Reader comments
'Survivable space' found inside mine cavity

My prayers for the miners and their families have not stopped since I first learned of this.

Our hearts and prayers are with the families. May God watch over them all. and may He guide the ones trying to reach them.

Toronto, Canada. I have not ceased to pray since hearing about this incident. In my native Nova Scotia, we have had similar incidents of his nature over the years, so I can well appreciate what he families are going through. Miracles can and do happen, as people in a small Nova Scotia town will attest to. Our thoughts and prayers are with one and all.

I have had all of the families constantly on my mind. I continue to pray for you all and hope for the very best to come of this terrific accident.

My family has been praying constantly.

I get the feeling that even though this tragedy is not fully played out, there has been a cover-up in process from the beginning.

I pray that God's plan includes the safe return of these poor men.

Has Robert Murray bought enough political protection and corporate welfare?

Here's what the Federal Election Commission's individual contribution database shows:

MURRAY, ROBERT E
BEACHWOOD, OH 44122

NRSC - NONFEDERAL
07/18/2000 2500.00 20020260931
03/19/2001 275.00 21020071022
07/23/2002 670.00 22020602459

MURRAY, ROBERT E
PEPPER PIKE, OH 44122

NRSC - NONFEDERAL
09/08/1999 550.00 99020103668
03/29/2000 500.00 20020150307

BOND, CHRISTOPHER S
VIA MISSOURIANS FOR KIT BOND
09/21/2004 2000.00 24020843223

GANSKE, JOHN GREG
VIA GANSKE FOR SENATE
08/30/2002 1000.00 22020732612

MURKOWSKI, LISA
VIA LISA MURKOWSKI FOR US SENATE
09/20/2004 2000.00 24020872364

TALENT, JAMES MATTHES
VIA TALENT FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020092787
06/19/2002 1000.00 22020461463

KYL, JON
VIA JON KYL FOR U S SENATE
10/18/2005 2000.00 26020022092

TALENT, JAMES MATTHES
VIA TALENT FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
02/06/2006 2000.00 26020250601

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL
VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
08/12/2005 900.00 25020461894
08/12/2005 1100.00 25020461893

ISAKSON, JOHN HARDY
VIA GEORGIANS FOR ISAKSON
12/19/2005 2000.00 26020082172

SHIMKUS, JOHN M
VIA VOLUNTEERS FOR SHIMKUS
03/18/2004 2000.00 24990958026

PADGETT, JOY
VIA JOY PADGETT FOR CONGRESS
09/18/2006 2100.00 26960516450

MCGAVICK, MICHAEL SEAN
VIA FRIENDS FOR MIKE MCGAVICK
08/28/2006 2100.00 26020650303

GRAMS, RODNEY DWIGHT
VIA ROD GRAMS FOR CONGRESS
09/30/2006 2000.00 26940423207

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL
VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/12/2001 1000.00 22020021267

NETHERCUTT, GEORGE R
VIA NETHERCUTT FOR SENATE
06/30/2004 2000.00 24020621346

ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
09/06/2000 1000.00 20020302715

ALLEN, GEORGE
VIA FRIENDS OF GEORGE ALLEN
03/22/2006 2000.00 26020350427

CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
11/02/2000 1000.00 20036544727

ABRAHAM, SPENCER SENATOR
VIA ABRAHAM SENATE 2000
08/08/2000 1000.00 20020321900

GORTON, SLADE
VIA FRIENDS FOR SLADE GORTON
09/05/2000 1000.00 20020331583

CHABOT, STEVE
VIA STEVE CHABOT FOR CONGRESS
10/23/1998 1000.00 98034044422

CHABOT, STEVE
VIA STEVE CHABOT FOR CONGRESS
10/23/2006 1000.00 26930671799

ALLARD, A WAYNE
VIA WAYNE ALLARD FOR UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE
09/26/2002 500.00 22020690186

