We in the US have watched with great interest the goings on in the Middle East where people have gone through much to attain the freedoms they seek. Some have given all.
We in the US know, or at least some of us know, that the freedom we had, the freedom that those in the Middle East have so valiantly fought for, can only be won/kept with diligence and persistence.
We in the US seem to have lost sight of what freedom stands for. We look down on our own people. We have given corporations the status of human and given those corporations the rights of citizens.
Our nation is now, more and more, simply a government of and by the business community. Not beholden to the citizens, but to those who contribute the most to those who seek office.
It is sad indeed to watch as a dream slides slowly, but surely into the waste bin. But, the US seems now to be in a steady decline. And though there is a lot of sound and fury, little real action to recover the dream, once proud, now simply a shell.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Dunkard Creek...again
A article written by Don Hopey, Pittsburgh PostGazette, on January 10,2011 begins with this: "A dispute over drilling bore holes into Consol Energy's Humphrey No. 7 deep mine in Greene County without a state permit an the planned pumping and discharge of minimally treated mine water into Dunkard Creek has bubbled over again."
For those who may not have followed the Dunkard Creek disaster in late '09, all living things in a 38 mile stretch of this waterway were killed off. Whether it was brought on by frac juice or the dumping of mine waste water is still an open question. However, with this in mind, why in the hell would anyone want to dump more poison in the creek?
The answer is actually quite simple. CONSOL Energy, the longwall mining outfit destroying southern Pennsylvania, doesn't give a damn about Dunkard Creek. Or, the people and organisms that use it.
The problem however, isn't just CONSOL Energy. They are only party of the issue. The other part of the problem is the Department of Environmental Protection. They not only do not enforce the rules and regulations that are in place to protect the environment at large, they openly and willingly assist companies like CONSOL Energy to circumvent those rules.
Can anyone possibly believe that CONSOL drilled seven bore holes along the North Branch of Calvin Run without a permit and no one in DEP even noticed? A company which has violated all rules from their very beginnings? Nonsense.
CONSOL Energy will do all in their power to avoid doing the right thing. Why? Because it isn't the most profitable thing to do. They care nothing for life of any sort. They prove it over and over and over again year in and year out. Profit comes before anything...including any life form.
It is my hope that with light being shown on the DEP and its lack of oversight, they will do the right thing and disallow the dumping of minimally treated mining wastewater into Dunkard Creek.
For those who may not have followed the Dunkard Creek disaster in late '09, all living things in a 38 mile stretch of this waterway were killed off. Whether it was brought on by frac juice or the dumping of mine waste water is still an open question. However, with this in mind, why in the hell would anyone want to dump more poison in the creek?
The answer is actually quite simple. CONSOL Energy, the longwall mining outfit destroying southern Pennsylvania, doesn't give a damn about Dunkard Creek. Or, the people and organisms that use it.
The problem however, isn't just CONSOL Energy. They are only party of the issue. The other part of the problem is the Department of Environmental Protection. They not only do not enforce the rules and regulations that are in place to protect the environment at large, they openly and willingly assist companies like CONSOL Energy to circumvent those rules.
Can anyone possibly believe that CONSOL drilled seven bore holes along the North Branch of Calvin Run without a permit and no one in DEP even noticed? A company which has violated all rules from their very beginnings? Nonsense.
CONSOL Energy will do all in their power to avoid doing the right thing. Why? Because it isn't the most profitable thing to do. They care nothing for life of any sort. They prove it over and over and over again year in and year out. Profit comes before anything...including any life form.
It is my hope that with light being shown on the DEP and its lack of oversight, they will do the right thing and disallow the dumping of minimally treated mining wastewater into Dunkard Creek.
Heated Rhetoric
It seems as though the heated rhetoric was not only short lived, but never really cooled at all. Of course, we knew that it wouldn't be long before the Becks/O'Reillys/Palins, et. al. would be back in the saddle. Just didn't know how quickly.
