West Virginia Blue
The Best Blogging Community in West Virginia Democratic politics, progressive policies, the good life and free living in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.
The list of bedrock American laws that Rand Paul is opposed to keeps growing longer. In addition to the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Paul has made it clear that he doesn't like the Clean Air Act either. Last weekend, Paul said that President Obama should leave Kentucky alone, especially when it comes to pollution. "You need to keep the EPA out of our affairs," he called on the president.
Paul prefers to have things "handled on a local level." But unlike Paul, I grew up in Kentucky, and I question this logic.
My elementary school sat on a cliff above an Ashland Oil refinery, and our playground was about eye level with the top of their smokestacks. When the paint on teachers' car started to peel and children started getting sick, the PTA tried to make Ashland Oil do something about it. After some fighting, the company finally installed air monitors on the kickball field - and a few months later the school closed its doors.
What sticks with me still is the way the problem was solved: As far as I can see, Ashland Oil didn't clean up its act at all. Our school shut down instead.
Federal efforts to cut pollution aren't perfect, but they are the last line of defense for places like my hometown. They literally save our lives: the Clean Air Act, for instance, has been documented to prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths.
Kentucky has a long dark history of environmental injustice. Amazing groups like Appalachian Voices have been fighting for cleaner water, cleaner air, and better safety rules for miners. They often find local solutions, but they also turn to federal agencies like the EPA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration when they need to.
Paul may call it "federal overreach," but I call it protecting the health of Kentuckians.
Of course, Paul trots out the old saw that cutting pollution kills jobs. But I think Paul is more concerned about ideology than jobs, because if he really wanted to create jobs for Kentucky, he wouldn't turn his back on clean energy and climate legislation. Clean energy jobs are growing 2.5 times as fast as traditional jobs. Paul would rather shoot down federal climate solutions than bring the jobs of the 21st century to his state.
Instead, he is banking on the same old dirty industries, and he seems to think that if children get asthma because they played on a field next to a refinery, that's alright because someone had a job. I am sorry, but I can't accept the misconception that my classmates and I were the collateral damage of some polluter's payroll. Good companies that are following the law and being good neighbors provide jobs every single day.
Companies have found time and again that a clean business model is part of the recipe for a successful company. That is why 5,171 small businesses from across the country are supporting the climate bill. That is why some of the largest companies in the nation are calling on Congress to take action immediately.
The parents I know in Kentucky have no interest in working jobs that sacrifice their children's health. They want to provide for their families AND keep them safe at the same time. This isn't an either or situation. Paul seems to forget this in the midst of his fixation with "federal overreach." I too respect states rights, but states still have to be good neighbors. Local empowerment doesn't give you the right to endanger your residents' health, export pollution into nearby states, or block national solutions to fight global climate change.
If leaders like Paul forget these lessons in responsibility, then I am glad federal agencies like the EPA can step in and remind them.
Campaign cash galore. Joe Manchin III, the current frontrunner and expected nominee for the Democratic Party on the Senate Special Election, is raking in some serious campaign cash prior to the election.
Politico recently reported on the hard numbers in regards to campaign donations for Manchin, and the leading GOP candidate John Raese.
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) raked in an impressive $418,000 for his Senate bid so far, although his chief Republican opponent already has a significant bankroll.
The popular governor is the front-runner in the Aug. 28 primary and the Nov. 2 special election for the late Robert Byrd's Senate seat. Public polls show him leading mining company owner John Raese by double digits.
Reports indicate that Raese has put roughly $320,000 of his own money into his campaign. An outrageously high amount, but still not enough to match Manchin's campaign contributions.
Manchin has been significantly helped out by Jay Rockefeller, who Politico claims helped raise nearly $200,000 for Manchin over the course of this campaign that opened only just a few weeks ago.
Manchin seems to already be thinking past the primary to the actual Special Election, his sights are set on that prized Senate seat vacated by the late, great Robert C. Byrd earlier in the summer.
Manchin and Raese, as of right now, seem to be the ones who will be nominated for their respected parties going into the general election. Manchin already holds a significant lead on Raese, but I expect that... given Raese's clear dedication to his campaign.... he will be pulling out all of the stops necessary to try to gain on Manchin's lead. The WVGOP wants to have a (R) in the Senate for West Virginia desperately, and I doubt they'll be afraid to sling a little mud along the way.
A Republican pollster showed a few incumbent Democrats in trouble from Republican challengers, but U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-VV03) is in strong shape against Don Blankenship's bought-and-paid for candidate, Spike Maynard.
Nick Rahall (D-inc): 53
"Spike" Maynard (R): 37
Rahall supporters shouldn't get caught napping. Donate, signup to volunteer, etc.,here.
