The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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Our Readers Speak

November 10, 2009

Our Readers Speak, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Rumors debunked about Massey Energy

In reference to the courts’ age discrimination lawsuit settlement between Spartan Mining and Cannelton UMWA employees:

I was there at the start-up in 2005. We hired several, well-over-40-years-of-age ex-Cannelton employees, however the facts are not clear. Three of these employees worked directly for me for 41/2 years at Mammoth Coal Company. Most, if not all, of the others refused employment with us. We then contacted and went through the interviewing process with approximately 85 employees. Of these, only a handful showed up. Many UMWA employees were offered employment, but refused. Many did not bother to show up for the interviews.

Those of us who work for Massey Energy continue to be punished for working for a company that makes good business decisions like purchasing the Cannelton property the right way. We offered UMWA employees better paying jobs with good benefits. Ask several ex-Cannelton employees, who are still employed at Mammoth Coal, if Massey has not supported their families for the last five years. I’m sure they would agree.

On another note, I run a mine in Nicholas County for Massey Energy. For those of you around the country who oppose mountaintop removal, I invite you to come to the Nettie/Rupert area to see the total clear-cut mess that has been left by the energy efficient and totally “Green” windmill project. Unlike mountaintop removal, we reclaim the landscape and try to restore it to its former beauty. We don’t just cut trees down and leave them lay.

In conclusion, I believe there are two sides to every story that may not necessarily always be heard. It is my duty, as a Massey employee, to try to debunk harmful rumors that demean my company and fellow workers.



Scott Lancianese

Mount Hope



It’s time for Christians to take Christmas back

Our country was founded on the Christian belief. Our forefathers put “In God We Trust” on our currency. Yet we as Christians are allowing Muslims to influence our government and take away our religious beliefs as Christians. Businesses are bowing to the same thing and taking away Christmas and calling it simply a holiday season. Jesus is the reason for giving.

So if they don’t want Christmas in their stores, then don’t buy their items for gifts. It is time for us Christians to take Christmas back and stand up for our rights as Christians. May the Lord bless you abundantly. Keep the Faith.



Floyd Holshouser

Josephine

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