As if coal couldn't get any dirtier

Recently, Patriot Coal Corporation filed paperwork with the courts terminating roughly $1.6 billion in health benefits for thousands of American coal miners. The move came as a last ditch effort to avoid Chapter 11 bankruptcy, proving again that big business considers stock holders interest's over those of their own blue collar workers.

According to Patriot Corp, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) operate at substantially higher labor costs, prohibiting the company from staying competitive in the cut-throat energy industry. Patriot is demanding "more flexible work rules and a significantly lower labor cost structure." Aka work longer for less. Anyone jumping at that opportunity?

"The actions we have taken today are necessary for the survival of Patriot and the preservation of more than 4,000 jobs," said Chief Executive Bennett Hatfield, in defense of the retiree benefit cuts.

Patriot did propose an alternative. Instead of cutting befits, the company offered the union a profit-sharing trust known as the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). Yet, union leaders are aware that Patriot may want to file for bankruptcy. Legal loopholes will allow them, and other energy companies like Patriot, to save billions by eliminating employee pensions. Men and women who have dedicated their lives to the mines are being cast aside in favor of protecting the price of a share.

Will the CEO be forfeiting his private jet? Will the President of Patriot forgo his annual bonus for the good of the company?

Heck, no!

Like a cancerous tumor, our current energy industry is corrupt, feeding off of free enterprise, and needs to be cut out if society hopes to survive. But it's difficult in a world where big business dominates the market. Where families have little choice over what energy provider supplies their town. Where gas has topped $4.00 a gallon. Where coal miners' futures are determined by CEOs. We need to eliminate these destructive habits once and for all. How?

The SH-box allows countries, corporations, and communities to invest in a clean, low-cost energy alternative. NRGLab is working towards establishing a new energy infrastructure. A cleaner, freer world. Because no one should be enslaved to the establishment. Break free by learning more about NRGLab at http://nrglab.asia/