Appalachian Mine Workers For Obama

[babylonsister]

http://www.oliverwillis.com/2008/10/02/appalachian-mine-workers-for-obama/


Appalachian Mine Workers For Obama
Published October 2, 2008 in Barack Obama.




Last Monday more than 440 members of the United Mine Workers of America took the day off, halting production at the Blacksville mine. The union declared it a Memorial Day, largely to protest what union officials said was an anti-Obama ad that the National Rifle Association was filming at the mine.

Phil Smith, the union’s communications director, said that the mine’s owner, Consol Energy, allowed the film crew to go on the property, and that the crew asked several miners: ‘How do you feel about having your Second Amendment rights taken away if Obama becomes president.’

Word spread to several miners who supported Senator Obama, someone called union headquarters in Virginia, and soon Cecil Roberts, the president of the parent union, declared a Memorial Day (which is allowed under the contract) to protest the NRA’s filming (and to show support for Mr. Obama).

‘This was a surprise visit,’ said Eric Greathouse, safety chairman of UMWA Local 1702, in an interview on WBOY, a television station in Clarksburg W.Va. ‘A lot of the miners felt that this was a direct slap in the face of the union because they were trying to coerce our people into saying things against Barack Obama.’

[FrenchieCat]

1. I hope Barack gets down there before election day......

That would be a smart move.

[yellerpup]

2. This is a very touching display of solidarity

in a place that is pretty unexpected. I hope Obama visits them. West Virginia is coming into play for him. It's almost like a miracle happens every day! Thank you WMWA Local 1702!!! :dem:

[babylonsister]

3. I was shocked, too. Maybe Obama's 'Appalachian problem' I've

heard about isn't as bad as some think.

[yellerpup]

4. Did you listen to the ad Ralph Stanley (bluegrass hero) made for Obama?

Plain talk from plain folk with that haunting music in the BG. Progress is being made. I'm sensing a deep hunger for a populist leader in those hills. Both things just came to my attention today. I'm knocked out by these developments.

[babylonsister]

5. Yes, I did, and it was great! nt

[yellerpup]

6. Kick for visibility! This is important news!

:dem: :dem: :dem: