Don Blankenship in Interviews during 2017-2019
On Abortion:
Unconscionable to take life of child for crimes of father
As to matters of rape and incest, we empathize with those abused and assert the need to provide immediate protection and care in a safe environment. Instead of the further violence of abortion, the mother and the child should be
provided with compassionate care. We find it unconscionable to take the life of an innocent child for the crimes of his father.
Although a Supreme Court opinion is binding on the parties to the controversy as to the particulars of the case, it is not a political rule for the nation. Roe v. Wade is an illegitimate usurpation of authority, contrary to the
Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It must be resisted by all civil government officials, federal, state, and local, and by all branches of the government - legislative, executive and judicial.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
Eliminate debt by selling federal assets
We must eliminate the debt in the shortest reasonable time by:- Not spending more than collected revenues;
- Paying interest as it accrues; and
- Making annual reductions in the principal
We could eliminate the debt more rapidly by selling certain lands and other federal assets, including foreign military bases, and applying the proceeds exclusively to debt reduction.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Education:
Tax relief for families whose children not in public school
We support the unimpeded right of parents to provide for the education of their children in the manner they deem best, including home, private or religious. All legislation that would interfere with or restrict that liberty should be opposed.
Equitable tax relief for families whose children do not attend government schools should be provided for. Compulsory attendance laws should be repealed.
WE CALL FOR THE ELIMINATION OF THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
There is no Constitutional provision that empowers the federal government to provide for and regulate the education of our children.
All current federal legislation related to education should be repealed. No new federal laws subsidizing or regulating education should be enacted.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Reject man-made global warning, refuted by scientists
?In 1982, I came to work for Massey Coal Company and was there until December 2010. Again, I received every promotion available to me during those years. I learned about, and struggled against, the ignorance and evilness of the United Mine Workers, much
of the media, the "greeniacs," and much of corporate America. I retired in 2010 and have since spent much of my time managing my finances, enjoying my son's racing, and spending time with my best friend, Meiling.
We wholeheartedly support realistic efforts to preserve the environment and reduce pollution. We reject the argument of the perceived threat of man-made global warming which has been refuted by a large number of scientists.
The globalists are using the global warming threat to gain more control via worldwide sustainable development.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Environment:
Repeal wetlands protection & Endangered Species Act
We call for repeal of federal wetlands legislation and the federal Endangered Species Act. We oppose any attempt to designate private or public property as United Nations World Heritage sites or Biosphere reserves. We call for an end to United
States participation in UN programs such as UNESCO, Man and the Biosphere, and the UN Council on Sustainable Development. We oppose environmental treaties and conventions such as the Biodiversity Treaty, the Convention on Climate Control, and Agenda 21.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Families & Children:
Porn distorts sex created by God; enforce obscenity laws
Pornography, obscenity and sexually oriented businesses are a distortion of the true nature of sex created by God for the procreative union between one man and one woman in the holy bonds of matrimony. This results in emotional, physical,
spiritual and financial costs to individuals, families and communities. We call on our local, state and federal governments to uphold our First Amendment right to free speech by vigorously enforcing all laws against obscenity.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Families & Children:
Oppose adoption of children homosexual singles or couples
We recognize that parents have the fundamental right and responsibility to nurture, educate, and discipline their children. We oppose the assumption of any of these responsibilities by any governmental agency without the express delegation of the
parents or legal due process. We affirm the value of the father and the mother in the home and we oppose efforts to legalize adoption of children by homosexual singles or couples.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
NATO serves no US defense purpose; we should withdraw
The United States is committed by treaty to defend foreign nations in all parts of the world, and by agreements other than treaties to defend more. We call upon the President, and Congress, to immediately commence a systematic
withdrawal from these treaties and agreements, each of which holds the potential to plunge America into war in some far-flung corner of the earth. NATO serves no defensive purpose for the United States, and this country should withdraw from it.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Government Reform:
Repeal 17th amendment; end direct election of senators
If we are to see a return to the states those powers, programs, and sources of revenue that the federal government has unconstitutionally taken away, then it is also vital that we repeal the Seventeenth Amendment
and return to state legislatures the function of electing the Senate. In so doing, the U.S. Senate would return to being a body that represents the legislatures of the several states on the federal level and part of the checks and balances that our
Constitution originally provided.We oppose any attempt to call for a Constitutional convention, for any purpose whatsoever, because it cannot be limited to any single issue,
and such convention could seriously erode our Constitutionally protected unalienable rights.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Government Reform:
Oppose National Popular Vote proposal to elect president
The so-called National Popular Vote is a dangerous threat, allowing as few as eighteen to twenty-one states to circumvent the Constitutional requirement of 38 states to amend the Constitution. The National Popular Vote process would effectively
eliminate the last vestiges of the Electoral College as originally set forth in the United States Constitution. The National Popular Vote creates a fake majority by forcing electors to vote against the votes cast by their own constituents.
