"So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can; it's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted."

Can someone kindly explain to me why we are still a battle ground state?

Over the past few weeks it has been explained to me that not only is it unpatriotic and selfish for me to not want to pay more in taxes but I have also been cautioned that not voting for Obama would make me look like a racist. Great thanks. Never have I done so little to be called such horrible names.

I am not a racist nor am I am socialist, so I will be voting for McCain. And like it or not but Virginia is a coal state and after listening to Obama's comments I believe that a vote for Obama would be personally putting all our Virginia coal miners out of work and devastating their families.

Virginia is a coal state and a tobacco state. You do not have to like a single thing about those two industries but the bottom line is that these two industries helped shape Virginia. I am not implying that we rely on coal forever, but what do you expect these families to do after we put them out of work and have no back up energy plan to implement. Do you expect them to blow on wind mills? Great idea there Quixote.

I have read the Pickens plan and I really believe that this man has a solid plan to help us ease away from our dependence on foreign oil. Pickens understands that change does not occur over night and has a comprehensive idea for how to get us from point A to B.

Taxing coal mining operations out of existence is not a plan. Taking one entire form of energy out of already fragile energy equation would lead to devastating consequences. If you think this summers gas prices were outrageous try having your electric bill sky rocket. Reading by candle light might be fine during a storm, but it's no way to live.

I am floored that Obama choose to go after coal when mining is a prevalent industry in so many of the battle ground states, Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

I understand that a majority with Northern Virginia is democrat and I am OK with that on a daily basis. A majority of Northern Virginians are also from other states and are living here temporarily. I sincerely hope that these new Virginians cast a vote for all of Virginia. I am having a difficult time locating how many Virginians work as coal miner, apparently the Internet does not have all the answers, but even if 1000 Virginians are miners that is 1000 people too many.

Don't think that this will affect Northern Virginians? Ever been to Old Town? Have you seen that power plant in Old Town? That is a coal burning plant that supplies electricity to Washington, DC. If that didn't get your attention this will- Over 50% of DC gets their electricity from coal burning plants. I hope Obama wasn't hoping on heat in the White house.

I am not sure if Obama intends to follow through 100% with his statements but if his camp can make blanket statements about my being selfish and unpatriotic, I feel that I too can make a blanket statement that a vote for Obama is a pink slip for coal miners.

http://www.anotsocapitolidea.com/2008/11/virginia-coal-miners-obama-plans-to.html