Deseret News | At odds: Murray says Huntsman endangers jobs

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At odds: Murray says Huntsman endangers jobs

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L.G.R. | 3:49 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Lots of emotions involved, and our hearts are saddened. But why crucify Bob Murray? At this point he is wise enough to know reality; not to jeapardize more lives, and resources do have limits.

rvalens2 | 4:07 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Governor and Mr. Murray can't we keep our eye on what is important? It is indeed unfortunate so much time and energy is wasted in accusations, arguments and counter-arguments. There are still men trapped in that mine. Dead or alive they and their families deserve better.

Why don't the two of you sit down and discuss this in a no-nonsense manner? Talk about the options that are left. Ask for help from the public. It's important to let people know you need help (financial and otherwise). Thousands have been touched by this tragedy. Just say the word and I'm certain donations will pour in to assist you, mine included. In the end, if recovery of the men is impossible at least you will have left no stone unturned. That in itself will bring some closure to the families. Knowing that President of the company and the Governor of the State of Utah did all they could to recover their loved ones.

John Jacobs | 5:37 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

It seems everyone an expert now. Mr. Murray has done a great job. The govenor has no right to degrade him.
Retired miner and driller as myself can see the dangers that exist. We don't need more deaths, Govenor Huntsman.
John Jacobs

Comments continue below

tiny | 5:57 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

seems to me that Govenor Huntsman cares about the lives of those 6 trapped miners and their families more then Murray does. He just seems to care about the pocketbook. Murray HAS to keep his promise to those families and stop thinking about his own self interests. I have been following this tragedy from the beginning and now it seems to me that Murray is making himself look like a big liar and cares nothing about those miners who worked for him. He had them go in there so they could have a job and feed their families now he is responsible to get them out. I stand by the Govenor 100%. And from what I have read and have seen I'm not alone. Put your pride aside Murray and keep your promise and get those miners out, cause if you seal them up in that mountain you have trashed your own reputation -the govenor didn't do it YOU DID! SO BE RESPONSIBLE AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND KEEP YOUR PROMISE TO THOSE FAMILIES AND THE MINING COMMUNITY!!!

Steve | 7:28 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Go Mr. Murray! I think you have done your best with the sincerest of intent. I have always been a Huntsman supporter but with his insensitive comments and his political cya actions (added to his leftist environmental tendencies), I seriously doubt I'd ever vote for him again.

Let's keep politics out of the mne disaster and quit looking for someone to blame.

`BRenfro | 8:34 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Mr Murray should be forced to spend just one night inside the mine in its present condition.Perhaps he would be more in tune with the situation .

K Hall | 9:15 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Critics,
Do you really think these rescue efforts are being done for free? This company is drastically impacted financially for the efforts they've already done. What more do you think you can get from the mining company? How about supporting and trying to work together instead of blaming? These families involved are experiencing terrible grief and anger that most of us can't comprehend. Media coverage seems to be exacerbating these feelings. If you think more can be done, start digging for yourselves instead of feeding the anger. As far as Governor Huntsman's comment, it was extremely unprofessional. I expect a leader is his office to look carefully at many sides of critical issues such as this in order to make informed decisions instead of simply reacting.

JD | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

"This guy" is a joke. He is a PR nightmare. If he was smart, he would remove himself from the cameras and go back to Ohio.

Anonymous | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I think Gov. Huntsman's comments were far out of line. Great Scott, everything possible was done to get the miners out. What more could Murray have done short of endangering other miners?

Bob Sackamano | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

The Governor's reputation is taking a hit on this one. He's making statements that are not backed by facts, simply because he thinks that's the sentiments of the majority of the public. If there was more than Murray could have done to rescue these miners, the feds and experts in the field would have made sure it was done. Huntsman really fumbled the ball badly on this one. Whether Murray's tact is correct, he hasn't done anything but what he thought was best here.

Mark | 10:31 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Why cheer on Murray? He's the "guy" most responsible for this disaster. He has been placing blame on imaginary earthquakes, the media, and carping at the families of the REAL victims. He happiily took the profits from this mine, therefore he is the one who is responsible for the safety of the miners.

Why blame Huntsman? State government can NOT be blamed for this disaster, Mine safety has been a Federal (not a state) issue for decades. Huntsman's acceptance of the reality of global warming hardly makes him a leftist. Global warming could affect us economically, politically, and socially. To start planning ahead and looking at the science is good leadership.

