Should the U.S. Build More Coal-Fired Power Plants?

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This argument applies equally to every other form of electricity (wind, biomass, nuclear, hydro ...) . All you have done is state the obvious. World markets are tight right now and every form energy is being impacted.

However, while coal prices are going up, they are not rising as fast prices for other energy resources. Coal still remains one of our least expensive energy options. As I noted in one of my other arguments, fuel prices for coal ($1.92/MMBtu) are one quarter of the prices for natural gas ($8.18 MMBtu).
         (See Evidence: Coal Based Energy is Affordable).

Your second assertion that "New coal plants will only be built if investors are sure they will get their money back" is equally flawed. Investors will not invest in any generation strategy in which they are assured to lose money. That is true for renewables, nuclear, hydro, and other energy forms. You can't reasonably single out coal for attack with an argument that is as damaging to every other energy resource.

Lastly, if you are going to base your arguments on the statement "ordinary citizens will bear the burden as those costs are passed on with rate increases," then your best bet is to continue to rely on coal as a primary energy source. I have already shown in this response and other arguments that coal is one of our most abundant/secure and affordable domestic energy resources. The fact that it is becoming increasingly clean only makes it more reasonable to continue to use it.