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At odds: Murray says Huntsman endangers jobs
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Mark B | 7:03 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Is it Murray's custom to threaten EVERYONE expressing a different view, or
is it only those who have the power to levy fines on his operations that he
despises? I think he falls well short of being one of the self-proclaimed
"five finest men in America". We've got too many megalomaniac
bosses as it is.
Thatonetallguy | 7:05 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
its SAD that you SHEEPLE cannot recognize a BULLY and a TYRANT... Good luck
getting your kid (and his kids) a DECENT PAYING OR SAFE JOB!
Comments continue below
Renewable | 7:24 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
It's time to stop digging for coal and developing the tremendous renewable
energy resources we have in Utah: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro,
nuclear. When coal was easy and cheap and the air was better, it made more
sense. Now it doesn't.
CoalMan | 7:42 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Let's be honest here, how many of you would like to go work in a mine
operated by Mr. Murray?
Carbon Native | 8:30 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
On thing that is very interesting in this whole thing is that, last time I
checked, Mr. Murry was the #1 contributor to the Republican Party...hmmmmm. I
wonder which republicans will step up and tell our Governor to back of? I
can't wait to see how that plays out.
I am holding my breath to see what happens to the economy here in Coal Country. Although it is dangerous I know many, many men who gladly work in the mines because they feel the pay if worth the risk. Without the mines our economy will die as there are five other jobs created by one mining position.
Let's get politics out of this, let our community heal and survive economically.
Thanks Utah for all your support and donations to those affected by this tragedy.
I am holding my breath to see what happens to the economy here in Coal Country. Although it is dangerous I know many, many men who gladly work in the mines because they feel the pay if worth the risk. Without the mines our economy will die as there are five other jobs created by one mining position.
Let's get politics out of this, let our community heal and survive economically.
Thanks Utah for all your support and donations to those affected by this tragedy.
J. | 8:43 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
I grew up in Cleveland, my folks and siblings still live in Huntington and my
dad is retired UMWA...
My deepest sympathies go out to all of the families affected by this tradgedy first and foremost.
With that said...
I'm ASHAMED of you Governor Huntsman and your CHILDISH remarks... Every man deserves respect, you are showing none!
Your answer to this is MORE GOVERNMENT!
Coal Mining is a high risk industry, always has been and never will be "fail proof". No amount of government beaurocratic babysitting will ever outguess this industry!
What is it you want Mr. Governor???
I'm bewildered... You yourself said no more lives would be at risk for this rescue effort and now you demand the 6 men be recovered?
You offer "NO" solution but you demand EVERYTHING! You act as if Mr. Murray is holding these 6 men hostage...Is Mr. Murray suppose to just tap his red shoes together and "POOF" there they be???
I see a man trying anything realistically possible to locate 6 men WITHOUT risking the lives of more. I see a governor demanding what seems at this point "The Impossible."
Are more men suppose to die to fulfill your demand Mr. Governor???
I'm ASHAMED of you Governor Huntsman remember - "A Closed Mouth Gathers NO FEET!"
I pray it is not your intention Mr. Governor to put more lives at risk - it appears in the press that may be what you're demanding???
Enough of the political BS -
Isn't it time to be realistic - NO MORE MEN SHOULD BE PUT AT RISK - NO MORE DEATH!
And one more thing Mr. Governor..."Tearing down another mans house DOESN'T make yours any bigger!"
My deepest sympathies go out to all of the families affected by this tradgedy first and foremost.
With that said...
I'm ASHAMED of you Governor Huntsman and your CHILDISH remarks... Every man deserves respect, you are showing none!
Your answer to this is MORE GOVERNMENT!
Coal Mining is a high risk industry, always has been and never will be "fail proof". No amount of government beaurocratic babysitting will ever outguess this industry!
What is it you want Mr. Governor???
I'm bewildered... You yourself said no more lives would be at risk for this rescue effort and now you demand the 6 men be recovered?
You offer "NO" solution but you demand EVERYTHING! You act as if Mr. Murray is holding these 6 men hostage...Is Mr. Murray suppose to just tap his red shoes together and "POOF" there they be???
I see a man trying anything realistically possible to locate 6 men WITHOUT risking the lives of more. I see a governor demanding what seems at this point "The Impossible."
Are more men suppose to die to fulfill your demand Mr. Governor???
I'm ASHAMED of you Governor Huntsman remember - "A Closed Mouth Gathers NO FEET!"
