Rush Ignorantly Wonders ‘Where Was The Union’ At Non-Union Mine Disaster
Last Friday, Rush Limbaugh asked why a coal miner union didn’t protect the 29 miners who were killed when Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, WV, exploded under unsafe conditions:
Was there no union responsibility for improving mine safety? Where was the union here? Where was the union? The union is generally holding these companies up demanding all kinds of safety. Why were these miners continuing to work in what apparently was an unsafe atmosphere?
Listen here:
There’s a simple reason the union didn’t protect the miners: the Upper Big Branch Mine, like nearly all of the mines under Massey CEO Don Blankenship’s control, is non-union. In fact, the United Mine Workers of America (UMW) “tried three times to organize the Upper Big Branch mine, but even with getting nearly 70 percent of workers to sign cards saying they wanted to vote for a union, Blankenship personally met with workers to threaten them with closing down the mine and losing their jobs if they voted for a union.”
Blankenship rose in Massey’s ranks by breaking its union mines in the 1980s. Blankenship said then that busting unions is “invaluable” to profits, as non-union companies can “sell coal cheaper and drive union coal out of business.”
Union mines have a significantly better safety record than non-union mines especially for major disasters, as union miners can refuse unsafe work and report dangerous conditions without fear of retaliation. In addition to preventing Blankenship-style intimidation, the proposed Employee Free Choice Act would increase whistleblower protections for non-union and union workers alike. Under Blankenship’s direction, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Mining Association have spent millions to oppose passage of such legislation for worker rights, comparing it to a “firestorm bordering on Armageddon.”
Immediately following the tragedy, the UMW sent trained support personnel to the disaster site. “We are all brothers and sisters in the coalfields at times like this,” UMW President Cecil Roberts said in a statement offering the assistance, which was refused by Massey company officials.
Boofer et al will be along soon to tell us "What Rush REALLY meant was..."
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Given that Massey's CEO (Blanenship) is a big tea party supporter and regulation hater, the other spin possible is "Patriot gets rid of 29 lefties."
I'm surprised that el Lushbo didn't use that line. Maybe Palin will.
It is between fifty and sixty years since I read the Apocalypse, and I then considered it merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy, nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams.... what has no meaning admits no explanation. - Thomas Jefferson
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
What did he 'lie' about? Legit questions from the quotes you provided.
I don't see Limbaugh claiming 'the union represented the mine workers at this mine' anywhere...in your article, or elsewhere...like the transcripts at Rush's site.
What did he 'lie' about? Be specific.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
You never disappoint. His whole rant was that the union did nothing to protect the miners. Since there was no union, his point is specious, intended to deceive.
It is between fifty and sixty years since I read the Apocalypse, and I then considered it merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy, nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams.... what has no meaning admits no explanation. - Thomas Jefferson
"Archibald Leach, Bernard Schwartz and Lucille LeSueur".
Cliff "Boofer" Claven
"Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen."
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
What did he 'lie' about? Be specific. His whole rant was that the union did nothing to protect the miners.
I really have to wonder about what universe some people (like Rush and his clones/fans) dwell in when they blame the union leadership for not enforcing mine safety in a non-union mine--and a mine where the CEO fought mine safety regulations and recorded violations at every turn.
Yup, if unventilated methane was to blame, it certainly was the fault of the union people who didn't represent workers there, while the mine's CEO, who was responsible for following regulations but decided to roll the dice on other people's lives, is a paragon of virtue at the tea party soiree.
#13. To: To any stupid retard shillbot leftist that stupidly believes unions prevent explosions in mines (#2)
"Patriot gets rid of 29 lefties."
Now maybe if someone can rig all you bluehair geezer 60's commutards' computers up down about 4 miles in one of this guy's mines ...... welllllll....then it'd be allllllll good.
Chuckles.....BWWWWWAAAHHHHHAAAA!!!!!
Death to everybody who does not get outta my way. And the latest Eisteinian revelation from LF's resident Barack poodleboy...AKA Admiral Dwarf who has "shot at living things"...."Yeah, and Oswald was a right winger, too. He was... war posted on 2010-03-22 20:12:36
I haven't blamed anyone. I just asked a simple question.
Where in this article did Rush 'lie'? Should be very easy if he 'lied' to cut and paste the quote.
This is like the ridiculous claim 'Bush lied about Iraq WMD's' when every person on the planet BEFORE the invasion said 'Iraq has WMD's'. For example, every Democrat Presidential 'ticket' since 1992 featured a Dem that claimed this, BEFORE the invasion.
Where, exactly, did Rush 'lie' here?
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
Where in this article did Rush 'lie'? Should be very easy if he 'lied' to cut and paste the quote.
He claimed that the Union did nothing Boofer. That was a lie.
This is like the ridiculous claim 'Bush lied about Iraq WMD's' when every person on the planet BEFORE the invasion said 'Iraq has WMD's'.
