At this point in time, it is necessary to compartmentalize the events in Upshur County, West Virginia. Twelve men are dead, and nothing can be done to bring them back. It is likely that these men were of the Christian faith, and as such, stand an excellent chance of being reunited with their families in the indeterminate future.

I am grateful for the careers and lives of these men, because it is entirely possible that coal dug by them went to power plants which keep my lights on. This is somewhat simplistic, but I do believe that it's important to note. Like others have said, the coal miner is a forgotten man in the complex culture & economy that we have in 2006.

I await with interest the reports of the relevant Federal and State agencies.

Posted by: Country Pundit at 11:35 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I'm not entirely returned from Christmas hiatus, but I do want to offer public thanks to the Almighty for the preservation of the lives of 12 coal miners in West Virginia. Neither I nor anyone in my family have been employed by a coal company, but I know a fair amount of coal men and of course know a tad about it due to my interest in railroad transportation.

Any man willing to go into the bowels of the earth in search of black diamonds gets my hat tipped to him. Prayers have been answered, and thanks will be offered. I hope that the family of the deceased supervisor will be able to pull through this obviously very difficult time.

UPDATE/EDIT, 1353: It is of course known by now that initial reports of twelve survivors were wrenchingly inaccurate. Well, that's that. The families of the lost men will be in the evening prayer. I am yet grateful that one man has managed to survive.

OTHER ADDITIONAL DATA: Although it has no bearing on the current situation, it appears that the mine in question is served by CSX Transportation. I suspect, without any basis, that it is former Chesapeake & Ohio Railway trackage.

Posted by: Country Pundit at 12:22 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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