Another Republican-caused disaster

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GOP has no issue taking blue taxpayers money when natural disasters hit in red states like Florida or Texas or the gulf state (Hurricanes) or tornado alley.

GOP has no issue complaining about a lack of federal response in this case even though the governer specifically told the Feds he didn't want their help.

IOW, GOP complain about everything but want the freebees.

Because red states are forced to pay into the Federal system. The real question is, if they weren’t would TX then need NY’s taxpayer dollars, for instance?

Most of the red states take more in federal dollars than they pay in. Most of the blue states take less in federal dollars than they pay in.

So to answer your question, on a general basis, yes.

https://www.moneygeek.com/living/states-most-reliant-federal-government/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a mixed freight train that was carrying hazardous materials. Maybe the rules should be that the railroads should be using advanced brakes for any train carrying any hazardous materials?

Why do you think it is acceptable to hide a few hazardous cars in an otherwise non-hazardous load and think it is ok if there is an incident like this?

Shouldn't we be striving to make our trains and communities as safe as possible?

What was stated above is not my opinion.
The Obama-era law that everyone is harping about would not have applied here. That is what the NTSB chairperson is saying.

What Republican rule would have applied or helped in any way? None.

That's right, NONE! Republicans have done NOTHING to improve rail safety and in fact constantly obstruct and reverse every improvement Democrats try to make.

Yet here you a-holes are, trying to blame Democrats who at least tried, and failed, as opposed to CORRECTLY blaming Republicans, who CAUSED the problem in the first place!

How so, my dear?

DP

1) incentivsing bonuses and stock buybacks rather than investment in safety and R&D
2) by holding and then eliminating rules around modern braking systems
3) by poisoning the public to believe the government has no role in everyday lives

This is a crock of $hit.

First, the elimination of the rule would not have impacted this train. Even the head of the NTSB said that.
Secondly, no Republican will tell you that the government has no role. They have a limited role... which they have overstepped wildly. Public safety is indeed the role of the Fed. Govt.
And, as for bonuses and buybacks....... these can happen as well as investment in safety.

Norfolk Southern announced a buyback of up to $10 billion in April 2022: http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/news/norfolk-southern-announces-new--10-billion-stock-repurchase-prog.html

In 2021, Norfolk Southern eliminated thousand of jobs to cut costs due to precision railroad scheduling, which is now being attributed to this catastophe. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unions-allege-norfolk-southern-job-cuts-saddled-engineers-with-other-duties

The only crock of $hit here, is your belief in thinking that companies will actually make investments in safety.

10 billion could have gone really far toward retaining needed staff, maintaining, replacing and upgrading brakes and sensor systems, plus still leaving billions left over for shareholders.

They could have prevented this but their selfish greed was too great, and it was entirely enabled by Republican politicians who were on the take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GOP has no issue taking blue taxpayers money when natural disasters hit in red states like Florida or Texas or the gulf state (Hurricanes) or tornado alley.

GOP has no issue complaining about a lack of federal response in this case even though the governer specifically told the Feds he didn't want their help.

IOW, GOP complain about everything but want the freebees.

Because red states are forced to pay into the Federal system. The real question is, if they weren’t would TX then need NY’s taxpayer dollars, for instance?

Most of the red states take more in federal dollars than they pay in. Most of the blue states take less in federal dollars than they pay in.

So to answer your question, on a general basis, yes.

https://www.moneygeek.com/living/states-most-reliant-federal-government/

Correct. Overall, blue states subsidize red states. Even Washington DC residents pay more in federal taxes than 20+ states do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a mixed freight train that was carrying hazardous materials. Maybe the rules should be that the railroads should be using advanced brakes for any train carrying any hazardous materials?

Why do you think it is acceptable to hide a few hazardous cars in an otherwise non-hazardous load and think it is ok if there is an incident like this?

Shouldn't we be striving to make our trains and communities as safe as possible?

What was stated above is not my opinion.
The Obama-era law that everyone is harping about would not have applied here. That is what the NTSB chairperson is saying.

What Republican rule would have applied or helped in any way? None.

That's right, NONE! Republicans have done NOTHING to improve rail safety and in fact constantly obstruct and reverse every improvement Democrats try to make.

Yet here you a-holes are, trying to blame Democrats who at least tried, and failed, as opposed to CORRECTLY blaming Republicans, who CAUSED the problem in the first place!

How so, my dear?

