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West Virginian Democrats shocked at War on Coal.

By: Moe Lane (Diary)  |  October 26th, 2009 at 12:24 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

(H/T: Instapundit) They’re particularly indignant that the President that so many of them supported has decided to let the EPA strangle their state’s core industry via the selective refusal of permits.  Which is not surprising, given that this administration’s hatred of the coal industry was not precisely a secret – but still, they’re upset:

West Virginia’s Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin III, who supported Mr. Obama’s candidacy, called the EPA moves part of a stealth campaign to stifle the industry.

“Right now, my belief is that they’re trying to kill off surface mining through regulation what they cannot get done through legislation,” Mr. Manchin told MetroNews Talkline, a West Virginia call-in radio program, earlier this month. In West Virginia, 23 permits are being held up, with other affected states being Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

His concern is shared by Sen. Rockefeller (also an Obama supporter) – but may I be blunt?  Let me be blunt: nobody cares.  Maybe West Virginia Democrats would have gotten a better deal if they had flipped the state.  Maybe.  But the state went strong for Clinton in the primary, and then went strong for McCain in the general, so they’re pretty much worthless by this administration’s standards.

And, again: this should surprise nobody.  The current ruling party’s elites do not want to increase the amount of energy that this country consumes. They want to decrease it, in fact.  They are not shy about saying so, either.  So there is no excuse for not knowing this all along; and any less at being affronted.  Angry, yes – but not affronted.

Moe Lane

PS: It should be noted that the Rep. Nick Rahall from Amanda’s article is happy to defend the administration’s hatred of the coal industry.  It should also be noted that Rep. Rahall is a 32-year Member of Congress who represents a R+6 district.  And he even has a challenger already: Lee Bias, who looks to be very sensible on energy and healthcare policy.

Crossposted to Moe Lane.

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  • Scope

    I remember when Obama’s California sppech came to light, saying that he would bankrupt coal companies, only 3-4 days before the election. I remember the Coal Union people in WV trying to get the word out to their members, to not support Obama in the election. It was too little too late, but, some there at least tried, unlike in PA, where they kept this information very quiet. But, if you consider they have a Democrat Governor, and, Rockafeller, who the residents put in office, what else would they have expected to happen. Obama talked alot about his plans for Green Energy during the campaign. Rockafeller knew exactly what would happen to the state’s biggest industry. Yet, the voters still voted for their demise. The coal companies have been on the losing end,, no matter what they have done, and whatever monies have been spent to improve it as a cleaner fuel. I’m sure that federal monies have been spent on those techonologies, all to be thrown out, no matter what gains they have made.

  • Vladimir

    http://www.redstate.com/vladimir/2009/09/07/our-epa-keeping-the-environment-safe-for-mayflies/

    Mayflies are not endangered, mind you; far from it. The water the coal miners put in the streams just changes the balance in favor of other insect species on a very local level.

  • california_red

    does it say that the Federal Government shall have the power to create the EPA and regulate coal mining? The only basis that can be found is an overly broad interpretation of the commerce clause.

    As it stands, the commerce clause can be used to justify just about anything so long as it substantially affects interstate commerce. This extends even to a farmer storing too much wheat in his barn. And to a state that wants to exploit its natural resources.

    I say until the Supreme Court regresses from the New Deal era acceptance that the commerce clause provides the basis for an nearly unlimited range of Federal powers, we won’t have a Federal government with limited enumerated powers that our founders intended, and that is required for a thriving Republic.

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C

    for selling out the state and it will all once again be sunshine and roses. After all, did they not do the same to the Pennsylvania steel industry in decades past?

  • http://impudent.blognation.us/blog kyle8

    west va is a hotbed of gimme gimme democrats, that is why they reelect the prince of pork, bob byrd.

  • bcmoney82

    West Virginia looks to be sent straight to third-world status if the War on Coal is won. I only pass through the state while driving, but from what I can tell they don’t have a whole lot more than turnpike fees and coal industry.
    Maybe they are somewhat to blame for not doing enough to diversify their economy and bring in other industries, maybe there is more to it than I am aware of. But whatever the reasons, it seems to be clear that this administration is basically alright with tossing this state aside.

  • Ausonius

    Perhaps this is the result of an illiterate workforce depending on the MSM for news. Or the force of habit is so strong that their hands mindlessly gravitate toward the “DEM” candidate, even whwen the Dem is inimical to their interests.

