The coal industry is under attack and people are losing their jobs daily. These are well-paying jobs that families depend upon.

In this region, we have seen our electric bills climb and can expect more of the same in the future.

Although fossil fuels are a non-renewable source of energy, scientists have discovered and continue to find cleaner and safer ways to manage this resource. It supplies the energy that we need to warm our homes and run our hospitals and schools.

An article in the Oct. 1, 2012, edition of TIME magazine, “COAL, Hard Truths” written by Michael Scherer tells of the Battle in Ohio over coal and the Obama administration’s strangling EPA regulations. The story focuses on southeastern Ohio Coal operator, Robert E. Murray.

Murray warns of “permanent destruction to America” if Obama wins re-election to the presidency. Murray employs more than 1,600 coal miners in Belmont County and St. Clairsville, Ohio. Scherer writes, “It is difficult for a democrat to win Ohio without taking a large share of mostly white votes from the state’s southeastern hills, where its coal industry is based. And I can tell you right now, he isn’t going to carry this area.”

I would encourage anyone who is concerned about the economy to read this article.

The West Virginia Coal Association, Union Coal Miners, Non-Union Coal Miners, Republicans, Democrats and Independents from West Virginia will travel by caravan from Logan County, making stops in Charleston and other places along the way via Interstate 64 to Huntington.

They will be joined by Ohio Coal Miners and citizens who want to see Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan elected as president and vice-president of the United States.

Supporters of Josh Mandel for United States Senate from Ohio have planned to stage a demonstration and rally to show support for maintaining the coal Industry in the Tri-State. U.S. Congressman from Ohio, Bill Johnson will speak.

There is a chance that Gov. Mitt Romney or Congressman Paul Ryan will attend the rally. We have been told that the national media will cover the event.

The event will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds in Proctorville.

The public is invited.

 

Sandy Joseph

Proctorville