I pray it is not your intention Mr. Governor to put more lives at risk - it appears in the press that may be what you're demanding???
Enough of the political BS -
Isn't it time to be realistic - NO MORE MEN SHOULD BE PUT AT RISK - NO MORE DEATH!
And one more thing Mr. Governor..."Tearing down another mans house DOESN'T make yours any bigger!"
raoulhubris | 8:50 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Murray thinks, "Nine down and 700 to go. Don't slow down the deaths
governor"
From Price, Utah | 9:10 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Well, he's proved himself...he just laid off 277 miners in Utah. My
husband was one of them
I hope MR. MURRAY and Governor Huntsman are very proud of themselves.
Thanks a lot. Is this going to help any of the six, or is it just a lot of posturing?
I hope MR. MURRAY and Governor Huntsman are very proud of themselves.
Thanks a lot. Is this going to help any of the six, or is it just a lot of posturing?
Anonymous | 10:19 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Murray is an incompetent and utterly dangerous boob. That ANY of you in this
state can't see that HE caused the miners' and the rescuers deaths by
engaging in (and covering up) an extremely unsafe form of mining, is simply a
testament to the willfulness of dark ignorance. The man laughably claimed
'earthquakes' caused the catastrophe (as if he was a seismic expert).
Yeah, temblors caused by the collapse of a whole mountain, upon the explosion of
soft coal pillars barely sustaining massive weight that was inappropriately
built up on them, as the mountain was over-hollowed. Murray calls the pile of
dumb rock that is the mountain "evil". He himself is about as evil
and greedy as any of us will ever see in our lifetimes.
Jeff | 10:28 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Gov. Huntsman my brother was shot at a 7-11 in Salt Lake City and I want you to
make sure this company uses every penny it has to catch these criminals because
your government has done nothing.
Carbon Native | 10:31 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
To "From Price Utah"-
Hang in there. Remember when Murry laid off the 70 miners just before Christmas, that WAS just a lot of posturing. He did it to prove a point. It hurt for a a few weeks but most of the miners were back to work by the end of January.
Hopefully he is just grinding his axe with UMWA and Huntsman and he will hire everyone back once he's finished throwing his little tantrum!!!
Hang in there. Remember when Murry laid off the 70 miners just before Christmas, that WAS just a lot of posturing. He did it to prove a point. It hurt for a a few weeks but most of the miners were back to work by the end of January.
Hopefully he is just grinding his axe with UMWA and Huntsman and he will hire everyone back once he's finished throwing his little tantrum!!!
petersjo | 10:39 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Murray is a greedy, money-grubbing old fool. He was more than happy to make
money off the backs of those poor guys by forcing them to work with mining
methods well recognized as dangerous. After all, if Murray'd had to spend
money making sure those mines were safe, it would have cut into his profit.
Those here who think he is such a noble guy, I have to question your judgment.
Mine safety rules and enforcement of the rules, such as they are, are a joke
under the Bush/Cheney administration, and Murray has played a big part in
keeping it that way so he can make even more money off his dangerous mines.
Tough luck, Mr. Murray. It would be interesting to know how much Murray and his
various businesses contributed to Bush/Cheney 2000 and 2004 compared to how much
he's spent making his Utah mines safe for his workers. I'm sure
George and Dick will see to it you don't starve, Bob, even if you have to
give up your mining operations in Utah. They owe you, big time, as the Dickster
would say.
Digging with his bare hands my bare behind. That's good for a laugh in what is an incredibly sad situation due to one man's greed. The only thing he's sad about is that the odds caught up with him. He rolled the dice and lost.
Digging with his bare hands my bare behind. That's good for a laugh in what is an incredibly sad situation due to one man's greed. The only thing he's sad about is that the odds caught up with him. He rolled the dice and lost.
from price--- | 10:43 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Has Huntsman ever gotten his hands dirty? I bet Huntman Chemicals (by the way
many of their products are laying in our landfills)---has not always done the
right thing for their employees---who is the Gov to butt his nose in? Put your
money where your mouth is Gov!
ExMiner | 10:52 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Governor Huntsman is directly on point.
To validate his comments, anyone can review the safety track record of the operator.
History will clearly show the injury/fatality rate of this twelfth largest producer far surpass the collective rate of the first eleven coal companies.
The media misses this very important point. The injury or death of a single coal miner rarely garners national media attention. Yet cumulatively, over the past 20 years, the historical data of this operator was only multiplied by the Crandall Canyon disaster.
