US Midterm Election 2018 Megathread- It's Kavanaugh

[Van Riebeeck Land]

Who the hell voted for Blankenship in the poll? Probably the Liberals here who think he's the GOP in a nutshell.

[Freezic Vast]

Forcing an industry to change dramatically =/= Wanting a managed transition to a more modern industry.

Now THAT is a post that San Lumen wouldn't be ashamed of. Did you miss the part about coal being a dying industry? Did you not comprehend? Or did you dishonestly ignore the point, and argue against a position I hadn't taken? Coal has to change dramatically sooner or later. And doing a managed transition sooner will ameliorate the economic pain better than screaming that any of the practical steps that would accomplish that are out of bounds on the grounds that they're "forcing an industry to change dramatically."

If the people of WV wanted to actually change then they'd elect an anti-coal democrat, and they haven't most Dems in WV have supported the continued use of coal in the state. You want a state to get rid of coal, here's an idea, let them do it themselves, not let Washington decide for them and force them to change.

[Ngelmish]

Now THAT is a post that San Lumen wouldn't be ashamed of. Did you miss the part about coal being a dying industry? Did you not comprehend? Or did you dishonestly ignore the point, and argue against a position I hadn't taken? Coal has to change dramatically sooner or later. And doing a managed transition sooner will ameliorate the economic pain better than screaming that any of the practical steps that would accomplish that are out of bounds on the grounds that they're "forcing an industry to change dramatically."

If the people of WV wanted to actually change then they'd elect an anti-coal democrat, and they haven't most Dems in WV have supported the continued use of coal in the state. You want a state to get rid of coal, here's an idea, let them do it themselves, not let Washington decide for them and force them to change.

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

[Morgantown West Virginia]

Now THAT is a post that San Lumen wouldn't be ashamed of. Did you miss the part about coal being a dying industry? Did you not comprehend? Or did you dishonestly ignore the point, and argue against a position I hadn't taken? Coal has to change dramatically sooner or later. And doing a managed transition sooner will ameliorate the economic pain better than screaming that any of the practical steps that would accomplish that are out of bounds on the grounds that they're "forcing an industry to change dramatically."

If the people of WV wanted to actually change then they'd elect an anti-coal democrat, and they haven't most Dems in WV have supported the continued use of coal in the state. You want a state to get rid of coal, here's an idea, let them do it themselves, not let Washington decide for them and force them to change.

There is an somewhat, maybe anti-coal candidate running in the Democratic Primary in West Virginia. Paula Jean Swearengin is running against Sen. Joe Manchin to challenge him from the left. She is supported by the Justice Democrats and everybody at TYT.
https://www.paulajean2018.com/

[Van Riebeeck Land]

If the people of WV wanted to actually change then they'd elect an anti-coal democrat, and they haven't most Dems in WV have supported the continued use of coal in the state. You want a state to get rid of coal, here's an idea, let them do it themselves, not let Washington decide for them and force them to change.

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to see what America really is.

[Morgantown West Virginia]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to saw what America really is.

As a person from WV, I totally agree with this statement.

[Freezic Vast]

If the people of WV wanted to actually change then they'd elect an anti-coal democrat, and they haven't most Dems in WV have supported the continued use of coal in the state. You want a state to get rid of coal, here's an idea, let them do it themselves, not let Washington decide for them and force them to change.

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

And oil isn't? Should WV change with the rest of the country and be reliant on oil from Saudi Arabia? Also, no it's not affecting the environment overall, you'd know that if you've actually been to WV. And it is WV's right if they want to continue producing coal, not yours, not mine, nor the national government. If WV did want to end coal mining, then they wouldn't elect Joe Manchin or any of the Republican candidates, Hell, Manchin's challenger for the primaries is an environmentalist whose against coal mining, and there is no way she's gonna win anyway.

[Uiiop]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to see what America really is.

Coal having an negative environmental impact /=/ Any states that uses coal has destroyed all it's natural beauty.
This is just the whole "Snow disproves global warming" argument applied to pollution.

[Post War America]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to see what America really is.

Which is why steps need to be taken to make the WV economy less dependent on the coal industry. At this point the coal industry is on a likely fatal decline, it might not come today, or tomorrow, or for ten years, but the fact of the matter is, its becoming increasingly noncompetitive in the face of not only renewables but natural gas, and even oil. Any attempts to save it this point would likely take active cannonballing of other industries to keep coal afloat, which is an awful decision in the long run. Yes it is unfortunate that coal jobs are going away, yes it is unfortunate that West Virginia is dependent on those jobs, however the appropriate response is not to cling to an outdated and dying industry for dear life, but to take steps to find a future past that industry. Also, as with San Lumen I should like to point out that one can make a point without being condescending about it, and the "leftist" urban shithole is just as, if not more condescending as SL's comments on ruralites.

