Editor,

On the subject of truth, lies and misconceptions in the on going battle over mining jobs in WV and confusing statements by environmental groups: In a May 16, 2006 interview with Judy Bonds of Coal River Mountain Watch, Chris Mansel asked what’s the biggest preconception about CRMW?

Judy answered, the preconception about us is also the biggest misconception that we are against ALL forms of coal mining and we want to take away mining jobs. This sounds good for the Southern WV Coal Miners (underground I assume), but past statements by Judy and others members of CRMW say other wise.

Judy: Energy production will stay the same until we show “average” citizens that electricity can be produced by other means rather than coal.

Janet Nease, CRMW: We have to talk about what is sustainable and not things that require the mining of more coal.

Janice Neace, CRMW: We the undersigned (CRMW) are opposed to the use of the term clean coal because coal is so destructive in its mining processing and combustion.

Judy Bonds, CRMW: We’re fighting the Bush Administration on a number of fronts, as President Bush supports a National Energy Plan that relies on continued coal production.

Misconception? I don’t think so! Sounds to me like CRMW is trying to gain confidence with our hard working underground miners.

I don’t think a pat on their back and an assurance you are not after their jobs and disguise the feeling of a knife in the miners’ back. Believe it miners, when surface mining falls, your jobs will be next.

John E. Smith

West Logan