And that data should have been alarming to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Good paying jobs are important. Safety is paramount. Most mining companies operate without incident on that very principle.
Others violate this basic concept. When that occurs, it�s up to the regulators to cease that company�s operations. In that light, 700 jobs really become insignificant to any individual or family.
Human life, instead of profit, must take priority. Otherwise, those responsible must be held directly accountable.
To validate his comments, anyone can review the safety track record of the operator.
History will clearly show the injury/fatality rate of this twelfth largest producer far surpass the collective rate of the first eleven coal companies.
The media misses this very important point. The injury or death of a single coal miner rarely garners national media attention. Yet cumulatively, over the past 20 years, the historical data of this operator was only multiplied by the Crandall Canyon disaster.
And that data should have been alarming to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Good paying jobs are important. Safety is paramount. Most mining companies operate without incident on that very principle.
Others violate this basic concept. When that occurs, it�s up to the regulators to cease that company�s operations. In that light, 700 jobs really become insignificant to any individual or family.
Human life, instead of profit, must take priority. Otherwise, those responsible must be held directly accountable.
gejo | 10:53 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Mr. Murray, you ruined your reputation when you allowed those employees to enter
that mine, knowing that the cieling buckled and the pillars were weak. You
ruined your reputation when you sent your employees in a mine that was under
investigation.
It is your responsibility Mr. Murray to find those men. Whether they are dead or, hopefully alive.
It is your responsibility Mr. Murray to find those men. Whether they are dead or, hopefully alive.
utahgirl | 11:35 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Unlike a factory which mass produces widgets, a mine cannot be moved or
outsourced. The threat of loss of jobs is bogus, but the threat of continued
loss of miners' lives is real. You must mine where the mine is located and
if it is still a profitable mine, someone will keep it open.
Huntsman may be playing catchup, but I want an explanation of where he was when Murray had mine inspectors demoted and where he was when the administration recess-nominated that joke of a Federal Mining Czar. Huntsman is full of hot air. He won't do anything but huff and puff. Mine safety is a Federal issue.
Murray probably gets to claim deductions for the rescue effort expenses against his taxable income.
Huntsman may be playing catchup, but I want an explanation of where he was when Murray had mine inspectors demoted and where he was when the administration recess-nominated that joke of a Federal Mining Czar. Huntsman is full of hot air. He won't do anything but huff and puff. Mine safety is a Federal issue.
Murray probably gets to claim deductions for the rescue effort expenses against his taxable income.
Miners Wife In Illinois | 11:43 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
What good does it do to vent on here about who done what wrong? It will not
bring any of these men home. In my opinion this just hurts the families of the
victims that were in this terrible tragity. Investigations will be done, and
then those at fault will pay for their wrong doing. In more ways than one. This
is not the only mining accident that happened, the same day in Southeast Indiana
their were 3 men killed while working at a coal mine. The men had been building
an air shaft and were being brought up 600ft in a basket. The basket broke and
the men fell to their death. A Representitive from Indiania plans to discuss
improving mine safety when meeting with congress at the same time as Gov.
Huntsman. Mine safety has been a major issue for years but it takes a bad
situation to get something done.
PBH | 11:50 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
I'm not an expert on mines, but I work at a geophysics group at a top 3
University. It is insane to blame one person for what has happened. There
numerous explanations for why pillars might have collapsed.
And I realize it sounds insensitive but when a traffic accident happens, guess what. Police remove remains from the road and everybody goes about their lives as usual, except naturally relatives of the victims. Their grief is understandable and they need support.
Running a company into bankruptcy isn't gonna do anybody any good. The governor doesn't have his money to worry about. He loves to count other people's money as any "public servant" does. If Murray has displayed criminal negligence, DA's office should go after him. Otherwise, get off the man. Stuff happens. It doesn't have to be his fffault.
And I realize it sounds insensitive but when a traffic accident happens, guess what. Police remove remains from the road and everybody goes about their lives as usual, except naturally relatives of the victims. Their grief is understandable and they need support.
Running a company into bankruptcy isn't gonna do anybody any good. The governor doesn't have his money to worry about. He loves to count other people's money as any "public servant" does. If Murray has displayed criminal negligence, DA's office should go after him. Otherwise, get off the man. Stuff happens. It doesn't have to be his fffault.