[Morgantown West Virginia]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

And oil isn't? Should WV change with the rest of the country and be reliant on oil from Saudi Arabia? Also, no it's not affecting the environment overall, you'd know that if you've actually been to WV. And it is WV's right if they want to continue producing coal, not yours, not mine, nor the national government. If WV did want to end coal mining, then they wouldn't elect Joe Manchin or any of the Republican candidates, Hell, Manchin's challenger for the primaries is an environmentalist whose against coal mining, and there is no way she's gonna win anyway.

Paula Jean Swearengin might have a little bit more of a chance than you think. Possibly just because of the move of the Democratic Party to the left as a whole around the country. There is also Joe Manchin's endorsement of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. And we all know Bernie routed Clinton in the primary in WV. Plus, Sen. Manchin does not have a ground game at all for this primary it seems like.

But again, she is an environmentalist in a state that went full on GOP since the 2000 election due to Dems' energy policies, going against the most conservative Democrat in the US Senate, who is already backed by most of the labor unions already.

[Ngelmish]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to see what America really is.

I'm not advocating wholesale removal overnight, I want a managed transition to an industry that isn't dying off and doesn't have as many bad side effects. I'm not going to argue with you about the side effects of coal. You're aware of the pollution as it exists, you're aware that, over time, that pollution has adverse effects on us, and you know that coal, for a specific example, increases the likelihood of lung cancer dramatically for those who do the mining. If you choose to be wrong about that by disputing any of it, you can do so. Just as wrong as you are about the fact that I live in Indiana in not an urban "shithole." And urban cities are really part of America too.

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

And oil isn't? Should WV change with the rest of the country and be reliant on oil from Saudi Arabia? Also, no it's not affecting the environment overall, you'd know that if you've actually been to WV. And it is WV's right if they want to continue producing coal, not yours, not mine, nor the national government. If WV did want to end coal mining, then they wouldn't elect Joe Manchin or any of the Republican candidates, Hell, Manchin's challenger for the primaries is an environmentalist whose against coal mining, and there is no way she's gonna win anyway.

You still haven't answered the question about why it is so vitally important that this specific industry be preserved. It's a clear cut case of prioritizing short term stability in a dying industry at the cost of long time catastrophe.

But to answer your question, yes I want steps to be taken to reduce our reliance on oil too, I'm consistent about that. And you can be as myopic or obtuse as you want about the environment overall, you know that, yes, in terms of scale it does affect the whole environment. If you don't care about that because the worst effects won't hit us in your lifetime, just say so. It'd be myopic of you, but at least it wouldn't be a disingenuous plea to lie about your non-concern for the well being of those citizens

[Uiiop]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

Do you realize the effects removing the coal industry from WV, a state with already the smallest economy and some of the poorest people. You deprive thousands of a job that gives them a sustainable income well over the minimum wage and you would completely destroy the, like I said, already horrible economy. Finally, have you ever been to West Virginia, it's a beautiful state full of green rolling hills and vast forests; trust me coal isn't killing the environment. You'd know that if left your leftist urban shithole for a while and went to see what America really is.

Also: http://www.appalmad.org/slider/west-vir ... n-trouble/
It's kinda hard to go "But they are urban fake americans." at data and a team that includes farmers.

[Freezic Vast]

You still haven't answered the question about why it is so vitally important that this specific industry be preserved. It's a clear cut case of prioritizing short term stability in a dying industry at the cost of long time catastrophe.

But to answer your question, yes I want steps to be taken to reduce our reliance on oil too, I'm consistent about that. And you can be as myopic or obtuse as you want about the environment overall, you know that, yes, in terms of scale it does affect the whole environment. If you don't care about that because the worst effects won't hit us in your lifetime, just say so. It'd be myopic of you, but at least it wouldn't be a disingenuous plea to lie about your non-concern for the well being of those citizens

Because I'm not gonna answer a dumb and redundant question that means nothing.

No it doesn't, it does not affect the whole environment, and if the environment matters so much then why don't do something about it, not just in WV, but in countries where coal is still used a lot, like India or China where they are still reliant on coal.

