El Alacrane | 12:15 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
What does Huntsman know about coal mining?
Question For the Gov | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
So as soon as the mine collapsed and killed three rescuers the Governor insited the recovery effort be stopped, until it was 100% safe. I am wondering what exactly he is thinking when he said more can be done? As much as I disagree with Bob Murray's antics, with no response from anyone uderground how can you continue? These miners are trained to signal for help and they have not done so. Probably because they passed away as a result of the blast or shortly afterwards due to bad air. I really don't think anyone could have gotten to them in time given the situation. I totally agree that we need to look at the saftey practices and management of this mine, as well as the mining method. However, I hate blanket statements like you could have done more in the rescue effort. What do you suggest? What more could have been done to get them out? There has been no sign of life whatsoever. In the Quecreek mine, the miners signalled rescures within a mere hours. We have had no response in weeks. I truly feel for these families. We need to prevent this from happening again, because if it does and retreat mining this deep underground is going on, I fear the same result.
Melinda | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Shame on Governor Huntsman. Mr. Murray has been the bearer of bad news. I think he has been the bearer of honesty. I think he is much kinder to be blunt and tell it like it is than to spin tales of false home. I also think Governor Huntsman is using the mine catastrophe for political gain--I am not sure how it will play out, but I think he is pandering to the emotions at play--not to thinking things through. The Governor says no one is interested in what Mr. Murray has to say. The photographs I have seen make me think Mr. Murray is suffering his own anguish and personal hell--not because he was neglectful or to blame for the catastrophe, but because lives were lost. I would like to ask the Governor if he has any brilliant ideas about new technologies that were not tried to rescue the men. And honestly, in this day and age of instant news, if Mr. Murray himself did not suggest an available technology, I find it hard to believe that someone somewhere didn't suggest an "available technology". Maybe Mr. Murray keeps an "available technology" under his bed and just didn't want to share it. The Governor says the families have been treated unconscionably and deserve better--I would suggest the people of Utah deserve better than intimating that Mr. Murray is withholding the means to save the men or to recover their bodies. Can you imagine the outcry if Mr. Murray suggests one of these "available technologies" and there is further loss of life--My goodness, would the Governor say that the rescuers were treated unconscionably and Mr. Murry should show greater courtesy? The Governor shows compassion to the families--How about some compassion for Mr. Murray and respect for the intellect of Utahns?
Comments continue below
Vvoyage | 12:32 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I think Gov. Huntsman should understand that there are a whole lot of people who believe he bought the governorship with money and name recognition.

He should follow the cardinal rule of politicians: Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're stupid rather than open it and remove all doubt.
Joe Hill | 12:35 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Murray is the shining light on the hill of Utah republican businessman; a beacon showing the value labor has to him. If it wasn't for jack booted government inspectors armed with useless government regulations, Murray would have made more money before his investment collapsed.
Thomas Jefferson | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I am becoming more and more disappointed with the Gov. with each passing headline. He is critical here but offers no specifics. This rescue operation was the combined efforts of many experts and government agencies and personnel. To suggest the owner has not done everything possible without offering any specifics is clearly just piling on. The only idea anyone has offered is a capsule hole and not one single expert anywhere has concluded it is a reasonable possibility, not a single 'expert'. I am so disappointed with Huntsman and his following headlines and calling it leadership. Imagine the criticism if Murray had determined the mine was too unsafe for a rescue right from the start. He would have been linched, yet three more people would be alive today that aren't and there families would have been spared enormous grief. His political posturing is getting right up there with Gov. Leavitt.
joni | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
What is wrong with your governor, Utah? He says to stop recovery efforts and then blames it on Mr. Murray. Sounds like he talks out of both sides of his mouth. I think Mr. Murray has done everything humanly possible. He is a Christian man and I think his words of prayer for the families and the miners are heartfelt. Only a fellow Christian would know that. Maybe your governor is not a true Christian if he does not feel the Lords Spirit when he talks with or sees Mr. Murray. How do you put a capsule down a hole when you do not know where the miners are? I know your hearts are broken families, but put some logic into your thinking. My prayers are with you.
Jake | 12:40 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I felt that same way until I learned that Mr. Murray refused help from outside resources until the third day of the collapse. Who knows if something else could have been done. But I don't think this is really a matter of what he's been doing after the collapse, I think it's a matter of the pre-cautions that he is responsible to take in order to keep miners as safe as possible considering the natural dangers of the job. Apparently he is a little careless in that area, his reputation seems to suggest that. Honestly, outside of the mining community, most of us haven't even heard of this guy.
Disgusted | 12:47 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I truly believe the Governor is thinking in the political mode here. Where are the technologies you speak of? Mr. Murray may have his faults but he was conducting the mining in this mine according to the permits he had from the government. Mr. Murray appears to be a down to earth man totally speaking from his heart and shaken from the events which have taken place. Come on Governor!!!
Pam | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I am also bothered by blanket statements of "more could have been done" without any suggestions of WHAT should have been done. I think that it's easy in the aftermath to point fingers...as they say, "hindsight is 20/20."
lee | 12:51 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Mr. Huntsman knows first hand about unconscionable treatment as he participates in it on a regular basis as he deals with the people and employees of the state of Utah.