PRYCE, DEBORAH D.
VIA PRYCE FOR CONGRESS
10/18/2006 1000.00 26940514935

ALLARD, A WAYNE
VIA WAYNE ALLARD FOR UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE
09/20/2002 1000.00 22020690186

BUNNING, JIM
VIA CITIZENS FOR BUNNING
02/23/2004 2000.00 24020200126

BURR, RICHARD M
VIA RICHARD BURR COMMITTEE
05/24/2004 2000.00 24020410442

COLEMAN, NORM
VIA NORM COLEMAN FOR U S SENATE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020112493

CRAIG, LARRY E
VIA CRAIG FOR U S SENATE
10/18/2001 1000.00 22020030131

ENSIGN, JOHN E
VIA ENSIGN FOR SENATE
09/22/2005 2000.00 25020490102

DICKEY, JAY W JR
VIA DICKEY FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
08/14/2002 500.00 22992716483
08/14/2002 500.00 22993028854

POMBO, RICHARD
VIA RICHARD POMBO FOR CONGRESS
09/28/2006 2100.00 26930453424

PORTMAN, ROBERT J
VIA PORTMAN FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
04/26/2004 2000.00 24961791867

LATOURETTE, STEVEN C
VIA LATOURETTE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
03/14/1997 1000.00 97032272238
12/15/1997 1000.00 98032723374
12/07/1999 1000.00 20035180783

TIBERI, PATRICK J
VIA TIBERI FOR CONGRESS
10/09/2000 1000.00 20036383788
10/09/2000 1000.00 20036354471

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
12/31/2005 441.00 26950018981
12/31/2005 2083.00 26950018982
06/30/2006 265.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 265.00 26960539600
12/31/2006 416.00 27980019580
03/31/2007 265.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 265.00 27980073902

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
03/04/1997 290.00 97020051490
08/27/1997 380.00 97032412369

BURNS, CONRAD
VIA FRIENDS OF CONRAD BURNS - 2006
09/13/2006 2100.00 26020743047

RICKETTS, PETE
VIA NEBRASKA FAMILIES FOR PETE RICKETTS INC
10/18/2006 2000.00 26020952051

KENNEDY, MARK RAYMOND
VIA MARK KENNEDY 06
02/13/2006 2000.00 26020471283

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
11/02/2000 300.00 20036563501

SPECTER, ARLEN
VIA CITIZENS FOR ARLEN SPECTER
04/16/2004 2000.00 24020460529

HAGEL, CHARLES T
VIA HAGEL FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
12/06/2000 1000.00 21020031354

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V
VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
11/02/2004 2000.00 24021140800

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V
VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
06/21/2007 2300.00 27020262295

BURNS, CONRAD
VIA FRIENDS OF CONRAD BURNS - 2000
07/27/2000 1000.00 20020292006

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
07/23/2004 15000.00 24020662185

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE
10/17/2006 10000.00 26020932361

MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
06/30/2006 833.00 26950375844
09/30/2006 1249.00 26960539600
10/18/2006 416.00 26960589571
11/27/2006 833.00 26980184172
03/31/2007 1249.00 27980052789
06/30/2007 1249.00 27980073902

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/04/1997 5000.00 97031954742

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/08/2000 1000.00 20035601230

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
05/20/1999 5000.00 99034533916

KASICH 2000
06/30/1999 1000.00 99034563500

LAZIO, RICK A
VIA LAZIO 2000 INC
11/04/2000 1000.00 20020432257

HUTCHINSON, TIM
VIA HUTCHINSON FOR SENATE
09/10/2002 1000.00 22020702985

BROWNBACK, SAMUEL DALE
VIA BROWNBACK FOR PRESIDENT INC
05/04/2007 1000.00 27930930864
05/04/2007 1300.00 27930930865

GILLMOR, PAUL E
VIA CITIZENS FOR GILLMOR
07/28/2004 2000.00 24971735606

SMITH, ROBERT C
VIA BOB SMITH FOR U S SENATE
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020070097

DRAKE, GRACE L
VIA DRAKE FOR CONGRESS
11/06/1998 1000.00 98034093724

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL
VIA DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/30/1997 1000.00 98020044180
10/30/1997 1000.00 98020044180

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V
VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
08/24/1998 1000.00 98020231223

FOLTIN, CRAIG MR.
VIA FOLTIN FOR CONGRESS
07/07/2006 2100.00 26960498462

THUNE, JOHN
VIA JOHN THUNE FOR SOUTH DAKOTA
12/31/2001 1000.00 22020043578

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
03/04/1998 5000.00 98033041685

WILSON, CHARLES A
VIA FRIENDS OF CHARLIE WILSON
06/30/2005 2000.00 25970610891

HALLECK, MIKE
VIA HALLECK FOR CONGRESS
06/18/2002 1000.00 22991255884

HOLLISTER, NANCY P
VIA HOLLISTER FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
12/11/1997 1000.00 98032713749
10/15/1998 1000.00 98034044190

VOINOVICH, GEORGE V
VIA VOINOVICH FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
10/29/2001 500.00 22020033390

NEY, ROBERT W
VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
11/19/1997 2000.00 98032683636
12/04/1997 -1000.00 98032683636
12/04/1997 1000.00 98032683636

NEY, ROBERT W
VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
11/29/1999 1000.00 20035081828

NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
10/02/2003 1000.00 23992302980

DAVIS, GEOFFREY C
VIA GEOFF DAVIS FOR CONGRESS
09/18/2006 2100.00 26950587980

BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
06/30/2003 1000.00 23991421339

BUSH, GEORGE W
VIA BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
09/30/2003 1000.00 23992057504

DEWINE, RICHARD MICHAEL
VIA MIKE DEWINE FOR US SENATE
10/17/2006 1200.00 26020942668

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
12/31/2002 -238.00 23990125515
11/08/2004 -1007.00 24991325300

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
06/30/2001 1548.00 21990187800
12/31/2001 1830.00 22990088229
06/30/2002 844.00 22991205093
09/30/2002 844.00 22991923952
11/25/2002 2422.00 22992811095
12/31/2002 281.00 23990125495
12/31/2003 1267.00 24990155690

DAVIS, GEOFFREY C
VIA GEOFF DAVIS FOR CONGRESS
03/22/2004 2000.00 24991068767

DINGELL, JOHN D MR.
VIA JOHN D. DINGELL FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
06/14/2002 1000.00 22991371746

NEY, ROBERT W
VIA BOB NEY FOR CONGRESS
10/25/2004 2000.00 24981436407

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
09/23/2005 3000.00 25971111285
02/13/2006 1000.00 26970104540
04/06/2007 5000.00 27990075477

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
02/23/2001 1000.00 21990340440

CONSERVATIVE VICTORY FUND
10/20/2006 3000.00 26940620630

COALPAC A POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL MINING

ASSOCIATION
09/25/2002 1000.00 22992302224

FORRESTER, DOUGLAS R
VIA FORRESTER 2002
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063

CORNYN, JOHN
VIA TEXANS FOR SENATOR JOHN CORNYN INC
09/30/2002 500.00 22020672009

GRAHAM, LINDSEY OLIN
VIA LINDSEY GRAHAM FOR SENATE
10/22/2002 1000.00 22020913252

INHOFE, JAMES M
VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
11/01/2002 1000.00 22020970117

OHIO VALLEY COAL COMPANY PAC; THE
06/30/2001 220.00 21990187800
12/31/2001 260.00 22990088230

GRAHAM, LINDSEY OLIN
VIA LINDSEY GRAHAM FOR SENATE
10/22/2002 1000.00 22020913252

FORRESTER, DOUGLAS R
VIA FORRESTER 2002
10/29/2002 1000.00 22020971063

INHOFE, JAMES M
VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
10/24/2002 1000.00 22020970118

INHOFE, JAMES M
VIA FRIENDS OF JIM INHOFE COMMITTEE
03/26/2007 2300.00 27020150762

KEAN, THOMAS H JR
VIA TOM KEAN FOR US SENATE INC
09/13/2006 2100.00 26020863767

CORKER, ROBERT P JR
VIA BOB CORKER FOR SENATE
10/24/2006 1000.00 26021091395

CORNYN, JOHN
VIA TEXANS FOR SENATOR JOHN CORNYN INC
09/30/2002 1000.00 22020672009

HOBSON, DAVID LEE
VIA HOBSON FOR CONGRESS
10/23/2003 1000.00 24990027844

HARRIS, KATHERINE
VIA FRIENDS OF KATHERINE HARRIS
05/11/2006 2000.00 26020421393

STEELE, MICHAEL
VIA STEELE FOR MARYLAND INC
06/09/2006 2000.00 26020422455

PARKE, GREGORY TARLE
VIA FRIENDS OF GREG PARKE
03/30/2006 1000.00 26020391404

SANTORUM, RICHARD J
VIA SANTORUM 2006
11/22/2005 2000.00 26020161236

MURPHY, TIM
VIA TIM MURPHY FOR CONGRESS
10/21/2004 2000.00 24991350468

LATOURETTE, STEVEN C
VIA LATOURETTE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
07/29/2004 2000.00 24962435144
11/05/2006 2000.00 26940731363

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
07/01/2002 500.00 22991614889

To Gordon B:

I don't know Mr. Murray and after watching him on the tele for a few days, I can't say that I'm sorry that I don't know him. What you've posted is a legitimate piece of an examination of the owner and his practices and the possible causes of this sad event. Having a close look at Mr. Murray's operation will, I believe, be in the interest of protecting all of the men and women that work for him in dangerous positions. However, right now should be about these particular six men and their families. Let's please all save it for later and right now focus on these men.

Bob Murray not only buys alot of political protection himself,but sends letters to his employees letting them know it would be in their best interest to do the same.I used to work for Bob Murray,and i hope the feds bring him down before he causes the deaths of hundreds of miners.GOD BLESS THE TRAPPED MINERS AN THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

I don't see how Mr. Murray's political contributions caused the tunnel to collapse.

Sometimes bad things happen and politicians are not to blame.

Gordon B has way too much free time. Why are so many spending so much effort lambasting a man who is spending millions of dollars and doing everything humanly possible to rescue six men who entered a mine of their own free will, knowing it was a dangerous occupation. Isn't it interesting how everyone is suddenly an expert or a former employee?

I agree, Gordon. Any legal issues will work themselves out in the normal fashion in years to come. Meanwhile, those of us who don't have a dog in that fight can put some energy into supporting the victims and their families - just like we would like to be supported if we were in their shoes. My heart and thoughts are with the victims, their rescuers and their families.

Me thinks Central Utah Reader's last name is Murray.

This Murray character is a walking, talking advertisement for the United Mineworkers of America. Confronted with any sort of evidence that goes against his business interest, he attacks the evidence (seismic readings suggesting that the mine collapse was not caused by an earthquake, reports that miners had warned of buckling floors, reports that dangerous practices were being employed in the mine).

Students of labor history know, and others would do well to learn, that underground coal mines are the classic case where a strong union is essential to protect hired laborers from being unconscionably exploited by unscrupulous owners.

Our prayers go out to the miners and their families. Not sure why people are trying to make this into some political rally when there are six people missing and their families worried sick. Shows how little human life is valued anymore. You can do your political attacks later, let's keep praying for the miners and their families. I think Murray is doing what he can in a business that is very hard to run and he is spending Millions of Dollars on the rescue. Keep praying and leave your political and personal attacks for later, once the miners are found.

