Consequences on way

As a consequence of eating a second piece of apple pie, the cook is pleased, I have enjoyed another piece of apple pie, and I have a more satisfying sense of fullness in my tummy.

On the other hand, my blood sugar level goes up, the excess sugar eventually gets turned into fat, adding to my risk for cardiovascular disease, and I feel less like exercising to remove the small but additive weight gain from that piece of pie.

Actions have consequences, and consequences may be ignored in the short run, but will have to be dealt with at some point, often by innocent needy people.

As our so-called president removes limitations on coal mining and the disposal of waste from those operations, consequences will follow. Some people go back to work, earn subsistence-level salaries, are further exposed to dust and chemicals, and will suffer and die untimely deaths from these exposures. The president and Congress are currently attacking the Affordable Care Act, which had begun to provide medical care for these people.

There’s also the added expense for cleaning up polluted areas and water that has been rendered unsafe for human consumption. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been required to address pollution-cleanup costs. Additionally, the continued use of coal contributes to the problems of climate change.

Did I forget that, as a primary consequence of coal mining, a few mine owners will make large profits from their operations and provide financial support to politicians who support continued coal mining and other polluting activities? Coal-mining families continue lives tied to and limited by coal usage and the so-called generosity of mine owners. Fair? REBECCA K. RUSH

Bryant