Surfergeeks

So, it appears as if the governor of West Virginia has ordered all mines shut down until the mines can all be inspected and the miners (well, those still alive) receive a refresher safety course.

I don’t think the problem really lies with the mines. While it’s certainly obvious that the safety standards in the U.S. are quite inferior to our standards up here (after all, we managed to get 73 miners out in perfect health last week), I’m sure that the safety standards in the U.S. are probably sufficient. (note: dead miners and their families will probably disagree)

Here’s the problem: the mines are in West Virginia! I mean seriously, you don’t see NASA setting up a JPL lab in Kentucky do you? I read an article a while back that was talking about why Ontario was being chosen for all these auto plants. One auto plant put it simply: the southern states are not educated. They LITERALLY (pardon the pun) had to teach workers there using pictures! Come on! Pictures!?!?! The “employees” were fucking illiterate! Or at the very least couldn’t read and comprehend at a level required for proper and safe operation of the job!

As back-breaking as mine labour is – it is NOT for the unintelligent. Miners CONSTANTLY have to be aware of the conditions surrounding them. Unfortunately, West Viriginia may not be the best place to find workers intelligent enough to do the job safely. Don’t misunderstand me, I have a great respect for the people that do the work – I would never do it. I just think that IF you are going to do it, then have the sense and intelligence to do it safely and properly. Part of that intelligence is knowing when to refuse going down into the mine – even if it causes you to lose your job. Afterall. I’m sure your family would rather have you alive and unemployed in your trailer park rather than dead in a mine.

Feb 1st. Time for new pics. They’re up. Enjoy!