Big Coal and Big Tobacco: Best of Buddies

Gotta love Garrett County and The Republican – the aptly named weekly newspaper of this very Republican county (69% McCain, 29% Obama, with congressional district election a mirror image). The paper takes just about every letter to the editor and folks write in on national issues, on local issues and on anything that comes to mind...

Hats off to Steve Putnam of Grantsville who dared to write about the similarities between Big Coal and Big Tobacco. A few excerpts from his letter:

“I see a parallel between the coal industry and the tobacco industry. They have a strong lobby group that works real hard at keeping our good neighbors addicted to their not so high-paying jobs. Their byproducts are bad for our health, the health of their workers, and the environment. They expect subsidies and buyouts like the Coal Tax Credit to artificially support their failing business model.”

Then he challenges his elected officials with this admonition: “Think and plan beyond your elected term in office. You are paid to be smart, and not to do what everyone before you has done, just because it’s the legacy of the past. What will you do to pave the way for a sustainable future for western Maryland? "

"One thing is for sure, attracting young workers to a dying coal industry is no different than inviting the Marlboro Man to show up for career day at the local high school!"

Well done Steve!