On Sept.8, 2011, President Barack Obama unveiled a new jobs plan before the full Congress. A couple days later, he was on a whirlwind cheer-leading tour to promote it. First, at Fort Hayes High School in Columbus, Ohio, then to North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

As usual, he has grandiose plans on how he can get everyone back to work and how it will not cost the government anything.

The young people love Obama because he assures them of jobs when they get out of school.

Trouble is, while he was out sowing magic beans to the young folk, it was reported that the solar firm, Solyndra, the model of President Obama’s ambitious green energy program, went belly-up, owing the U.S. Energy Department $535 million.

And, to make matters worse, we learned that 46 million Americans live at or below the poverty level. There IS something is wrong in America.

My point here is coal. From day 1, this president has been against coal mining.

He has allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to restrict coal mining to the point that it adversely affects everyone.

Electricity produced from coal is cheaper than from any other source. So, when your electric bill goes up, you can be assured it is a direct effect of government regulations on the mining industry.

Bugs in the streams are more important than people’s lives. Miners here in Appalachia have already been sent home, because these bugs prevent investors from obtaining timely permitting rights from the EPA.

Mining produces other jobs. You help keep mining going, and other businesses will flourish.

I am asking The Tribune readers to support coal and coal mining. Become Friends of Coal and let your voices be heard. Remember, too, promises can’t put food on your table.

John F. Enyart

Ashland, Ky.

Petition drive to honor

Coy Bacon moving forward

The Friends Of Coy Bacon wish to thank Ironton High School Superintendent Dean Nance and Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Mark LaFon for all of their help with our signature drive to collect signatures on uur petition for the induction and enshrinement of Coy Bacon into the Professional Football Hall Of Fame.

We collected 156 signatures at the Ironton vs. Russell football game on 9/2/11 .

We also wish to say a special thanks to Delbert and Loretta Dixon and to all those who signed our petition.

You can sign it at www.ipetitions.com/petition/coybaconforthehall/

Glenn Robinson

president/director

Friends Of Coy Bacon

Pedro