William B | 10:45 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

It is truly sad that Governor Huntsman has chosen this time to interject this attack on Murray. Murray was in the mine digging with his bare hands to try and rescue the rescuers. Where was Huntsman? Murray's company apparently has been spending millions in the fruitless rescue attempts for 20 days now. Meanwhile Huntsman sits on his butt and critisizes his efforts and tries to make political hay out of this unfortunate situation. Why doesn't Huntsman get of his arrogant ass and get down in that mine and start digging himself? Talk is cheap Governor, that's why you put so much of it out in trying times like this.

melanie in wv | 10:49 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I understand that there has been alot of money spent trying to rescue these miners(AS COMMENTED ABOVE), but also you have to look at the money that these miner's have made for this company. THE FAMILIE'S OF THESE MINER'S NEED THEM DEAD OR ALIVE!!!!!! BRING THEM HOME!!!!!! I AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR 100%!!!!!

Anonymous | 10:54 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

At some point in time reality has to set in. While I empathize with the families of the lost miners, there can only be so much that can be done in rescuing them. Since none of the five holes drilled found any sign of life, what assurance is there that life will be found if a 36 inch hole is drilled? I wouldn't want a loved one of mine lowered in the capsule into an unsafe mine to look for survivors. I think Mr. Murray did all that he could to recover the miners.

R. J. Snowden | 10:58 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Mr.Murray, I hope your reading the comments sent in this coloum, You have stood tall and given every thing you have to find the trapped miners, and you will continue to do so until all hope is gone. The Governer on the other hand, has shown exactly who and what he is. Its now up to the voting population to show their disgust with a leader that stand so low.

Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Well as I see it there have been regulators and other who have continually inspected the mine prior to this tragic event, assessing for any life threatening circumstances, including past histories of instability and movement. Clearly if any of this was forseeable the mine would have been shut down or else wouldn't it be the regulators at fault as well, negligent? Hats off to miners who do this work and are willing to assume some of the inherent risk. Don't make a needed fall guy for this tragedy.

RGD | 11:06 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Like most tragedies, most of us see only what's in front of our faces, sometimes not even that. There is more to the story than what the press publishes. More to the story than what Murray or Huntsman say too. The press will only publish what they want so they can sell news. Murray will only say what will help benefit him and Huntsman...well he's a typical politician.

Don't believe everything you hear.

I also seem to recall this mine having the poorest safety record of any mine, so hopefully the guy running the show feels the most extreme remorse for putting people in jepordy long before this ever happened. But hey business is business right? Who cares if a few folks get hurt in the process? It's all about the bottom dollar.

Anonymous | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Have any of you had to break a promise when situations have changed? I have. I don't even want to think of what Mr. Murray saw that Thursday night when the collapse happened on the rescuers. He has to realize what was most important and that was not risking more lives for a "possibility". I praise him for having to make a tough call and end it. I know it hurts to have to break a promise but sometimes it works out that that is the best.
This is not about the money or anything else. This is about decreasing the tragedy potential.

S.A.B. | 12:21 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

You're wrong BRenfro. It is Mr. Huntsman who should spend one night in that mine to find out what it is really like.

Three additional lives have been lost. How many more casualities are necessary to appease the power brokers that be as they express their opinions from their cozy offices up in Salt lake City? It is way too easy to "cast stones" from the outside looking in.

No other lives should be put in harms way just because the govenor of Utah says so. Maybe Mr. Huntsman should step forward and offer his services, or perhaps the services of HIS loved ones in continuing the recovery efforts. Somehow I think he might change his tune if that were the case.

I have the utmost sympathy for the families and loved ones of those affected by this terrible accident. But enought is enough. Three additional lives has been too high a price to pay.

Anonymous | 12:21 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

The Governor is wrong!!!! Talk to miners. there is NO safe way to get to these trapped miners out.Its caved all around them. There is no safty in dropping a 30 inch capsule down a hole 1700 feet into air that can't support life. Murray has been very maybe even too honest and open with the press and familys nothing was hidden. Maybe that( governor guy) should try to stop highway fatalities and murders in the citys instead of talking about things he knows nothing about?