The Troubadour hosts a Protect Morgan County party this Friday evening, August 20 from 7:00 until closing. For your enjoyment, the Tonehounds will play their rockabilly flavor, joined by friends Angela Petry and Habiba Miller. Troubadour owner and West Virginia's country music legend Jim McCoy will lead a few sing-a-longs with Matt Hahn. Come on out and support the vote for zoning. Bring a friend! Don't forget, the Troubadour has the best steaks in West Virginia so why not come early and have dinner.
More than forty labor history volunteer/activists attended, and the fast paced agenda wasn't the only item that seemed to please everyone. The update on WV HCR 58, Labor History Week Resolution reported early on by chairman Bill Ramsey (from Clarksburg WV) set the tone.
By that resolution state lawmakers show their resolve to promote awareness and understanding of labor history by designating the annual observance of the week following the Labor Day Holiday as Labor History Week. It also encourages both public and private schools to provide instruction on labor history, particularly West Virginia labor history, during Labor History Week.
Authored and originally introduced to the Government Organization Committee Agenda by Christopher J. Williamson as H.B. 4343, it is now H.C.R. No. 58, thanks to Del. Mary Poling, D-Barbour, who introduced and sponsored it in response to a request from AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Larry Matheny.
WV AFL-CIO pres. Kenny Perdue addressed Saturday's meeting at the Marriott in downtown Charleston about the importance of teaching labor history in general, and about the Battle of Blair Mountain in particular, including why more West Virginians should be made aware of what it was all about. He remarked that it is astounding how many West Virginians don't know anything about Blair Mountain.
During the meeting, Blair Mountain activist Tom Rule extended an invitation to all attendees to a party on Labor Day Saturday (that's Saturday, September 4). Hosted by the Friends of Blair Mountain, he said that it would be more of a party atmosphere than that of a protest normally associated with past Blair Mountain rallies.
Local individuals and groups are all welcome, to celebrate and promote the importance of not just preserving that mountain, but developing it into a national monument. One worthy of commemorating the entire battlefield as it represents West Virginia's crucial role in advancing the entire U.S. labor movement.
The Friends of Blair Mountain Labor Saturday Do-ins will be at The Whipple Store, a museum which itself is steeped in labor history, because it was originally a major coal company store.
Although the museum hours are longer, the party is set from 1pm 'til 5, so come early and plan to stay late. Everyone from rednecks to greeniacs, from local activists of one stripe to acclaimed activists of another will all be celebrating together that Blair Mountain still even exists, despite the dark forces of the land companies, coal operators, and the filthy state coalocracy supported by too-slick politicians of both political parties.
Apparently tonight's episode of Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton, could be ripped from the headlines in West Virginia. "The Underground Job" features the Leverage team infiltrating the coal mines of West Virginia to take on a corrupt mining company in the aftermath of a deadly mine explosion.
The explosion is caused by a deadly build-up of methane gas, just as the Upper Big Branch explosion earlier this year. The mine owner "Dan Blackwell" (interesting choice for the character's name) also funded the election of his hand-picked Attorney General through corporate campaign contributions. (Doesn't this sound eerily similar to the election of our WV Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin?)
Check out this preview. They even mention Massey Energy's practice of appealing violations to prevent paying fines. The episode premieres Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on TNT.
Speed trap or strict enforcement of existing laws? The Charleston Gazette's Gary A. Harki has an interesting story about the town of Gauley Bridge:
In the past three and a half years, Gauley Bridge police have issued 5,057 speeding tickets -- more than any other city or town in the state, according to figures from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
Every year since 2006, the town has collected at least a half-million dollars in fines, fees and court costs -- including speeding tickets, according to documents from the State Auditor's Office. That figure also includes other violations, such as parking tickets.
The fees make up well over 50 percent of the town's budget for each of the past five years.
Even taking a longer view -- since 2000 -- Gauley Bridge police officers have written 6,270 speeding tickets, more than any municipality except Charleston and Parkersburg, according to DMV statistics.
A few blocks away from the Capitol at the Living AIDS Garden, a slightly-larger counter-protest formed. Groups like Fairness West Virginia, the American Civil Liberties Union and WV Free gathered to support the California Supreme Court's decision. Many carried signs supporting gay marriage and gay rights.
Steven Skinner is the president of Fairness West Virginia, a group that advocates for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual rights.
"We are here to celebrate the diversity of the West Virginia family," Skinner said. "There are some out of state groups that have shown up to try and tell us what a family looks like and we think it's important to show that the West Virginia family comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some have one mom or one grandmom, some have two dads. We value them all equally."
Skinner has it wrong. Families can only be valued if there is a traditional mother and father which is why these groups opposed to same sex marriage are also strongly opposed to divorce. What? They're not? I guess their whole sanctity of marriage argument is really a sham like Newt Gingrich's marriage vows.
