I agree, normally Senator Brown is pretty even keel but yeah - those comments are a little 'off' to say the least.

I don't think the Miners have caused this event and Global Warming may have a degree of influence but I imagine it is pretty small really, so I reckon the floods are just one of those 'freak events' that occur once or twice every 40-50 years and they're rather tragic - but no one can be blamed for these natural occurrences.

I think Senator Brown has done himself and his party more bad than good here unfortunately, but I think that these multi-billion dollar companies could do a little more than offer condolences - it's also nice to see the wave of offerings of assistance from Nations we've helped in the past too.
(Like 'em or hate 'em, at least America has stayed true to it's word )