At this point in time, it is necessary to compartmentalize the events in Upshur County, West Virginia. Twelve men are dead, and nothing can be done to bring them back. It is likely that these men were of the Christian faith, and as such, stand an excellent chance of being reunited with their families in the indeterminate future.
I am grateful for the careers and lives of these men, because it is entirely possible that coal dug by them went to power plants which keep my lights on. This is somewhat simplistic, but I do believe that it's important to note. Like others have said, the coal miner is a forgotten man in the complex culture & economy that we have in 2006.
I await with interest the reports of the relevant Federal and State agencies.
Posted by Country Pundit at January 4, 2006 11:35 PM | TrackBack