L.G.R. | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Governor Huntsman: This "personal and confidential"
letter written to you by Bob Murray...how did it get so "unpersonal" and "unconfidential" as to be published in a newspaper? Ethics?

LuAnn | 12:50 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I have been watching the news since the mine collapse and have been very impressed with Mr. Murray and those who were doing so much to save the six miners. I think that we need to do all we can to get the miners out, however, I am saddened by the governor who has acted like a politician who speaks our for his own gain. I can't believe he would do this if he had paid attention to what was happening. My heart goes out to all those people affected by this tragedy and I pray that the six miners will be recovered. However, I think when we unite when tragedy strikes rather than criticize we all win.

Skeptic | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I am absolutely SHOCKED that people are so impressed by Murray. I don't know the truth and neither does anybody else with time to spare for a comment board but to me he comes off as having no credibility. He seems evasive and overly protective of his own interests. I personally wouldn't trust him for a second. When people say they are impressed by him I can't help but think the people saying that are so guileless and naive about big business that they don't see the same person I do. I just think the quality of people trusting Murray is a lot higher than Murray himself.

And yes the Gov is a politician but when was this ever news to anybody? He knows he will be absolutely re-elected so I doubt this is political grandstanding. He never met a photo-op he didn't LOVE but misguided or not in this instance, I trust him more than Murray.

Dave | 1:15 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

To L.G.R: It's not any fault of Gov. Huntsman's. This state has open records laws, and a GRAMA act which allows any member of the public to request records and correspondence of, to, or from their elected officials.

Murray simple assumed, apparently, that marking the letter "confidential" would exempt it from those laws. He was wrong.

Buck-o | 1:34 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Huntsman vs. Murray

Chark | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Bravo Governor Huntsman. You are doing, saying and calling for what exactly needs to be done in this situation. Murray has done nothing but cry Alligator-tears and proclaim himself the patron saint of the mine industry. It appears that in this letter to you Governor Huntsman that Murray is trying to do to you and the state exactly what he's done to his employees and their families, and that is to blackmail them.
This man thinks his money will buy him anything. As for calling him by what his employees do, "Mr. Murray", how demi-god is that!
Who is this guy anyway?
Again, Governor Huntsman thank you for standing up for the people of Utah and for looking out for the protection, respect, and egos of the families and men and women involved in this tragic event.
As for "this guy". You ought to look at getting out of Utah and all of the other states you do business in. Your antics of the past several weeks have shown you for what you are Murray, and you don't deserve the respect and love of the rodent that appeared to you one day and told you to get into the mining business.

john | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Unless the fifth hole reveals something new, it's quite possible that the minors are entombed inside the mountain with no modern technology available to extract their bodies in whole or part. Mr. Murray has done his best under the circumstances and only now realizes the futility of additional efforts.

I'm troubled by the Governor disprecting Mr. Murray in the press, disclosing the contents of a personal and confidential letter, and grandstanding during an opportunistic time. Mr. Murray is human and giving it his all. He should be given the benefit of the doubt. It's a tragedy for all of Utah.

P.S. Now that the federal government has enjoyed complete oversight over the mining industry with power to close this mine a long time ago, let's begin the congressional hearings, add another million pages of regulations, a state level of bureaucracy, and then let the mines in other countries produce all of the world's coal. Talk about the fox guarding the henhouse. What a joke!

Abe | 2:14 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Crucify Mr. Murray if you like - just keep anyone from stepping another foot in that mine - ever. It is about the safety of the rescuers; it is not about Murray or Huntsman.

Gretzky | 2:15 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

The Governor's "silver spoon in mouth true colors" come through. What a stupid thing to say. Why doesn't he drain his own bank account to find the miners' bodies. It's probably best to place a memorial over the cave-in spot if this last hole does not show signs of the men. It's unfortunate but Mr. Murray runs a risky business. That's mining life....RISK is the middle name of mining. What needs to happen is less dependence on coal and oil in this county. Let's get the lead out and rev up the nuclear power plants and windmills...we have a great nuclear energy clean up facility (Energy Solutions) in Utah to take care of the spent nuclear rods as time goes on. It's time for the Governor to stop being a pretty boy and stick to the business of governing and look elsewhere for things to fix like the mediocre freeway bottleneck system.
Mr. Murray is amazing!!! What a great man. You can tell he cares about his people. He also knows that the risk to bring the bodies back up would likely result in more deaths. Perhaps there will be a time to go back and get their remains. That time is not now unfortunately...at least not with all the seismic activity in Utah.

