The only thing lawmakers care about is getting re-elected.

Why should lawmakers care about worker safety? Isn't that the job of the workers and employers. Having the government oversee safety provides an excuse for workers to not watch out for themselves. Don't expect lawmakers to do what they can't effectively do. It just gives us more and more ineffective government.

the only protection the miners had were Unions but they managed to shut them down and now you have slaves working in the mines - supported by the government and Utah is the most guilty of states in destroying the protection of workers - low incomes, and no protection from the vultures

No where do I see "coal miner" or any affiliation with mines listed as the authors many jobs and positions.... same with most who comment on the Crandall stories- very few are even from Emery/ Carbon. It has certainly been one of the most frustrating things for those of us who do know something about mining and the mining industry- to have to listen to ignorant observers, mostly up north, comment on things about which they know so little... and get their info from news sources and advocates interested in promoting their own careers!
NewsFlash, JR. Most of us in Emery/Carbon have CHOSEN NOT to belong to the union because most union reps ARE politicians, corrupt as heck, never even been in a mine, and back people like Obama/ Edwards who want to phase the coal industry out... What we need is for the miners to be regarded as the experts they are in their work environment and have their recommendations on safety herd and respected at all levels, this especially includes the federal level. MSHA's blanket mandates and disregard for what the experienced miners tell them make the mines more dangerous than any owner I've worked for including Murray

Thumbs up to Price. Union bosses have killed the unions. The workers should decide whether they want to work a mine or not. Any and all safety, seismic info, etc should be available for them to analyze in making their decision. No one cares more about my safety than me (except possibly my wife and my mom).