The Constitution does not provide for the election of the President and Vice President of the United States by popular vote, but rather by the selection of "Electors" according to rules adopted by each state's legislators. These electors would
receive the list of certified candidates. They would then cast their vote for whomever they ascertained as best qualified to fill these two highest offices of trust with the federal government. The Constitution Party seeks a restoration of this process.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Government Reform:
Oppose statehood for DC & Puerto Rico
We oppose any effort to confer statehood on the District of Columbia or any representation in Congress comparable to that of an independent state in the federal union. We oppose efforts to confer statehood upon the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico or expand statehood beyond the current fifty states. We acknowledge that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Gun Control:
Repeal federal firearms legislation, end "Gun Free Zones"
We call for the repeal of all federal firearms legislation, beginning with Federal Firearms Act of 1968. We call for the rescinding of all executive orders, the prohibition of any future executive orders, and the prohibition of treaty ratification which
would in any way limit the right to keep and bear arms. To further ensure the safety of the American people and their families, we propose the elimination of all government designated "Gun Free Zones", including military bases.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Health Care:
Eliminate the Food and Drug Administration
The federal government has no Constitutional provision to regulate or restrict the freedom of the people to have access to medical care, supplies or treatments. We advocate, therefore, the elimination of the federal Food and Drug Administration, as
it has been the federal agency primarily responsible for prohibiting beneficial products, treatments and technologies here in the United States that are freely available in much of the rest of the civilized world.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Terrorism no excuse to violate 4th, 5th amendments
We reaffirm the common-law rule that protects the people from any search or seizure whatsoever when that search or seizure violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. We deplore and oppose vigorously legislation
and executive action that deprive the people of their Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights under claims of necessity to "combat terrorism" or to "protect national security."
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Oppose conscription; register for the draft
Conscription deprives a person of liberty without due process of law. This is clearly prohibited by the 5th amendment. Conscription is forcibly taking a person's labor. Allowing conscription removes a critical check on the unconstitutional
expansion of the Executive Branch. Compulsory government service is incompatible with individual liberty. We oppose imposition of the draft, the registration law, compulsory military training or any other form of compulsory government service.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Opposed to U.S. forces serving under foreign command
Under no circumstances would we commit U.S. forces to serve under any foreign flag or command. We are opposed to any New World Order, and we reject U.S. participation in or a relinquishing of command to any foreign authority.
We should be the friend of liberty everywhere, but the guarantor and provisioner of ours alone.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Immigration:
Moratorium on immigration; discontinue federal assistance
We favor a moratorium on immigration to the United States, except in extreme hardship cases, until all federal assistance be discontinued and proper security procedures have been instituted against terrorist infiltration.
We oppose the provision of welfare subsidies and other taxpayer-supported benefits to illegal aliens, and reject the practice of bestowing U.S. citizenship on children born to illegal alien parents while in this country.
We oppose any extension of amnesty to illegal aliens. We call for the use of U.S. troops to protect the states against invasion. We oppose bilingual ballots. We insist that those who wish to take part in the electoral process and governance
of this nation be required to read and comprehend basic English as a precondition of citizenship. We support English as the official language for all governmental business by the United States.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Acknowledges blessing of Jesus Christ as ruler of US
The Constitution Party gratefully acknowledges the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States. We hereby appeal to Him for mercy, aid, comfort, guidance and the protection of
His Providence as we work to restore and preserve these United States. This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions but on a foundation of Christian principles and values.
Congress must exert the power it possesses to prohibit all federal courts from hearing cases which Congress deems to be outside federal jurisdiction pursuant to Article III, section 2 of the Constitution.
