This LTE originally published by The Charleston Daily Mail

March 14, 2007

Coal is filthy and very insulting

I am the wife of a recently disabled coal miner, and offer my opinion on the "Coal is Filthy" campaign.

Coal is filthy, and in more ways than one.

I was insulted when this state allowed the workers' compensation laws to be changed so coal companies don't have to pay when a miner is injured. The state left huge loopholes so coal companies can deny injured workers treatment as well as payment to take care of their families while off work injured.

I find it very insulting that 12 men were allowed to die at Sago because the coal company didn't make sure their self-rescuers worked properly.

I find it insulting that two men died at Aracoma because the company was allowed to bring their fresh air up the belt line that transports the coal. That was a shortcut to save money and time.

The company was also allowed to disconnect the water lines and other fire suppressants.

Yes the photos are an exaggeration, but sometimes it's not what you see, but what you can't see. My husband came home with a black face just like the photos.

You can't see the inside of someone's lungs. Believe me, black lung is still around, and my husband got that free of charge.

So let's remember: Coal is filthy to workers and communities.

Patty Sebok
Seth