All over the Republicans seem to be swaying the people in WV!

Not saying that President Obama doesn't- or shouldn't- care about WV but what exactly do you want him to do? Last I heard, he supports the coal industry as a viable source of energy. Regulations? How is that negatively affecting jobs there? Meeting with Manchin? Manchin hates President Obama and is barely a Democrat. It must have taken a lot for him to restrain himself from switching over to the Pubs when they were exploring that possibility with him.

I just wish things were different. I know that the coal miner's union was a big supporter of him. I know what Manchin has done. You are correct he doesn't seem to be a Democrat. That is sad because the voters voted for him as a Democrat. Now, he rides the middle. What do I expect Obama to do? I just want him to be more expressive that he cares. I think people are crying out because they feel he is avoiding their concerns (my opinion). I realize he has much on his plate.
I do want him to win. I won't be voting for our Senator. It's just difficult for me to believe he lost the support of the coal miner's union. Why did this happen if he supports the coal industry? Anyway, there is an energy commercial that is played over and over in the state about Obama being against coal.

I am a true Democrat expressing a concern that I am seeing! It's a big deal!!

the air and water?

These are people who want their once beautiful state to become a mercury-contaminated slag heap.

So fucking vote for Romney, assholes. You deserve him...

You are correct. Sometimes I wonder how a person could go down underground to work everyday. I teach school in WV. I guess when you've lived here your entire life you wouldn't say that. I hate it that we don't have many Obama supporters and I could have exploded when people voted for some criminal in Texas instead of Obama on the Democratic Ballot. We have had so many crooked politicians in this state. I love my state and there are good people here. There are also, many cancers. I don't know if this is because of coal, air, water. I guess if we knew all those things we would be able to find a cure.

The beautiful streams looked awful when they would run with orange slag. They are treated now. I am old enough to remember how that looked.

What are the people to do? The mines are the only jobs that pay well. Many are already on welfare and you are saying to hell with WV? That is not the way our President thinks. Maybe I wonder how he feels? Would he say to hell with WV?

I apologize for hurting your feelings. Teachers rock.

I was angry for the despoliation of a state I've never been to; of a state the beauty of which John Denver sang about.

I'm angry about, and for, people who are too blind to see who is ruining their home. They will vote for the person who least represents, or cares for, their issues.

I live in the Pacific Northwest. I love green, tree-covered hills and mountains; fresh air; beautiful countryside. All these things the people of West Virginia could enjoy if they weren't shackled to the market value of what lies under those hills.

I apologize for hating.

Forgive me...

It's a state that has been trending Republican, specifically at the presidential level, since 2000. Gore lost it. Kerry lost it. Obama lost it (and will lose it) and I don't see it coming back. Even their elected officials, outside Jay Rockefeller, who probably has enough clout to do so, have turned unquestionably anti-Obama.

It sucks. But it's a bigoted state. It's sad to see once strong Democratic states slide more and more conservative. It happens, though.

Maybe in fifty years, when they realize because of the conservative ideology (and I say that because even their Democrats seen conservative) they have nothing, they'll come around.

But right now? They're either too stupid, too ignorant or too naive to care.

recent primary republicans voted in even more teabaggers and forced out moderate republicans.

I stayed in a RED state for YEARS (Tennessee) and now I'm in a BLUE state (Michigan). The economy is bad here as well. The only possible thing that can be done is by soliciting the help of your local representatives(hopefully their Democratic). If they're not or corrupt. Somebody needs to be elected on a "local" level to VOICE the concerns of the people there...

there is only so much money on the table.

People who run campaigns look where they can get results from their scarce dollar and limited time.

The GOP has taken West Virginia because they have painted environmental safety as the cause of their economic welfare. Period.

Once that happens, the other side has to make a decision about where can they get the best bang for the buck.

Obviously, polling data shows that West Virginia is no longer on the table, especially for 5 electoral votes.

The mines are mostly non-union now, and the Democrats won't stand with people who won't stand up for themselves when they can. I've heard the same things about oil refineries. They are nasty pieces of business and are killing our air. As human beings, we cannot continue to poison ourselves and other species. Is a job worth that? I think people should look for better jobs and support clean energy. Mine workers and refinery workers owe it so themselves and others to find less harmful occupations. If they want to vote for Republicans to keep their jobs, they'll pay a huge price for that work.