Ken | 11:55 p.m. Aug. 25, 2007
Mr Murray, the way your safety record in the mining business is. You should be
barred from ever even getting near another mine. You need to become a dish
washer somewhere. The Gov Huntsman was right, they need to clean out your bank
accounts and give it to all the workers or families you have ever harmed with
your unsafe non union mines.
esther clark | 1:11 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Yes, Mr Murray is to blame for running an unsafe mine. But who allowed him to?
W's recess MSHA appointee who couldn't be confirmed even with a
republican controlled congress. There's plenty of blame here for MSHA and
for Murray.
The previous owner of Crandall Canyon mine had shut down mining in the corridor that collapsed because it was unstable. Murray applied for permission from MSHA under Bush to reopen the corridor and permission was granted.
Its pathetic how everything wrong with this country can really be blamed on bush. He's the worst president ever. Even dead miners in Utah are his fault.
The previous owner of Crandall Canyon mine had shut down mining in the corridor that collapsed because it was unstable. Murray applied for permission from MSHA under Bush to reopen the corridor and permission was granted.
Its pathetic how everything wrong with this country can really be blamed on bush. He's the worst president ever. Even dead miners in Utah are his fault.
Tina Louise | 5:08 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Priorities are people not money and if what lay in the depths of the mine was
worth mining I feel certain Murray would find a way to access it. The families
deserve to have there loved ones returned and a thorough investigation to be
honest and reveal the flaws that led to this tragic event.
The petty bickering is an insult to miners and the families of those lost and needs to stop whilst the priority of getting the miners out takes precedence.
I send sincere hope for an outcome that is of benefit.
Namaste,
Tina Louise
England
The petty bickering is an insult to miners and the families of those lost and needs to stop whilst the priority of getting the miners out takes precedence.
I send sincere hope for an outcome that is of benefit.
Namaste,
Tina Louise
England
Schrod | 5:56 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Listened to Gov. Huntsman, and it sounded strictly as a political speech. From
what I have read, the downward pressure from the mountains is such that you
really never know when you have enough support in place. So how or when do you
say enough is enough? Each mine, and geological location is different.
Eric Reagan | 7:13 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Murray made the decision to retreat-mine, one of the deepest (and most
dangerous) mining ventures in history.
It was his capital venture. It should be his rescue expense (entirely).
If jobs are lost due to this rescue effort, then this is the price paid.
Free market economy in a free society, remember?
It was his capital venture. It should be his rescue expense (entirely).
If jobs are lost due to this rescue effort, then this is the price paid.
Free market economy in a free society, remember?
chris | 7:30 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Who cares if this guy goes out of business? All that means is that another
company (one that hopefully puts more emphasis on safety) will come in and take
it over.
bluseahorse | 7:38 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
I agree with Esther Clarke - also as some have mentioned this Murray and his
mine operations are what caused the disaster in the first place. He has used
this disaster not only as an infomercial, but also to criticize union jobs
(which he is against)., and when is exploitation of humans and the earth going
to stop. when is the worship of the almighty dollar, which we all truly
worship, not JESUS, going to stop? and this "man" has the nerve to
bring up the threat that there won't be "jobs" unless his
inhumane and illegal mining is not allowed to continue. I have to stop because
my blood pressure is going up. We are heading off the cliff people.
Sad in Huntington | 7:48 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
I think it is a real shame that Governor Huntsman released Mr. Murray's
letter to the public. He should be ashamed of himself! Doesn't he realize
that folks her in Huntington are trying to cope as well as support the grieving
families of the trapped, killed and injured miners. Frankly, we don't need
any more contention added to this already sad situation! Governor Huntsman
should have thought carefully about his comments to the press and about the
fallout that may of come from them!
james g | 8:15 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
It's impossible to keep politics out of most anything, and especially an
event where worker safety is questionable and deaths are the result.
Finger pointing and the blame game are as American as apple pie. Any person or company who puts profit ahead of employee well being is asking for trouble when plans go awry and accidents are shown to be not so accidental after all. The issue at this mine seems to be about the procedure known as retreat mining which was being performed when the collapse occured.
This tragedy, like many tragedies, was avoidable and nine people are dead as a result. Someone needs to be held accountable.
Finger pointing and the blame game are as American as apple pie. Any person or company who puts profit ahead of employee well being is asking for trouble when plans go awry and accidents are shown to be not so accidental after all. The issue at this mine seems to be about the procedure known as retreat mining which was being performed when the collapse occured.
