Tuesday, April 06, 2010

And the Dick Cheney Award for Corporate Malevolence Goes to . . .

. . . Massey Energy Co.'s CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce board member, Don Blankenship.

The Dick Cheney Award for Corporate Malevolence proves there is never an inappropriate time to give an award.

CEO Don Blankenship has certainly earned this one.

He runs one of the most dangerous mines in the United States, has wracked up "over 3,000 violations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), 638 since 2009" and more than $2.2 million in fines.

Interviewed this evening by ABC Evenings News anchor, Diane Sawyer, Blankenship was in classic soulless, opaque form, betraying not a twitch of feeling for the 25 miners who lost their lives as a result of his greed and corruption.

Proving he may have a future in politics, Blankenship was quick to point out that 42,000 people die each year on the nation's highways, while making no attempt to sound as though he cared a wit about the families of the dead miners.

In fact, it's been conjectured that Blankenship retained the services of Tiger Woods' personal hypnotist before the interview with Diane Sawyer, and in all likelihood believed he was talking to his barber during the on camera chat.

The first quarter of 2010 is barely behind us, and there is so much corporate malfeasance and treachery yet to occur, but we at the Dick Cheney Awards office believe we have found the sure winner for this year's dishonor in Don Blankenship, who truly lived up to the first syllable of his surname today on national television.

But don't take our word for it: Deadly Record: Massey’s Mine In Montcoal Has Been Cited For Over 3,000 Violations, Over $2.2 Million In Fines.

1 comment:

Angry Squirrel said...

How do people like this skate through life without making into the cross-hairs of an angry family member who's life was lost to his decision makings? I believe a "Knee of Wisdom" is in order!