Mine safety needs to be investigated
Thanks to a near-doubling of its force of inspectors, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration’s goal is to comply with the law. If that sounds a bit sarcastic, it is because that was our intention. For some time, the MSHA was not complying with federal law requiring that coal mines be inspected periodically. During 2006, the agency failed to conduct mandatory inspections at 107 of the 731 underground mines then operating in the United States, according to a federal report last year. That year, a series of disasters, including one at the Sago Mine in West Virginia, refocused attention on safety. MSHA officials pleaded that they simply did not have enough inspectors to do the work required by the law. Since the Sago disaster, MSHA has hired more than 300 new inspectors, bringing its total up to 750. Agency head Richard Stickler said he is implementing a plan to ensure that all required inspections are conducted. About $10 million has been earmarked for overtime pay for insp
» Full StoryIndependence Day lessons
“...this great anniversary festival ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, fr
» Full StorySerious, major issues
EDITOR:
As follow up to my previous pension letter, I have these additional comments and observations.
As previously explained, both of the city’s pension plans are defined benefit plans. Such plans require that an annual cont
Only one step away
EDITOR:
A petition is circulating to legalize embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. The petition states that the Michigan Constitution be amended so that frozen human embryos regarded as unwanted and disposable can be harvested for th
Mother’s and Father’s Day
EDITOR:
Mother’s and Father’s Day quickly pass. Yet parents rightfully represent the greatest influence for the well-being of their children. Of all the titles I’ve possessed and positions I’ve held, none compares to the honor and respons
I still pray for them
EDITOR:
I found the article printed in The Daily News June 12, titled “Are we that stupid” interesting.
However, it seems to me that both parties (Dems and Rep’s) have failed the American people so I don’t think the pot can ca
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