I am bemused by this idea that Murray is to be commended for spending millions of dollars trying to rescue these men. Are we to assume that if Murray folded his arms and said, "I wash my hands of the whole mess", that no money would be spent, and the men would be left to rot?

There are 50 representatives of the federal mine safety and health administration on site. I'm not at all sure that Mr. Murray is footing his share of the bill, and I'd be curious to know what evidence other commenters have to support their assertions to the contrary.

And while I, too, pray for Kerry Allred, Manuel Sanchez, Carlos Payan, Luis Hernandez, Don Erikson and Brandon Phillips, it does not strike me as detracting from their interests to suggest improvements in mine safety - including the unionization of Utah mines.

It's no accident that the best graffiti from the most radical union in American history can be found in the old Park City jail.

Mr. Murray is not from Utah, and I can think of no reason why the many honorable, scrupulous business managers and owners in Utah - some of whom I have been priveleged to work for - should carry water for him.

Joe Nacchio wasn't from Utah, either.

Seems that the mine owner is just trying to cover his butt! Sticking his head in the sand when something comes up that looks bad on him. I think the miners are dead, sad to say...it's just been too long.

UTAH MINERS RESCUE: The Continuous Automated Mining Machine has remote navigation and control software/hardware capabilities. It may be able to minimize the potential for additonal accidents during the UTAH MINER rescue effort while accelerating the rate at which the rescue team cut through the fallen debris. That is, theres a tether between the joy stick and the face of the mine.

Maybe the honorable, scrupulous business managers from Utah are carrying water for Mr. Murray because they know him better than we do. You can't convict a man based on what the media says. Their job is to attract viewers and readers, often sesationalizing things way out of proportion,. Remember the Duke lacross team?

For anyone who feels like I do, that Bob Murray is a crook and only interrested in covering his butt, here is his address and phone number in Ohio: I called and gave them a piece of my mind: Murray Energy Corp., 9325 Chagrin Blvd, Suite 300, Pepper Pike, OH 44122, phone is 216-765-1240. This pumped up megomaniac is insisting that an Earthquake caused the mine collapse. NO WAY. USGS says no earthquake. He only cared about getting as much coal (i.e. MONEY) out of that mine as he could and the workers be damned. I hope he looses everything he has. Call/write and tell him, too.

My husband is a Utah coalminer. Our prayers are with these 6 men and their families. I am nervous everytime my husband goes to work. But he has been in the mines for over 20 years and hasn't been hurt. As to comment to Doug Barber about Utah mines all going union, well my husband worked for a union mine for around 4 years, was laid off 5 or 6 times during that period. Was laid off the last time, and the union mine started working overtime paying the men left more money, my husband was called back to this union mine about 18 years later. By then he had worked at a non-union mine for a very long time, he basically says the only thing different about a union and non-union mine is the union fees, and all the lay-offs from a union mine and all the strikes from a union mine, but working conditions are about the same in both

When the time is right....a complete and thorough investigation of what caused this tragedy will occur. None of the commentary here will affect that process or the final outcome in any way.

In the meantime, let's respect the families and their friends and show a little respect for what they are going through - and leave all of the witch hunt commentary out of here.

Show a little class.

Hope for the best. Hope they can get out safely. I think it is obsurd that with American technology and rescorces that we are still doing man labor mining,... especially a mine.

Shut down all coal mines, we have enough wind power to create all the energy we will ever need. Those miners coal power plant workers don't need to work anyway. the energy that a single wind farm downwind from the state house could keep SLC glowing forever. Don't worry Murray and that mine will be investigated and sued forever, I'd bet the lawyers are lined up already, same with the useless politicians,

Our prayers are needed now. In time the truth will come out, right now we need to focus on the men.

To be honest, since day one I have believed that there is no way they would survive. Even then there is something that bothers me about my belief, belief that there might be some sign of life.

