Obama: We Owe WV Miners More Than Prayers, We Owe Them Action

Source: Talking Points Memo

Obama: We Owe WV Miners More Than Prayers, We Owe Them Action
Nick Broten | April 15, 2010, 11:53AM

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Stronger mine safety laws were passed in 2006 after the Sago mine disaster. But safety violators like Massey have still been able to find ways to put their bottom line before the safety of their workers -- filing endless appeals instead of paying fines and fixing safety problems.

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The safety record at the Massey Upper Big Branch mine was troubling. And it's clear that while there are many responsible companies, far too many mines aren't doing enough to protect their workers' safety.
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But we do know that this tragedy was triggered by a failure at the Upper Big Branch mine -- a failure first and foremost of management, but also a failure of oversight and a failure of laws so riddled with loopholes that they allow unsafe conditions to continue.

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So today I've directed Secretary Solis, Assistant Secretary Main, and Administrator Stricklin to work closely with state mining officials to press ahead with this investigation -- so we can help make sure a disaster like this never happens again. Owners responsible for conditions in the Upper Big Branch mine should be held accountable for decisions they made and preventive measures they failed to take. And I've asked Secretary Solis to work with the Justice Department to ensure that every tool in the federal government is available in this investigation.

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Read more: http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/obama-we-owe-wv-miners-more-than-prayers-we-owe-them-action.php?ref=fpa

Bush would have said prayers are enough.

Mr. President. That might stop Massey and others from thumbing their noses at past and future worker safety legislation.

For them, the kind of action to which President Obama was referring is not "more" than prayer.

I wish he had phrased it slightly differently.

:puke: Well Rush, Blankenship killed the unions in that mine. If the mine was unionized, safety would have been issue #1.

that he would wait for the investigation to be completed before he pronounces judgment.

Millions of dollars in unpaid fines indicate that there were identified problems that the company failed to correct. While an investigation is needed to determine whether Blankenship needs to spend the rest of his life in prison for bribery, racketeering, and negligent homicide, I think Mr. President is on safe ground in saying that something was seriously wrong with the way the mine was operating.

That's a direct reference to a quote by Boss Blankenshit on mine safety

Give him hell, Barack!

Perhaps harsher treatment for workers is in order?

How does one handle an issue where the workers refuse to wear safety gear, and the bosses are prevented from firing them because of the unions?