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Paranoia at Big Coal Headquarters (Video)
There's an awful lot that is crazy about this speech by Don Blankenship, CEO of Massey Energy, the fourth largest coal company in the country, and member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He says "greeniacs" are trying to take over the country. He says that people who disagree with his retrograde views on global warming and energy (climate change doesn't exist, duh) are "communists" and "atheists." He compares the editors of a newspaper that has criticized him to Osama bin Laden.
But my favorite part is when Blankenship suggests that somehow third world countries have got themselves in their unfortunate states by trying too hard to conserve energy and live sustainably.
I have spent quite a bit of time in Russia and China and India in the last year or two, and I can tell you, that's the first stage. You go from having your own car to carpooling to, you know, riding the bus to mass transit. You eventually get to where you're walking. And your apartments go from being nice apartments and homes with your own bathroom, to sharing bathrooms and kitchens with four families.
Whatever you say, chief. Here are the highlights; they're an excellent view into the thinking of the far Right. More video is over at the NRDC.
So... if I "get" what this guy is saying, as long as we keep burning coal (and polluting) we get to spread OUR religion throughout the world?
I agree with one thing this gent says. Sometimes it's a good thing when certain people diss you for your views... and nothing "gives me more pleasure" than to be called a "commynist" by bunghole crackpots like Blankenship.
-Wexler
I agree with Don ONLY to an extent. Basically, the more environment-friendly we become, the more we will have to share and the fewer choices we have in general (unless population starts coming down). Sharing and downsizing is good to an extent... too much leads to conflict and control issues b/c of increased population density. It's like a student living in dorms rather than at home. There are PLENTY of issues when one is living so close to others - like in dorms.
Still, what Don doesn't understand is that production (which often leads to pollution), be it in China, India or anywhere else, happens because the DEMAND is high. All countries will reduce their production and pollution if the entire world consumes less.
Remember, Don. Trillions of dollars of money is worthless if the whole world ceases to exist due to rapid environmental destruction.
... oh, also. About the religion bit. I don't give a d*** whether you're Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist - whatever. Most people DON'T convert to another religion unless they are being forced or bribed. Missionaries, if you REALLY wanted to help the needy, you'd help them with what they REALLY need - food, shelter, clean water, and love... WITHOUT STRINGS ATTACHED. If converting to your religion is a requirement, you're running a business supported by donations and ideological blindness- please don't call yourselves a charity in that case.
At no point in that incoherent rambling was there anything resembling a rational thought.
I am now dumber for having listened.
Wexler,
I thought I read you were retiring from blogging?? I hope this means you are back in the game. I always enjoyed reading your comments and opinions.
Except for the athiest and communist bit, he's pretty right on. The warming peaked in 1998, the cool phase of the PDO just kicked in, and even though CO2 continues to rise, it's getting cold again.
Why on Earth would we cripple ourselves economically for a hair-brained hypothesis that has nothing to support it except a great deal of foundation funding and $300 million being spent by Gore on
PR and advertising.
It might be good to get out of that green ghetto you live in.
I suggest icecap.us or worldclimatereport.com
An open letter to Mr. Blankenship:
I saw a video with highlights of your speech of last November in which you complained that the "greeniacs" (your word) want to take over our country and use climate change as their weapon. Global warming is nothing to worry about; after all it was snowing when you were delivering your diatribe. These greeniacs are a bunch of communists and atheists who want to reduce our American way of life to socialism and make us lose our nice homes and cars and get us to live with six families in a two-room apartment all sharing one bathroom, just like in India, China and Russia.
As the CEO of a large company and a board member of the US Chamber of Commerce, probably taking home a lot more then your employees, you are an exalted person and someone to be reckoned with. So when you say that Al Gore and the others are crazy and uneducated, people will listen. That the others include virtually the entire scientific community all across the world, including many Nobel laureates, does not matter. Their warnings that our planet is warming at an alarming rate due to coal and car exhausts pollution are nonsense and should be ignored. Their evidence, while convincing to most, particularly the educated, is wrong and because you know better you are speaking out boldly.
Besides, if we would reduce pollution, and not China, it would make little difference to the world. But in China, you may have noticed, many of the locals wear face masks. They are not being demonstrative, but seek protection against CO2 and other pollutants. It's funny, but even communists and atheists have a penchant for breathing. I have no doubt that China will follow us, may even get ahead of us, in the battle against pollution and climate change.
I wonder if your blaming communism and atheism for everything have anything to do with your political views. Do you know what communism stands for, or what atheism is? Be it far from me to advise someone as important as you, but you might look it up someday or even read a little about it. The worse that can happen is that people may take you more seriously.
Wow. (and this goes to Judy too)
You think people who live in groups do it to 'conserve resources for the good of the planet'? Do you really think most people live in squalor on purpose?