This tragedy, like many tragedies, was avoidable and nine people are dead as a result. Someone needs to be held accountable.
p-rex | 8:31 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
REPUBLICAN FIGHT!!!
grandstanding on all sides. complete inability to admit mistakes. taking every opportunity to inexplicably blame ideological foes. capitalism vs. family values. the reprehensible mhsa record coming to light. the coal baron vs. the silver spoon politician. every time murray opens his mouth it's either to congratulate himself or attack someone else. huntsman sticks his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.
the tragic deaths of six miners and three rescue workers overshadowed by an ego-driven game of political chicken. most people missing the point (which is probably the desired result, as far as bush and the mhsa are concerned): mine safety is an abomination, regs have been ignored, the mhsa has been bought off and is run by another coal baron.
this is a republican disaster. and true to form, these republican donors, politicians and gov't appointees are doing what's right for them instead of just doing what's right.
grandstanding on all sides. complete inability to admit mistakes. taking every opportunity to inexplicably blame ideological foes. capitalism vs. family values. the reprehensible mhsa record coming to light. the coal baron vs. the silver spoon politician. every time murray opens his mouth it's either to congratulate himself or attack someone else. huntsman sticks his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing.
the tragic deaths of six miners and three rescue workers overshadowed by an ego-driven game of political chicken. most people missing the point (which is probably the desired result, as far as bush and the mhsa are concerned): mine safety is an abomination, regs have been ignored, the mhsa has been bought off and is run by another coal baron.
this is a republican disaster. and true to form, these republican donors, politicians and gov't appointees are doing what's right for them instead of just doing what's right.
texasblue | 8:45 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Anyone reading the letter from Murray can tell that he (Murray) is a
self-centered meglamaniac who cares only about himself. I don't live in
Utah and don't know the politics of the governor but it seems he is the one
who has acted prudently and responsibly in protecting the safety of the miners.
Murray's attempts to investigate himself with his own experts is laughable.
mhayden | 10:02 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Not being in the mining business, I have a question. Why were all of the rescue
holes bored one at a time? Wouldn't it have been smarter to do all of them
at the same time, early on? Wouldn't that have given the miners the best
chance at survival?
joekonn | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
Underground mining is a dangerous profession, no miner should go down into the
depths of the earth unless he is certain everything has been done to eliminate
what ever risk can be eliminated. Murray's use of the technique in use at
the time was not a safe procedure. It may increase the efficiency of coal
extraction but it also increases risk. Murray is no good guy.
I come from a mining area of Pennsylvania, and I think the miners are nuts for entering a mine without union representation. However, we are living in a perverse time when unions are the bad guys and corporations can do no wrong. When corporate executives are chosen to oversee the safety of the mines, it is like having cats responsible for the safety of mice.
I come from a mining area of Pennsylvania, and I think the miners are nuts for entering a mine without union representation. However, we are living in a perverse time when unions are the bad guys and corporations can do no wrong. When corporate executives are chosen to oversee the safety of the mines, it is like having cats responsible for the safety of mice.
Carbon Native | 11:32 a.m. Aug. 26, 2007
For all of you who keep saying the threat of losing jobs is "bogus"
tell me how this small community is going to survive the 270+ lay-offs Murry
just did last night at Tower and Genwall?! And for those of you defending Mr.
Murry explain to me why the pompous, greedy, disrespectful man told these
miners, as he layed them off, that they could not even tell their wives and
families about the lay off? I'll tell you why, because he is trying to
protect his reputation at the cost of 270 employees livelihoods. And he's
pretty dumb too, as if any man is stupid enough to not tell his family that
he's lost his job!
Yes folks this is all about politics. Mr. Murry told those miners that were layed -off that it was all Gov. Huntsman's fault. Once again he is posturing and throwing a tantrum until he gets what he wants. He doesn't care who pays as long as it's not him.
And, yes Huntsman and Murry both seem to have forgotten the 9 who are dead. The community has not forgotten. Unfortunately we are paying for it, not just in our grief for those who died, but also in our grief for those who can no longer feed their families. Many lost their retirement because Murry laid them of after 20-25 years of work and they have no union to protect them.
Bravo Mr Murry and thanks for your concern Gov. Huntsman. May you both enjoy your dinner and the fact that you can afford to buy your kids school clothes!
Yes folks this is all about politics. Mr. Murry told those miners that were layed -off that it was all Gov. Huntsman's fault. Once again he is posturing and throwing a tantrum until he gets what he wants. He doesn't care who pays as long as it's not him.
