Heckuva job, MSHA

Heard on NPR this morning, another great example of what we get under Republican "leadership", New Federal Mine Safety Rules Criticized. Worth a listen, but I'll bottom-line it for you. Mine safety protections that have been in place for 35 years are being dismantled by this administration's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Because guess who's in charge? A dude from the mining industry, and no, not one of the people who risks their lives every day to drag coal out of the earth.

Seems there's been a law since 1969 that mines have to have separate shafts: one for the conveyor belts taking coal (and the accompanying plenty flammable dust) out, and another for blowing massive volumes of fresh air in. That's because, if the coal on the conveyor belts somehow does catch fire, and the same shaft is having air powerfully blown down it, well, that would be bad. Seems pretty obvious, huh? Alas, it's a little expensive, too, building two shafts instead of one. So, of course, that rule's out!

Other recent examples of crumbling government protections under this corrupt regime, on this blog alone: FEMA and Medicare Part D. Georgie, you're doing a heckuva job.