Dear Henry, In 2010, the Upper Big Branch mine disaster claimed 29 lives and shocked the nation. It was the worst U.S. mining disaster in forty years. But when autopsies revealed that 70 percent of the brave miners lost in this tragedy already had indications of black lung disease, we knew that there was more shocking news buried in America's coal mines. Our reporters, in collaboration with NPR News, set out to tell the story that hadn't been told. Through numerous trips to West Virginia and Kentucky, painstaking efforts to engage with miners, scientists and government officials, countless interviews and Freedom of Information Act requests and millions of records, we produced an exceptional Hard Labor investigation on the surprising resurgence of black lung disease. After our investigation, the Mine Safety and Health Administration cracked down on troubled mines where excessive dust fed the resurgence of black lung disease. Henry, when you make a generous end-of-year tax-deductible gift today you will ensure that the story behind the story is always uncovered. When we expose fraud by government agencies or by corporations we not only correct a wrong, but we put the entire government and all industry on notice that we are always on watch. We know that transparency and accountability impact behavior. But independent investigations like these can't happen without your support. We pride ourselves in working for the public interest, not beholden to deep-pocketed special interests. The Center for Public Integrity does not accept a dime from governments or anonymous funding sources. That means we need YOU to make a generous donation today. On behalf of the entire Center, I thank you for your readership and support. | Best wishes for the holidays, Bill Buzenberg Executive Director | P.S. When you make your contribution today, your generosity will be doubled. Every $1 you give will be matched by a dedicated member of our board, making your $25 worth $50 or $100 worth $200. Please donate today to secure up to $75,000 for investigative reporting that makes a difference. |
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Keep a civil tongue.