Or maybe it's because we CAN'T AFFORD IT. (hm, have you ever struggled?)
And I'm sure his "experiences" abroad were very diverse and educational, specifically eye-opening to the REASONS people walk, use public transportation, or live in anything less than "nice apartments or homes".
You know, besides the ridiculous accusations that Global Warming is a hoax, this guy is just full of paranoid bullsh*t. Makes me wonder if he EVER had to choose which bills to pay.
Coleman...
You must be a glutton for punishment but thanks for the cheery post. I enjoy other people's thoughts and still visit MJ frequently. Once in a while some Bozo like Blankenship comes along and it makes me need to say something, even if it's just to express my disapproval. It's more a feeling of citizen's duty than anything else. Must be because I'm reading Naomi Wolf at the moment.
Best,
Wexler
Let's put drop this disgusting, ignorant piece of garbage(and his bum chum inhofe) on a melting Arctic ice flow. Maybe we'll come back a few days later to pick up the bodies, unless of course some starving polar bears enjoys a feast.
Ah Judy, Judy, Judy
The important thing is Climate Change, that is not just warming. Bottom line is we can't just go on treating the earth this way.
Muffy, Wexler I'm with ya'
Does anyone think this guy believes his own s--t? Or is he just trying to create a menagerie of boogie men to scare selfish Americans into thinking that being better stewards means having to share your toys?
Paul - Good point. This guy is talking out of his ass.
The bit about "walking to work"...are you serious?
As for the world not following the lead of the US, that probably has a lot to do with the UC Chamber of Commerce. They do everything possible to subvert fair trade.
And did anyone pick up on the religious tone of this?
And the point about business in government. Great point. Maybe we can get someone from Ford or Wall Street to be President...one day.
Tragic! Now I understand why big companies fail. This guy is an out and out ignoramus. The U.S. economy is doomed!
The present crashing recession will permanently alter consumerism. Massive credit is going to disappear. It is not just global warming that will crimp our lifestyles - it is the collapse of laissez faire capitalism.
We can hope that crash takes this fucker with it. Nationalize energy companies and throw out the owner bums!
Don Blankenship is obviously a run-of-the-mill corporatist preaching to his own choir. He has a quasi-fascist bent in this slow rant and (at least in the clip) doesn't back up any of his assertions with facts. A day of rejoicing will commence when the ideology of his ilk is relegated to the dustbin.
Ah, America. The land where you can discredit someone's point of view, not by providing counter arguments but, by calling them a terrorist or an atheist.
What a crock of horse manure. I mean for a start, It is only now that India and China are starting to buy cars en masse. Why? Because they learned it from America. They now want what American's have, those Chinese and Indians who can afford it.
The squalor in those countries is due poverty and has nothing to with choice.
Being "green" doesn't necessarily mean giving up your freedoms and you choices.It does mean making smarter, more informed choices and at times it may mean giving up a bit of luxury but its nowhere as bad as the bleak picture this crackpot paints.
What's sad though, is that by invoking God, he has probably already won the support of the religious.
It's time to end big corporations. In the future, homes will generate their own electricity and water, cars will run on electricity charged at home. Big oil and utility companies will be obsolete, and living life will be cheaper for everyone.
One further comment about energy usage...
If Americans were seriously concerned about production and use of energy, we could put 7% of energy used for transportation back into the pipeline immediately by establishing (and enforcing) a national speed limit of 55 mph.
Until I see that happen, I won't believe any politician's position on energy. If they're not willing to "inconvenience" people by making them spend an extra few minutes on their daily commute, then they're cowards who are derelict in their sworn duty to act in the best interests of this nation.
-Wexler
I'm just amazed this man got to a position of responsibility - he's a fool.
Four or five years ago on the interstate in WV I noticed a large sign on the side of the mountain for "Clean Coal". Over the last couple years during the presidential campaign the words "Clean Coal" were at the bottom of the screen on CNN. Occasionally even the candidates mouthed the words in connection with an energy policy.
It is absolutely amazing how stupid people are.
Blankenship is a corporate tool, so his stupidity is understandable.
But what about the rest of the people and the freakin' candidates?
When educated people(like the producers at CNN and the candidates) continue to regurgitate an ignorant catch phrase like "clean coal", something is very wrong.
Blankenship ignores the science because he is loyal to his company.
He is wrong but it's understandable.
CNN's motive is the advertising dollar but it's still wrong.
What was McCain or Obama's excuse?
We the people are wayyy off course and our stupidity is killing this planet.
There is absolutely nothing good about "clean coal". It is a misnomer and nothing about it is clean. The "concept" of cleaning up coal and capturing the carbon is unproven and hypothetical at this juncture.
Who in their right mind wants to put billions of dollars into an industry who's time has passed?