I hope they survive, I really do, and although I think they might be gone by now, I hope that although the cold, poor air quality, and frustration hasn't consumed them yet.

I am still doubtful if they will be found. I can't believe that being in such small place they would not hear and go towards where the drill when to, considering that those thing that can make noises especially down...

May God be with them.

It's well known that Murray in a influential republican. This is why Robert Murray threatened federal mine inspectors that they could loose their jobs if they found too much wrong.
There are reports the miners felt the area were this happened was unsafe. They feared being too vocal because they might loose their jobs.
The Deseret News seems almost apologetic there have gone soft on Murray. There owner like Murray hates unions, government regulations on business and if you read about the Mormon involvement with Black Mesa and the forced relocation of Navahos and the poisoning of the Navajo aquifer they mirror Murray in many ways. Their values are proceeded by dollar signs.
The Pope speak out again war, torture and devaluing life. The LDS Church is silent about war, torture and the exploitation of workers.

A lot of know it alls that know nothing seem to be making comments

Like many, I have been following the progress of this unfortunate event. My heart aches for the trapped men and their families. I can�t even imagine what they are going through. Reading these comments gives an alarming insight into the deteriorating character of our great country. At a time when unity and compassion should be our response, we are instead going in the opposite direction. Shame on us!

Technology seems to be letting us down here. If they can make a camera they can insert into your body when they do endoscopic surgery why hasn't anyone invented a camera they can drop down a 2.5 inch hole and take some pictures!

In the first news confrence Bob Murray stated that four miners had gotten out and they were being debriefed. What has happened to them and why have we not heard about their story?

what's up with the wildfire near farmington? anyone know? desert news, is there some news about this? how about an news flash here.

I have to respond to Michael's comment. Please!!!!!
My family have been Catholic or Episcopalian for hundreds of years, and the Catholic Church has meddled in exploitation and politics historically in major ways--the entire Spanish and Portuguese settlement of the Americans comes to mind--the Pope decided which parts would "belong" to Spain and which to Portugal. I never heard that he asked the Native Americans their opinion or objected that the encomienda system gave all the people living on the land to the conquerors. My husband's grandmother was born in Mexico and we're just a bit familiar with conditions down there. Still have family there.
Michael's anti-Mormon bias is sad and has nothing to do with the issue of Mr. Murray's mine or its safety.
Both my husband's father and grandfather worked underground mines and mining has always been terribly dangerous work--which is why it pays better than other jobs in the area. And this mine, which was taking out the last of the coal by removing the pillars of coal supporting the roof must be the most dangerous technique of all. Part of why they used to strip mine back in my area of the country--but that has terrible ecological concerns, too.
Sad in Indiana is correct! Let's join in prayer for the families of all the miners. Light a candle, Michael, please, for them.

No matter what kind of a man Mr. Murray is, he has a problem with 6 trapped miners and you can't seriously think that he doesn't care. Your rhetoric is irrelevant at this point. Shut up, have some respect and pray for the people and their families! There will be time enough to criticise when the rescue operation is complete.

When it comes to rhetoric, and politicizing this disaster, Mr. Murray has a corner on the market. While giving news conferences on the fate of the six men trapped in his mine, he offered the following two statements:

"...every one of these global warming bills that has been introduced in Congress to date eliminates the coal industry and will increase your electric rates four to five-fold."

"[the UMWA] want to damage Murray Energy, Utah American and the United States coal industry for their own motives."

Perhaps those comments qualify as what Sad in Indiana called "an alarming insight into the deteriorating character of our great country".

They certainly were not "sensationalized way out of proportion", to borrow a phrase from bigbob, since they are uncontested, direct quotes from Mr. Murray.

The poster named "politics aside" might want to re-examine just who has been conducting a "political rally when there are six people missing and their families worried sick. Show[ing] how little human life is valued anymore."

Wind Power: While I agree that we should have some wind power and diverse sources of energy, the idea that we could every get enough energy from wind power is a farce.