The Panetics Global Forum

Davd C. Jones on the Mining Tragedy

There are two peripheral but important aspects to the mining disaster. Firstly, the safety regulations have been (a) watered down, by the current (Bush)adminstration; and, (b) even when enforced the fines levied are laughable as to their silliness for purposes of punishment or (more importantly) deterrence. Secondly, the mining company has been bankrupted more than once and I saw reference to the fact that the relevant accounting charges are no longer being made for the capital equipment. There should be charges against the profits as provisions for renewal or replacement of old equipment. There are probably a lot of other understatements of financial obligation. We are told by the economics gurus that "The Consumer is King"! (in this case the consumer is the power industry OR "we have seen the enemy and it is US!" (it means either US (as in "we") or US (as in Uncle Sam).

I have a different take on so many of these matters. It is that "The Consumer is Queen!". This stands for "Quality Undemines Economic Equilibrium Neutrality." In other words, the supply and demand are equated at an "equilibrium point" that sets the price. BUT Quality - including health and safety - costs money, so profits will (probably) be reduced as costs increase and less is sold at a higher price! That, of course, in a profit-maximizing capitalist economy is a no-no. Hence the essential need for regulation! But - where is it? Gone, as a sop to the rich and powerful interests that urge that regulation diminishes competitiveness! So it does! Thus, we need to elect people who really do care, deeply, about how many are killed or injured (Iraq? Sago Mine? etc.) in the pursuit of profit for the rich and powerful.

The words - common in the justice system - have now come true. Justice (and Right - to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness) DeLayed (as in Tom) is justice denied!

Outrage over Mining Deaths

From the editor

The deaths of the mine workers in a mine with over 200 known violations is outrageous.  This is human suffering that could have been avoided. This infliction of suffering resulted from an overall government policy that encourages big business to break the rules and get away with murder.  Government agencies that are set up to protect us in health and occupational safety are in confusion and are bankrupt by constant shuffling of positions and downgrading of proper supports.  These workers had no homeland security! 

The Year Begins with New and Important Work

Dr. Glenn Geelhoed, an extraordinary humanitarian who has devoted most
of his life to working in the developing world, has recently joined the
Physicians for Peace team as a volunteer.  Dr. Geelhoed is Professor of Surgery, Professor of International Medical Education, and Professor of Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at George Washington University.   He
is traveling to Rwanda as a Physicians for Peace team leader in March.
Dr. Geelhoed has just published a book entitled "Surgery and Healing in
the Developing World."