And, yes Huntsman and Murry both seem to have forgotten the 9 who are dead. The community has not forgotten. Unfortunately we are paying for it, not just in our grief for those who died, but also in our grief for those who can no longer feed their families. Many lost their retirement because Murry laid them of after 20-25 years of work and they have no union to protect them.
Bravo Mr Murry and thanks for your concern Gov. Huntsman. May you both enjoy your dinner and the fact that you can afford to buy your kids school clothes!
straight ticket rebublican | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
It is time to rid Utah of "silver spoon" Huntsman.
Carbon County Resident | 12:57 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
I don't have much to say except I am the cousin of one of the miners
trapped in that mine. My father died a coal miner and with black lung.
I am absolutely appalled at all the bantering going on and the sad state of affairs when it comes to jobs being lost because of the greed of one man. If you lived here with the other carbon county residents and heard of Mr. Murray's reputation before the accident happened you would know what kind of a man he is. Men worked for him because they needed livelihoods to support their families. Most of the workers didn't like him. His grand standing is of no surprise to most who worked for him. Look what he did when he laid off all those workers just before Christmas. "Power Hungry?" yes! "Self centered?" yes! "Money hungry?" yes.. "Compassionate?" You decide.
Who would not try to cover their hind end when all along it was just a matter of time before something like this happened? The coal miners here know the truth and so do the residents of Carbon County.. This accident is so sad yet not unexpected. Murry's antics have been on the tongues of the residents here since he took over the mines.
I have compassion for anyone going through what he is now but I don't think he should act so surprised. He can't feel what the families feel.
I just hope these families know they are in our hearts and we wish the best for them. We are so saddened by your loss.
I am absolutely appalled at all the bantering going on and the sad state of affairs when it comes to jobs being lost because of the greed of one man. If you lived here with the other carbon county residents and heard of Mr. Murray's reputation before the accident happened you would know what kind of a man he is. Men worked for him because they needed livelihoods to support their families. Most of the workers didn't like him. His grand standing is of no surprise to most who worked for him. Look what he did when he laid off all those workers just before Christmas. "Power Hungry?" yes! "Self centered?" yes! "Money hungry?" yes.. "Compassionate?" You decide.
Who would not try to cover their hind end when all along it was just a matter of time before something like this happened? The coal miners here know the truth and so do the residents of Carbon County.. This accident is so sad yet not unexpected. Murry's antics have been on the tongues of the residents here since he took over the mines.
I have compassion for anyone going through what he is now but I don't think he should act so surprised. He can't feel what the families feel.
I just hope these families know they are in our hearts and we wish the best for them. We are so saddened by your loss.
Doug Barber | 3:40 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
So it comes to this: Governor Huntsman wasn't supposed to let the people he
represents see how he was being threatened by Mr. Murray.
Flash | 7:10 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
How many jobs has Mr. Huntsman provided Carbon County? None. Politicians
don't provide jobs, food on the table, roofs over head. Business owners do.
Yet, it is always popular to lob hatred at the "rich business owners"
because we covet what they have. You all had better hope business owners make
money, because that is the only way any of you will provide for your families
and improve your lives. Every employee of Mr. Murray asked to work for him, they
voluntarily showed up to work with the freedom to leave if safety was a concern.
We live in the greatest country on earth, made great because of the US business
owner and NOT the pathetic politicians. When all is said and done, the
irrefutable fact is that Mr. Murray has done more good for Carbon County than
the Gov. ever will.
Mike | 8:10 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
What more proof do we need that underground mining is dangerous? Why are we
surprised that every once in a while underground miners get killed? Why do we
seem to think that the mine disaster was Muray's fault - does we think that
he has the power to stop the earh shifting under our feet?
When those men went to work they knew the risks, just like the men who died trying to recover them - they knew that imminent death was a possibility. Let's accept reality here - they knew the risks and so did all of us. Perhaps the coal consumers are most to blame. Any coal consumers amongst the whiners?
Governor Huntsman seems happy to keep spending other people's money (i.e. Murrays's) on the recovery effort - what about spending some of his own? He has funded charitable causes in many parts of the world, why not at home?
Match Muray's contribution to this cause will you governor? After all, state taxes paid by the miners and Murray pay your wages these days. We know where your mouth is - where's your money?
When those men went to work they knew the risks, just like the men who died trying to recover them - they knew that imminent death was a possibility. Let's accept reality here - they knew the risks and so did all of us. Perhaps the coal consumers are most to blame. Any coal consumers amongst the whiners?
