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.
...West Virginia's elected officials are rightly concerned about jobs and the economic impact on local communities. I share those concerns. But the time has come to have an open and honest dialogue about coal's future in West Virginia.
Let's speak the truth. The most important factor in maintaining coal-related jobs is demand for coal. Scapegoating and stoking fear among workers over the permitting process is counter-productive.
...
West Virginians may demonstrate anger toward the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over mountaintop removal mining, but we risk the very probable consequence of shouting ourselves out of any productive dialogue with EPA and our adversaries in the Congress.
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We can have a part in shaping energy policy, but we must be honest brokers if we have any prayer of influencing coal policy on looming issues important to the future of coal like hazardous air pollutants, climate change, and federal dollars for investments in clean coal technology.
Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, announcing a pro-coal rally:
"We must stand up and show federal
regulators that we will not retreat from their unfair actions. We will continue the fight not just for the Spruce Number One mine but for every
coal miner, coal company and for our way of life."
Sen. Joe Manchin:
"Today's EPA decision is not just fundamentally wrong," he said. "It is an unprecedented act by the federal government that will cost our state and our nation even more jobs during the worst recession in this country's history.
"While the EPA decision hurts West Virginia today, it has negative ramifications for every state in our nation, and I strongly urge every senator and every member of Congress to voice their opposition."
Sen. Jay Rockefeller:
I am writing to express my outrage with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to veto a rigorously reviewed and lawfully issued permit at the Spruce Number 1 Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. This action not only affects this specific permit, but needlessly throws other permits into a sea of uncertainty at a time of great economic distress.
Apparently they West Virginians who don't want poisoned wells or to live in fear of flash floods or having to live surrounded by the remains of a destroyed mountain don't deserve leaders fighting for them even though the EPA did exactly what the coal supporters wanted in forming a long review process based on scientific evidence.
Tomblin, Manchin, and Rockefeller are doing exactly what Byrd warned against.
One of the first things I did after being elected President was pay a call on Senator Byrd. I left with an understanding of his deep devotion to the Constitution, and a copy of his history of the Senate, which I still keep in my Harlem office. I enjoyed both our heated arguments and our common causes, and I am grateful he could wheel onto the Senate floor near the end of his service to cast a deciding vote for health care reform. Through it all, I saw again and again his conviction that America is more important than any one issue, President or Senator and that it is the rules, institutions and systems that enable us to keep forming a more perfect union. He was a fierce orator, a brilliant debater, a loyal friend and a ferocious opponent. But he always played by the rules, knew the facts and stayed close to them. In today's political climate, we could use a large dose of Robert Byrd's medicine for America. He has finished his course, but he has left behind lessons worth remembering.
Via Ken Ward Jr. at Coal Tattoo, there is a moving piece on NPR about the ongoing grief of those killed because they were Upper Big Branch miners:
But Gene Jones believes speaking out is critical, especially as public memory of the tragedy fades. Jones, 50, lost his identical twin Dean in the explosion.
"We're just going to be forgotten," Jones says, while mine disasters are "going to continue and continue and continue to go on. We need it fixed."
snip
Gene and Dean Jones were so close in their mother's womb doctors detected just a single heartbeat.
"I was 10 minutes older than Dean," Gene said. "It's like part of me is gone."
"I think about him every day," Gene said from a conference room at Appalachian Power in Beckley, where he works as an electrical engineer. His hazel eyes welled with tears. "So I work a lot not to think about it."
An obituary Gene wrote for his brother that includes an image of Dean, broadly smiling, sits on the table. If it wasn't for Dean's mustache, the twins would look exactly alike.
Still, when Gene looks in the mirror he sees his brother. "When people see me they see me and Dean," Gene adds, referring to Dean's widow Gina and their now 14-year-old son Kyle. "When Kyle sees me he sees his daddy some and when he listens to me talk, he probably thinks, 'Whoa, that's my dad!'"
Nick Rahall voted in support of the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act. Alan Mollohan did not show up to vote on it. Shelley Moore Capito voted against it. The bill after all, would close loopholes that allow mines repeatedly in violation to continue to operate unsafely. The lives of the miners have less value than the profits of the mine owners and their shareholder dividends.
Ward reprints an excerpt from the moving obituary Gene wrote for his brother that highlighted the relationship Dean had with Dean's son Kyle.