Rather than shut the hell up for a couple of days, they went immediately into their victim act. Claiming all sorts of wrongs, which is what they do best, being done to them by those horrible Librls.
They cannot, nor will they ever, take responsibility for their own actions. These are not adults we are dealing with, but ranting, raving, fit throwing children. Unfortunately, we can't just send them to their respective rooms and be done with them. For along with everything else, they have parents (Murdoch) who give them everything they want, including a soap box to stand on while they do their ranting.
Under our Constitution, they certainly have the right to speak. Inciting terrorism however, must be viewed somewhat differently. Those giving voice to armed insurrection should be scrutinized very carefully. For those who may think this a little over the top, consider that suggesting 2nd Amendment remedies is exactly that.
Now, as President Obama has said, is a very good time to dial down the tone and tenor of our speech. To cool our heated rhetoric.
Rather than shut the hell up for a couple of days, they went immediately into their victim act. Claiming all sorts of wrongs, which is what they do best, being done to them by those horrible Librls.
They cannot, nor will they ever, take responsibility for their own actions. These are not adults we are dealing with, but ranting, raving, fit throwing children. Unfortunately, we can't just send them to their respective rooms and be done with them. For along with everything else, they have parents (Murdoch) who give them everything they want, including a soap box to stand on while they do their ranting.
Under our Constitution, they certainly have the right to speak. Inciting terrorism however, must be viewed somewhat differently. Those giving voice to armed insurrection should be scrutinized very carefully. For those who may think this a little over the top, consider that suggesting 2nd Amendment remedies is exactly that.
Now, as President Obama has said, is a very good time to dial down the tone and tenor of our speech. To cool our heated rhetoric.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)
There is much to be said. And it will be. But, in the short term let us just for a couple of hours, give our thoughts over to those who have been most affected.
Our most heartfelt condolences to all.
Our most heartfelt condolences to all.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Social Security Trust
With all of the hyperventilating about the Social Security Trust (SST) being a welfare program and how it needs to be "reformed" due to the deficit, the following: BULLSHIT.
The SST has a surplus. It has not contributed one cent to the deficit. The need for change is simply to make sure it works further down the line.
We are in an economic in the US right now. It would be worse if not for the government borrowing from the SST. So part of the problem with the deficit we have is that we have borrowed from our future to pay for the present. Is it a problem? Of course. Can it be repaid, changes made and the problem resolved? Of course.
Just a couple of observations about that SST hyperventilating. Those who would most like to see it "reformed", people such as Alan Simpson (Cat Food Commission), have been working for years to eliminate the Trust. So much for bipartisan interest in resolving the issue.
The talking heads we see reporting on the issue are paid by large corporations who have no interest in having a SST. These same people are generally not of an age when the import of SST has become clear.
We cannot depend upon the old line media for our truth. We must seek it out on our own, relying upon the sources that we have. Want to know about SST? All of the information is available. Take a couple of hours of your time and find out for yourself. Become your own source. The information you garner will help insulate you from the truckloads of manure brought to you each day on television.
The SST has a surplus. It has not contributed one cent to the deficit. The need for change is simply to make sure it works further down the line.
We are in an economic in the US right now. It would be worse if not for the government borrowing from the SST. So part of the problem with the deficit we have is that we have borrowed from our future to pay for the present. Is it a problem? Of course. Can it be repaid, changes made and the problem resolved? Of course.
Just a couple of observations about that SST hyperventilating. Those who would most like to see it "reformed", people such as Alan Simpson (Cat Food Commission), have been working for years to eliminate the Trust. So much for bipartisan interest in resolving the issue.
The talking heads we see reporting on the issue are paid by large corporations who have no interest in having a SST. These same people are generally not of an age when the import of SST has become clear.
We cannot depend upon the old line media for our truth. We must seek it out on our own, relying upon the sources that we have. Want to know about SST? All of the information is available. Take a couple of hours of your time and find out for yourself. Become your own source. The information you garner will help insulate you from the truckloads of manure brought to you each day on television.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year!!
