Press Release

November 8, 2004

News Release and Media Advisory

CONTACT: Anna Sale, 304-342-3182 or cell 304-550-0974; 
Judy Bonds or Patty Sebok, 304-854-2182;
Vivian Stockman, 304-522-0246 or cell, 304-360-1979

Friends of the Mountains Highlight National Coal Issues

Blankenship’s Buyout of Justice and Democracy Outrages Group

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Inside, they’ll be listening to Don Blankenship singing the blues. Outside, Don BlankCheck will be singing to the likeness of Brent Benjamin.

At 12:15 p.m., as the West Virginia Energy Roadmap Workshop on National Coal Issues convenes in the Charleston Town Center Marriott, 200 Lee Street E., Charleston, coalfield residents and community activists will themselves talk about national coal issues.

“At the workshop, the coal industry and its chief apologists won’t be talking the truth about the real national issues surrounding coal, such as mountaintop removal, mercury poisoning and global warming,” said coalfield resident Bo Webb. “The most topical current issue they will be avoiding is the corruption of politicians and the buyout of the democratic process by coal barons.”

Massey Energy’s CEO Don Blankenship has admitted to spending $3.5 million on his campaign to oust West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw, who earlier, as a legislator, had opposed strip mining. Blankenship supported Brent Benjamin, a virtually unknown coal industry lawyer, in a campaign that garnered national attention for its nastiness. Political pundits have suggested the race could have implications for future judicial campaigns nationwide.

At the workshop, Blankenship will speak on “Challenges Facing Southern West Virginia Coal Production.” See www.wvenergyroadmapworkshops.org/2004/11_10.cfm for a complete list of speakers.

“It’s obvious Blankenship has just removed one of his perceived challenges to coal production,” said Patty Sebok, with Coal River Mountain Watch. “He said he didn’t buy a Supreme Court Justice for Don Blankenship and he’s correct. He bought one for Massey Energy.

“Blankenship wants to abolish environmental laws, de-unionize miners and depopulate the coalfields, in any way he can. Blankenship needs to know that even though he has bought justice, he will never be able to buy peace in the coalfields,” Sebok added.

The groups’ rally outside the Marriot will include street theatre, in which Don BlankCheck sings Brent (based on Michael Jackson’s Ben) to a likeness of Brent Benjamin.

WHO: Friends of the Mountains, a coalition of community groups working to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

WHAT: Rally to Highlight Coalfield Residents Views on National Coal Issues and Massey CEO Don Blankenship’s Buyout of Justice and Democracy.

WHEN: 12: 15 p.m. Wednesday, November 10.

WHERE: In front of the Charleston Town Center Marriott, 200 Lee Street E., Charleston.

VISUALS: Street theater with Don BlankCheck and The All Star Coal Baron Chorus, the Scales of Justice, coalfield residents with signs.

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