s why you see our power lines overgrown with trees. That’s why we see outages in the winter (old people freezing to death, no heat). Yet they petitioned for the largest increase in history wanting to recover the cost of coal for 100 percent. HA! Ditto for our gas company needing to replace some old lines. So, the PSC gave them the right to pass the cost on to the customers.
Where does it stop? I know a lot of old people living around me who draw a meager Social Security check, who worked or their spouse worked 30 or 40 years paying into it. They were just getting by with food, medicine and utilities.
Why would an ex-president like Carter come out with a statement detrimental to our country and to Israel.
He told the Arabs about Jewish arms. He made a racial statement that only hurt an already tense situation. Everybody thought he was a good Southern Baptist.
Your heart is where your treasure is. (God said that.)
F.B. Branham
Kenova
