June 29, 2009
'Mountain State' no more? Opponents of surface mining hold naming contest
Advertiser
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Foes of surface mining say calling West Virginia the Mountain State is practically false advertising these days, and they're putting their money where their mouths are.
Environmentalists are sponsoring a contest to devise a new nickname for the state and for the West Virginia University mascot, the Mountaineer.
They say that with surface mines blasting the tops off mountains in the state, the old nicknames no longer apply.
The contest, with prizes of $100 for each winning entry, is the latest bid to draw attention to mountaintop-removal mines.
Already this summer, protesters and visiting celebrities have been arrested for trespassing while objecting to surface mining.
On June 23, the 31 people arrested included actress Daryl Hannah, NASA climate scientist James Hansen and former West Virginia Secretary of State and U.S. Rep. Ken Hechler.
The deadline for submissions is July 20. Submissions can be mailed to Nickname Contest, P.O. Box 20454, Charleston, WV 25362.
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As long as computer names are used, I suppose anyone can make any asinine statement they want as the mood strikes them. If we had to use a verifiable name and address, some(most) of the exchanges would be limited, IMO. But.....I would like to see some of the coal commenter's state exactly where and how they were affected by coal. Some may have a legit complaint, but I do believe most are just taking up a cause from what they read in this paper. It is amazing how some can become sooooo adamant about something they have only read about.
State of WV 2.7
Boone 3.1
Logan 2.4
Kanawha 4.1
Cabell 2.0
Jefferson 2.6
Monongalia 3.1
Mingo 2.5
Mercer 3.7
Lincoln 3.5
Braxton 3.8
Barbour 2.2
Roane 3.1
Upshur 2.1
Webster 1.6
Coal production does not seem to be a contributing factor to the drop out rate. Boone, the #1 producer, exceeded the state average, but Logan, #2, was below the state average. Surprisingly, Kanawha, the #3, was at 4.1 and far above the state average. Mingo, #5, below at 2.5.
Some of the non-producing or minor producers had above state average drop out while others in that group were low in drop out rates. There appears to be no relationship between drop out rate and coal production in WV.