Matewan, West Virginia and Harlan Cty, Kentucky -- still relevant as ever

brentspeak

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Sat Aug-11-07 01:04 PM
Original message

Matewan, West Virginia and Harlan Cty, Kentucky -- still relevant as ever

Even after all this time, after all those old battles and strikes, coal miners remain among the most perpetually-oppressed workers in the U.S. This Robert Murray idiot, of Murray Energy Corp., was too cheap to equip his miners with location devices, needed in case of incidents like the one occurring right now. And, apparently, he also had them perform a particularly dangerous -- and illegal -- form of coal mining, retreat mining.

This is the guy who the Republicans had testify before the Senate to argue that America "doesn't need a pro-labor President." :eyes:

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saltpoint

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Sat Aug-11-07 01:07 PM
Response to Original message

1. Hi, brentspeak. Excellent post. Thank you.

Let me beg whoever hasn't seen John Sayles' MATEWAN to please rent it at once and watch it before the recent news cycle on mine safety evaporates.

It is one of the most powerful films ever and speaks to this issue in a very convincing way.

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brentspeak

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Sat Aug-11-07 01:08 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. That's a great film, as is Harlan County, USA, directed by Barbara Kopple

who also recently directed the Dixie Chicks' "Shut Up and Sing" documentary.

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saltpoint

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Sat Aug-11-07 01:11 PM
Response to Reply #2

3. Yes. I hope many DUers will check these films out of their local

rental place this weekend.

It just seems like the right time to see them, and they're the sort of films that will stick deep in the brain.

A MATEWAN-savvy or HARLAN COUNTY-savvy voter is an informed voter, and very likely a blue voter.

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truth2power

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Sat Aug-11-07 02:18 PM
Response to Reply #1

4. I saw *Matewan*, many years ago. I highly recommend it. n/t

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