Sharing frustration and anger over oil spill

 

My family and I just returned from a week-long vacation in Carrabelle, and wanted to say how much we enjoyed our stay. As former native Floridians now living in West Virginia, we were eager to return to the Sunshine State, but a bit apprehensive about what we might find on the beaches. We share the heartbreak you feel at what may be the consequences of the BP oil spill on this beautiful part of Florida, and I just want to tell the people who live in the panhandle of Florida that the entire nation is focused on the region, and the nightmare which has been forced upon you is felt by all of America.

Here in West Virginia, we watch closely the events caused by BP and draw clear comparisons to the loss of lives and the harm to the environment in our beautiful state by the deliberate disregard of the coal industry who, like oil companies, value profits over safety and the preservation of our planet. West Virginians share your frustration and anger, but we will continue to support the region by returning again and again, and encouraging our neighbors and friends to do likewise.

Chuck Ricks

Spencer, West Virginia