For those who haven't been collecting Coal Baron bubblegum cards-
Don Blankenship was Chairman and CEO of Massey Energy. Massey had a strong balance sheet, but a horrible safety record. So bad that miners near retirement would quit a job if Massey bought them out rather than risk life and limb. Produce, produce, produce....and cut corners with safety. The Fed Govt are all red Socialists out to get him. The GOP can do no wrong.
For the 2008 election, he sponsored a rally/concert in southern WV with Hannity from Fox News and Ted Nugent . All in support of the "miners" and against that Kenyan. Spent tens of thousands of dollars. Then 3 days later, during a holiday, he laid off whole work forces. After all, the background for the pictures and videos were no longer needed.
He had ways of dodging mine inspectors and even treated a WV Supreme Court Judge to a French Rivera trip and hookers.
Just a good 'ole boy.