    Remember this guys?

    http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/11/03/video-obamas-bankrupting-coal-industry-remarks

    It is somewhat of a mystery, why anyone is shocked by this. Not unlike the Jewish vote going to the Dem Party by 80%, even though most Dems are against Jewish concerns and are pro-Arab, pro-Palestinian, and therefore anti-Israel.

    Why would Jews be amazed at BIG BRObama’s hostility toward Israel?

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C

    It is already third-world status and has been for as long as I can remember.

    Democrats are not known for a diverisfication of ideas but more for doing the same things over and over while using different words to describe what they’re doing to make it seem like something different.

  • Jack_Savage

    But they have a little bipolar disorder when it comes to their statewide elected officials. There is a lesson to be learned here – half measures do no good. If you are going to go R, go R.

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C

    The state went to McCain in the general but considering the gutting of the state beforehand it didn’t make much of a dent in the electoral votes department. However, at the state and local levels they still vote overwhelmingly Democrat. I’ll never understand it.

  • AceInTX

    the quintessential heart of the rust belt and the central theater of King Coal and I can’t express the frustration I had during the elections last year when I tried to read Obama’s own words to my family and friends that still live there.

    They scoffed and made fun of me for listening to Rush…you all know the line…”Who told you that…Rush Limbaugh?”

    Well…now they’re getting smacked in the face with the reality of it…I wish I could take pleasure in their anguish and it takes immense self discipline to refrain from saying “I told you so”!

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C

    a Republican.

  • AceInTX
  • smitch61

    The media tried to stifle it, but we knew…. we tried to warn them.

  • IJB

    If WV Democrats (and I’m especially taking the Congressmen here), they’ll be the first to jump on the anti-Obama bandwagon.

    But, from Moe’s article, it doesn’t look like they are. So they may be toast in 2010.

    (It’s worth noting that the GOP held at least 2 of WV’s House seats (I believe WV-02 & WV-03) following Reagan’s election in 1980. They didn’t hold them long, but things have changed since then, and I’d say the odds of the GOP holding at least 2 of WV’s House seats after 2010 are pretty good these days. Maybe they can even pull off the hattrick – Rahall’s a fool, and Mollohan has ethics problems…)

  • cwilson

    “Look, I don’t want to rub this in, but you know…I /did/ tell you about this before the election but you didn’t believe me. Next time, please listen to me — just a little, just enough to check it out yourself — before ignoring what I say, ok? Please?”

    We’ve got to start fighting the automatic dismissal of all information from other-than-the-MSM; if we don’t then we’ll never win over these folks — because the MSM will never change.

  • RedBeard

    …this truth:

    “So there is no excuse for not knowing this all along; and any less at being affronted. Angry, yes – but not affronted.”

    The same sentiment applies to each and every one of the so-called moderates who are now deserting Obama. Where were these people for the last two years? None of Obama’s actions, not a single, solitary one, should come as a surprise to anyone qualified to be walking around outdoors without an orderly and a straightjacket.

    I tremble for the future of my country when such ignoramuses exercise their right to vote.

  • Swamp_Yankee

    Its a little cynical to strategize like this. But Byrd probably isnt going to be around much longer. The governor has the power of appointment and succession is rather quick. WV is trending heavily Right.

    The Democratic governor should feel pressure to appoint a fairly conservative Blue Dog. WV Democrats should remember that Obama sold them out and that their new Democratic Senator owes Obama nothing, especially on cap and trade.

    …and it probably be our job to remin West Virginians that. And of course, this will be ammo.

  • Ausonius

    http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/11/03/video-obamas-bankrupting-coal-industry-remarks

    and then step back, shrug, and smile! :)

  • redneck_hippie

    Wonder how the residents of WV feel being treated like bargaining chips? As said, it was all so predictable.

  • illinoisconservative

    I love how Joe Manchin “called the EPA moves part of a stealth campaign to stifle the industry.”

    Obama came out and said it as plain as day that he wanted to bankrupt the coal companies. Stealth? Did those coal workers think their jobs would still be around after their employers went bankrupt? I suppose their union bosses convinced them Obama would take care of them, huh?

  • antisocial

    For friends and others “Suck it up” might be the right response. People need to experience pain to understand why good policies are importatnt. We don’t notice that until things are really bad.

