In response to Aug. 8 readers write article

Dear Editor:

There are three things that really get under my skin: half truths used to turn people against those already on the lowest rungs of the economical ladder; statistics that has no basis in any valid research; and political propaganda that blames one side for everything while ignoring other facts. All three of these things were in the Aug. 8, Reader’s Write article by Lanny Ray. He covers such a span of time and so many administrations that a team of experts would have trouble honestly covering them all, so I’ll stick with a few things I know to be true.

Mr. Ray talks about the billions spent in Iraq and Afghanistan and how this contributed to our economical crisis. I believe this is a true statement, but the writer implies that democrats’ are responsible for our woes and Bush just continued the policies of Clinton. Well, who put us over there by putting out false reports about weapons of mass destruction? I remember when most American’s were gun-ho on war and our Democrat U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd, voted against that war. Did you forget that?

Other facts, that we should remember before we unintentionally stir up anger against others, are that in tough economical times, it’s easy to blame the poor for all our problems. We should remember history to make sure not to repeat the wrongs of the past. Hitler blamed the Jews; a defeated South blamed the slaves; and we can always blame the poor that’s on welfare for our problems. I don’t believe the writer holds this type of hatred, but let’s be careful.

I don’t know the answer to the illegal immigrant problem but blaming them for job loss and our drug problem is short sighted. We need to come after those Americans that hire them. Here is one fact that you may not know. When White Flame’s MTR site, up Double Camp (Mingo Co. W.Va.), was reclaimed, I followed the truck up the hollow. It was a 90 degree day and this truck, hosting a bumper sticker that read “We pay minimum wage” and a black tarp covering the back, was headed up toward the strip. I saw some men pull back the tarp, inside were a whole group of men that looked Mexican and also looked like they needed air greatly. I told other’s what i saw and they went up to check out what was going on. Only one man out of this whole group spoke English, the others spoke Spanish, and they were planting trees on White Flames MTR site. I cannot say whose truck this was or who hired them. I only know that this group replanted this site and that is the truth! Can you imagine what it was like in the back of that truck? Who should we blame?

Now, let’s look at the issue of Cap and Trade Legislation and MTR issues you covered. I went to Washington DC, to rally support for this bill. I want to see MTR stopped as soon as possible! This will not destroy the coal industry, deep mining will remain important. I am from a fourth generation coal family, so I am not against coal miners. I have heard coal companies’ propaganda — “you’ll lose your jobs and [we will] shut down the industry — many times. Some examples are after the Farmington Disaster when tougher mine safety laws were passed; when the DEP was created to enforce laws and when rules for reduction of coal truck weight was passed. Each time the same cry went out, “You will lose your jobs!” Coal mining is still here, companies are making high profits and how many lives were saved?

Mr. Ray, I have some questions for you. What about the flooding? Will you support MTR while your neighbors’ property is flooded? You can follow the mud slides right back to gas pipe lines and MTR sites. You worry about miners losing their jobs, but where was the public outcry when deep miners lost their jobs to MTR mining? We lost more jobs than we gained! Have you seen the numbers?

Speaking of numbers, let’s look at some of your stats. You said, “Mountaintop mining actually improves the value of the property, in most cases, at least 300 percent if done in a proper manner.” If that is so, then why do land companies reclassify their land and pay less tax than before? If you have your numbers right, let’s raise the out if state landowners’ tax by 300 percent. These land companies that own MTR sites, often apply for a change in classification from managed timberlands to woodlands, resulting in a big loss of taxes for the states. In plain language, these lands are worth much less after MTR.

There is only one way your numbers could be correct: if coal and land companies, with the help of Randy Huffman, are successful with the EPA and they can leave the land flat. Then, they can develop housing sites and sell them to us once we are flooded over and over again. I wonder how much more MTR, if done in a proper manner, can we stand? Or how many floods we will go through before our valley properties decreases by 300 percent? Mr. Ray, you are probably a decent man, but we must wake to the real problems and quit blaming the wrong people. I figure some Democrats and some Republicans are guilty and I didn’t sin when I voted for Obama, and if you voted for McCain, you didn’t either. Mr. Ray, I wish you well!

Wilma Steele,

Meador, W.Va.

A thank

you to Williamson, a supportive community

Dear Editor:

I would like to thank the people of the Williamson area for the outpouring of support during our annual Road Block Fund Drive. The students of Williamson High School’s various athletic teams and cheerleaders were blessed with generous support from the community to benefit the Williamson Athletics Committee or WAC.

The caring attitude of our community makes me proud to be a Williamson High School graduate and former athlete. Your generosity enables us to continue the great tradition of Williamson High School Athletics

Sincerely,

Jerry Hurley

Williamson Athletic Committee President