As you are no doubt aware, 29 miners were killed in an explosion earlier this month at a mine in West Virginia. The loss of life hit the state hard; so hard, in fact, that the WVU football program decided to memorialize those who died by placing a No. 29 sticker on their helmets throughout the entire 2010 season.
Needless to say, many, many, many memorial services in the days and weeks after the tragedy were held to honor of the dead, and one of them included Vice President Joe Biden.
A website called taragana.com -- I think -- posted a transcription of Biden’s words and, in no uncertain terms, it personified exactly how West Virginians still feel about Rich Rodriguez bolting Morgantown for Michigan and Ann Arbor over two years ago.
”...they were fathers, grandfathers, sons, nephews, husbands, and fiancés. They loved hunting, fishing, riding horses and four-wheelers. They hated the way Coach Rodriguez left West Virginia for Michigan. (Applause.)”
First of all, Biden really knew his audience, so props to his speech writer.
Secondly: West Virginians, you guys are awesome!
I mean, c’mon. Not even the monumental burden of grief weighing heavy on your hearts, minds and backs can keep you from applauding a well-timed shot at RichRod during a memorial service. Well played, West Virginians. Well played.
(Tip O’ the Hat: Mike Casazza of the Charleston Daily Mail)