Coal mining ravages Appalachia mountains »

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  Spadecaller

  Feb. 24, 2008, 6:20 a.m.

  Both sad and infuriating to see our earth trashed by these parasitic mercenaries that our government fosters.
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  texangelwings

  Feb. 24, 2008, 8:50 a.m.

  This destruction of our country is so wrong! I feel sorry for the families who live, work and have grownup in these mountain areas, it must be devastating to watch.

  Thanks Mark!
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  dexlovex2

  Feb. 24, 2008, 9:07 a.m.

  "Mining companies didn't have to return the land to the exact same condition if they could prove it would be put to "higher or better uses. This gave the mining industry a way out. The practice, though, has exploded since George W. Bush entered the White House. Given the post-9/11 emphasis on energy security, and coal companies' close ties to Washington, they've been given even more leeway than before."
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  chevydog

  Feb. 24, 2008, 12:48 p.m.

  Growing up on the fringe of coal country in PA, I have a pretty good idea what unhindered laissez faire can do. If we are to utilize our coal resources, hopefully we can do better than that.

  The flip side is that mining is the only thing that can bring any money into some of these places. The country is often beautiful, but tourism is a minor factor. Logging has largely disappeared, and hunting as an economic force never was.
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  1-2-Oscar

  Feb. 24, 2008, 5:42 p.m.

  The National Governor's Conference, which is currently meeting, includes coal as one of the "alternative energy sources" they are going to recommend for national priority. A minority object, but it appears that Gov. Rendell and his buddies from coal-producing states will prevail.
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  VonDau

  Feb. 24, 2008, 8:19 p.m.

  Brainless, whining, tree-hugging, global-warming (what-a-frick'n-hoax), Al Gore lov'n, red-doper diaper baby socialist liberals, ... just never cease to AMAZE ME!

  Put a rag in yer' pie-hole. You idiots bitched, whined and moaned about Nuclear Energy plants to the point that it's economically unfeasible to build them (frick'n flower children). Did the thought ever cross your brain (oops, sorry, I forgot - you don't have one of them), WE HAVE TO HAVE ENERGY FROM SOME SOURCE(?)

  Think about (namely, the "disappearing mountains) that you Einsteins next time your Nader-class mentor(s) call on you to protest a proposed nuclear plant development.

  Now, go get your Starbuck's latte, smoke an "organic" joint, and protest the war some more.

  Frick'n oxygen-robbers.
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  donnall

  Feb. 24, 2008, 10:13 p.m.

  thats terrorble a horror for nature and people who love nature so sad to think our island may get worse with all the people wanting in here cause their countries are ******

  they fck theres up then move here and ****** ours up our govtment should do full checks on backgrounds and personalities otherwise we could end upn with no mountains no jobs no nothing so dam sad
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  paulotto2007

  Feb. 24, 2008, 11:08 p.m.

  I read once - sorry, I can't remember where - that we export most of our coal. With China's economic growth... along with the growth of other emerging economies, combined with Peak Oil... I'm afraid that our coal will continue to be in high demand.

  Political correctness in our "mixed economy" is shared by both parties, conservatives, and liberals.

  Republicans subsidize dirty energy or bad corn ethanol ideas... and put up huge tariffs on cleaner energy like Brazilian sugarcane ethanol... all in the name of the "free market" which really isn't free market practice at all.

  But Democrats in office vote for a lot of this stuff too and WVa's state government has been controlled by Dems for a long time.

  I disagree with VonDau's tactics... but I do agree that liberals are going to have open up their minds a bit on energy... things like wind & geothermal, yes... but also things like wood chips and probably nuclear too.
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  MoonShiner

  Feb. 25, 2008, 3:49 a.m.

  Most of you have heard or read about the Applachian Mountain Range. One area is called Windrock Mountain. It is a great place for Windmills and that is what TVA has done. Great for green energy, BUT, they have allowed ATV's to roam all over the mountain. They have destroyrd cemeteries, old home places, Indian mounds and sites, created erosion, destroying well water that the locals depend on. The mountain around 1900, was home to 100 plus. It was as beautiful as the Great Smoky Mountains. Not any more. I could cry every time I see the destruction. Needless, senseless ravaging of a mountain that was full of history. TVA should have protected this area. The property is in the hands of Coal Creek Land and Mining. You must purchase a $50.00 pass to ride on the mountain. Someone is making Millions, destroying a beautiful mountain that can never be repaired or replaced. It will forever be locked in the minds of the people who lived, worked, and died there! Very sad indeed! Mountain Laurel

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