Progress Now Action

Dr. Robert Rupp, a political historian at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, a few miles north of the Sago Mine Disaster site, writes about the research of British historian Oliver MacDonagh, who found that,

disasters can trigger innovation and protective legislation. [Oliver MacDonagh] contends that the key ingredients to industrial reform are public outrage and political leadership.

Well, i'm outraged. And i've decided to bloganize the outrage of others.

(New word-- weblog + organize = bloganize)

Here's the press release:

Citizens form group to protect coal miners

--- Press Release from Sago Outrage ---

groups.yahoo.com/group/sago_outrage/

A century ago coal mining was a murderous industry. Miners sometimes died by the hundreds in devastating explosions and fires.

As a result of government regulation and technology, conditions are much safer. But mining isn't yet as safe as it could be, nor is it as safe as it should be.

There are many safety practices which are not currently mandated that could save the lives of coal miners. Modern communications systems, access to backup self-rescuers, and safe rooms with oxygen stores are some examples. Rescue team basing requirements and procedures have also been questioned.

But many coal mining corporations have declined to implement such precautions voluntarily. Safety costs a little more, and all too often safety becomes a political issue. Coal mining safety is before the Congress, but that doesn't guarantee a result for the miners.

Some believe the corporations don't mind spending money on political contributions so they don't have to spend on safety. The coal mining industry contributed $2.3 million to political campaigns in 2004 alone. It seems that buying favor with politicians is cheaper than investing in safety for the miners.

Richard Myers, a former union safety rep from Colorado, says, "If concerned citizens don't speak out, elected officials will hear only the voices of the coal industry. We don't want a society where coal is more important than the women and men who dig it."

At present, Sago Outrage is a new maillist, gathering supporters. But we plan to put the issue of the safety of coal miners, and by extension the safety of all working people, on the national agenda.


Here's the first message from the maillist, an overview of the Sago disaster:

groups.yahoo.com/group/sago_outrage/message/1


If citizens are concerned that there's no justice for coal miners, they should consider joining Sago Outrage:

groups.yahoo.com/group/sago_outrage/


contact:

richard myers
Moderator, Sago Outrage
Denver, Colorado

rtmyers@h2net.net

groups.yahoo.com/group/sago_outrage/

Bloganizing is pretty simple, really.

o Do a search for the terms you're organizing around. I chose "Sago Mine."
o Discover blogs that have already expressed a favorable opinion.
o Leave a brief message asking folks to join up.

It is five days after kickoff, seventeen have joined the cause. From the discussions so far, it seems to me that some of these folks are very dedicated to the issue of safety for the miners.

Since i already moderate a number of maillists, that role is familiar to me.

Next step is to try to get some media coverage. It should be interesting to see if this group continues to grow this rapidly (is the outrage a continuing phenomenon?) and what can be accomplished.

The need is obvious. The Mine Safety and Health Administration has been lowballing the fines they assess against the corporations. Then they try to defend their record by telling senators they'd like higher maximums.

Ben Hatfield, the CEO of International Coal Group which owns the Sago Mine tentatively endorsed increased maximum fines. But what good is a higher statutory cap, if he never has to wear it?

It sounds good for the public. But when it comes to serious enforcement of safety issues, the Bush administration is rattling a sabre they'll never draw from the scabbard.