The Rural Democrat

John McCain Says Something Stupid Part 3, Well Sort of

Here we go again and I stand by my prediction that if Senator John McCain would have had any chance to become our President, he would surly blow it due to his ever present mouth. Now he says, or his campaign has said, we are a Nation of Whiners and America is suffering from a mental recession not a real recession.

Actually John McCain's top advisor, for now, and I expect Senator Phil Graham to be fired any minute, made the comments. Can McCain be blamed? Oh yes, he sure can be. Whenever a so called advisor or spokesperson speaks for a candidate or a campaign, the candidate him or herself takes the blame. So this is part 3 of sure to be long series of old man Senator hateful remarks that will ultimately sink McCain's ship.

Bluegrass Report is Back

Sorry for the lack of posts over the past few day, very busy. Mark Nicolas has announced that Bluegrass Report will be back in the Kentucky political mix this coming Monday. He will be utilizing a few guest bloggers that will run the popular blog. I am excited about the possibility, because even though the blog has laid in limbo for close to a year, I still get 50 hits a day from Nicolas' blog.

Having more voices in regard to politics in Kentucky is a good thing and I expect a thought invoking next few months.

California Congressman George Miller Calls for Mine Seal Upgrades

OK, mining is a tough business and sealing off old mine works can also be tough business. California Congressman George Miller, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee over Mine Safety, is calling for upgrades for ALL existing mine seals.

In 2006 the Federal Government passed laws requiring blast proof seals for old mine works, only seals built after October of this year would be required to be blast proof. That means no foam block and tougher jointing techniques, but to upgrade ALL existing mine seals would be almost impossible considering the thousands that exist.

Upgrading old seals would likely require the complete disassembly of the old seals thus creating a far more dangerous situation. Miners will be killed if disassembly is required, you can bank on it. The release of sealed methane would result in a body count. Miller just needs to maintain the new rules we have and concentrate on saving miners in the future instead of sending them to their deaths over politics.