    Imagine the chaos if electricity expenses go up by 200%. I know it will hurt everybody (including me). I am not going to miss a chance to ask “How does it feel? Does the climate feel better?” to all democrats or Obama supporters that I know. And then rub it in with “Suck it up”.

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C
  • louisiana

    I am so grateful the gulf coast didn’t have a Katrina this year. Besides being so thankful their were no life/property losses, it meant that Obama didn’t have the excuse to declare a national emergency to take over oil/gas production/refineries. During Katrina the Dept. of Homeland Security took over the refinery where my husband works. A local oil distributor had his tanker & driver “hijacked” for a week. Even though Bush was Pres., it made me extremely nervous how quickly gov.’t can move in & take over. Now that the price of oil is rising, oil execs will be before Congress being raked over the coals having to explain why they are such “greedy” capitalists. As with the car industry, banking, etc., don’t be surprised if the gov.’t MUST step in to ensure “fair” oil & gas prices. Of course this will bankrupt them, & thus the gov.’t MUST step in because they will be too big to fail.

  • Xasteius

    1) You pay more taxes than you receive from the federal government

    2) Elimination of party designation from ballots

  • jen2001

    and look where that has led them to.

  • Third Street

    ,,,and it is about the power of incumbency. Even the most Republican-trending state will usually continue to re-elect entrenched Democrats indefinitely: West Virginia is a prime example of this, as are Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

    All of these states were competitive for Democrats at the presidential level as recently as 1996. Since then, they’ve gotten further and further away from the Dems, until they have become solid red in presidential elections. They were among five states in which McCain actually enjoyed a larger margin than Bush in ’04 (Oklahoma was the fifth). There’s no reason to expect they’ll be even remotely competitive in ’12.

    And yet Democrats have proven remarkably resilient at the state level. Vic Snyder in Arkansas is a very left-wing Democrat who keeps right on chugging in a rightward district. A smattering of Democrat congressmen in Tennessee belie the state’s general shift away from their party. Mary Landrieu continues to defy the sharp GOP tilt in Louisiana (and God knows, we’ve been breaking our damn necks down here trying to get rid of her).

    Which brings us to West Virginia. Democrats hold all of the statewide offices, that’s true. BUT, with the exception of Governor Manchin and the newly-elected Secretary of State, all of them have been in there since at least 1996, the last time the Democrat presidential candidate carried the state. Even more telling, their subsequent re-election bids coincided with presidential election years, each one with a wider Republican margin than the last; and still the incumbent Democrats hung on.

    The federal offices paint an even starker picture. Alan Mollohan (1982) and Jay Rockefeller (1984) have been in office forever. Nick Rahall (1976) has been in there longer than forever. Robert Byrd (1958) has been around since the early Cretaceous Period. These guys drove their stakes into the ground and tied themselves to them when the state was still reliably Democrat, and nothing short of the Earth opening up and swallowing them whole will get them out now.

  • IJB

    More information is better than less information.

    The most corrupt political institutions in the land are the local ones, and they are the ones that are most often so-called “non-partisan” offices.

    Doing away with Party ID on ballots gets you one step closer to a true One-Party State…

  • makemyday

    to my daughters inlaws in the Chicago area. Went to visit after Obama lost the Olympics thingy and were they hot in Chicago about it. Just had to get my digs in a little by mentioning that this was just the latest failure or lack of action in a long line since inauguration. Added the “I told you so and you should have listened” and to their credit they agreed with me. Don’t know if that will reflect a change in their voting habits in 2010 or not but I will be relentless with them.

  • Tbone

    should feel sorry for those who supported Obama and now find themselves, their family, their children, and their grandchildren screwed.

    So far, it is only a suspicion.

  • Third Street

    I feel sorry for the children and grandchildren of Obama supporters, provided they a.) voted for McCain, b.) are below voting age, or c.) haven’t been born yet.

    The Obama voters themselves can go right to hell.

  • Kyle-MI

    Any Democratic advantage of supporting unionism is vastly outweighed by Democratic support of illegal aliens and environmentalism in general (and cap & trade in particular). The union bosses are pure lackeys of the Democratic party. Union members have been thrown under the bus long ago but they still keep voting for the leadership and Democrats. It is like battered spouse syndrome.