So the answer to me is get rid of the coal jobs and replace them with other occupations.
Other occupations for coal miners? Jobs seem to be a real problem these days. We do away with jobs and what do we replace them with? Zen I know all that about coal. I had two husbands who were coal miners. I always lived pretty good. The thing about WV is the entire state depends on the mines. What do we do to replace that dependence?

The signs on "Coal Fire Obama" are sad!

Coal is finite. someday it'll all be gone, or too expensive to mine. WVA is a pretty state but has been undone by the lack of any long term vision from its leaders and its people. I'm afraid the hay is in the barn on that one. The reputation for pollution won't help tourism or new industry either.

Of course these mining jobs will need to be replaced at some point. After all West Virginia does not have an unlimited coal resource. Furthermore we all know the environmental mess that comes from coal, I was never fond of President Obama when he spoke of 'clean coal', nor were many of our fellow DUers.

So what to do? Write off West Virginia? I don't know but I do know this: writing off these people-these fellow Americans is unacceptable. I am with you Kteachums, it seems that our government should research a solution as to where those who work those mines will have to go. It is a dangerous dirty job, dirty on many levels. The republican party only interest here is in votes and in making the mine owners wealthy. Our interests as Dems, should be to the health and welfare of the miners.

How that gets accomplished is an answer I do not have. They say the squeaky wheel eventually gets oiled, keep squeaking, get more to join in. Perhaps when enough if us are aware, we will be able to push to get something done. I live clear across the continent and I would support efforts by my government to come to the aid of the good citizens of West Virginia.

Btw: (i just learned something new today and I have Kteachums to blame for that! You teachers ROCK!)

I remember years ago school teachers had not rights in WV. We didn't even have time to plan during the day. We are employed by the state so, we don't have the right to strike. We walked out anyway. The teachers had taken enough. Years and years we watch the crooked politicians give themselves raises and tell teachers there is no money in the budget.

Union coal miners stood with us on those pickett lines. That is why it concerns me so! I ride around with Obama signs on my car and look at the Coal signs in everyone's yards. If it weren't for those miners I wouldn't be where I am today. They helped get the planning periods, more pay, and the mines employ people which gives us more teachers in the classrooms. Hell, what do I know? I know that Democratic minds are not like Republican minds. There will be jobs with no concern for the safety of the people. There will be more Massey incidents if the President doesn't come up with a way to help the coal unions.

http://wvgazette.com/News/201205170257

Over time, any decrease in underground coal mining jobs was/is/will be due to the use of more and wider longwall mining panels and speedier beltlines . . . not to mention the fact that the more profitable coal-seams are petering out.


"Each sign I see is a cry from a miner to save his job."?? Yeah, right!! --->

"I am a WV teacher. Teaching jobs will be cut too if the coal miners loose work." (emphasis added)




Edited to add: P.S.
The Republican propaganda at the link you provided doesn't wash . . . but, nonetheless, thanks for trying to (**uh**) make a point.

Edited to add: P.P.S.
The miners shown protesting in the photo (see OP's link) are employees of Bob Murray's Powhatan #6 Mine . . . and, since Murray has decided to lay off some of those same miners, of course he's blaming Obama for his decision ---> http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/572187.html
Anyone remember the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse in Utah? Yeah, THAT Bob Murray!

Edited to add: P.P.P.S.
When it comes to union coal miners supporting the Republican candidate---as that Republican propaganda blog would have you believe is the case---well, now (**cough**) ---> http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/coal-miners-union-sits-out-presidential-race-20120809

I see this article but, I am still telling you that Obama needs to make some more statements to the union folks. These signs are in yards everywhere. All of them can not be associated with Murray. The propoganda is indeed catching on.

. . . a native West Virginian who lived in northern West Virginia for 75 years before moving to the flatlands of central Ohio . . . as someone who lost one immigrant grandpap in the Benwood Mine disaster and the other immigrant grandpap to black lung . . . as someone born into a family of coal miners who has cousins as well as friends and old neighbors still working underground, I know of no UMWA coal miners who would put those signs in their yards---signs that would have been provided by (more than likely) the National Mining Association to be handed out by their employer, NOT the UMWA.

As for your belief that "The propoganda is indeed catching on." Well, now: Have you stopped to consider that it MIGHT be "catching on" because YOU are one of the ones who is spreading such propaganda by providing a link to that "Rabid Republican" blog?? In any case, whether you'd like to believe it or not, with "union folks", that website AND those signs will have the opposite effect.