The same people who don't realize it is fundamentally unconscionable to rape the environment by ripping the tops off of mountains and polluting the water below.
These corporate whores will continue to subsidize Nuclear Power and the Coal industry until people elect representatives that have a moral compass and know the difference between right and wrong.
We are on the wrong path.
We should be spending money on enhancing solar energy and cleaning up our water and air.
The science says we are at a tipping point.
The choice is yours.
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse..
imo..
http://opinionsandreasons.blogspot.com/
Oh my God, the Greeniacs are coming for our cars. Quick, hide the 10mpg SUV out by the still.
Yes, we know who runs those sites. There are FAR MORE sites run by intelligent and knowledgeable people that tell the truth. Based on your level of wisdom and open-mindedness and guess that if you fell on a pin you'd be blind in both eyes!
Its not global warming its US six billion of US four billion to many of US
Are you aware that we can make gasoline, deisel, lubricating oil ets from soft coal and Exxon-Mobile has been sitting on the process since the 1930's? Are you aware that we cannot sustain our economy or way of life on green technology and that we are 10 to 20 years from any significant change to greener energy as fuel source BUT. Let's all jump on the green bandwagon, don't develope every energy source we can and knock everyone that tries to talk sense-Isn't that the way we got into Iraq?
Mr. Independent, you are right about Iraq. And why did we ignore people who were trying to talk sense? Because fear led to giving Bush somewhat of a blank check after 9/11, and Mr. Bush wanted to invade/occupy Iraq. He didn't really care if there were actually WMDs or not, he made the evidence fit the conclusion. But do you think it's possible that you are doing the same thing here? I've read other posts of yours, and you obviously have no problem with this sort of mentality. I mean, come on, be honest with yourself...you're gonna let the bible trump the evidence and logic 100% of the time, because you are a typical Christian, and that is what you are supposed to do. You can't, or won't, think outside of that mindset. I mean, face it, if you did, you would be sinning. So, this immediately discounts anything you might add to an intelligent open minded discussion.Even the way you say "jump on the green bandwagon" indicates to me that you don't place much importance on science and the truth. If everyone had your attitude, that 10 to 20 years you mention might as well be 1,000. Hey, the earth and it's creatures are ours to rape anyway, right?
We thinketh he protest too much!
This poor gentleman sees things from the profit side of things only, being a CEO and all, and therefore cannot understand an environmentalist's perspective. In order to change the mindset of these perspectively-challenged individuals, we need to let them walk a few miles in our (holey) shoes. Let's invite Mr. Big-wig Coal-man to our homes with kindness and dignity. Perhaps we can win him over - 'tis worth a try.
The only reason this guy is in denial is because it would hurt his bottom line. He has no facts to back up his assertions and he is quick to name-calling which is evidence of his lack of intellect. Wonder if he would want to debate someone about his ideas. That would be interesting. I'd like to see what his great grandchildren will have to say about this speech. Too late though, great grandpa will most likely be dead and gone.
Besides being a sociopath, Don Blankenship has a side job of buying off the West Virginia Supreme Court. He vacations in Monaco with a Supreme Court Judge and makes large campaign contributions to Republican Judges, so they rule in his favor on mining issues. This man hates democracy and justice.
I thought Blankenship had crawled back under his rock. Coal River, which should be required reading for anyone who cares about the environment, details the utter lack of morals and principles of Don Blankenship. From raping the unions to raping West Virginia, Blankenship is a serial rapist sans pareil. We are in a time warp today, with the ignorance championed by Bush & the Republicans making its imprint on our national dialogue. Sadly, the midnight regulation issued by Bush pertaining to mountaintop removal debris means that the coal companies have already started new operations. As detailed in Coal River, these companies go ahead and start new operations knowing that authorities will not stop them once underway. The greatest disillusionment I could have would be for President Obama not to bring an end to this national disgrace. If you want to be sick, go to Google Earth and then the Appalachian Mountaintop Removal tab. It is appalling to hear someone like Don Blankenship say he is religious. There is a surprise waiting for him when he dies, as god confronts him with what he has done to the earth.
hey Blankenship.......i guess china ISN'T buying any coal of you guys......NOT a customer.
well I am from Australia and we got heaps of it mate....
and if we get our way as a people in a nation that DOES believe in the preservation of our planet.....then we will be leaving the damm stuff IN THE GROUND!!! Exactly the same bloody spot your head is!!!
in Australia you'd be called "A Wanker"
cheers mate and do me a favour. Stop bagging the hippies. their way, way better than you mate!!!
Thirty years ago the left in this country stopped us from using nuclear power to make electricity. Now they want us to quit using coal to make electricity. What I want to know is, what does the left have against electricity?
Nothing is going to change!
The Green Police are coming!
blackcoptermedia.com, want to sell your carbon credits.