Massey’s Blankenship Lauds Company’s ‘Professionalism,’ Decries Media’s ‘Indignity’
Don Blankenship — the unapologetic CEO of Massey Energy, which owns the West Virginia mine where at least 25 coal miners died in an explosion this week — just ended the nearly two-week-long drought on his Twitter page.
“Thought it might help for those of you out there wanting information about the tragedy to use Twitter,” he begins.
“„First thing that comes to mind is the dignity, compassion, understanding, and expressions of the miners’ families.
“„Second, is the incredible courage effort, tireless work, and professionalism of Massey’s members.
“„Third, is the amazing effort on MSHA’s part to find the right path to rescue/recovery.
“„Fourth, is the work ethic and genuineness of Joe Manchin.
“„Fifth, is the huge number of supportive emails that I’ve received to which I could not possibly respond.
“„Sixth, the indignity of much of the media.
“„Seventh, the efforts of the rescue teams who are supporting us from throughout the industry.
“„Eighth, the response of local emergency services and community support groups and churches – positive.
“„Ninth, the tireless work of members of our spousal group and others to feed and make the families comfortable.
Meanwhile, rescue workers this morning are finally descending into the mine in search of four miners who remain unaccounted for. Those efforts had been delayed due to toxic gases that had built up in the mine.