I care more about the citizens of WV than you or San Lumen, considering you care more about the well being of the environment that is having little to no impact from the mining than the effects of what will happen to coal miners in the aftermath of it's demise. Some coal miners are only good at one thing, mining coal. You can't force someone whose worked the same job for years to find another job or go into retirement, why do you think it's hard for Veterans to find work?

[Uiiop]

You still haven't answered the question about why it is so vitally important that this specific industry be preserved. It's a clear cut case of prioritizing short term stability in a dying industry at the cost of long time catastrophe.

But to answer your question, yes I want steps to be taken to reduce our reliance on oil too, I'm consistent about that. And you can be as myopic or obtuse as you want about the environment overall, you know that, yes, in terms of scale it does affect the whole environment. If you don't care about that because the worst effects won't hit us in your lifetime, just say so. It'd be myopic of you, but at least it wouldn't be a disingenuous plea to lie about your non-concern for the well being of those citizens

Because I'm not gonna answer a dumb and redundant question that means nothing.

No it doesn't, it does not affect the whole environment, and if the environment matters so much then why don't do something about it, not just in WV, but in countries where coal is still used a lot, like India or China where they are still reliant on coal.

I care more about the citizens of WV than you or San Lumen, considering you care more about the well being of the environment that is having little to no impact from the mining than the effects of what will happen to coal miners in the aftermath of it's demise. Some coal miners are only good at one thing, mining coal. You can't force someone whose worked the same job for years to find another job or go into retirement, why do you think it's hard for Veterans to find work?

http://www.appalmad.org/wp-content/uplo ... PA.pdfIt's
It's 6 years old i know but it can't be hard to prove it got better.

[San Lumen]

The fact that WV's state government has taken no substantive steps to wean itself off of coal is precisely the problem. Coal is unsustainable. It has noxious side effects that degrade, not only the state's own environment, but the environment of the country overall. It's economic power is fading compared to almost the entire rest of the energy sector. And environmental policy on issues that have nationwide consequences cannot be set simply at the state level. Is there a particular reason you're so dedicated to a dead-end industry, or is it just knee-jerk adherence to states rights?

Because you're showing about as much genuine concern and respect for those people as San Lumen is

And oil isn't? Should WV change with the rest of the country and be reliant on oil from Saudi Arabia? Also, no it's not affecting the environment overall, you'd know that if you've actually been to WV. And it is WV's right if they want to continue producing coal, not yours, not mine, nor the national government. If WV did want to end coal mining, then they wouldn't elect Joe Manchin or any of the Republican candidates, Hell, Manchin's challenger for the primaries is an environmentalist whose against coal mining, and there is no way she's gonna win anyway.

You do know that mining in West Virginia removes entire mountains right? Why are you clinging to an industry that is on its way to irrelevance?

Since you think West Virginia should have absolute authority regarding coal mining and environmental issues by your logic I guess the government did not have a right to end school segregation or pass the civil rights act or the voting rights act.

[Valrifell]

http://polling.reuters.com/#poll/CP3_2/

So, Trump is basically 49/49 now in a Reuters poll, with 25% approval rating with African-Americans. Sorry, #BlueWave people, if that turns into the 2018 election results it will be a #RedWave

It probably won't, since there are other data trends that point against Republicans making very many gains in this election. In spite of your weird desire to make this election seem neck-and-neck at every turn.

[Ngelmish]

You still haven't answered the question about why it is so vitally important that this specific industry be preserved. It's a clear cut case of prioritizing short term stability in a dying industry at the cost of long time catastrophe.

But to answer your question, yes I want steps to be taken to reduce our reliance on oil too, I'm consistent about that. And you can be as myopic or obtuse as you want about the environment overall, you know that, yes, in terms of scale it does affect the whole environment. If you don't care about that because the worst effects won't hit us in your lifetime, just say so. It'd be myopic of you, but at least it wouldn't be a disingenuous plea to lie about your non-concern for the well being of those citizens

Because I'm not gonna answer a dumb and redundant question that means nothing.

No it doesn't, it does not affect the whole environment, and if the environment matters so much then why don't do something about it, not just in WV, but in countries where coal is still used a lot, like India or China where they are still reliant on coal.

I care more about the citizens of WV than you or San Lumen, considering you care more about the well being of the environment that is having little to no impact from the mining than the effects of what will happen to coal miners in the aftermath of it's demise. Some coal miners are only good at one thing, mining coal. You can't force someone whose worked the same job for years to find another job or go into retirement, why do you think it's hard for Veterans to find work?