Your hyperbole aside because the people actually charged witb making sure that Iraq had no WMD's said that Iraq had no WMD's, your hero, Boy Blunder, repeating a lie didn't suddenly make it truth.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
He claimed that the Union did nothing Boofer. That was a lie.
The union didn't do anything, so how is that a lie? Maybe he was mistaken about the union being in a position to do anything, but he still didn't lie.
Your hyperbole aside because the people actually charged witb making sure that Iraq had no WMD's said that Iraq had no WMD's, your hero, Boy Blunder, repeating a lie didn;t suddenly make it truth.
Not only bullshit, but unintelligible bullshit. It's pretty early in the day to be hitting the bottle, isn't it?
None of them can quote a lie in what Limbaugh said. Just like they can't claim Bush lied about WMD's, because he said the same thing both Clinton's stated, Kerry stated, Gore stated, Biden stated, Lieberman stated, every nation on the planet INCLUDING IRAQ AND IRAN STATED.
I don't bother with the assertion 'Bush is your hero' my leg humping anti groupie's insanity isn't worth it. Others that are occasionally more rational here (occasionally) know what I was saying about Bush's second term in 2006, and what I've said since. It was a disaster on multiple levels, from playing not to lose in Iraq between 04 - 06 to the insane bailout of failed business models, to the insane Federal spending and growth of government overall.
The fact Obama has doubled and tripled those concerns of mine over what Bush did isn't lost on them. They just try to distract from that basic math.
Anyway, nobody can quote 'a lie' in this monologue. If they could, given how I irritate em, they've have done so within minutes of my asking for one, just one, 'quote' that supports the assertion.
my anti groupie can't get through life without me.
insane bailout of failed business models, to the insane Federal spending and growth of government overall.
He went along with TARP at the end of his Presidency because Bernanke and Paulson told him the economy was in danger of imminent collapse if he didn't. Other than that, he really didn't have any new government programs in his second term.
None of them can quote a lie in what Limbaugh said.
Asked and answered Boof. And now, not surprisingly, YOU ARE LYING.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Anyway, nobody can quote 'a lie' in this monologue.
He didn't lie, he was being deceitful. Which should bother you but of course it doesn't or else you wouldn't focus on minutia that allows you to avoid admitting you don't care about the truth either.
Now you can dismiss this whole Rush issue because a poster on a website used the word 'lie' instead of 'deceive'.
Because you don't see a problem with using deceit to achieve imaginary victories on the internet. And Rush doesn't see a problem with using deceit to make buckets of money. The icing on his cake is seeing assholes like you defend him, not to mention ponying up money to view his fucking website, LOL.
If they could, given how I irritate em,
It's not just you, and it's definitely not anything you do (well). It's all assholes that irritate.
Undoubtedly you've obvious refuse to read the link Bill D Berger posted regard 9/11 ... Luberator
From what I have read, the UMW did raise mine safety at that particular company and site as a reason for organizing.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
They very well could have, I haven't looked into it. Rush deals in deceit. Whether he crosses the line to lying doesn't really make any difference to me. I can't believe people bother listening to him.
Sometimes I do to see what he's saying until I can't take it anymore. Doesn't take long these days. I used to love listening to him in the late 90's or so, when he'd do those enviro updates with chainsaws going in the background. I liked it because it would piss the greenies off. But even then it was obvious he was full of shit and a political lightweight.
All his guest hosts back then were way better than he was.
Undoubtedly you've obvious refuse to read the link Bill D Berger posted regard 9/11 ... Luberator
I don't bother with the assertion 'Bush is your hero'
Please Boofer...the LP database doesn't lie and your own record here has laid any fiscal blame squarely at the feet of Reid and Pelosi.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Union miners have the right to refuse to work under unsafe conditions. The UMW is on the record prior to this tragedy specifically citing Massey's operations as unsafe.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Massey safety record has long been an issue. The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, WV)| January 21, 2006 | This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)Copyright Byline: Ken Ward Jr.
Jan. 21--Over the last five years, at least 11 coal miners have died on the job in mines operated by subsidiaries of Massey Energy Co., federal records show.
In each case, federal mine safety regulators have cited Massey with violations inspectors said played a role in the accident.
Massey subsidiary Aracoma Coal's Alma No. 1 mine was the site of a coal belt fire Thursday night that trapped two miners.
For years, the United Mine Workers and other mine safety advocates have harshly criticized the safety practices of the nonunion, Richmond, Va.-based company.
In July 2001, the UMW published a report that alleged Massey had "the nation's worst fatality record" among coal companies. …
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Massey's poor safety record speaks louder than hype date: March 21, 2005 Editorial published 03/21/2005 in the Charleston Gazette
Cecil E. Roberts International President, United Mine Workers of America
Let me get this straight. Just a few weeks ago, West Virginia coal mine safety inspectors paid a surprise visit to Massey Energy's newly acquired Mammoth mine near Smithers and shut it down, citing numerous safety violations including several very serious charges concerning improper ventilation. In fact, conditions were so bad, state inspectors categorized the violations as creating a situation where "imminent danger" exists.