(But . . . of course and as usual, for those fearful company suck-ups and brainwashed brown-nosers, it'll be another story.)

He attacks the Presidents policies and doesn't support him but then a WV voter says "why isn't he meeting with them?"
There's your answer.

He was born and raised in coal mining country. I don't understand his reasoning. It makes me sick. Wow, to choose not to go to the Democratic National Convention? I would consider it an honor to go but, our state representatives are not going. Something is deeply causing this. It must be campaign money, or a type of blackmail from the other party. I don't know? I'm just a stupid educator. What do I know? I wish things were different. I am saddened by this! If I knew he was going to do this I wouldn't have made one phone call in his favor. The last letter I received from him was a bragging letter on the recent decision to hault efforts by the EPA. He said this will allow more coal mining to go forward in WV. I wrote back and told him; "God Bless Our President and his desire to help people"! I'm sure he liked that.

Sadly, Jay's likely retiring in 2014, and Hechler turns 98 in a few weeks and probably won't be running again (though the man keeps active politically).

Manchin and Tomblin would be Republicans in any other state - but only run as Dems to take advantage of the party infrastructure and registration advantage.

Rahall used to be pretty good (anti-Iraq war, strongly supported health care reform, etc), but these past few months, it seems he got spooked by the Keith Judd spectacle and has been embarrassingly running hard to the right.

Sue Thorn and Howard Swint are both great progressive candidates, but the Manchin-controlled state party isn't lifting a finger to help them in their congressional runs .

Even the president of the West Virginia Coal Association admits there are several factors at work here, not just the EPA regulations:

"At the same time, many folks in the coal industry seem to be starting to come to grips with the fact that their effort to blame all of this on the Obama administration isn’t working. Even West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney seems a little tired of spouting that line, even though the industry front group Friends of Coal continues to try to pretend this is an armed conflict. When I spoke with Bill yesterday about the MSHA data, he was still saying that EPA’s more detailed permit reviews were a big factor for many operators, but he also conceded that there are many other factors — the mild winter, declining reserves, cheap natural gas, competition from other coal basins — at work:

All of it kind of accumulates and comes together on you.

In particular, Bill said:

There’s not any surprise in this. You’re talking about a declining reserve anyway. We mined the low-hanging fruit a long time ago."

http://blogs.wvgazette.com/coaltattoo/2012/08/09/coal-job-numbers-looking-to-the-future/#more-26238

That last line, I think, is the most important in the long run. Appalachian coal has peaked, and even with no regulations and coal companies free to do whatever they pleased, the miners in WV would be facing a grim future.

Why isn't the president meeting with WV leaders? I don't know. Did they ask for a meeting and he refused? Because what I've seen from my vantage point here in southern WV is WV leaders doing everything they can to vilify the president. One of my two senators, my congressman and my governor all refuse to even attend the Democratic Convention. I have my doubts that the president has refused to meet with these people, but if he did, I could understand his reluctance. Perhaps, if the leaders - especially the Democratic leaders - of WV would like to meet with the president, they might try not acting as if he were the devil himself for a change.

And I'm sorry, very sorry, because I was raised here, I've lived here all my life and I love this state, but WV comes off being the state with racist rednecks because it is a state with racist rednecks. It is. There is no getting around it. I saw it first-hand when I phone banked for the Obama campaign in 2008. People told me they wouldn't vote for Obama, not because he was a Dem (we were only calling Democrats, actually) but because he was a "nigger." That was the word used over and over, and even people who had the good sense to avoid that particular word, still stated that they were afraid that with Obama as president "the blacks" would "take over." That's racism, and there's no way to defend it, though gawd help me, I tried. I told people right here on DU that West Virginians weren't really racist, just xenophobic - that we don't hate black people, like some folks still do in the south, we're just a little uncomfortable with them because the African-American population is so small in this state. I said all that and more, and I meant it at the time, but since then, I have come to accept that I do, indeed, live in a state full of racist rednecks (and racist non-rednecks, for that matter).

I'm not a racist, and I'm betting you are not, either. But racists are legion in WV, and their predisposition to despise President Obama because of his skin color and "foreign" name has made it even easier for them to swallow all the coal industry propaganda.