My heart goes out to the families of the trapped miners. I can�t imagine the hellish grief they must be experiencing. However, from the media�s reporting of the rescue efforts I would wonder what more Mr. Huntsman and the families expect Mr. Murray to do.
Is Mr. Huntsman ready to enter the unstable mine to retrieve the trapped miners? Who else are the grieving families and Mr. Huntsman willing to sacrifice to bring back the trapped miners? Where was Mr. Huntsman and his heroic ideas for rescue when the mine first collapsed?
Rick | 12:55 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I like govenor Huntsman, but his comments are way way out of line. It is obvious he made the comments for political gain when he didn't need too. He is very popular in the state and doesn't need to stoop to the level he has by making blanket unfounded accusations toward the mine owner. I feel deeply for the familys and it is obvious by Mr. Murrays on air comments he is hurting for the miners and their families.

What new technoloy can be used when there is seismic activity inside the mine? You have to think of the rescuers safety. Look what has already happed to rescuers. If the Govenor knows of better technologg, maybee he should let those in charge of the rescue operation know about it. I have to write it one more time. Governor Huntsman is out of line with his accustions toward the mine owner.
lynn h | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
good grief -- involve Congress! Please no. Laws can't fix everything, and often make things worse. Sometimes there is sadness that we can't fix, no matter how much how hearts are wounded.
Guy | 1:03 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Cheers! to Gov. Huntsman for talking straight. After weeks of grandstanding, Murray has failed to deliver on the primary commitment he made to the rescue effort. "I will not leave this mine until the men are found - dead or alive" - Bob Murray. Murray has a consistent record of pushing the boundaries of legally safe mining - choosing to pay fines instead of enacting more costly safe mining operations. To make good in the eyes of the Lord, Murray must 1) keep drilling holes until the family is satisfied, 2) allow full and open inspections of the collapsed mine, 3) apologize to America for creating a persistently hazardous working environment, 4) commit to 100% compliance with mining regulations for the balance of his career.
Levy | 1:03 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Did Huntsman expend any of his fortune to help with the rescue effort? That would've been more useful and a much better political move than his uninformed after-the-fact comments.
thomas | 1:04 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Again our headline seeking governor has not provided any meaningful ideas. He continues to make general statments about the rescue effort, Mr. Murray, yet has nothing specific to offer in any direction. If he felt the families were being poorly treating why didn't he step in behind the scenes, instead of in front of the camera, with some mighty communcation skills and calm the situation. So the Feds, company, and experts all are witholding some technology that would save the day. It just is disheartning the see a Gov. without a clear direction except following the prevaling political winds blown by today's headlines.
Mike Russell | 1:07 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
The efforts of all in the rescue effort have been wonderful to see. No one feels worse than the mine owner. To now start throwing blame around in hindsight is tasteless and unhelpful. The governor should say nothing of the sort, it only worsens the pain of all. I don't see anything but a great effort by all involved to rescue these poor miners. To say otherwise smacks of "scapegoating" where none should exist. This was just an unfortunate accident.
Kyle | 1:08 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
What leadership course has anyone attended where they train you that, "Placeing blame is first priority, and the earlier you can blame someone the better". It's always the opposite. The focus of skilled problem solving is not be to blame someone, you have to try your hardest to avoid focusing on blame and focus on the problem and solutions. Sometimes I think political leadership training is opposite of business/people leadership techniques. Is our Governor being a good leader in this case (throwing blame around instead of focusing on fixing the problem)?

