Cord Byrd: “It has been written that King of England Edward I--known as the ``Hammer of the Scots''--once tried to prohibit London's…”

“It has been written that King of England Edward I--known as the ``Hammer of the Scots''--once tried to prohibit London's burning of coal. He is said to have proclaimed, ``Be it known to all within the sound of my voice, whoever shall be found guilty of burning coal shall suffer the loss of his head.'' Coal has always had its critics. Despite them, coal has not only endured, it has prevailed. It fueled America's Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. It fueled America's naval battleships in the early 20th century. It possesses the bright potential to help America get out from under the thumb of foreign oil-wielding despots in the 21st century. The coal industry has evolved in the last centuries, shaped by safety and environmental critiques. It has professed a willingness to evolve further. But the harsh attacks and efforts to demonize coal on the campaign trail are becoming increasingly irresponsible and inflammatory, and destructive. Coal miners hear these comments, and what are they to think? They are patriotic Americans. They risk their lives every day underground. They reside in the coalfields, where they live honest, modest lives, and where they attend church and teach their children solid values. And they vote. The last thing they deserve is to have their profession--or to have their father's profession--demonized. These kinds of comments are counterproductive to the challenges that lie in front of us.”