Bush Undermines U.S. Mine Safety

A Jan. 31 story, “Canada miners rescued, healthy,” noted that 72 miners trapped by fire were saved by safety rooms stocked with oxygen, food, water and sleeping accommodations. Similar provisions had been instituted late in President Clinton's administration for U.S. mines, only to be eliminated by President Bush.Bush values the lives of American workers so little that he has reduced the Mine Safety and Health Administration budget every year since taking office. This has resulted in a reduction of more than 100 inspectors and an increase in the number of mine-owner violations with few penalties. And while the current force of inspectors is expected to be reduced by about 40 percent by retirement over the next five years, you can be sure Bush doesn't plan to hire many replacements.It is extremely difficult to take Bush at his word that the safety of Americans is his first priority when he places such little value on workplace safety while everything he does smells of money for his friends.

DONALD CONNOLLY

Linwood

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 11, 2006