If the Governor thinks it is his responsibility to criticise and kick Bob Murray while he is down then I think we should be asking some question of the Gov.

I could rant about what I perceive as mistakes the Governor has made in this situation, but I will take my own advice and avoid the temptation to blame and encourage everyone to focus on solutions.
just wondering | 1:08 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
one would think that with all the technology today, such as ankle bracelets, microchips, other devices could be implemented to keep track of or locate miners when cave in happens...think outside the cave , mine owners ..now watch someone steal my idea , right here in Utah but if it saves lives..I'll be blessed later. So easy a caveman could do it.
what he thinking | 1:10 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
as far as i can tell everything that could be done was. i want to know what he thinks should have done,different,more or better. the rest of the world sure doesnt know.
Robert | 1:12 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
So... using the deaths of miners for political purposes isn't unconscionable? I wonder how many hours our brave governor has spent trying to rescue the missing miners? How many lives are worth losing in order to recover the remains of the missing miners? Mr. Murray has been on the front lines trying desperately to find some way to get to them; risking his own life for others. Where has the sanctimonious governor been? Huntsman's comments are completely inappropriate and offensive. His behavior is outrageous and disgusting.
Utah Royalty | 1:19 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Utahns, this is the problem when you elect a member of one of your "royal families" without bothering to take a good, long look at his credentials. Commenters note Jon Huntsman Jr. talks out of both sides of his mouth. That's because he shifts in the political winds and surrounds himself with "yes men" -- if you tell him something he doesn't want to hear, watch out -- your head will roll. He isn't concerned with real policy or doing the right (or smart) thing, but in what sounds good in his head and his yes men confirm.

Better luck next time -- I'll bet Nolan Karras wouldn't be playing politics with these families' anguish.

Troy | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Looks like an ample supply of Murray patsies to support him in the 'Add you comment' section. It's too bad that he can't garner enough support in mine rescue. The blame squarely should fall on the shoulders of mine management, not the governor of the state of Utah. Governor Huntsman wasn't the one pushing questionable mine manangement for the sake of the all mighty dollar.
Ramon | 1:32 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I've never been a fan of the govenor, but had no reasons to truly dislike him, but that has all changed. Following the death of the three miners and the crash of the helicopter at Camp Williams, this became black august, and Huntsman said we didn't want to lose any more people. Bravo to that idea, but how are you going to follow through on that idea, if you want those bodies recovered? You can't guarantee the safety of the rescuers, so either come up with alternative & specific plan or don't say anything at all. Don't worry this is just his attempt to boost him numbers in the polls. So I guess his aids and staff should just tell him to be quiet, because this double standard is just making him into a "flip-flop". Oh wait....that is just what politicians do! Just like the Utah state senate. Thanks for the flip-flop!
One track mind media to blame | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Mr. Murray is unjustly being chosen as a escape-goat target by the media. Bad miner owner, or conspiracy makes for good stories. I blame the media for the attack on the mine owner. Salt lake tribune's front page article several days ago was "Facts go against mine owner" and then at the very end of the article it had the mine owners defense which was on page 5-6 which most people never read. I feel like the greedy media prey on stories like this because of the increase in revenue.
Cameron M | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
That's quite enough talk, Governor Huntsman. If you believe that a viable alternative for discovering and recovering these, your fellow Utahns, truly exists, then you have the moral obligation to PONY UP! You have access to hundreds of millions of dollars (and I refer to personal wealth, NOT to taxpayer funds), yet you call upon a man whose livelihood is clearly compromised to do the deed. We know that talk is cheap, but in this case, actual action to save lives - or to at least bring closure to the families of the missing - would also make a comparatively tiny dent in your personal bag of resources. Your words of innuendo are particularly ridiculous when we remember to frame them with the knowledge that you have greater resources at hand than Bob Murray ever had or ever will possess, and yet you've done less than nothing to help this tragic situation. To me, it seems like the security guard is yelling to the janitor that the thief is getting away. Hollow, meaningless, politically motivated words. And yes, I'm a Republican.
Parker | 1:47 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Why is everyone taking the side of Murray, the shady mine-owner that was in charge when this tragic mine collapse happened?