To any/all who might come across this blog, I would hope that 2010 was a great year, and that the 2011 brings something even better. Happy New Year!!
Someday...justice
It is my hope that someday, perhaps not soon, but someday those who have killed in the name of profit, like Massey and CONSOL, will be brought to justice. They are and have always been willing to see others die so as to benefit their bottom line.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind whenever they begin their spin. Every time they open their mouths, they are lying. Longwall mining kills. Everyone knows it. And, it doesn't just kill the miners who are directly involved. No, it kills things that are above ground too. People? Yes. Animals? Yes.
How? Well lets just look at a couple of things. Mercury is a poisonous byproduct, sequestered in coal. When it is mined, it breaks free and enters the surrounding area and travels outward very likely at some point into our water. The coal is then burned at a utility plant where it is released into the atmosphere and carried to who/whatever is downwind. The ash left over from the process is then stored as a slurry behind earthen dams. And of course, there is mercury still to be found there. How about arsenic? Same flow as above.
First the mining companies will say that they provide jobs. They do. But, that number has dropped significantly since early in the last century with the advent of bigger shovels and longwall mining.
Next they might drop in the US need for coal. But with that one, we already know that most of the coal brought up by the use of longwall mining goes to China and India.
So, why exactly do they need to bring death and destruction to bear from Pennsylvania to Montana? Profits, of course. The deaths of those who do the work? Their view is that deaths are just a natural part of the mining business. Its dangerous business. People have always died.
Sound good to you? Me neither. So, back to the beginning. Someday, maybe not soon, but someday perhaps those who would kill for profit will be brought to justice.
Just a couple of things to keep in mind whenever they begin their spin. Every time they open their mouths, they are lying. Longwall mining kills. Everyone knows it. And, it doesn't just kill the miners who are directly involved. No, it kills things that are above ground too. People? Yes. Animals? Yes.
How? Well lets just look at a couple of things. Mercury is a poisonous byproduct, sequestered in coal. When it is mined, it breaks free and enters the surrounding area and travels outward very likely at some point into our water. The coal is then burned at a utility plant where it is released into the atmosphere and carried to who/whatever is downwind. The ash left over from the process is then stored as a slurry behind earthen dams. And of course, there is mercury still to be found there. How about arsenic? Same flow as above.
First the mining companies will say that they provide jobs. They do. But, that number has dropped significantly since early in the last century with the advent of bigger shovels and longwall mining.
Next they might drop in the US need for coal. But with that one, we already know that most of the coal brought up by the use of longwall mining goes to China and India.
So, why exactly do they need to bring death and destruction to bear from Pennsylvania to Montana? Profits, of course. The deaths of those who do the work? Their view is that deaths are just a natural part of the mining business. Its dangerous business. People have always died.
Sound good to you? Me neither. So, back to the beginning. Someday, maybe not soon, but someday perhaps those who would kill for profit will be brought to justice.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Happy (?) Holidays
Don't for a minute think this will make one bit of difference. However, it is my fervent hope that the faithful, regardless of what that means, will take the day off and refrain from killing others in the name of their Higher Power. Happy Whatever!
Thanks
Thanks
Sunday, December 19, 2010
DADT...dead
It has been a very long trek, filled with all of the acrimony that fills any human rights battle. But, at long last, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has been put behind us. The program that forced so many to lie just to serve their country is now a thing of the past. Or, will be once signed by President Obama.
Gay people have always served. And, although I can't prove it, it is my guess that it has always been so. Certainly it has been so for a long time in many of the armed forces of our friends and allies.
So, why would it be the case that in the "...land of the free..." that it has taken so long for this odious kind of hate to be irradicated? Again, I don't know the answer. But, what I do know is that there has been a bad case of racism, bigotry, and the other kinds of hate running in this country since the beginning. Any doubts can be taken to any tribal council of any Native American tribe in the US.
What is more important here, for me, is the tribute to be payed to those who sacrificed so much for this cause. Specifically, and he will stand in for all, is Lt. Dan Choi. He became the face of the movement.