Governor Huntsman seems happy to keep spending other people's money (i.e. Murrays's) on the recovery effort - what about spending some of his own? He has funded charitable causes in many parts of the world, why not at home?
Match Muray's contribution to this cause will you governor? After all, state taxes paid by the miners and Murray pay your wages these days. We know where your mouth is - where's your money?
Former Utah Resident | 10:21 p.m. Aug. 26, 2007
What a bunch of petty bickering. Mining will never be 100% safe; NEVER!
Huntsman needs to announce that there will be a large bore drilling machine that the mines in the state of Utah can have access to immediately if a cave-in occurs. A rescue capsule should be the first option not the last!
Blaming this on a non-union mine?! What about all the other mine incidents in the US over the last 10 years? Being union has nothing to do with geological collapses. Mother nature is more powerful than any union!
Governor Huntsman is an idiot on this issue. He needs to have a meeting with all the mine owners in the state and come up with some solid safety recommendations for the safety of all mine workers in the state.
Huntsman needs to announce that there will be a large bore drilling machine that the mines in the state of Utah can have access to immediately if a cave-in occurs. A rescue capsule should be the first option not the last!
Blaming this on a non-union mine?! What about all the other mine incidents in the US over the last 10 years? Being union has nothing to do with geological collapses. Mother nature is more powerful than any union!
Governor Huntsman is an idiot on this issue. He needs to have a meeting with all the mine owners in the state and come up with some solid safety recommendations for the safety of all mine workers in the state.
Carbon County Miner's Wife | 12:33 a.m. Aug. 27, 2007
I live in Carbon County. My husband is a coal miner and has been for many
years. We come from generations of coal miners. I know what I'm talking
about.
We know personally the 6 trapped miners and the rescue miners (hero's). We feel bad for the trapped miners, our hearts go out to them. However,they cannot send anyone else in there. We experienced this first hand, so we know what we are talking about. Our hearts also go out to the rescue miners.
Mr. Murray has done all that he can do. We have alot of respect for Mr. Murray. It's sad, but it's just not possible to retrieve these men. He tried, we all did. No one could forsee this, no one.
Then there's all this about Mr Murray laying of people around Christmas. My husband has worked almost his whole life in coal mining. We have been through several layoffs. Most of them happened around Christmas. An no, Mr. Murray didn't own those mines.
And as far as Gov. Huntsman, well, he is using this for his own political agenda. He didn't even acknowlege that Carbon and Emery Counties were even part of Utah before this happened. Now he cares for the miners? Give me a break! He cares about himself and his group of anti-mining people. He's going to push until he shuts them down. When our little community is gone, he'll go back to his big house and his luxury dining and won't give these miner's that he cares so much about a second thought.
But he'll sure cry when he attempts to turn on his computer, and there's no electricity! Wake up Huntsman! Where do you think your electricity is coming from? COAL!!
We know personally the 6 trapped miners and the rescue miners (hero's). We feel bad for the trapped miners, our hearts go out to them. However,they cannot send anyone else in there. We experienced this first hand, so we know what we are talking about. Our hearts also go out to the rescue miners.
Mr. Murray has done all that he can do. We have alot of respect for Mr. Murray. It's sad, but it's just not possible to retrieve these men. He tried, we all did. No one could forsee this, no one.
Then there's all this about Mr Murray laying of people around Christmas. My husband has worked almost his whole life in coal mining. We have been through several layoffs. Most of them happened around Christmas. An no, Mr. Murray didn't own those mines.
And as far as Gov. Huntsman, well, he is using this for his own political agenda. He didn't even acknowlege that Carbon and Emery Counties were even part of Utah before this happened. Now he cares for the miners? Give me a break! He cares about himself and his group of anti-mining people. He's going to push until he shuts them down. When our little community is gone, he'll go back to his big house and his luxury dining and won't give these miner's that he cares so much about a second thought.
But he'll sure cry when he attempts to turn on his computer, and there's no electricity! Wake up Huntsman! Where do you think your electricity is coming from? COAL!!
Rob | 11:05 a.m. Aug. 27, 2007
The Guv is right on track! One anonymous post said Mr. Murray has done
everything he can. Hmmmmm, he has done everything he can to dismantle mine
safety regulations.
What could he do? He could have listened to those who said the mine wasn't safe.
