The Truth About Don Blankenship

Vanity Fair by Michael Shnayerson | Apr. 16, 2010 (Opinion)

Last week, Diane Sawyer and other national reporters discovered what West Virginians have known for years: Don Blankenship is the Snidely Whiplash of coal, a larger-than-life figure so swaggering and creepy that his each next outrageous claim as chairman and C.E.O. of Massey Energy makes wonderful copy. But in the aftermath of the explosion that killed 29 at his Upper Big Branch mine an hour or so south of Charleston, they weren’t sure how to react when ... Full Story »

Posted by Beth Wellington

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Subjects: U.S., Politics, Business, Sci/Tech
Topics: Law, U.S. Congress, Obama Administration, Energy, Mining, Coal
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Posted by: Posted by Beth Wellington - Apr 16, 2010 - 1:32 PM PDT
Reviewed by: Beth Wellington (review), Elizabeth White-Nadler (review)
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Beth Wellington - Apr 16, 2010 - 2:13 PM PDT
Related Comments: Obama Administration (3)

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Beth Wellington
4.7
 by Beth Wellington - Apr. 16, 2010

Shnayerson is writing about a topic he has covered in depth before and he gives details to support his point of view.

Beth posted this story.
See Full Review » (11 answers)
Elizabeth White-Nadler
4.0
 by Elizabeth White-Nadler - Apr. 17, 2010

This article provides detailed background information against which to evaluate culpability in the recent mine disaster. Major issues include union-busting and lack of enforceable regulatory oversight. Timely and revealing.

I've been expecting to see arguments in the press where owners try to shift blame onto the unfair competition in the coal marketplace and difficulty in sustaining profits. Could it be that they actually realize how offensive that would be? Or is it yet to come?

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