For the most part of a decade he has fought just to be able to serve his country in the job he had chosen. That job, serving in the US Army. Being unwilling to carry on the charade surrounding his sexual orientation, he was discharged under DADT.
Last week, after all the years of being the face of the movement, under stress that few can imagine, the young man fell ill. At the moment that all of his suffering would be wiped away, he was hospitalized.
When the POTUS signs the death warrant for DADT, I am hopeful that those who have a large audience in the press, will write about Dan Choi. As the young man who wanted to do nothing but serve his country certainly. But, also as the hero and champion he was during the last years of this fight. And, will remain to many of us who stood against DADT.
DADT...dead.
Gay people have always served. And, although I can't prove it, it is my guess that it has always been so. Certainly it has been so for a long time in many of the armed forces of our friends and allies.
So, why would it be the case that in the "...land of the free..." that it has taken so long for this odious kind of hate to be irradicated? Again, I don't know the answer. But, what I do know is that there has been a bad case of racism, bigotry, and the other kinds of hate running in this country since the beginning. Any doubts can be taken to any tribal council of any Native American tribe in the US.
What is more important here, for me, is the tribute to be payed to those who sacrificed so much for this cause. Specifically, and he will stand in for all, is Lt. Dan Choi. He became the face of the movement.
For the most part of a decade he has fought just to be able to serve his country in the job he had chosen. That job, serving in the US Army. Being unwilling to carry on the charade surrounding his sexual orientation, he was discharged under DADT.
Last week, after all the years of being the face of the movement, under stress that few can imagine, the young man fell ill. At the moment that all of his suffering would be wiped away, he was hospitalized.
When the POTUS signs the death warrant for DADT, I am hopeful that those who have a large audience in the press, will write about Dan Choi. As the young man who wanted to do nothing but serve his country certainly. But, also as the hero and champion he was during the last years of this fight. And, will remain to many of us who stood against DADT.
DADT...dead.
Monday, November 08, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
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!!
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!!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Real. Paying. Jobs.
Real. Paying. Jobs.
Yes, there really are such things. With all the bad economics news online, on tv and radio,in barber shops and just about everywhere else, and deservedly so, there are jobs available right now. As I read that, it looks like a tv infomercial. But, its absolutely true.
Where? In northwest North Dakota. What sort of jobs? Oil patch jobs. Lots of very difficult, dirty jobs. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter jobs. But, real, paying jobs.
Looking for housing is a big issue in that area. Why? Because those out doing those very tough jobs need housing. Hotels are full. Apartments, where they can be found, are full. Homes are difficult to come by, and expensive. And, when found, may not be your ideal.
Of course, not all of the jobs there are in the patch. There are lots of support jobs as well. They don't pay as well as rig jobs, but they don't expose you to the elements in the same way either. An example, a fellow was looking for help repairing two-way radios. He had advertised in Minneapolis, Bismarck and other large cities. To no avail.
Some of that could be explained by location. It gets really hot during the summer and really cold during the summer. And, its in the northwest corner of North Dakota. But, the other reason is that drilling companies pay more. So, they pull most of the available workforce out of town and onto the rigs.
The bottom line of course, is that if you are looking for work, there are jobs available. Just head for Minot, North Dakota for real, paying, jobs.
Yes, there really are such things. With all the bad economics news online, on tv and radio,in barber shops and just about everywhere else, and deservedly so, there are jobs available right now. As I read that, it looks like a tv infomercial. But, its absolutely true.
Where? In northwest North Dakota. What sort of jobs? Oil patch jobs. Lots of very difficult, dirty jobs. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter jobs. But, real, paying jobs.
Looking for housing is a big issue in that area. Why? Because those out doing those very tough jobs need housing. Hotels are full. Apartments, where they can be found, are full. Homes are difficult to come by, and expensive. And, when found, may not be your ideal.
Of course, not all of the jobs there are in the patch. There are lots of support jobs as well. They don't pay as well as rig jobs, but they don't expose you to the elements in the same way either. An example, a fellow was looking for help repairing two-way radios. He had advertised in Minneapolis, Bismarck and other large cities. To no avail.