There haven't been many communities with Black folks. I have even heard statements about doctors at WV because folks don't easily trust those that are different. In the small predominantly white community I teach in we have a Black Principal in the Elementary School. People love him. I just think it is a matter of exposure and education. Yes, you will hear racist statements that are coming from older folk but, it is changing.

The WV ball team has heros on it that are Black. We would not win any games if it weren't for these Black quarterbacks. The young girls blush when these boys are seen in public.

I've seen and heard more since then. Everyone in WV isn't racist, obviously, but there are still a lot of racists in this state.

It is a false choice. How many jobs has mountain top mining created in WV? I would bet there has been a net job loss if you count all of the costs. And the environmental damage - including the health and well being of West Virginians, cannot be measured.

As for Obama - this conundrum was going on long before he arrived and will continue long after he is gone. West Virginians are going to have to decide whether the coal companies control West Virginia and its resources or the people of West Virginia do. Right now it appears to me that the coal companies are winning that battle and have been for a long time.

Long term economic stability has to be built on more than mineral extraction. President Obama understands that. Sorry to say, but Sen. Manchin doesn't appear to. On the contrary, he appears to be in the pocket of the energy industry. As for Obama meeting with Manchin, it also appears to me that the lack of a meeting is not Obama's choice, but Manchin's. It takes two to tango. Manchin has taken every opportunity to distance himself rather than find ways to work with him.

It never ceases to amaze me how some people apparently expect President Obama to swoop into national office and, in 4 years time, solve problems years (or decades) in the making, especially with a almost completely useless Congress (primarily because of the Republicans). Organize and vote out the Republican obstructionists at every level of government and maybe people will finally start seeing some changes for the better!

miners, and one died from black lung. We had a coal furnace and a coal stove in the kitchen. Coal trucks are all over the roads around here hauling from strip mines to the coal fired power plants. Coal is not clean and I wish people would stop using that term.

ways to use coal - we could. But let's not kid ourselves. Just as with nuclear power, if you want cleaner and safer coal someone is going to have to pay for it.

They put the "coal crackers" right on the creek and washed the coal dirt into the creek. Today that "coal dirt" is collected and burned for fuel - but back then (50's) it was thrown away. We swam and fished in that creek. It had black "beaches" from the coal dirt. Needless to say, the fish were only "rough fish" - suckers, carp and bullhead catfish.

Sadly, ignorance and racism go hand in hand, and create the perfect storm of people who are so easily manipulated by lies. While WV has many educated and aware people, it's also extremely racist and uneducated in many areas. the republicans love to keep their red states as vulnerable as possible to propaganda...

The coal jobs have increased during the President's term. people who tell you otherwise are lying to you, and trying to whip up fear and hate there.

I am one mouth. When the only commercial that comes across the T.V. in WV is the one that states because of EPA regulations people cannot mine coal. All I can say is we need to get information out there.

I know first hand that my daughter is having problems. She works for a power station. There are steep regulations on burning of coal. She shakes her head everytime the company calls her and the readings are off. She is an engineer. She tells me there are stricter environmental regulations on coal under Obama.

We need a T.V. add that states this.

I am one voice but, people all over WV need to hear coal mining jobs have increased under Obama. They are hearing otherwise and the fear tactics are working.

and keeps sending people to the Senate who have no interest in governing.

Also, I don't care who says it. "Clean coal" was a term invented by pollsters because it sounds better than "Coal".

...and we lived many years in Fairmont, WV although we live in PA now. This is a subject I've paid attention to.

The president is still for clean coal. However, clean coal and clean coal-fired power plants cost money, which would be less of an issue if gas weren't so cheap. With our current glut of cheap gas, the conversion from coal to gas would be going on regardless of EPA regulations, but it sure is easy to blame it on Obama.

My current job is in Marion County and the awful signs are in yards everywhere. It is upsetting to me because I campaigned for Obama in "08". I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and I'm trying to teach another year before retirement.

I posted to make everyone aware. If these things are happening in this state it is hard to tell what else the Republicans are doing elsewhere.

Who'd a thunk it!

How they get away with it I don't know.

That's fine, but then when there is a mine disaster, WV'ers will be whining about where were the regulations.

You can't have it both ways.