Get Real | 2:26 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Lets get real people. Murray has been grand-standing, enjoying the attention and playing for the cameras and the media the entire time of this incident. Did you hear him give his lame argument against global warming - nearly comical! And those pictures where he is covering his face and feeling distraught - FAKE! Lets be real, Murray's main goal is to make money and he does not focus enough on safety (I can give you 9 examples). He should be ashamed for not doing more to find the trapped miners. Why did he not use more than one drill rig, use remote control devices, drill a hole large enough to get a rescurer down to the mine, have rescue procedures in place, get a spokesperson to communicate with the media, and have better safety equipment?

While Huntsman may be discussing this incident for political gain, I imagine that the same people that are criticizing his comments would be blasting him if he did not address this. I think everyone is being to hard and pushing their own agendas with him. I believe that the govenor has been doing a good job throughout this entire ordeal. His comments are correct: an unsafe mine is unacceptable!

Ann | 2:42 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

We all know the story of the two trees. One that weathers storms and droughts and forms long solid roots to take him through all the ups and downs of life. Then there's the other tree who was watered and protected everyday, but never grew any roots and fell in the first storm. Huntsman and Murray speak for themselves. Huntsman has never had to work a day of his life and has no idea what the real world is like. Why does he think he knows anything about what he's talking about? Let Murray do his job. Huntsman should be asking him for advice. I respect Murray, his roots run deep. Huntsman is shallow and will blow over in the first storm.

john | 2:48 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Get Real:

Every mine is unsafe to a degree and the growing list of federal regulations on mines didn't here and won't change that much in the future (ice trucking, crab fishing, race car driving, are unsafe too so what's the point?).

Mining companies have to make a profit in order to provide a standard of living for their employees. The employees work under tremendous short and long term risk and that's just the way it is. Anything we can do to improve that risk within reason should be done, but making mining safe ("an unsafe mine is unacceptable") is easier said than done.

Perhaps the Governor should be blasting the fed government for poor oversight.

Gary | 2:48 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

What is more important - 700 jobs or safety? One life is not worth saving jobs. The governor is right to demand the safety of mining operations even at the expense of jobs - which, in reality, in my opinion, are not really in jeaporady. I do, however, belive the enforcement of safety should remain with the Feds to maintain uniformity of regulations. Otherwise there will be a "hodgepodge" of mine safety regulations throughout the country.

Ben | 2:51 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I think it is totally ridiculous the way so many people want to throw their opinions and views around about this. I grew up right in the middle of all these mines. Almost everyone I know is employed through the Carbon and Emery county mines, or the power plants they support. Apparently many people don't care about the fact that if these mines close many of these small towns will collapse into unemployment and poverty. And since the poster above enlightened us about the information act then perhaps you can expalain who would know about the letter to request it in the first place? Either way the fact remains Huntsman and others who like to make bold statements based strictly on public opinion and no first hand knowledge of the situaion and this is something people have grown to tolerate. People seem to cast fast opinions based only on what information they have from media coverage. This happens constantly ask people involved in 9-11, or Katrina, or the war in Iraq (either one) their opnions and see how they differ from someones who only viewed it from the outside looking in. I know that Mr. Murray made a lot of effort trying to save those men which is exactly what he should do. I am not saying he is a good or bad guy because I don't know him personally do any of you? And to the people in Emery and Carbon county, try to look ahead far enough to see how these mines will affect your town. If you are going to raise money, raise it to help the families who lost their income from this tragedy. To the families who lost their loved ones you have my condolences. Be proud that they lived an honest hard working lives.

Dianne in Ohio | 3:13 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

"Skeptic" would not be so shocked about people being impressed with Murray if she/he read as many newspapers, internet blogs and watched the tv media as so many of us are doing. I retired from "big business" and I do not beleive myself to be "guileless or naive". I'm just a woman who would give the devil his due if he cared about his employees as much as Mr. Murry does. When a man literally goes in a caved in mine & digs with his bare hands to help rescue his buried miners I beleive that lone act to be very impressive. I did not read in your locale newspaper your governor doing the same. Ingenuous as I may be, I might have missed that article.