Some of that could be explained by location. It gets really hot during the summer and really cold during the summer. And, its in the northwest corner of North Dakota. But, the other reason is that drilling companies pay more. So, they pull most of the available workforce out of town and onto the rigs.
The bottom line of course, is that if you are looking for work, there are jobs available. Just head for Minot, North Dakota for real, paying, jobs.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Jobs Reality
On most any day, you are likely to hear a mouthpiece of one of the life destroying longwall mining companies claiming to be a friend of the worker. That the company is all about providing good paying jobs for people over so many years. Of course, anyone who is willing to look at the numbers from 1850 to present, knows full well that those jobs have been declining at a faster and faster rate.
Well, looks like that downward spiral is going to take a big drop. In fact, the underground jobs in the longwall business are going to disappear altogether. And no, I don't mean that those companies are going to stop their destruction of the planet we live on.
Those great jobs creating companies are looking at longwall panel machines that require no humans under the surface whatsoever. Welcome to jobs reality. The way it has always been. Not admitted to. But, the way it has always been.
Jobs reality is where the company mechanizes whenever and whatever they can, eliminating as many people as possible. Where management can work machines day in and day out with no breaks, no overtime and no worry about mine safety or health issues. Profits get larger and those pesky humans disappear from the scene.
Those aren't the things CONSOL, Massey or Peabody talk about. And, rightly so. That would mean telling the truth. And, we know damned well those folks are about some very basic things, dollars specifically, but the truth isn't one of them.
No, they will continue to talk of job creation as if it were true. But, don't be misled for an instant. Job reality, that is to say getting humans out of the equation as quickly as possible, is where they are headed. And, in their world, the faster the better.
Well, looks like that downward spiral is going to take a big drop. In fact, the underground jobs in the longwall business are going to disappear altogether. And no, I don't mean that those companies are going to stop their destruction of the planet we live on.
Those great jobs creating companies are looking at longwall panel machines that require no humans under the surface whatsoever. Welcome to jobs reality. The way it has always been. Not admitted to. But, the way it has always been.
Jobs reality is where the company mechanizes whenever and whatever they can, eliminating as many people as possible. Where management can work machines day in and day out with no breaks, no overtime and no worry about mine safety or health issues. Profits get larger and those pesky humans disappear from the scene.
Those aren't the things CONSOL, Massey or Peabody talk about. And, rightly so. That would mean telling the truth. And, we know damned well those folks are about some very basic things, dollars specifically, but the truth isn't one of them.
No, they will continue to talk of job creation as if it were true. But, don't be misled for an instant. Job reality, that is to say getting humans out of the equation as quickly as possible, is where they are headed. And, in their world, the faster the better.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Prop 8
Finally, love wins.
A stay has been put in place. And, it looks like this is being fast tracked to the SCOTUS. No way of telling how that plays out with Roberts, Scalia, et. al. involved. But, it looks like we are at least now on the road to putting this thing in it's proper place. That is, behind us.
To all those who did so much to make this possible, our greatest thanks.
For all those who have waited so long to be treated as nothing more than equal, my apologies that it took so long. My house hopes that all those who have been waiting for this simple possibility, can now embark on their voyage of marriage.
My teen aged Grandchildren think this whole thing has been assinine. I couldn't agree more.
Yea, Us.
A stay has been put in place. And, it looks like this is being fast tracked to the SCOTUS. No way of telling how that plays out with Roberts, Scalia, et. al. involved. But, it looks like we are at least now on the road to putting this thing in it's proper place. That is, behind us.
To all those who did so much to make this possible, our greatest thanks.
For all those who have waited so long to be treated as nothing more than equal, my apologies that it took so long. My house hopes that all those who have been waiting for this simple possibility, can now embark on their voyage of marriage.
My teen aged Grandchildren think this whole thing has been assinine. I couldn't agree more.
Yea, Us.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Massey tells the truth?
