If the sky is the limit, then the ground just might be a dead-in

Every time I see the news lately I can't get past one simple thought...we can send astronauts (including a layperson) to outer space yet we can't get 6 miners out of the ground. Not to mention, why are they even down there anyway. I don't know if anyone else, besides me, put together two and two last week to realize that while the miners got trapped in the coal mine and rescue efforts began, we were blasting off the space shuttle. Does anyone but me think that the whole coal mining method seems a bit antiquated? Let's analyze this further.

We have such good technology in the space program that we can pretty much send anyone into anywhere in outer space with a few limitations. We have it mastered so well that even the astronauts can do it while drunk. We even train teachers to go up. We train the astronauts how to be mechanics to the shuttle in outer space. Heck, we have the space station where they can go live if they choose. They don't even have to wear space suits in that place. Sure, we've had some tragedies, but this is rocket science for goodness sake.

However, then we come to coal mining. Now I have to acknowledge that we have progressed from the days of watching for the canary to die and chipping away at the coal with pic-axes. But, we still are sending men miles into the ground (obviously in areas that can have earthquakes, to boot). They go in small tunnels into complete darkness with a day's worth of food, water, and oxygen. (Perhaps a little more). And here we are. While we're sending astronauts up, we're struggling immensely just to get these guys out of the ground. Can't someone introduce a few more computers into this industry to bring it to the current century. Now I won't be completely naive over this...the lack of technology (or research into potential new technology) has to be economic. Perhaps completely automated the coal mines would mean too many lost jobs in these areas and sky-rocket prices for coal. But the contrast in technology in these two areas is ridiculous. Can't someone involve NASA here or something. lol.

Nevertheless, if these coal miners are found alive it will truly be an act of God. However, if the space shuttle glides right back onto this "blue marble" without incident...well now, that's just technology.