In August 2017, there were 51,000 coal mining jobs. That’s up from the 50,200 jobs when Trump took over the White House. But it’s down from August 2015 when there were 63,100 jobs mining coal, and 73,300 jobs in coal mining 15 years ago in August 2001.
Coal is not back.
It seems like September 11, 2001 wasn't that long ago, until you realize how much has changed in America over the past sixteen years.
"In the first seven months of 2017 there have been 10 coal-mining fatalities in our country. The year is just past the halfway mark, and there have already been more deaths this year than in the entire year of 2016. As of right now, we are on track to record more coal-mining fatalities this year than in the previous four years. With coal employment being at an all-time low, that can mean a few things: miners are being more careless, companies are cutting back on safety protocol and maintenance, or safety inspectors at both the state and federal level are cutting back on the attention given to each mine."
“This is probably the last time we’ll all see each other together again,” said Paul Chiarello, 25, who attended the camp as a Boy Scout before becoming a counselor in high school."
"A combination of declining attendance and a lack of resources to maintain the facilities at Boyhaven have led the Boy Scouts of America to negotiate the property’s sale to the town of Milton."
The new paddle may be green, but it's well balanced and lightweight, and I only spent $3 after the sale and credit card rewards, so I'm not complaining.
Taken on Sunday September 10, 2017 at Delmar, New York.