Here is something new. Massey said that if they were subjected to increased Federal mining inspection, it would reduce coal productivity. No shit. If they have to make safety a priority and put up with oversight, its gonna cost them.
Hmmmm! Every time a worker dies in one of their mines, they trot out the "safety of our employee's is our number one priority" show. It comes with tears, very stern faces and short talks with the family members involved.
So, how do we know they are lying? Not just because their lips are moving. No. In this case they have told us exactly what their highest priority really amounts to. It's coal production. They don't want any of that government interference going on.
And, there you have it. Straight from Massey. The coal that they are digging up to send to China is more important than any damned government regulation. Or, miners lives either, for that matter.
Hmmmm! Every time a worker dies in one of their mines, they trot out the "safety of our employee's is our number one priority" show. It comes with tears, very stern faces and short talks with the family members involved.
So, how do we know they are lying? Not just because their lips are moving. No. In this case they have told us exactly what their highest priority really amounts to. It's coal production. They don't want any of that government interference going on.
And, there you have it. Straight from Massey. The coal that they are digging up to send to China is more important than any damned government regulation. Or, miners lives either, for that matter.
"unprecedented operational tempo"
A new report out from the military reporting on why suicides have risen so high over the past decade. Turns out one of the root causes is "unprecedented operational tempo." Now who in the hell figured that out? And, why did they have to pay for a study?
If you put troops into a war zone over and over, they die. One way or another, they are going to be killed. And, directly or indirectly is irrelevant. Dead is dead no matter how it happened.
That someone would use words like "unprecedented operational tempo," to mean we keep putting them into the kill zone over and over, knowing that this will be the outcome, sounds a whole lot like bullshit to me.
For anyone who doesn't know the sound of bullshit, "unprecedented operational tempo" likely sounds fine. For anyone who has a built in bullshit-o-meter, called common sense in some quarters, its pretty obvious.
If you put troops into a war zone over and over, they die. One way or another, they are going to be killed. And, directly or indirectly is irrelevant. Dead is dead no matter how it happened.
That someone would use words like "unprecedented operational tempo," to mean we keep putting them into the kill zone over and over, knowing that this will be the outcome, sounds a whole lot like bullshit to me.
For anyone who doesn't know the sound of bullshit, "unprecedented operational tempo" likely sounds fine. For anyone who has a built in bullshit-o-meter, called common sense in some quarters, its pretty obvious.
Monday, July 26, 2010
nn10
Hard to believe, but Netroots Nation has come and gone. At least the 2010 version. As one who signs up early, it seemed like an eternity from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas. But, those few days seem to supply only four hour days. Just not enough to get all that is available.
Las Vegas did not disappoint. It was near the 110F mark front to back. And, the panels inside were even hotter. There were politicians with balls of brass, Tom Udall. And, some with balls of jell-o. Views from center to those a little closer to my own.
To all of those who put in so much time and effort to make it all happen, my deepest and most hardy Thanks. And, I look forward with eagerness to meeting up once again with those I have met through Dailykos and other on-line venues.
Specifically, Edgerly, thanks for your hard work and good sense of humor. Solarmom, thanks for witnessing. Austen, thanks for the calm demeanor, there was some crazy shit behind the curtain. Brillig, thanks for the enthusiasm. Marcos, thanks for having balls enough to start the ball rolling.
Las Vegas did not disappoint. It was near the 110F mark front to back. And, the panels inside were even hotter. There were politicians with balls of brass, Tom Udall. And, some with balls of jell-o. Views from center to those a little closer to my own.
To all of those who put in so much time and effort to make it all happen, my deepest and most hardy Thanks. And, I look forward with eagerness to meeting up once again with those I have met through Dailykos and other on-line venues.
Specifically, Edgerly, thanks for your hard work and good sense of humor. Solarmom, thanks for witnessing. Austen, thanks for the calm demeanor, there was some crazy shit behind the curtain. Brillig, thanks for the enthusiasm. Marcos, thanks for having balls enough to start the ball rolling.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)