I’m curious - with my recent involvement in the battle against mountaintop removal (MTR), I couldn’t help but wonder about the majority opinion. MTR is more than just about temporary energy and the economy. It is also, and very importantly, about the environment. So, please, take one second and let me know your thoughts.
This poll is completely anonymous. No one will know where you stand as an individual including myself. You can only answer the poll once.
***The poll has been moved to the right sidebar. Once again thank you for your participation.***
I’ll reveal the results of this poll in one week.
Get Educated…
The following sites visit both sides of the Mountaintop Removal controversy. Many more resources can be found at these sites.
Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition
Friends of Coal
Thank you for your participation! 
January 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
i voted… i’m sure you have no idea which answer i clicked, though!
i think another thing it’s about is people…. the people in the communities where MTR is happening…. the people who have been run off of their ancestral land, who have seen their beloved homeplaces destroyed, who have adverse health effects from coal dust, tainted water, sludge spills, etc.
so many aspects to the issue, you are right!
January 20th, 2008 at 1:46 am
I thought about the people when I wrote this post and you are right.. they should be considered when discussing any aspect of MTR but it just seems to me like people don’t care about people anymore. To be honest I thought if I put the people in this post then it would be more ignored than responded to. That’s sad… but the truth.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:47 am
btw - so far you are in the majority
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Because coal currently keeps the lights on and food on the table of those fortunate enough to have well paying jobs in mountain areas where coal extraction is the only game going its my, somewhat controversial, opinion that an immediate end to Mountaintop Removal could potentially be a devastating blow to the very communities who are suffering the worst of the direct impacts of the ravages of Mountaintop Removal.
I know thats a somewhat confusing statement but I make it knowing in my heart how important it is to begin the work towards a diverse economy now before the bottom falls out and what is inevitable happens - an end to Mountaintop Removal mining.
Dont get me wrong - I do not support Moutnaintop Removal mining - and not because I am a proud card carrying treehugger, sure theres an inherent love for nature that plays a part in my resistance to MTR but because people deserve better. Communities in the southern part of the “mountain State” deserve better, better than blasted from their homes, flooded out of their communities and run off from the mountains of their youth where they grew up hunting, fishing, collecting ’seng and ramps.
This area is not only rich with natural resources, and therefor full of economic potential, but is home to some of the hardest working people in this nations history. look at the industrial revolution, it wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the people in this area, how hard they were willing to work and all that they sacrificed (fathers, husbands, brothers and sons injured in the mines, paid in scrip, living, then dying with black lung) so that the rest of the nation could live in relative comfort. Though there is so much history/heritage to be proud of the world is on the verge of a new revolution - an energy revolution - and it is time for WV to ready itself for the new wave of history in the making, to be in a position to profit and prosper or else be left in the proverbial coal dust.
Whether we like it or not the rest of the world is re-thinking energy, how is generated and used and thats why it is so important to preserve and strategically utilize the rich resources we have left here in the state - before all the mountains have been blown up and the people have been run out we have an opportunity to value these as our most valuable resources and ready ourselves for a change that is inevitable. When MTR is finally banned or underfunded (www.dirtymoney.org) lets be ready with a newly emerging diverse market place so we are not left in severe poverty with nothing but coal dust left in our face.
All this to say, yes, I believe MTR hurts communities more than it helps people but lets be pro-active and continue a dialog about what else is possible before we literally blow away the best chance of a prosperous future!
Whew - what a soap box of a mouthful - sorry if this was too much!
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hillary… never too much
talk all you want here. I have to think about my response…
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Hillary.. after reading through your comment a few times I think the only comment I can make is that I agree with you. And please feel free to comment here anytime and know this… I don’t care if you write a book on my blog. The articles are here for discussion and I’m glad that my simple words can inspire other people to tell their thoughts… no matter how long it takes them.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Thank you, I appreciate the forum you’ve created and the thought provoking posts!
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I’d have to say that is probably one of the biggest compliments I have ever received. Thank you very much, it means a lot…