Okay, so you really don't know what you're talking about if you think that carbon emissions don't effect the entirety of the environment. And here's the thing about the environment -- it's necessary that it functions at certain conditions if any of us are going to live. That's where caring about the environment and caring about the citizens of WV overlap. And again, I will state what I already did, I don't want wholesale removal overnight. I want a managed transition. In the long run, that helps WV. It's not reliant on an industry in decline. It's not reliant on an industry that's fading economically. And you're absolutely right, those countries should also take steps to wean themselves off of coal. This shouldn't be controversial

Now that I've addressed your blatant distortions of what I've actually said, my question, although it is arguably leading, is hardly stupid. You're showing partiality for one industry that you know is facing gradual demise. So again, why? And yes, you care about those citizens in the sense that you want things to continue exactly the way they have been for them now -- that's short-term thinking. What plan did you have for them long-term when the industry does shutter? Are you just assuming that it'll work out or do you think that's simply not a problem?

[Freezic Vast]

And oil isn't? Should WV change with the rest of the country and be reliant on oil from Saudi Arabia? Also, no it's not affecting the environment overall, you'd know that if you've actually been to WV. And it is WV's right if they want to continue producing coal, not yours, not mine, nor the national government. If WV did want to end coal mining, then they wouldn't elect Joe Manchin or any of the Republican candidates, Hell, Manchin's challenger for the primaries is an environmentalist whose against coal mining, and there is no way she's gonna win anyway.

You do know that mining in West Virginia removes entire mountains right? Why are you clinging to an industry that is on its way to irrelevance?

Since you think West Virginia should have absolute authority regarding coal mining and environmental issues by your logic I guess the government did not have a right to end school segregation or pass the civil rights act or the voting rights act.

No they don't, in what way do they remove entire mountains?

"on it's way to irrelevance" America is still in the top 3 in coal production, with China producing over 3 times more than the U.S. If coal is a dying industry why is China and India, two economic powerhouses and giants in Asia still using it.

Civil rights =/= State energy production

Are you trying so hard to prove a point that you'd tie civil rights to energy production, two things that have no correlation to each other.

[Cannot think of a name]

You do know that mining in West Virginia removes entire mountains right? Why are you clinging to an industry that is on its way to irrelevance?

Since you think West Virginia should have absolute authority regarding coal mining and environmental issues by your logic I guess the government did not have a right to end school segregation or pass the civil rights act or the voting rights act.

No they don't, in what way do they remove entire mountains?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountaint ... val_mining
No doubt you're going to quibble on the 'entire' part. Which would of course be missing the point.

[Freezic Vast]

Because I'm not gonna answer a dumb and redundant question that means nothing.

No it doesn't, it does not affect the whole environment, and if the environment matters so much then why don't do something about it, not just in WV, but in countries where coal is still used a lot, like India or China where they are still reliant on coal.

I care more about the citizens of WV than you or San Lumen, considering you care more about the well being of the environment that is having little to no impact from the mining than the effects of what will happen to coal miners in the aftermath of it's demise. Some coal miners are only good at one thing, mining coal. You can't force someone whose worked the same job for years to find another job or go into retirement, why do you think it's hard for Veterans to find work?

Okay, so you really don't know what you're talking about if you think that carbon emissions don't effect the entirety of the environment. And here's the thing about the environment -- it's necessary that it functions at certain conditions if any of us are going to live. That's where caring about the environment and caring about the citizens of WV overlap. And again, I will state what I already did, I don't want wholesale removal overnight. I want a managed transition. In the long run, that helps WV. It's not reliant on an industry in decline. It's not reliant on an industry that's fading economically. And you're absolutely right, those countries should also take steps to wean themselves off of coal. This shouldn't be controversial

Now that I've addressed your blatant distortions of what I've actually said, my question, although it is arguably leading, is hardly stupid. You're showing partiality for one industry that you know is facing gradual demise. So again, why? And yes, you care about those citizens in the sense that you want things to continue exactly the way they have been for them now -- that's short-term thinking. What plan did you have for them long-term when the industry does shutter? Are you just assuming that it'll work out or do you think that's simply not a problem?

Competition between coal and other energy production industries like oil, natural gas, solar and wind power, why can't we just have that?

