Obama must keep promise to improve state’s mines

Politician.

The word itself doesn't carry a very positive connotation.

With political scandals and controversies, our country hasn't been immune to such gamesmanship.

West Virginia hasn't been immune, either. Take the case of former West Virginia Gov. Arch Moore Jr., for example. Moore served as governor of the state and as a member of the United States House of Representatives, but he was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges relating to extortion and mail and tax fraud.

Moore eventually plead guilty to felony charges and served nearly three years in prison.

Political miscues don't necessarily involve such serious issues as corruption and federal crimes. Instead, they can take the form of political double-speak or making promises that can't or won't be fulfilled.

I will spare the history lesson, because there are plenty of examples on the right and left where political elites have failed to follow through with their plans.

In the aftermath of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, President Barack Obama has made some stern statements toward the coal industry and Massey Energy Company.

"The people of West Virginia are in our prayers. But we owe them more than prayers – we owe them action," Obama said after the mine disaster in Montcoal, W.Va.

Making mines safer is a big promise, and failure to follow through will besmirch the president and leave West Virginia residents wondering if they can trust him.

Obama wants stricter policing of mine safety and the "closure of regulatory loopholes" that allow companies like Massey to evade their responsibilities. Of course, Massey is upset with the president, saying his remarks were "regrettable," as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Obama has also promised to examine closely the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which have been previously made up of former mining executives.

Emotions always run high in the wake of disasters, and this one is no different. Too many times politicians have made bold and progressive promises in the wake of emotionally-charged disasters and then failed to deliver in the long run.

This shouldn't be allowed to happen here.

West Virginia isn't mentioned a lot in national news, so oftentimes it is not given the credibility it deserves.

Obama has made a pledge to the state of West Virginia and to the deceased miners and their families to make mining safer and bring justice to the disastrous situation.

Will he deliver or will his rhetoric be the only thing that reaches the people of this state?

Things look more promising as the president and Vice President Joe Biden head to Montcoal to deliver a eulogy at the services commemorating the lives of the miners.

This, however, is certainly not enough.

The president needs to use his power to prevent such negligence from happening again.

The people of West Virginia are counting on the administration to keep its promise and bring justice to this grave situation. This may not be the biggest issue on the radar for the president, but it is still a huge issue in the Mountain State.

For too long, corporations have held the power and been allowed to shirk responsibilities. Will this situation be no different?

Will Massey be in the hot seat or given blank check as many big corporations often are?

Only time will tell.

Mr. President, I am holding you to your word. I trust you will fulfill your promise to the state of West Virginia.

The citizens of West Virginia are depending on you to help us, so the ball is in your court. Deliver.