What could he do? He could have listened to those who said the mine wasn't safe.
Flash | 11:59 a.m. Aug. 27, 2007
So, Rob are we to believe that while Mr. Murray was working to "dismantle
mine safety regulations" his employees weren't smart enough to see
that their safety was being jeopardized? I can't buy into your argument.
Let's give the miners some credit here. You do realize that these miners
are just as intelligent and capable of making smart choices as white collar
workers? Just like you would refuse to work in an "unsafe" cubicle,
these hardworking men would refuse to work in "unsafe" mining
conditions.
MoJules | 12:06 p.m. Aug. 27, 2007
There are jobs everywhere that are risky jobs. Here in Missouri we have had
about a half dozen road workers killed from speeding drivers. I think that
there are one or two cops killed a year in the St. Louis area. There are
athletes who die suddenly, we had a guy who was doing a fund raiser for his
brother last year, who had heart problems, the pro athlete died while playing
basketball. What about race car drivers, what about the military, what about
fire fighters? Sadly there will be deaths related to work, sadly men,
equipment, nature do not always perform perfectly.
I do have to say, I have said it before, with Bob Murray, what you see is what you get, he is going to say what he feels, and that sometimes bothers people, like the media, he didn't kiss up to them so they were out to get him. I don't think you will see him running for Governor cause in that case you have to be able to say what the people want to hear, not the truth. Honestly, be they democrat, republican, Mormon, Jew or whatever, they would make a great sailing ship, they go where the wind blows. I would hate to see the Emery county community destroyed because a city slicker thinks he knows what is best for these people who have been doing this for years. Oh, maybe he thinks that he is smarter then they and that they lack the intelligence to realize this is dangerous, I think that the Mayor knew, his father died when he was six. We take risks, we take them in all areas of life, be it emotional or physical, but what reward is there if there is not an effort?
I do have to say, I have said it before, with Bob Murray, what you see is what you get, he is going to say what he feels, and that sometimes bothers people, like the media, he didn't kiss up to them so they were out to get him. I don't think you will see him running for Governor cause in that case you have to be able to say what the people want to hear, not the truth. Honestly, be they democrat, republican, Mormon, Jew or whatever, they would make a great sailing ship, they go where the wind blows. I would hate to see the Emery county community destroyed because a city slicker thinks he knows what is best for these people who have been doing this for years. Oh, maybe he thinks that he is smarter then they and that they lack the intelligence to realize this is dangerous, I think that the Mayor knew, his father died when he was six. We take risks, we take them in all areas of life, be it emotional or physical, but what reward is there if there is not an effort?
Miners Wife from Castle Dale | 4:45 p.m. Aug. 29, 2007
It is so sad to me that so much blame is coming from such a tragedy, yet if you
lived in our community you would understand that we need the mining jobs. They
are what keeps our what we have going which is not alot. IF Gov. Huntsman would
have noticed the small amount of livelyhood we have anyway it does not help to
layoff the miners. YES, I do blame him for the layoffs, being a miners wife I
pray that my husband will not be going thru what the other families are going
thru. I pray for them nightly. My husband does not work for any of Murry's
mines but we do have many friends who do. Once again if Huntsman would notice we
are a small community and we do pretty much know everybody affected by all that
happens. It is not only the miners that we are talking about, but what about the
wifes, small children, the teenagers. I haven't heard Huntsman talk much
about support for them and isn't he an advocate of teenagers, or at leaset
his wife is. Maybe we should talk to her. Well enough complaining, my prayers
and thoughts are with all the families morning, noon and night. Not only for the
families of the trapped 6, for the heros of the rescurers, but also now for all
the ones layed off. I wish I could give them the world, or maybe just a few of
Huntsmans paycheks! May god be with all of you.
Ex Huntsman Worker | 3:35 p.m. Oct. 17, 2007
My opinion is Mr. Murray did everything possible to get the miners out. Now if
the government finds him of faulty mining then he should be held responsible. As
for Mr. Huntsman his father put about 100 workers out of work in a small town in
Ohio so I take anything said by that family with a grain of salt. We still have
people hurting from that shut down.
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If Mr. Huntsman pulls out his pocketbook and spends everything until his certainly sizable bank accounts are empty, then I will consider his remarks to Mr. Murray sensible and justified.
As for the families; they should realize what they are asking Murray to do. Sacrifice more lives, sacrifice his own life. I don't think they would want anyone else to go through the pain they have edured these past weeks.