Many union mines protect the workers but, the non-union mines are taking over and we will see more Massey mistakes if it continues. I just know that WV is not hearing the truth about the Obama policies. There has been too much lieing going on and not enough truth tellers.
The people question and wonder who to trust whether it be the President or their law makers.

Regardless how people feel about the Red States we are states and our President has supporters in each state. Sometimes we cry out for rebuttal.

I just hope before the election some miracle is revealed here and WV wakes up. I think most people are Dems. They don't want to vote the way of the Republican. There has been too much propoganda and a prisoner placed on the Dem. ballot. Who encouraged that? Corruption needs to stop!

If the Clintons would make one sweep with the Obamas I think votes would change. I don't believe WV is a lost cause. Most of your educators, etc. are for Obama. People who want change are for Obama. Nothing is ever a lost cause.

The problem of WV is a long story, Companies have raped that state for years and now the people are left with nothing. I hate to say it because my dad was a miner, but there is no future in coal. The state is a lost cause for Obama, but Romney will rape them even further.

WV always goes red in presidential races even with blue senators etc. if they went red in 08 with all the momentum we had then there's really no hope for them.

Sorry. I'm worth it. America is worth it. And we're all here willing to fight for it. Sorry, whatever's worth fighting for is worth going whole hog for it. Sorry.

So long as racism, and 'God, Guns, and Gays' define their voting majorities, they will reap the suffering they inflict on themselves. In many ways it is like watching the decline of a junkie or a gambling addict; you are moved to some human sympathy by the suffering, but cannot but be aware of the degree to which it is self-inflicted, and must understand that when someone is their own worst enemy, there is no one else who can help them.

"Democracy is a system of government based on belief the people know what they want, and ought to get it, good and hard."

The area I actually live in right behind WV University is very nice. The other day I received a nice comment on the Obama bumper stickers on my car. I was even asked where I got them.

became vastly more productive than it had been previously. Less loggers were needed. The logging companies spun their need of less loggers as "government regulations (remember the spotted owl?) are killing us." Laid off loggers bought that hook, line, and sinker. Since less loggers were needed and more loggers were available, salaries crashed while the logging companies made record profits. The same thing is going on with coal today.

http://blog.wvpolicy.org/2012/05/12/1500-coal-mining-jobs-created-since-obama-took-office-2.aspx

I'll be watching to see if you post it on your Facebook page, Kteachums.

They blocked EVERYTHING Obama tried to get through.

Joe Manchin badmouthed Obama publicly and so did Tomblin.

So they should not be surprised that their concerns are not a top priority of this White House.

I just try to be the best supporter of Obama I can be. If I need to see him I travel to Pa. I wish I could go to the DNC if those guys don't want to go.

than regulations.

Sure, some regulations might make things more expensive. I'm betting that union busting has ended miners jobs far more than any regulation ever has.

If the miners want to vote against their own best interests that is their right. Not an intelligent use of their vote, but at least they'll have a hand in ending their own careers.

They could heal the mountains, forests and streams. The coal companies owe the public and the people this. There would be no fears, simply a shift in work...from stripping to healing.

Paul Ryan does not give a f@#.
And you should know how much Willard Romney cares.

Their lack of concern is work of art considering their collective history!

This is the weakness of Obama & the general Democratic Party.
West Virginia is dependent on the coal industry, an unsustainable industry for environmental & economic reasons.
It will need to transition but in the meantime give the people there a chance to be able to transition.
Don't just leave them there to rot.

Every state should be in contention. I don't buy into this Red State/Blue State garbage.
Obama should go to the states that DON'T go in his favor & show support with legislation.
Those who are mistrustful of him will get the picture once they understand his legitimate intentions.

Republicans pick up what Democrats throw away.
Yeah the bigotry vote is always a part of it but that bigotry begins to come down once the spectre of starvation is looming overhead.
Start making waves now & in decades to come you'll have another "Blue State" to depend on.
No state is a lost cause.
John Lucas

There was no way that state was going to vote for Obama. I'm sure there are some great people down there(sen jay Rockefeller comes to mind) but to pretend that Obama or any person of color had a realistic shot at winning wv is, basically turning a blind eye to reality. when the majority of west Virginians realize their kids futures are more important than petty bigotry they will vote accordingly. Till then they will be mired in redstate. status. Liberals in wv have their work cut out for them in changing their neighbors minds, but eventually they will succeed. The entire history of the USA has been a relentless march to more and more liberal freedom