Almost Heaven... You bet

This one appeared in the Chicago Tribune.

The majority of folks who grew up in WV can say they:

1. Are related to a miner
2. Are / were a miner
3. Know someone who is / was a miner

Coal mining might not be the #1 industry in West Virginia anymore, but no one with an ounce of State pride could have been unmoved over the recent Sago mine tragedy. Just as the fire fighters and policemen who lost their lives on September 11th were called "brothers" by their fellow public servants, so miners are viewed by others who've walked in their coal-dust covered boots. I won't throw my opinions on mine safety and code violations into the mix here-- I'll leave this post as a tribute to a dozen family men who were doing their best to provide for their families. And continued prayers for the McCloy family as their brave father / husband struggles to recover.