Editor’s note: Paula Jean Swearengin is challenging U.S. Senator Joe Manchin in the 2018 primary Senatorial election in West Virginia. Her campaign, which stands on the needs of the people of WV for clean water, healthcare, education and a safe environment, has significance for workers everywhere. The following is a statement from Paula Swearengin.
I am a native of West Virginia. I’m a coal miner’s daughter, granddaughter, niece and stepdaughter. As a child, I felt a deep sense of pride in our state’s coal industry. West Virginia coal powered a nation. West Virginia and Appalachia have sacrificed with their blood for this nation.
But I’ve also seen what happens when we let coal barons loot our land and pollute our water. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful mountains in the world blown up. I’ve been to funerals caused by black lung. I’ve seen friends and family sickened. I’ve seen and smelled poisoned water.
We are family, we are friends, we are neighbors, and we are workers. We’re not self-serving politicians or out-of-state industry executives. No one’s asking for a handout. We’re saying our mothers and fathers worked hard, and we will too, but not at the cost of our children’s lives and not so someone else can get rich off our toil.
The last time I talked to Senator Joe Manchin and told him about our polluted water and our families dying because of coal, he was more worried about serving coal barons than our children.
PHOTO/PAULAJEAN2018.COM
I’m ready to fight back. I’m ready to make sure every West Virginian has healthcare as a right. The America I believe in provides care for all, not just the few. I’m ready to raise the education standard so our kids can not only find good jobs, but so they can start families in West Virginia and create more jobs for our state.
The question we face today is: What are we going to do when the coal is gone? And make no mistake it’s going. No one has given us an answer that doesn’t require the sacrifice of our health and our environment.
I believe our future is in building a 21st-century, clean economy. I’m ready to move our state to be a leader in renewable energy.
We have to depend on each other to build a future that is worthy of our children. I plan on primarying Joe Manchin for his U.S. Senate seat in 2018, and I hope you stand with me.
We’re neighbors and friends in Appalachia. We should not be divided. We’re one of the poorest states in the nation. It’s time to fight back.
I’m ready. Are you?
Visit paulajean2018.com for information and to donate for this important campaign.
Coal miner’s daughter runs for Senate to represent the people
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