His beautiful son, whom he loves with every fiber of his being, is also waiting. They will have dinner together and then they will spend the evening together. They love "The Andy Griffith Show." He has purchased his son all the episodes on DVD, and they watch them over and over. They love watching old westerns, the kind that he grew up watching as a boy. They love the Steelers. He has filled his son's whole room with Steelers' memorabilia. They love WVU football and basketball. They love to wrestle and play and their beautiful golden retriever joins in the play. They are constant companions, bonded in a way that most do not know. His son is sick. His son has cystic fibrosis, a progressive and debilitating illness, for which there is no cure. He has spent many sleepless days and nights pleading for his son's life and health. He adores him and wants to be there for him. He wants to comfort him in hard times and laugh and play with him in good times. He wants his son's life to be full and blessed. He will lead him safely to manhood. They will blow out the candles together on his May 1st 14th birthday; since last year his son was too ill to have a birthday cake. They are best buddies. His greatest ambition was to be a good father.
His greatest ambition was to be a good father. There's little I can think of more important or that has more value than being a good father.
As Gene points out, the more than $12 million that Massey CEO Don Blankenship will receive for simply retiring from the company is four times more than the settlement offered by Massey to the families of the dead. Blankenship's putting profits over the lives of the people was more valuable to Massey than the lives of the miners.
In a way, it's really the story of America in the 21st century. From the tax cuts for the wealthy that will lead to a budgetary trap down the road that will lead to cuts in Social Security and Medicare to the telecom immunity supported by Sen. Jay Rockefeller that allowed Bush administration officials and telecom executives immunity for breaking the law to spy on all of us, Americans are losing out to the powerful. The wealthiest get away with crimes of such scope that it is hard to fathom. The rest of us are losing our financial security, our hope and our liberties and many are cheering on our collapse because they cannot comprehend how they have been swindled.
"We're just going to be forgotten," Gene Jones says, while mine disasters are "going to continue and continue and continue to go on. We need it fixed."
Jones could just as well be talking in general about the middleclass and the poor as well as about miners.
The current system is about propping up the wealthiest and making sure the scales of justice are tilted in their favor to the point there is no justice.
Dean Jones was a good human being. But if the people in power truly respected him and the other 28 miners, the Robert C. Byrd Miner Protection Act would have passed unanimously so that no other teenage sons would have to miss their fathers because the mining company put profits over people and those responsible for doing so would be given jail sentences instead of tax cuts and millions in bonuses.
The American Dream still exists for those fortunate enough to be in the wealthiest 2 percent who control half of all the nation's wealth. For the rest of us, the disasters are going to continue and continue, but it's not going to get fixed.
Activist icon Mother Jones once said pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.
Peace be with the Jones family and all those who died to provide higher profits to cover Blankenship's exit bonus.
Gay-rights activists on Friday booed the mere mention of newly sworn in Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the only Democrat to join Republicans in blocking a repeal of the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
At a Capitol Hill rally, two West Virginia natives took to the stage and condemned Manchin's vote on Thursday, issuing veiled threats that they would work against his 2012 reelection if he did not reverse course.
"I was disappointed yesterday in Senator Joe Manchin from the state of West Virginia," said former Army Sgt. Pepe Johnson, a Clarksburg, W. Va., native who was discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. "I was embarrassed because Joe Manchin decided to be a lone ranger and vote against the repeal of don't ask don't tell, saying he'd only been in office for three weeks, said he didn't have a chance to hear from the people of West Virginia.
"Well, Joe Manchin, if you can't hear me now, you better get a hearing aid."
West Virginia Army National Guard Sgt. Jared Towner, 31, who served three tours of duty in Iraq and is straight, said continued opposition to repeal could cost Manchin the youth vote in two years.
"We are the people that are going to be there, or the people who are not going to be there in 2012" when Manchin faces reelection, said Towner, who lives in Parkersburg. "We fought valiantly for you, senator. We fought valiantly for you. And now it's time for you to fight valiantly for us."
...
Manchin's vote was "unconscionable" considering he took over the Senate seat of the late Robert Byrd, who fought to repeal the policy, said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which sponsored the rally.
"There were high expectations Senator Manchin would follow in the footsteps of Senator Byrd, whose name he invoked repeatedly in the campaign," Sarvis said. "I haven't given up hope on Senator Manchin. There's going to be another round. There will be another vote on this standalone bill in the lame duck, and he'll have the chance to do the right thing."
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.
As House historian, Smock helped close several offices in the 1980s and 1990s. He's now executive director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., which the senator established to house his records. A four-member staff has already amassed 800 cubic feet of boxes and anticipates another 2,000 cubic feet to arrive by September.
The daily grind of congressional work leaves little time for staff to think of the potential future value of a lawmaker's documents, Smock said. "That's when people like me come in," he said.
