In Honor of Miners

Every time we hear of a mining disaster, whether in our country or somewhere else in the world, I’m struck by the loss of life in this dangerous profession. I can think of no other workers—other than those who serve the public good as fire fighters, police officers, and soldiers—who regularly risk their lives on the job. While there’s nobility and honor conferred on those who serve in this way, no such honor is accorded to miners.

But miners serve the public good, too. They not only provide us with the luxuries of life, such as running our dishwashers and drying our hair, they essentially power the work of our country. And each day they risk their lives to do so. Each day their family members worry that they might not come home that night.

It’s not right that we overlook their service and ignore their working conditions. It’s time to thank them for the work they do and insist that every precaution be taken and enforced to protect them.