We, the family of Senator Robert C. Byrd, extend our heartfelt thanks for the gracious manner in which we were received during the time of "Papa's" recent passing. We know well that all of West Virginia felt his loss as much as we did, and we would like to share a few moments from that time that we will forever treasure.
At one point during the funeral procession between the Federal Courthouse and the State Capitol, a woman's grieving voice, rang out: "Thank you for sharing him with us." Then a clear and warm concurring reverberation rolled through the vast crowd that had gathered to pay Papa their respects. We will always be moved and humbled by the outpouring of sympathy and love shared with us by the people of this proud and noble State.
The West Virginia National Guard's deep feelings for Papa were expressed by General Tackett's dignified salute. That gesture of respect, at once, conveyed State pride, sadness at the loss of a dear friend, and a determination to ensure that the proceedings in West Virginia met the high standard that he and all West Virginians thought Papa deserved. A refrain we heard repeatedly was: "We just want to do right by him."
The Governor's hospitality was remarkable. The look in his eye and his kind and gentle manner told us how important it was to him, personally, that our family felt comfortable and welcome during that difficult time. Governor Manchin and his wife truly opened their home and their hearts to us, and we cannot thank them enough.
Finally, at the reception following the funeral, we watched Papa's staff parting for what seemed the last time. They were a family as well; many having spent much of their adult lives working for Papa and the State of West Virginia. Please understand their loss as well, and don't forget their service. Papa would be the first to tell you that he couldn't have served West Virginia as well as he did without their hard work and loyalty.
We thought it important to share these sentiments with you and to respond to the unknown woman who spoke for all West Virginians in expressing your appreciation of Papa's life and work to us. "Thank you for sharing him with us," she said. Though greatly appreciated, no thanks to us are necessary. The decision to share Papa's passing with the people of West Virginia was both obvious and obligatory, and it was clearly what Papa wanted. So, West Virginians, please accept our most humble gratitude on the occasion of the passing of this great son of the Mountain State. He loved each and every one of you, and we know that he was your Papa too.
(- bumped by CA Berkeley WV) It's the second Friday this week. And since something happened on Tuesday, we might have something to talk amongst ourselves. Seems like a long time since we have gotten together in more than just pairs.
Raise a glass of the beverage of your choice in honor of The Hulk, to our own Tom Price, and to the Mountaineer spirit. Give yourself a break from the Gibbs War.
Sign. My. Cast.
8:00PM, Peking Restaurant, 139 S. Queen Street, Martinsburg is the time and place.
Coal issues are very relevant and important to me. It is a very important resource for West Virginia, but not our only means of making money. It has become less of a resource, more of an industry, and even more a political mechanism.
Coal now has a stranglehold on the state's economy and the fatcat coal barons (i.e. Don Blankenship among others) have been padding the pockets the legislature and judicial board for years now.
(If you need reference, look into how much money Blankenship donated to finance Brent Benjamin's campaign against McGraw on the court a few years back)
Pollution from Coal slurries in West Virginia has been a major problem, as well as the environmental effects of MountainTop Removal Mining across the state
Surface Mining has been a major issue across the state and now, a hearing before a chamber of judges will attempt to go over the environmental issues of Selenium deposits from the surface mines
This afternoon in federal court in Huntington, lawyers, scientists and economists will debate deformed fish, water pollution treatment systems and compliance costs ... It's the first day of what is expected to be a week-long hearing that amounts to a major showdown over selenium discharges by surface coal mines in Appalachia.
U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers will be hearing testimony and legal arguments in a combined series of cases in which environmental groups - the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and the Sierra Club - are trying to force subsidiaries of Patriot Coal to comply with existing pollution limits for selenium.
Source: Coal tattoo
As mentioned in the rest of the article on Coal Tattoo, Selenium deposits poison fish and cause deformities and other problems with the wildlife, This is only fish..
Coal is huge in West Virginia, but we need to diversify our economy.
These Pictures were taken by me when I ventured down to the Southern part of the state last week. The train cars were numbered in the hundreds stretching for no doubt miles. We need Green Jobs in West Virginia and the United States. Where is coal getting us? I don't disagree that it is crucial to our state's economy and the balance of jobs in West Virginia, but the trouble it brings is becoming more known.
With the Selenium deposits causing much trouble in the waters of the state, and coal slurries getting into the drinking water of residents who live near them... something must be done.
Copyright 2009 West Virginia Blue
Site content may be used for any purpose without explicit permission unless otherwise specified.
This site exists thanks to financial support from BlogPAC, the tireless efforts of volunteer contributors and continued participation from this community. The views expressed at West Virginia Blue belong soley to their respective authors.