Doug Barber | 3:40 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

So it's OK if a mine owner says, "If you tell me you're going to investigate the safety of my mines, I'm going to tell you that I'm going to lay off my workers"?

not very real | 3:41 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Well get real your have been watching. 1. more then one rig was used. 2.no remote device was available at this time that can be operated in those conditions it has been looked at. 3.it is not safe or realistic to send a man down 1700 feet in a 30 inch capsule into low oxygen. 4.by federal law emergengy procedures were in place and followed but as has been said no miner in utah has ever seen this kind of problem so how do you plan for it. 5. murray communicated very well if anyone including the gov.was listening 6. all required safty eqipment was there anything that was needed was brought in as fast as possible ever borrowed from other companys.7.opps there is no 7 8 or 9. All coal mining is dangerous and beleive me I no becouse im a retired coal miner and my son is also a proud coal miner. My heart and sole go out to the families there are no easy ways to stop this from happening but remmember MSHA approved the plan and MSHA not murray stopped the underground rescue attempt

RM | 3:55 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Wow. I always had the highest of respect for Governor Huntsman. This last statement "If it takes every dollar this guy has in his bank account, he needs to bring closure to this darn thing. We've got families of six good people who are currently sitting in that mine," pretty much shook my confidence in him. I think that Murray has been, for all the rudeness people said he has in him, greatly accomodating. He has lived there on the mountain with most of the rest of the rescuers going home at night to their families. He had poured tons of money at trying to get them out. He gave the rescuers the opportunity to get their friends out at the tragic loss of 3 of them. He was in there digging them out with the rest of the rescuers. I find that the media is giving way too much rope to the naysayers of the operation. As a result, just like all other cases I have seen, it effects my confidence in the media once more.

How about you give the person who would probably give his life also, Mr. Murray, a chance. Find out what he is about or shut up! Your continuous reporting on the negative instead of how we can work together will probably cost hundreds of jobs.

It's not Murray's fault if it happens but, if the mines are shut down, the media, in my mind, will share a portion of the blame with Gov. Huntsman and the families of the miners who are barraging the faithful with rude and disheartening comments.

Miners wife in Illinois | 4:04 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I feel that Mr. Murray has done everything that he could do in this situation. This mountain has already proved to be stronger than man. I would want my loved one recovered to, but I would not want others to be killed in the process. In a fall of this size, these men were not likely to have escaped the initial collapse. This is a very sad situation for all that are involved. But instead of playing the blaming game, we should the time to work together to get more things on the agenda for mine safety. It's sad that another tragic accident has to happen before anything is mentioned about mine safety. When the Sago accident occurred we heard about it for a while then (silience) not another word until now. These mines do need to be inspected better than what they are. And better safety equipment placed underground for survival in a accident of this nature. www.undergroundtracking.com NLT receives Australian approval for underground tracking. Check this out guys.....

COAL MINER | 4:17 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

YES....... I AM A MINER FROM CARBON COUNTY. I AM ALSO AWARE OF MURRAY'S HISTORY AROUND HERE AND IT IS NOT GOOD! IT IS ALL ABOUT HIM...... JUST HIM! CONGRATS TO GOVENOR HUNTSMAN FOR CALLING HIM TO TASK. YOU NONE MINERS OUT THERE DO NOT HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IN UTAH'S COAL COUNTRY.

GET REAL!

Patience | 4:25 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

It's my understanding that throughout this accident a "panel of experts" has been thoroughly reviewing the situation and that Mr Murray has been relying on their opinions. It seemed there was a strong consensus that any underground rescue operation is unsafe. Professors and technical mining experts and engineers have also been interviewed and all seem to be saying the same thing regarding underground rescue or use of a capsule. It would be ridiculous to offer my opinion on the rescue operation, whether safety practices had been violated, or whether the mine was unsafe. Let the experts and an investigation determine those facts. Recognizing that Mr Murray has communication and personality flaws, I'll not be forming an opinion on his integrity or business practices until an investigation is complete. Trial by media is fruitless.

Disappointed in the Governer's statements. Had he offered one constructive statement on what he would like to see happen, I would view them other than political grandstanding. What does he think should be done?? And does he think more lives should be put at risk in spending every last penny to retrieve the miners? Vague statements and throwing darts from afar...that's politics!

