It was very disturbing to see Greg Boyce articulate the holiday splendor he experienced as so many people from St. Louis gave to the United Way during his fundraising campaign ("United Way chairman is grateful for donors' generosity," Nov. 29).
I know that there are thousands of retired Peabody miners in Appalachia who are depending on United Way agencies this winter because Mr. Boyce dumped their pensions and health benefits into a coal-filled stocking called Patriot.
Some of those pension holders have already sued Peabody for ruining their drinking water. Some are disabled from the back-breaking work they endured over their lifetime. Some are widows to black lung disease and mine explosions.
When UMWA vs. Peabody begins here in St. Louis federal court, I wonder if Mr. Boyce will be bragging about his $72 million campaign on the stand. He really should; it’s a fact that St. Louisans are very generous. I mean, that’s almost twice as much as the $37 million Peabody has spent on lobbying in recent years to oppose environmental legislation. And it’s more than the $61 million Peabody has received in tax breaks from the city, too.
Let’s face it. Greg Boyce’s involvement with the United Way stains this agency’s legacy. The miners he dared to grow old, and the survivors of black lung have been sent down the tracks while Peabody political power shines ever bright.
Dave Scott • St. Louis
Letter from STL Post Dispatch 12/5/2012 response to letter below
Through my involvement in the 2012 United Way of Greater St. Louis fundraising campaign, I witnessed a level of giving that truly sets our region apart. In spite of a difficult economy, thousands of people reached out to help neighbors in need and raised a record $72,019,850 — the largest sum in United Way's 90-year history.
Thank you. These dollars will make a real and lasting difference in this community to help more than 1 million local people. It took all of us from the bistate region — companies large and small, employee groups, labor unions, government employees and individuals — to make this campaign a success for our neighbors in need. These funds were raised one dollar — and one donor — at a time and will go to help support the critical work of the 175 United Way-funded health and human services agencies.
As we enter this season of giving, I want to express my sincere thanks to each person in the St. Louis community who gave of their resources — time, money, and in many cases both — to United Way. Thank you for making our community a healthier and stronger place.
Greg Boyce • St. Louis
United Way 2012 Campaign Chair
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Peabody Energy
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