Governor Huntsman wants the victims recovered and their families treated with respect, what part of these two objectives do you people disagree with?
hmm | 1:58 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I have not been impressed with The Governor's input on any of this mine disaster since it began even before this latest statement. I didn't like the way he talked when it 1st happened. Just seemed kind of show and blow about the need for state inspections, etc. I didn't pay much attention to what he has done in the past, but believe I will begin following his actions closer to see if they rub me as wrong as these in dealing with the disaster
Cameron M | 2:02 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Troy, you're wrong. Whether Mr. Murray was the cause of these tragedies is irrelevant. The present fact is that six Utahns remain trapped within a mountain, and it is the moral obligation of ANYONE possessing either expertise or authority to help in the rescue effort until those people are found. Governor Huntsman happens to possess such authority and more than adequate ACCESS to expertise, and yet he has been quite comfortable to armchair-quarterback the situation, making no real contribution toward a solution to the crisis. He has ordered a halt to the recovery operation, and then immediately demanded to know why more isn't being done. That latter really is a great question, but it needs to be slightly re-phrased: "Why ISN'T more being done, GOVERNOR HUNTSMAN?" He seems to know the answer, because he implies that Mr. Murray isn't doing exactly whatever it is that Governor Huntsman thinks should be done. Well, if you think something more needs to be done, then, well...I don't know...how 'bout DO IT?! Stop playing so close to the chest and show your dadgum hand, if you know something that we don't, or that Bob Murray should. Then give Bob - or anybody, for that matter - the money and the manpower to execute.
James | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Yes, I am equally disturbed to see a politician who got where he is by money and family ties, not by the normal routes of hard work and integrity.
Buck | 2:03 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
When Huntsman was working in the coal mines more could ..... oh sorry ..... I mentioned the word work and Huntsman in the same sentence.
Cameron M | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Bottom line: Improved inspections are TOO LATE. Blaming Bob Murray (and I don't have a clue what kind of man he is or what his motivations are) is POINTLESS and TOO LATE. "Taking sides" is...geez...I don't even know what that means. Can I take the side of trying to find the missing miners? Is that still a side? Calling a press conference to demand that SOMETHING be done after issuing an order that NOTHING be done is TWO-FACED and accomplishes nothing. Dear, sweet Governor Huntsman, please kindly do something, rather than continuing to cast lightning bolts from the mount. Drop the whip and take the reins to LEAD.
Candle | 2:17 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I'm so disappointed in Governor Huntsman! I expected so much more. His comments are way out of line here! My heart breaks for the families of the missing miners, but it also breaks for the rescuers who died trying to save them. Huntsman is very free with criticism, but offers nothing of use. NOTHING! I tend to think the EXPERTS have a little more credibility in their opinions that there are no remotely safe options left. I think he needs to research this a little more, listen a little more, and talk a whole lot less. I had high expectations for Huntsman, and feel totally disappointed in him.
Anonymous | 2:29 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I just think that this has gotten out of hand. I don't think people are taking sides with anyone. But people just seem to want to attack Bob Murray while he is down. He is going thru a lot od pain and anguish right now and you can see that in his face.
As far as the families that still have missing miners I feel that they are being selfish to ask more rescuers to down and risk their own lives and leave their families behind just so that they can have closure. There was hope for the missing miners after the first collapes, but after the second, come on. If they want the closure that they are needing then I think they should be putting their lives on the line.
I am very sorry about all the losses and I am sorry for what Bob Murray has had to put up with.
Taking 5 | 2:32 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Very disapointing leadership Governor, Very disapointing!
Pete | 2:43 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
