Former congressman and secretary of state Ken Hechler visited the Gazette newsroom yesterday to talk about fighting charges from his arrest last month at the Raleigh County mountaintop-removal protest.
The 94-year-old is representing himself in the case, and he says video footage will prove his innocence.
Mr. Hechler talked a lot about his case, but it was also interesting just to hear his musings on politics. Whether you agree with him or not, he’s led a fascinating life.
The interview will be in the paper this weekend. Here are some of his thoughts, not all of which I could fit into the story.
On economic development in W.Va.:
“All the economic development officers from the governor down are not trying to put any emphasis on diversification. There are many other ways that jobs could be created.”
“We’re not trying to stop coal mining. We’re trying to encourage underground mining.”
On the Obama administration:
Hechler said that “compromise” is a word used by people who want to drive loopholes into otherwise high-principled legislation. 
“When Harry Truman confronted the issue of civil rights, he didn’t try to build a consensus with the racists. He issued an executive order integrating the armed forces…That’s what President Obama ought to do. He shouldn’t try to get everybody on board. That isn’t going to happen.”
On his age:
“I’m so fortunate that although my body’s deteriorating, my mind is very clear. And my determination grows to try to protect people.”
On mountaintop removal in general:
“This isn’t an environmental issue. This is an issue of human protection. “
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Again, Ken Heckler shows his determination to do the right thing!
We need more of him in politics instead of the namby-pamby type or the what’sinitformme type.
Bravo Ken!
Thanks
Keep up the good work, Mr. Hechler!! What an inspiration for West Virginians this man has been all throughout his life here. A politician with a true love for our state and the citizens abiding within, as well as for our country as a whole. I have voted for him faithfully and hope these ridiculous charges are dropped by some official with some “good common horse sense” which seems to have all but disappeared from the public arena! As a voter I am appalled that this has happened because the “coal barons” still are only after the money and the easy access to coal with no thought for the beautiful mountains they are destroying or the people they have forced from their homes. Mr Hechler has at ALL times been concerned for the citizenry of our great state and to punish him for that is unconscionable !!!
ken hechler is the man, he’ll be alright