Byrd staffers first will identify the office's volumes of hearings, law books and other records that can be discarded unless personally tied to the senator. Most of the office furniture stays behind for the next occupant, unless Byrd originally owned it. Archiving photographs will occupy much of the time.
snip
The senator's insistence on keeping copies of every document sent or received by his office will add to the workload. Former press secretary Mike Willard recalled Byrd's particular concern for letters sent to constituents.
"He'd say, 'This may be the only letter that a person gets from a U.S. senator, I want it to be perfect,' " Willard recalled.
This is a horribly misguided effort to "Draft Joe."
Top West Virginia labor and business leaders are calling on Gov. Joe Manchin - who local Democrats say is highly interested in running for Senate - to reverse course and appoint himself to the seat held by the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.).
"We just strongly believe that he's the right person and we would certainly encourage him to reconsider that decision and in fact appoint himself," said Larry Matheney, the secretary and treasurer of the West Virginia AFL-CIO.
For one thing, they're forgetting the not-so-trivial detail that the Gov. cannot appointment himself. He'd have to make a dubious moral bargain with the designated Gov. successor whereby Manchin agreed to elevate someone else to Gov. in exchange for them naming him a US Senator.
That's a mighty big bite of a poisoned fruit for them both to begin new offices with.
If Manchin turns out to be the next Dem. party candidate for Senator, I would vote for him over any WVa Republican alternative I've ever seen, but I think this whole idea of back-room maneuvering to be interim successor just plain stinks.
Like many others, I've been thinking a lot this past week about what Sen. Robert Byrd has meant to me and, additionally, how to mark his passing. This morning I want to celebrate the legacy of Sen. Byrd I most hope will live on. I originally posted this diary on Oct 21, 2009. Sen. Byrd went further in Dec. 2009 in speaking forcefully about the benefits and costs of coal to West Virginia. This is but one of many topics that Sen. Byrd showed great courage in provided brave leadership on.
Big Daddy is gone. It's up to us now. Let's make him proud.
What most casual observers of Congress know about Senator Robert C. Byrd is he's the longest-serving member in the Senate's history and he's been incredibly successful at steering federal dollars to West Virginia.
(Political Science Professor) Rupp remembers a quote from former Democratic House speaker Jim Wright, D-Texas, that Byrd posted in his office near the Senate Appropriations Committee Room inside the Capitol. It said: "Bob is a living encyclopedia, and legislative graveyards are filled with the bones of those who underestimated him."
Time and time again, Sen. Byrd has delivered for West Virginia. The question of the moment is, what does Byrd think West Virginia needs in the next energy and climate bill?
WASHINGTON -- The Senate opened its doors for a final time Thursday for Robert C. Byrd, the West Virginian of humble origins who became a Senate fixture for nearly a quarter of the nation's history.
A military honor guard carried Byrd's casket up the Capitol steps, past the senator's portrait in a reception room and into the Senate chamber, where he was to lie in repose for six hours, allowing members of Congress and the public, many not born when he first entered the Senate 51 years ago, to pay their respects.
The flag-draped casket of Mr. Byrd was positioned on the Lincoln Catafalque in the well of the Senate, where for decades Mr. Byrd had argued his case as he sought money for his poor state of West Virginia, challenged presidents, opposed the Iraq war and sought to uphold the traditions and trappings of the Senate.
"Lord, we appreciate his wit and wisdom, his stories and music, as well as his indefatigable commitment to the principles of freedom that made American great," Dr. Barry C. Black, the Senate chaplain, said during a prayer in a private ceremony for senators and family before the doors to the Senate chamber were opened.
Byrd's flag draped coffin on the Senate floor is the Wall Street Journal's Photo of the Day.
The top of this site also has a black band at the top to signify our mourning. Rest in peace, Senator Byrd.
Condolences can be left at Senator Byrd's web site (just below the funeral information).
Update
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 30, 2010
DEATH OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the Senate, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
I also direct, that in honor and tribute to this great patriot, that the flag of the United States shall be displayed at full-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and Naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on Independence Day, July 4, 2010. I further direct that on that same date, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at full-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
10:30 a.m.
U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black will offer prayer
5:50 p.m.
Aircraft to arrive at Yeager Airport,
Charleston, West Virginia
6:00 p.m.
Casket transported to Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse,
300 Virginia Street, East
Public procession ending at West Virginia State Capitol
Casket moved to Capitol Rotunda
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight
Public viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2010
12:01 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Public Viewing in Rotunda of State Capitol
11:30 a.m.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life
West Virginia State Capitol
Capitol's North Plaza
12:30 p.m.
Memorial Service and Celebration of Life concludes
TUESDAY, JULY, 6, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service
Memorial Baptist Church
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