The Responsibility Party
Jan 24th, 2006 at 6:31 am by Susie
I’m sure the Republicans will embrace their responsibility and learn from their errors:
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 - Citing the recent deaths of 14 miners in West Virginia, senators said Monday that federal mining officials had failed to enforce safety regulations adequately.
“These deaths, I believe, were entirely preventable,” said Senator Robert C. Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, citing recent budget cuts, staff reductions and “a culture of cronyism” as factors contributing to insufficient oversight by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
It is great to see that they are doing something now. The only thing that bothers me is Byrd has been there for how long? Now he and their governor are trying to make up for this tragedy…
During the Clinton years, there was not as much need for this legislation. MSHA had some teeth throughout most of the 90’s, and J. Davitt McAteer was the head of MSHA. McAteer had spent his entire career in safety. Contrast that with the appointees we have in there now, who are interested in building “closer relationships” between MSHA and the mine owners.
I’m glad that the politicians are doing something about this now. I wish it had been done sooner. But the plain fact is that it’s almost impossible to get mining safety legislation through if you don’t have the specter of a disaster on your back. Look at what the Farmington explosion of 1968 did.
And let’s not forget that in Pikeville, KY, about two weeks ago, another miner lost his life after being trapped in a mine that had exploded. Already we’re up to 15 nationwide. Last year it was 22 mine fatalities.
I have a feeling we’re on our way to a pathetic record. Maybe even as many will get killed as in 1968.
laurel
(yes, I’m from West Virginia and familiar with coal culture and issues)