Bandytown.com is proud to announce that we are "Friends of Coal" and will continue to support the coal mining industry in Boone County.  Not only does coal "keep the lights on", but it also provides hundreds of jobs in the area and generates millions of dollars in tax revenues for Boone County. These tax monies go directly to our schools, teachers and other education expenses.  The coal companies also form partners in educations with local schools to help fund projects and pay for things those schools otherwise wouldnt be able to afford.  The protesters fail to mention things like these when they use scare tactics on people who are elderly and those who are uneducated on what good coal brings to the economy.  It is common sense if you cut the mountain tops off then the valleys, streams, and everything else below them will be subject to a backlash.  The same backlash that Boone County and West Virginia would suffer if there was no coal industry in the state.  Coal is responsible for 40,000 direct jobs including miners, contractors, prep plant employees and etc.  Those 40,000 jobs is not including other jobs that are indirectly related to the coal industry.  Some of the local protesters, mainly the one responsible for Jupiter Coal's current situation, claim their way of life is ruined by greedy coal companies.  They go out of their way to stop mining and protect themselves and their children.  That's great.  However, don't create a double standard and contradict yourself all the time.  If you care about the environment as much as you say then don't drive a big gas guzzling truck.  If you are worried about air pollution from the mines and you are scared its going to kill you then why are you smoking?  If the coal industry don't help you at all then why are you taking advantage of miner's pension checks?  You claim you can't fish in the river by your house, but everyone else does and they catch some good sized fish.  If you don't rely on coal yourself then maybe you should have your power turned off and take your kids out of public schools.  We support Jupiter Coal and hope they will prevail in overcoming their legal situation and continue to provide jobs, education, and a great economy in Boone County for many years to come.  We encourage hate mail so don't be shy!! :)  PICTURES@BANDYTOWN.COM