Lest we forget the Massey Mine Tragedy: Inspectors to enter site of deadly mine blast

Inspectors to enter site of deadly mine blast
By the CNN Wire Staff
June 2, 2010 5:57 a.m. EDT

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/02/west.virginia.mine.probe/

(CNN) -- Inspectors will enter the Upper Big Branch Mine on Wednesday to monitor air quality, the results of which will determine whether an investigation can begin into the cause of the deadliest mine disaster in the United States in 40 years.

The explosion at the West Virginia mine, on April 5, killed 29 workers.

A 16-member group will enter the mine Wednesday, said Massey Energy, the company that runs the coal mine.

"We are eager to begin a thorough investigation into the root cause of the accident," said Don Blankenship, company chairman and chief executive officer.

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Criminal Investigations of Massey Energy Go Forward as Citizen Pressure Builds for Prosecution
By Kevin Zeese

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Criminal-Investigations-of-by-Kevin-Zeese-100529-65.html

Just over a month ago, I wrote urging criminal prosecution of Massey Energy executives for the deaths of coal miners at the Upper Big Branch Mine. Since then, more evidence of criminal wrongdoing has been shown and federal prosecutors and the FBI are investigating the corporation and its executives. In addition, citizen pressure urging prosecution is growing and financial problems for the corporation are showing.

I went to Richmond to attend the Massey Energy shareholder meeting on May 18. We could not get inside, but joined more than 1,000 people outside protesting the actions of Massey Energy and their CEO Don Blankenship. One chant that was repeated regularly was "Send Don to Jail." Protesters included coal miners and their families, environmental activists, economic justice advocates and concerned citizens. See videos of the event here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5mTZyUtkV8

Some of the protesters were able to get inside and drop a banner as shareholders entered their meeting in the main ballroom of the Jefferson Hotel. Activists from Rising Tide occupied the adjacent rotunda, chanting loudly and draping a ten foot by ten foot banner over the railing saying, "Massey - Stop Putting Profits Over People!" Two activists, Kate Finneran and Oscar Ramirez were arrested.

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Keep this going - We aren't going to forget!