Condolences to all families & friends of miners and the communities involved.

Doug Barber | 4:55 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Miner's wife in Illinois posted, in part, "we should [take] the time to work together to get more things on the agenda for mine safety. It's sad that another tragic accident has to happen before anything is mentioned about mine safety. When the Sago accident occurred we heard about it for a while then (silience) not another word until now. These mines do need to be inspected better than what they are. And better safety equipment placed underground for survival in a accident of this nature."

That's worth reading a second time.

COAL MINER | 4:57 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

GET REAL,

YOU ARE RIGHT ON POINT..... MURRAY CANNOT BE TRUSTED! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE FOLKS.

H | 5:01 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I think it is ridiculous to keep sending people into that mine, when three have already died trying to save the lives of these miners. It is understandable to want closure and get the bodies of the men, but I think these families ought to think about the lives that are in danger to keep searching. And all they are concerned about is saying that Mr. Murray is just lying because he cannot produce the 6 bodies. It is not his fault the earth keeps moving.

Bronco | 5:04 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Gov. Huntsman is way out of line and should quickly apologize and keep his mouth shut. From my humble perspective Mr. Murray has spared no expense and lives have been lost in heroic attempts to reach the miners.

COAL MINER | 5:10 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

GET REAL,

YOU ARE RIGHT ON POINT..... MURRAY CANNOT BE TRUSTED! TRUST ME ON THIS ONE FOLKS.

JC | 5:16 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Enough is enough. Let's see through the lies, and PR spinning Murray is spewing to save his own reputaion and companies. Murray's company practices mining techniques that experts consider high risk. Murray said an earthquake caused the mine to collapse. Seismologists countered, the collapse itself caused seismic activity to be registered. Murray said all six miners would be found dead or alive. That likely won't happen. And now Murray is threatening to take away 700 jobs and blame it on Huntsman's negative PR toward's his company? How dare he? His words are hollow and actions should be held criminally libel. God bless the working man that puts his life at risk to feed his family to make pennies to the dollar of the greedy owner who lives in excess. God bless the families who will live with this tragedy forever.

50 in Ohio | 5:27 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I live in se Ohio and have grown up hearing about mine disasters. Years ago all of the disasters were in union mines because there were only union mines around here then. Now, non-union mines abound and that means that accidents do occur in non-union mines. Bob Murray provides jobs, period. Bob Murray does not force any American to work for him, people choose to work for him. Without people like Bob Murray deep mine coal would be dead in Ohio. Bob Murray's not perfect, neither are any of us. Look at it like this....if Murray thought there was any chance of a cave-in like this happening, he woulda never taken the chance and risked lives or millions of dollars in something that might cost him millions of dollars. So if anyone thinks Murray is all about money, then believe me, Murray is smart enough to NOT take a gamble which might cost him millions. Make sense??

Wordsmith | 5:55 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

Coal Miner -

Please stop capping - it's indicative of shouting & is considered quite rude.

I also happen to agree with your assessment of Mr. Murray. Several of us have been following this since it started on our blogs. The first news conference, Mr. Murray rambled on & on for 10-12 minutes before mentioning the miners. He was still rambling at 45 minutes when CNN cut away; I continued to watch online. CNN even called it "bizarre."

I read the letter Mr. Murray wrote to Gov. Huntsman; it's just downright weird.

Murray & Huntsman can work that out between themselves. I'm more concerned with worker rights and worker safety, something I certainly feel Mr. Murray is NOT concerned with enough.

Kurt | 6:26 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007

I think industry should be made as safe as possible, but I don't think we can have a completely safe environment in industries especially that deal with mother nature.

So I support enforcing safety that may have been overlooked or neglected but hope that common sense prevails so that we don't regulate ourselves right out of business. Its easy to say when we are rich and fat that- we need to make things completely safe and we won't allow industry to go on until it is safe, clean, etc. But I fear there will come a time when we have regulated our country right into poverty unable to compete with the hungrier countries of the world.
I think there is a sensible middle ground in all this. And hats off to those who work in all the more dangerous professions that help keep us going.
And thanks for all the advancements in technology over the years that has lead to increased safety in these areas.

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At odds: Murray says Huntsman endangers jobs