Information and Mis-information

On Monday, if you've been listening to the news, 13 miners were trapped in a mine in the coal fields of West Virginia. It's been all over the local news here, before the national news.

Tuesday night, I tuned in to get the latest updates... around 9 pm, word was that they found one miner, dead at the explosion.

Right before midnight, news arrived that the remaining 12 were alive (terrific news!!!!) however, no "official word" from the coal company.

I just tuned in at 3 am, and now the word is that only 1 survived, and is in serious condition at the hospital.

It was heartbreaking to see the press conference with the president of the coal company. He genuinely cared for his people and was torn apart. My prayers are with him and the 13 families.

After listening to him, I don't hold the company at fault for the miscommunication (They may be responsible for the accident, but we'll decide that later)... I do hold the media responsible though for acting too irresponsible. With the talking heads of the national news channels, so much speculation flew around. It's irresponsible. One of the reporters even had the gall to ask if one distraught family member held the governor responsible for all this. They supported the governor (I guess they were looking for a Hurricane scandal) However, within minutes of hearing the news that her dad had died in the mine she was going to sue. Now the blame game begins on all sides.

Now the Governor is facing a press conference, and having to put up with ridiculous questions, over and over again.

This area of West Virginia is the honest to goodness heart of America - God fearing, hard-working people. I just don't think that the national media has any idea what that means, or can appreciate it (how un-American to mention God and to praise Jesus on national TV) and to "report" on what is speculation is not to be counted upon.

What we can count on though, is Geraldo with stunning commentary. I heard him say he wanted to "wet his finger and lick the coal off of the faces and kiss them" because he was so happy to hear they were alive.

Please say a prayer for the families.