A few hours ago, it was announced that 12 of the 13 miners trapped in Va. were alive. Three hours later they tell the families that 12 of the 13 are dead. Some pissed off people in Va. right now.:bncry:
The TV said that there was a misunderstanding of the information coming out of the mine from the rescue party to the surface and that before the company could confirm and straighten it all out, someone in the office who overheard part of it, rushed out and jumped the gun with the premature announcement.
Talk radio said about 30 min. ago that Rivaldo reported it after a 12 yr old ran around excited telling everyone. Many major news stations were not present and took it for gospel. (excuse me--the truth:hihi: ) took Rivaldo at his word...:hihi: :hihi:
Geraldo? If thats who, it wouldn't surprise me. This is the same guy who drew a map in the sand of the position of the American military unit he was embedded with in Afghanistan.
The thing I don't understand about the miners is that they continually say they are doing it for their families. Not to be too callous, but have they ever considered, oh, I dunno -- MOVING? Maybe getting a new skill set? Or how about not having a family to support if you have to resort to a job that requires you to explain it in the context of your family? Just doesn't make much sense to me. And this story is among the most heartbreaking I can recall. Tragedy for all involved. I just think some of the rationalization is contrived.
Watching the replay of the little kids get excited when they thought that their fathers were still alive broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
I'm sure some people leave for a better life, but it's not so easy to do. They grow up in small towns where mining is the lifeblood of the community. Without mining, their communities would disappear. Family is very important to them and many just don't want to move away. To us outsiders, the risk isn't worth it ... but to them, it's all they know.
It's a dangerous job and they know that........they are well compensated for their work. Just like we are here for our dangerous work at plants, off-shore. These guys make way more money than they would if the jobs weren't slightly to very dangerous.
The average coal miner makes around 50 grand. That is nothing. Because of the health risks most can't get life insurance. I would not call that well compensated.