[Ngelmish]

Okay, so you really don't know what you're talking about if you think that carbon emissions don't effect the entirety of the environment. And here's the thing about the environment -- it's necessary that it functions at certain conditions if any of us are going to live. That's where caring about the environment and caring about the citizens of WV overlap. And again, I will state what I already did, I don't want wholesale removal overnight. I want a managed transition. In the long run, that helps WV. It's not reliant on an industry in decline. It's not reliant on an industry that's fading economically. And you're absolutely right, those countries should also take steps to wean themselves off of coal. This shouldn't be controversial

Now that I've addressed your blatant distortions of what I've actually said, my question, although it is arguably leading, is hardly stupid. You're showing partiality for one industry that you know is facing gradual demise. So again, why? And yes, you care about those citizens in the sense that you want things to continue exactly the way they have been for them now -- that's short-term thinking. What plan did you have for them long-term when the industry does shutter? Are you just assuming that it'll work out or do you think that's simply not a problem?

Competition between coal and other energy production industries like oil, natural gas, solar and wind power, why can't we just have that?

Because coal (and oil) are entrenched industries fighting tooth and nail to maintain themselves, despite the fact that we have incontrovertible evidence that they have serious deleterious effects on the environment and human health (this applies to nuclear as well, but not quite as seriously). In the short term coal is very competitive, but we can't take another couple hundred years of just pumping it in the air without some very unpleasant environmental changes taking place.

[Freezic Vast]

Competition between coal and other energy production industries like oil, natural gas, solar and wind power, why can't we just have that?

Because coal (and oil) are entrenched industries fighting tooth and nail to maintain themselves, despite the fact that we have incontrovertible evidence that they have serious deleterious effects on the environment and human health (this applies to nuclear as well, but not quite as seriously). In the short term coal is very competitive, but we can't take another couple hundred years of just pumping it in the air without some very unpleasant environmental changes taking place.

I also said competition between them and natural gas, solar and wind power, something you must have misread. even when I say something good about solar and wind, you shaft it aside and continue to rattle on coal and oil gas like it's Satan. Guess what, some of us are still reliant on coal and gas, and some of us don't have the money to change to expensive solar panels on our roofs, or wind power. You want people to be more green, compete directly with coal, and oil and give us lower prices and better renewable products then.

[Ngelmish]

Because coal (and oil) are entrenched industries fighting tooth and nail to maintain themselves, despite the fact that we have incontrovertible evidence that they have serious deleterious effects on the environment and human health (this applies to nuclear as well, but not quite as seriously). In the short term coal is very competitive, but we can't take another couple hundred years of just pumping it in the air without some very unpleasant environmental changes taking place.

I also said competition between them and natural gas, solar and wind power, something you must have misread. even when I say something good about solar and wind, you shaft it aside and continue to rattle on coal and oil gas like it's Satan. Guess what, some of us are still reliant on coal and gas, and some of us don't have the money to change to expensive solar panels on our roofs, or wind power. You want people to be more green, compete directly with coal, and oil and give us lower prices and better renewable products then.

I read it, but you asked why we couldn't have just competition, so I answered that question. Oil and coal are cheaper and more accessible for most people in most places, but that's not simply a result of direct competition -- those prices are also artificially lowered by economic and regulatory policies. Green energy is cheaper for consumers who actually have access to it, steps should be taken to incentivize green energy economically. And if that is going to happen, then that means, for the interests of people who work in coal or oil, it would be a good idea to do a gradual and managed transition -- to soften the blow as much as possible.

[San Lumen]

You do know that mining in West Virginia removes entire mountains right? Why are you clinging to an industry that is on its way to irrelevance?

Since you think West Virginia should have absolute authority regarding coal mining and environmental issues by your logic I guess the government did not have a right to end school segregation or pass the civil rights act or the voting rights act.

No they don't, in what way do they remove entire mountains?

"on it's way to irrelevance" America is still in the top 3 in coal production, with China producing over 3 times more than the U.S. If coal is a dying industry why is China and India, two economic powerhouses and giants in Asia still using it.

Civil rights =/= State energy production

Are you trying so hard to prove a point that you'd tie civil rights to energy production, two things that have no correlation to each other.

This should give you some enlightenment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountaint ... val_mining

Do you have no issue with that practice?

Coal is only being used in China and India as a transition to greener forms of energy. They are not removing entire mountaintops and clinging to coal like West Virginia does.

Regarding civil rights you said the government has no authority to tell West Virginia it can't keep mining coal and mine it however they see fit. That is the impetus of state's rights argument so by your logic if Alabama wanted to keep denying African Americans the right to vote and have to use segregated facilities they should have been allowed too.

[Arlenton]

I met Governor Greg Abbott today.