Two Mine Tragedies?

Background Information

The United States government is going to respond to the tragic loss of twelve West Virginia miners, probably with tougher industry standards or massive spending on new equipment. Perhaps Congress will pass laws to make mining 'safer' (a relative term). These measures will be reactionary and irrational. Accidents happen despite our anguish afterwards.

The second tragedy will occur as the government sets new regulations, imposes new standards, or earmarks federal dollars for 'mine improvements.' Don't misconstrue my meaning; miners should be a safe as possible. The United States has the largest coal reserves in the world and we need to harvest it safely. It's is our largest absolute source of electricity. We have more BTU's (units of energy) in coal reserves than the entire Middle East has in oil reserves.

Imposing reactionary measures will unnecessarily raise costs while providing little, if any, advantage. On the other hand, providing $10 million in winterized tents can save millions of lives in Pakistani Kashmir. Background articles are available - Part I and Part II.

I suppose I'm a new kind of Republican. Almost any GOP member would stress the value of life. The party fights for the unborn but will they fight for the living? Evidently all men are created equal, unless they live in another nation...

My point is this: life's value does not stop at the border. America has the capacity to help more people abroad than home because dollars go farther (see Project: Educate Ethiopia). The government needs to protect Americans, but not with $500 hammers (emblems of overreacting). Instead of backlash legislation written under emotional duress, the government should ensure a reasonable reaction based on measured portions.

There will be an outpouring of emotion following this calamity. This is the worst mining accident since 1968. We should all pray for the family members left to cope with the loss of a loved one. The simple words of a trapped miner remind us all of what is important: in a note to his family, he wrote "It wasn't bad. I just went to sleep. I love you." Incredible strength from a dying man with an unparalleled perspective.