We particularly support all the legislation which would remove from Federal appellate review jurisdiction matters involving acknowledgement of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Opposed to government involvement in gambling
Gambling increases crimes, destroys families, grows governmental bureaucracies, exploits those who are addicted and leaches the economic prosperity out of our communities. We are opposed to government sponsorship, involvement in or
promotion of gambling such as lotteries, casinos or subsidization of Native American casinos. We call for the repeal of federal legislation that usurps state and local authority regarding authorization and regulation of tribal casinos in the states.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Social Security:
No use of S.S. Number except Social Security business
We support privacy legislation that prohibits private parties from discriminating against individuals who refuse to disclose or obtain a Social Security number. We call for legislation prohibiting all governmental entities from requiring the use of the
Social Security number except for Social Security transactions. We call for the repeal of all laws, regulations and statutes that require the use of the Social Security number for any purpose other than Social Security transactions.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Social Security:
Allow people to withdraw funds and privately invest them
We propose that individuals who have contributed to Social Security be allowed to withdraw those funds and
transfer them into an IRA or similar investments under the control of the individual contributor.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Social Security:
Privatize Social Security, but pay current benefits
We call for an end to the raiding by the federal government of the Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Medicare funds. We believe that over a protracted period the Social Security system may be privatized without disadvantage to the beneficiaries
of the system. However, the program has been in place since the 1930s, and workers and their employers were taxed for the program and paid in good faith. The government promised to deliver the benefits and must meet this commitment.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Technology:
Reject PATRIOT Act and all such laws
The USA PATRIOT Act permits arrests without warrants and secret detention without counsel, wiretaps without court supervision, searches and seizures without notification to the individual whose property is invaded and a host of other violations.
Since we will no longer have a free nation while the federal government can violate our rights, we call for the rejection of all such laws.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On War & Peace:
We are unalterably opposed to entangling alliances
The United States is properly a free and sovereign republic which should strive to live in peace with all nations, without interfering in their internal affairs, and without permitting their interference in ours.
We are unalterably opposed to entangling alliances--via treaties, or any other form of commitment--which compromise our national sovereignty or commit us to intervention in foreign wars.
We shall:- steadfastly oppose American participation in any form of world government organization;
- call upon the President, and Congress, to terminate United States membership in the United Nations and terminate U.S. participation in
all so-called U.N. peace keeping operations;
- bar the United Nations, and its subsidiaries, from further operation, including raising of funds, on United States territory.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
Welfare provisions misdirected & morally destructive
The message of Christian charity is fundamentally at odds with the concept of welfare maintenance as a right. In many cases, welfare provisions by the Federal government are not only misdirected, but morally destructive.
It is the intended purpose of civil government to safeguard life, liberty and property--not to redistribute wealth. Such redistribution is contrary to the Biblical command against theft.
Source: Constitution Platform adopted by 2020 presidential hopeful
May 2, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Wants to go from the "big house" to the White House
Blankenship, who again wants to run with the Constitution Party, said he was "attempting to be the first person ever to become an occupant of the White House after having been in the 'big house.'"
He also promised to be the right candidate for "Americans who can no longer stand the constant drama and haggling that we have seen on our televisions the past three years."
Source: Slate.com e-zine on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Nov 11, 2019
On Crime:
Served sentence, called himself a "political prisoner"
Blankenship was convicted on one charge of conspiring to violate federal mining safety regulations, a misdemeanor. He was acquitted on felony charges. Prosecutors claimed that the former CEO's safety efforts at the company were a "fa‡ade."
He was sentenced to one year in prison for the crime. The former executive maintained his innocence, and while serving time in a prison near Bakersfield, California is said to have described himself as an "American political prisoner" in a blog post.
Source: Newsweek magazine on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Oct 22, 2019
On Environment:
Mine Safety agency forced bad ventilation that exploded
Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship filed a $12-billion defamation suit against multiple media companies and individuals. He based much of his suit on his claim that the federal government, specifically the Obama-era Mine Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA), forced his company to use inadequate ventilation of the Upper Big Branch coal mine. Within hours of implementing the MSHA-mandated ventilation plan, there was a natural gas (as distinct from coal bed methane) explosion that killed 29 miners.
In addition to his defamation lawsuit, Blankenship is suing to get his misdemeanor conviction overturned. Mrs. Davis's settlement lends credence to his position. The key factual piece of evidence in that effort is whether the flammable gas that
exploded was coal bed methane or natural gas. Natural gas is mostly methane but also includes other gases such as ethane. The evidence suggests that the feds are coming around to agree with Blankenship.
Source: American Thinker on 2020 presidential hopefuls
May 19, 2019
On Environment:
Environmental movement not great cause but great business
After listening to Blankenship's short diatribe against the Sierra Club and Greenpeace, I asked Blankenship what should be done about these environmental groups. "You've got to fight them at every step," he replies. "The environmental movement isn't a
great cause, it's a great business."To Blankenship, the EPA's coal power plant regulations and the mine safety crowd all represent the same ideology. "The actual UBB explosion was partially the result of the war on coal," he says.
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 presidential hopefuls
Jul 28, 2014
Page last updated: Nov 01, 2021