What is up with all of these comments against the governor. I think all he was saying is the families were not treated like human beings. How would you all like to be treated like the families were. Put yourself in their situation.
Alex | 2:49 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Exactly what potentially useful technologies has Murray NOT used in this rescue operation?
A | 2:56 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
With all this controversy, the only thing that seems to be missing is Salt Lake's infamous Mayor putting his two cents in by blaming the President....Where has he been lately?
annie omouse | 3:04 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I will have you know the Governor has been in Huntington everyday since the first mining incident. He has also been to every funeral. Governor Huntsman does care about these people. Don't you think that both sides could be putting up a front?
What if? | 3:27 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
What if your loved one was trapped in a mine and there was a chance, even just a slight chance, that they were alive. Would you want the rescue efforts to just end? Do you just walk away and always wonder? I think the drilling that is being done is safe, besides the first hole was supposed to lead to the dining area and it missed.
Rocky | 3:28 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I blame President Bush....let's impeach the both of them.
Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Joni, why speculate on Murray's religious background? How can anyone tell from soundbites and not personally knowing the man, whether he is a Christian, believer, nonbeliever or what? Any conclusion about this is just speculation. And what does his belief system have to do with this, anyway? Pray for everyone involved, but please keep speculations about Murray's beliefs out of this.
Not My Man Mitch!! | 3:54 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I feel for the people of Utah. We know here in Indiana what it is like to be embarrased by the gov.
A guy from Huntington | 3:57 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
It is difficult to place blame in a situation like this. If the governor has all these great ideas then why doesn't he share them with Mr. Murray and his colleagues. It is an absolute tragedy what our little community is going through but comments like this don't help the situation. They only through fuel on an already burning fire. We are in need of understanding from all sides.
Anonymous | 3:58 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
It's no time for politics!
Concerned | 4:04 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I happen to know Gov. Huntsman personally, and I KNOW that his statement here and his efforts the past few weeks in Huntington have been 100% for the benefit of the families involved. He is a kind, compassionate individual and he would never use a situation like this for his own political gain. I see nothing wrong with having a little compassion for the families involved. They are, after all, the ones who are REALLY suffering here...NOT Murray.
WB | 4:21 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
I enjoy reading these comments. Some are very thoughtful and the opinions expressed are based on some factual basis. Others are off base and misinformed. Others are based only on emotion. What does blame accomplish? Does it bring back the miners? Does it rescue them? Does it even save others? No. It is a form of self-righteousness in many cases, and anger in others. If it was my father, I would be angry too, but I've learned through many many years of experience, that blaming someone would not help me.
Mike D | 4:24 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Just remember, Gov. Huntsman is a RINO and therefore doesn't even follow the principles he espouses.
Dave | 4:35 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
Good political sense to name Matheson and to rag on both the MSHA and Murray. Commmenters seem to forget that part of the article that says that the Federal government is in charge. Gov. Huntsman let them try, and the Bush Administration officials and mine owners screwed up horribly. Now he is telling them to STFU and step aside so that the state government can try to get to the bottom of this.

It is like blaming Gov. Blanco for FEMA's mistakes during Katrina. Oh wait...GOPers already did that (and praised a GOP lobbyist turned Gov. of the neighboring state that didn't get hit nearly as hard).
Ellen | 5:17 p.m. Aug. 23, 2007
This story is tragic, however, no more tragic than the two pilots that lost their lives in the Apache Helicopter crash on Monday. This tragic accident has been overshadowed by the mining accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones in the helicopter crash and the mining accident.

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