The Fight Has Started for the Future of America

What started as protest on the streets of Bristol, Virginia, earlier in the week erupted into a mass rally for coal mining Saturday on a mountaintop removal site in Knott County, Kentucky. Thousands of coal miners, coal families and supporters united as one voice to oppose the new energy tax being support by President Barack Hussein Obama. Rally attendees were committed to putting aside partisan politics to send a message to Washington: Coal means jobs and those who support mining will fight to keep those jobs.

Saturday’s rally drew over 7,000 coal supporters to the Knott County Sports Complex. The facility is built on a mountain removal site—showcasing the positive effect mountaintop removal has the region from tourism to new industrial development

Discussed at the outset of the rally was the positive impact mining has on the region, such as the largest elk population east of the Mississippi, and the development of post mining land for new economic development that attracts industry to the region. But, clearly, the theme of the day was that coal supporters were not going to stand quietly by and allow the Obama Administration and his liberal allies in Congress, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, to impose a massive new energy tax that would destroy the lifeblood of the economy of Kentucky and America—coal.

But, for some their ire was reserved for federal officials closer to home: Congressmen Ben Chandler and John Yarmuth—both voted to impose a massive new energy tax that would punish the coal industry and eliminate thousands of good-paying jobs.

Multiple speakers—Democrats and Republicans—made it plain to the Congressmen from the flatlands of the Bluegrass Region—their votes for a massive new energy tax to destroy the coal industry would not go unnoticed.

“Kentucky’s congressmen need to support Kentucky and not vote with California and New York, and against coal” was the message from speaker after speaker on Saturday.

Congressman Hal Rogers’ District Administrator Bob Mitchell represented the congressman and told the crowd that Congressman Rogers had always supported and would always be there for coal. Speaking on Rogers’ behalf, Mitchell blasted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her support of the so-called cap-and-trade bill that is nothing more than a massive new energy tax on the families and small businesses across America and simply a bill to destroy coal mining everywhere.

Several representatives from the Kentucky’s House and Senate united not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Kentuckians committed to defending the lifeblood of the Kentucky economy and to promote the most reliable source of energy, energy that can secure America and break the stranglehold of foreign oil.

This writer had the opportunity to represent Secretary of State Trey Grayson who spoke at the annual Fancy Farm Picnic and could not attend the rally, but wanted the crowd gathered to know he supports coal. Secretary Grayson hopes to succeed retiring Kentucky U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.

In prepared remarks delivered on his behalf, I stressed Grayson’s commitment to vote against any bill that would impose an energy tax on families and business. He supports the development of clean coal technologies and continued research and development of ways to keep coal competitive—in order to keep Kentucky’s economy strong and growing.

Grayson specifically stressed he would vote with Kentucky, not California or New York as our next U.S. Senator.

On another note, I was proud to share the stage with Pike County Representative W. Keith Hall. As a coal operator and member of the House Appropriations Committee, Hall’s understanding of the importance of coal to the Kentucky economy for Kentucky families and to State Government in tax revenue more than most. Coal mining generates nearly $5 billion dollars in coal severance tax revenue to Kentucky annually. Much of this money comes back to individual coal counties to help fire departments, drug programs, and economic development, waterlines and sewer service. Without this coal-generated revenue, many programs and services that local government provides would not exist.

While some County Judge/Executives and other local officials came out to show allegiance to the coal others were noticeably absent. Those absent missed the importance of this event and do not represent their counties by failing to show up. The people in those counties should remember that when election time comes these officials were not there for them. We need officials who are truly concerned about supporting coal, and will fight shoulder-to-shoulder to defend our way of life.

Kudos goes out to Knott County Judge/Executive Randy Thompson, who emceed the event, showing through action that Democrats and Republicans can and do work together. Judge Thompson is an example of the type of leadership needed to move our region forward, regardless of partisan politics.

Special recognition goes to Perry County Clerk Haven King and all the volunteers he organized to put this event together. Haven King is a tireless supporter of coal and the thousands of families who depend on coal. He is a true leader and champion for the cause of coal. He and the hundreds of volunteers did an excellent job.

In closing, actions speak louder than words; inaction speaks loudest. Now is the time to band together to stop the destruction of coal mining and thousands of jobs. Those elected officials who were absent know who you are. We will not forget your absence. Mere talk will not win this fight it will take working together—Democrats and Republicans—in the trenches stop the radical plans of Obama, Pelosi and Reid that will destroy coal mining.