Mine Fuenerals

I have some major issues with coal mining and coal power, but that doesn't prevent me from feeling for the families of the miner's killed recently in West Virgina.

President Obama attended the service for the 29 miners who lost their lives in the tragedy, and his attendance has received plenty of media attention. You know who wasn't able to attend the service? Friends of the victims who work in mines owned by Massey Energy, owner and operator of the mine in question no less. Seems that Massey told the folks working in their non-union mines that they better show up for work instead of attending the funerals...

Makes me wonder how the safety levels and precautions in Massey's mines compare to unionized ones? The violations that Massey has racked up recently, and since the deaths in one of its mines are a good spot to start.

(via TP)