And later we read that Massey was cited for six violations related to illegal explosions at its Edwight surface mine. Alarmingly, in their investigation, state inspectors also discovered that prior to the illegal explosions, Massey failed to evacuate a nearby underground mine, putting the lives of those working coal miners at great risk.
This is the reality, but you would never know it if you read Don Blankenship's recent commentary in the Gazette. If you believe what he writes, Massey mines are "significantly safer than the average U.S. coal mine." Well, I don't know about you, but if deliberately placing your miners in harm's way by allowing them to operate equipment in an improperly ventilated atmosphere -- or jeopardizing miners' lives with illegal explosions -- is Massey's way of operating its mines "significantly safer" than most, then the UMWA fears more than ever for miners.
Throughout the coal fields, Massey is known as one of the nation's worst operators when it comes to protecting its miners' health and safety. Blankenship can sugarcoat that reality all he wants, but the facts speak for themselves. And whether he chooses to believe it or not, UMWA miners do have a contractual right to refuse to work in dangerous conditions. Unlike Massey miners, UMWA miners cannot be fired for refusing to work in dangerous conditions or because they report violations to proper agencies.
Truth be told, the UMWA believes the real reason Massey claims to be trying to turn things around with respect to its abysmal health and safety record (although you wouldn't know it at the Mammoth mine) is because we have been monitoring their every move, talking regularly with their miners and bosses, and helping educate the public about their record. But we haven't done it alone. We have been joined by several concerned citizen action and environmental groups, and we greatly appreciate their help.
Blankenship's blanket assertion that the UMWA only files grievances to protect "the inappropriate actions" of our members is offensive and just pure nonsense. Maybe he should visit his mines more often -- or a Consol, Peabody, Arch or any other working coal mine. Blankenship would see that it is the mine operator who dictates how coal is mined. He might also see that Massey's non- union miners must simply do as they are told, as was demonstrated recently at the Mammoth mine. One assumes there were Massey bosses supervising miners working in the section where there was imminent danger, right, Don?
And who was responsible for overseeing those illegal explosions and making sure that the mine directly underneath the blasting area was cleared? I guess when you're making $14 million a year, understanding how the business you head really works -- and ensuring your workers have adequate health and safety protections -- aren't items very high up on your list of priorities. Buying a state Supreme Court justice is, but these are not. Go figure.
Blankenship's statement that the UMWA's pension funds are not fully funded also is a total fabrication. The UMWA's pension plans are, in fact, fully funded.
Allow me to also talk about the UMWA's recent protest in front of the cleaning plant at Massey's Mammoth mine. We chose this location because, as one of our protesters' signs said, it truly is the ground zero of bankruptcy law abuse. Here, some 250 UMWA coal miners lost their jobs and their promised health-care benefits because of a federal bankruptcy judge's ruling.
To Blankenship's credit, he has been quoted several times agreeing with the UMWA that our Horizon miners were wronged in federal bankruptcy court. That is all well and good, but my question is, if Blankenship and Massey agree with the UMWA on this issue, then why have we not seen them on Capitol Hill lobbying alongside of us for reform? Better yet, why did Massey take advantage of the plight of Horizon's Cannelton miners by not allowing them all to keep their jobs? Yes, the UMWA demonstrated in front of a Massey facility, but trust me, we're in the halls of Congress almost every day lobbying to reform America's flawed bankruptcy laws. What is Blankenship's excuse?
That is how it is with the coal industry, though. When operators need lobbying help on issues like the Kyoto Protocol or the Bush administration's EPA rules governing mercury emissions, the UMWA is asked to take an active role, which we often do. However, when the UMWA is on Capitol Hill lobbying for bankruptcy reform or more stringent enforcement of the Mine Safety and Health Act, sympathetic coal industry CEOs or lobbyists are usually nowhere to be found.
Lead by example, Don. Help us lobby for Coal Act funding and bankruptcy reform. I'll be happy to escort you to Capitol Hill to do so. And the next time the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration is trying to force ill-advised respirable dust rules down the throats of America's miners, join our fight to keep our nation's mines safe and healthy for miners. That kind of activity would lend a bit more credibility to your proclamation that Massey truly does want to be safer than most.
.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Yeah, but Limpballs probably plays golf with Massey so Massey is one of the good guys.
It is between fifty and sixty years since I read the Apocalypse, and I then considered it merely the ravings of a maniac, no more worthy, nor capable of explanation than the incoherences of our own nightly dreams.... what has no meaning admits no explanation. - Thomas Jefferson
Yea...the union had long been complaining about them.
FWIW, even if it is peripheral, I'm "inside" when it comes to the coal industry in Western PA and panhandle WVA. Long time family bidness on Dad's side...
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
That said, the coal people were my grandfather's dad and uncles and it remains in one branch of that. Not particularly close to them now but was into my 20's. But, out of habit, I pay attention to the coal industry.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
