Coal miner's daughter story the same everywhere?
"A year later, Chilean miners struggling with poverty, fame" by Jonathan Franklin, Washington Post / August 6, 2011
SANTIAGO, Chile - They have an exhibit at the Smithsonian and a line of toys depicting their epic rescue. But most of the 33 men whose saga in a collapsed mine captivated the world a year ago face a new crisis today: poverty.
The miners became celebrities of sorts as soon as the details of their underground ordeal began to trickle out. The men were greeted by a burst of fanfare when they emerged in October after 69 days, and many expected their lives would improve with their newfound fame.
But back home in the mining town of Copiapo, most of the men have been unable to find a new way to earn a living, forcing them back into a life underground. They still live in their old rickety houses, where the cold desert nights and scorching days have compounded mental and physical health problems stemming from the accident.
And while Chileans mostly seem to ignore them these days, some of the miners have been publicly criticized for accepting speaking engagements while simultaneously suing the government that rescued them over allegations that it allowed a dangerous mine to operate.
What were they doing, giving speeches about hedge funds and MBSs?
Although their trips have been all-expenses paid, few of the men say they have made money off their appearances....
Though the trapped miners were promised millions in exclusive movie deals, and rumors swirled that Brad Pitt wanted to buy the rights to their story, it took them six months to organize their collective rights.
Last month, producer Michael Medavoy announced that he had bought the rights to their story. Though details of the deal have not been released, filming is expected to begin next year....
A contract that the miners signed with their Chilean lawyers in December stipulates that they will share certain revenue, including any authorized book or movie deal.
Meanwhile, the men are hoping they will receive settlements from either of the two lawsuits currently filed, including the suit against the government for allowing the notoriously unsafe mine to remain open after years of sanctions, warnings, and citations.
It's the same wherever you go! States and companies want those precious metals!
A second lawsuit alleges negligence against the mine owners.
Related:
"After a marathon mediation session that ended just before dawn yesterday, mining company Massey Energy settled a 7-year-old lawsuit with hundreds of southern West Virginia residents who claim the company poisoned their drinking water supplies with coal slurry."
Also see: Coal Miner's Slaughter
The men are seeking $541,000 each in their suit against the government and an undetermined amount from the company.
A planned ceremony yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the mine collapse in Copiapo did not sit well with some local politicians.
“This is all a media and political show,’’ said Brunilda Gonzalez, mayor of Caldera, a port city near the collapsed mine....
We call it corporate media here in AmeriKa.
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