[TheRealVille]

I understand that you would like to see coal mines shut down and more of your neighbors turned into government dependents, but at least you are no longer denying that this administration is waging war against the coal industry. I am sure that Obama is thankful on this holiday that he still has reliable foot soldiers that are willing to fight the good fight and help him to grow the Democratic base by putting more people out of work.

Every industry has a few bad apples. Not all "delinquent" fines are created equal. Fortunately, companies do still have the right to appeal citations and the amount of fines. The conditions that lead to serious citations are always abated before mines are allowed to resume operations while the amount of the fines may be appealed.

As far as I know, Obama has not stripped the right of due process away from coal mining companies, but he still has two years left in which to complete the destruction of the industry and the jobs that it provides.

MSHA has the right to shut down mines that do not correct conditions that lead to violations and they frequently exercise that right. Unpaid fines are not the equivalent of failure to correct dangerous working conditions.

Your crusade against the companies that continue to employ thousands of working men and women of eastern Kentucky is disturbing.

Like I said, I'm not against coal, I'm indifferent. If they mine it clean, and burn it clean, and keep workers safe, I'm all for it. But, I'll never feel sorry for whiny ass miners, that refuse to go where they are hiring miners. I travel to take care of my family. I do it, they are no better than me. The midwest is begging for miners. They always have the option of packing a suitcase like I do. But, most lay around here, afraid to travel to where the work is, and bitch and whine about being out of work. I spent years traveling to MI every week(home on Friday, back on Sunday, 7 hours each way), so my wife could keep her career here, and even traveled as far as New Mexico to work. Don't ask me to feel sorry for these guys, while the midwest is begging for workers.