  • AceInTX

    I’ve always thought UNions made themselves irrelevant by pushing for the Dept of Labor and backing all these government bureaucracies. Now that they are in place…who needs the Unions to keep buisnesses in line thus why should I send dues to the Union to enforce safety, wage, health, and hourly regulations when I have a cabinet level secretary paid for with my tax dollars to do that?

    then you add in the fact that the unions are no all for immigration which forces down my wages because a Mexican crossing the boarder who is used to making $1.25 per day is ecstatic about working for $7.00 per hour.

    But try to tell that to my Dad.

  • Kyle-MI

    PA went for Obama, although I suppose the coal-mining areas supported McCain. States in the rust belt like MI and OH don’t have that excuse. Everybody in MI knew that Democratic environmental policy would be bad for the auto industry, but the majority blindly voted for Obama anyway.

  • JSobieski

    who is a pretty much analogous to Obama

    At best clueless about economic policy
    But people vote for them because they are an “attractive candidate”

  • http://hillbillypolitics.com Steph C
  • yoyo

    Steph. Having grown up in North Central WV (Elkins), I do not recall my childhood being all that “Third World-ish.” We had clothes, shoes, a home, and even, gasp!, in door plumbing and television. I lived off of a paved road, attended school, and even had the opportunity to go to college (I chose the Navy, however my little brother did go to college – and even graduated.) So, I take a small measure of offense to your generalization. BTW, Elkins/Randolph County sits Smack-Dab in the middle of the “hills” where most people think of when you say “West Virginia.”

    There is more to WV than Coal – albeit that it is by far the largest industry. Tourism and Timber are two of the other major industries.

    The reason(s) why the “D” is the party that gets re-elected is due to Incumbency, the UMWA, high unemployment, and the fact that most of the state’s population is on it’s border (Morgantown is 20 minutes south of Pennsylvania; Huntington, Parkersburg, and Wheeling are all three a literal stones throw away from Ohio; Bluefield and Lewisburg should be in Virginia, they are so close; and Charles Town is becoming a DC/Fredericksburg suburb.) None of these areas are known Bastions of the GOP.

    West Virginia “suffers” [politically] the same thing Washington State suffers from – 75% of the state is controlled by [in WA's instance] a single population center that contains 75% of the electorate. WV’s electorate is spread between three “centers” is all.

    A slower way of life, yes. Absolutely beautiful, yes. Third World – not a chance.

  • OneCleverCookie

    I laugh at the so called intelligent in this country that call the skeptical like myself, “PARANOID”. I can promise you that I will not go willingly to my hanging.

  • yoyo

    “…and nothing short of the Earth opening up and swallowing them whole will get them out now.”

    A Dime to a Dollar says that your statement will come true for Robert Byrd within the next 12 months.

  • yoyo

    He was talking about how Bethlehem was opening up a couple of mines now that the price for coal had tripled. What was once deemed too small/difficult to go after, those same veins are now [were then] a-boomin’.

    Most of my family are/were miners. Most are/were UMWA-all-the-way. Most of them now are looking for jobs in the timber/tourism industry. Most of them are now Republicans.

  • Jill1066

    The “T” in the central and northern tier of PA went for McCain. He didn’t do terrible in Western PA, but he was slaughtered in Phila. and Pittsburgh itself.

  • tcgeol

    My absentee ballot probably didn’t get counted, but almost everyone I know around the Huntington area voted for McCain (although none of us liked him).

    Obama was not, in any way, popular there. Manchin isn’t too bad for a dem, although I would still trade him for about any Republican out there. Byrd will be in office till he dies. Frankly, I don’t have the slightest idea why Rockefeller keeps getting reelected. The man is a carpetbagger and doesn’t care in the least for the state, so far as I can tell.

  • Jesse V

    How’s that hope and change working out for you now?

    You are reaping what you ‘ve sown.

    PrezBO stated he would bankrupt the coal industry. Still Ohio and Pennsylvania voted for the looter in chief. Not sure about WV. You poor ignorant fools who support the socialist party and their minions are now getting that hope and change that was promised you!

    And if that don’t make you mad, then nothing will. Its time to vote all the looters and crooks out of office. Start in 2010.

    Bring back the America we all know and love!

  • dclamage

    WV has the best-paved roads in the US, because Sen Byrd is on the Transportation committee. They also have more roads and buildings named after Sen Byrd than any other human being, alive or dead.

    I wonder what powers the state of WV reserves to itself to exercise, to protect its coal industry from the EPA. To basically tell the EPA to go fly a kite, and resume mining operations. It merely has to invoke Article X and tell the Feds they are out of line.