Damaging. Denying. Dragging.

After posting last night, I thought that it would perhaps be a week or so before CONSOL went into quick spin mode. Wrong. Awoke this morning to see that CONSOL, the criminal enterprise that is called longwall mining, had already denied any culpability for the damage to the dam. Which as we all know, ended up turning Ryerson Lake into Ryerson weed field.

We knew they would deny. We know they will go to court. We know that they will drag this out as long as they possibly can. All that really remains is the time frame for the dragging portion. That is the portion that is most significant.

As long as CONSOL and their criminal activity of longwall mining continues, there will be further damage done to other structures. That further means that there will be further damage to people, animals and the environment at large. And, even though we all know that they are responsible, nothing will change. They will continue as in the past with all fecal material, mercury, lead, arsenic, et.al., running downhill, as it surely will.

So long as these criminals are allowed to pursue profits, regardless of the damage they do to the people of southern PA, nothing will change. Until they are forced to pay, immediately and in full for all the damage done, they will, without doubt continue on their merry way. Damaging. Denying. Dragging. And, finally, whining as loudly as possible that they have been wronged.

CONSOL's Long Whine

Well, okay. DEP in Pennsylvania has decided to take some action against CONSOL. DEP has told CONSOL that they believe they are responsible for the damage done to a dam. That dam was damaged beyond repair due to CONSOL's longwall mining operation that ended with Ryerson Lake being emptied. The DEP decision is good news. As far as it goes.

However, we all know what comes next. CONSOL will now go to court. Where, if the past is any guide, the decision will remain for a goodly long time. During that time, CONSOL will buy up as many supporters (in and out of government) as possible. In the end, there will be a ruling so watered down and pasty that it will resemble more a ghost than a well reasoned court decision.

You think maybe I'm just a little too cynical? Let us just use two examples. Both where the destruction was so obvious and widespread that anyone with access to radio, newspaper, tv or internet could see or hear all of the damage for themselves. First, EXXON and the destruction in Alaska. Second, the BP catastrophe in the Gulf. Both of these continue. However, EXXON walked away with no more than a slap on the wrist. BP is dragging its heals and turning down assistance as quickly as possible. Assistance which of course they told us all about with millions spent on oh so heartfelt television adds.

Now back to CONSOL. Yes, they have destroyed the homes of thousands. Dewatered ponds and wells for countless farmers. Damaged some roads. And, oh yes. There is that little matter of Ryerson Lake. But, just how many people in this country actually, even now, know about the decision by DEP? Or, CONSOL and their longwall mining operations' culpability? How many will remember in five years?

Perhaps, because I am a little cynical, I will just call this forthcoming time as CONSOL's long whine.

Planned Subsidence

Everyone who has been effected by, or seen subsidence due to longwall mining, knows the devastation wrought. But, how would any of us feel if we were faced with such a thing?

Supposing a mining company representative came to your house and told you they were going to mine beneath it? And, that there wasn't a damned thing you could do, pro or con.

Now, suppose they then told you that there was, due to their action, planned subsidence? Planned subsidence, you might ask? What exactly is planned subsidence? The representative then might calmly explain that planned subsidence meant that the ground behind the area mined would drop four to six (4-6) feet.

Do you think that might have effect on you? On your family? On your house? It has had great effect on many peoples lives all over the country. But, mainly back East, where a lot of the longwall mining takes place.

If ever you have the opportunity, take a drive in southern Pennsylvania to what used to be Ryerson Lake. It will give you a new perspective on planned subsidence. If it can empty a whole lake, you can bet it will have effect on your house.

So. The next time you see an article that has anything to do with longwall mining, think of the two words, planned and subsidence. The mining company knows before hand what will happen. And, frankly,they really don't give a damn. Profits count a whole lot more than the mere loss of your home. Just ask the CEO of any logwall mining company.

To Govern...or,not

As expected the Republicans won this election cycle. Now comes the really hard part. They have declared for a couple of decades that they can't govern. And, as during the last Administration, they proved their point. So now, once again they find themselves in the governing chair. Let us hope that they have changed their collective minds and will now go to work for the people of the nation. I, for one, am not optimistic on that point. But, we shall see. And, likely sooner than later.

VOTE!!

There is no more time to dally. It is time to make your decision and cast your ballot.

My vote may not change anything in this election cycle. But, it gives me the absolute right to bitch, moan and complain...as loudly as I wish.

VOTE!!