DP

1) incentivsing bonuses and stock buybacks rather than investment in safety and R&D
2) by holding and then eliminating rules around modern braking systems
3) by poisoning the public to believe the government has no role in everyday lives

This is a crock of $hit.

First, the elimination of the rule would not have impacted this train. Even the head of the NTSB said that.
Secondly, no Republican will tell you that the government has no role. They have a limited role... which they have overstepped wildly. Public safety is indeed the role of the Fed. Govt.
And, as for bonuses and buybacks....... these can happen as well as investment in safety.

Norfolk Southern announced a buyback of up to $10 billion in April 2022: http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/news/norfolk-southern-announces-new--10-billion-stock-repurchase-prog.html

In 2021, Norfolk Southern eliminated thousand of jobs to cut costs due to precision railroad scheduling, which is now being attributed to this catastophe. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unions-allege-norfolk-southern-job-cuts-saddled-engineers-with-other-duties

The only crock of $hit here, is your belief in thinking that companies will actually make investments in safety.

10 billion could have gone really far toward retaining needed staff, maintaining, replacing and upgrading brakes and sensor systems, plus still leaving billions left over for shareholders.

They could have prevented this but their selfish greed was too great, and it was entirely enabled by Republican politicians who were on the take.

The whole modern practice of big business is so Republican and selfish. As you point out they had more than enough money to make improvements and add safeguards and still have bonuses. They chose not to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a mixed freight train that was carrying hazardous materials. Maybe the rules should be that the railroads should be using advanced brakes for any train carrying any hazardous materials?

Why do you think it is acceptable to hide a few hazardous cars in an otherwise non-hazardous load and think it is ok if there is an incident like this?

Shouldn't we be striving to make our trains and communities as safe as possible?

What was stated above is not my opinion.
The Obama-era law that everyone is harping about would not have applied here. That is what the NTSB chairperson is saying.

What Republican rule would have applied or helped in any way? None.

That's right, NONE! Republicans have done NOTHING to improve rail safety and in fact constantly obstruct and reverse every improvement Democrats try to make.

Yet here you a-holes are, trying to blame Democrats who at least tried, and failed, as opposed to CORRECTLY blaming Republicans, who CAUSED the problem in the first place!

How so, my dear?

DP

1) incentivsing bonuses and stock buybacks rather than investment in safety and R&D
2) by holding and then eliminating rules around modern braking systems
3) by poisoning the public to believe the government has no role in everyday lives

This is a crock of $hit.

First, the elimination of the rule would not have impacted this train. Even the head of the NTSB said that.
Secondly, no Republican will tell you that the government has no role. They have a limited role... which they have overstepped wildly. Public safety is indeed the role of the Fed. Govt.
And, as for bonuses and buybacks....... these can happen as well as investment in safety.

Norfolk Southern announced a buyback of up to $10 billion in April 2022: http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/news/norfolk-southern-announces-new--10-billion-stock-repurchase-prog.html

In 2021, Norfolk Southern eliminated thousand of jobs to cut costs due to precision railroad scheduling, which is now being attributed to this catastophe. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unions-allege-norfolk-southern-job-cuts-saddled-engineers-with-other-duties

The only crock of $hit here, is your belief in thinking that companies will actually make investments in safety.

10 billion could have gone really far toward retaining needed staff, maintaining, replacing and upgrading brakes and sensor systems, plus still leaving billions left over for shareholders.

They could have prevented this but their selfish greed was too great, and it was entirely enabled by Republican politicians who were on the take.

The whole modern practice of big business is so Republican and selfish. As you point out they had more than enough money to make improvements and add safeguards and still have bonuses. They chose not to.

not only chose not to, but lobbied GOP congress to repeal safety rules already put in place.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Biden forced the unions not to strike. This was one of the issues they were striking over. DeWine refused to label the derailment an emergency. Republicans dismantled EPA and safety regulations. There is a long, long list of failure on the part of politicians. Sadly, it’s the residents of East Palestin that just lost everything— their health, safety, and house values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Biden forced the unions not to strike. This was one of the issues they were striking over. DeWine refused to label the derailment an emergency. Republicans dismantled EPA and safety regulations. There is a long, long list of failure on the part of politicians. Sadly, it’s the residents of East Palestin that just lost everything— their health, safety, and house values.

This is incomprehensible to me. It's one thing to not know what the long-term effects of your actions are. But it's entirely different to have a burning catastrophe on your hands and not call it what it is.

DeWine should be recalled after this. But he won't be. Look at all failures Abbott is allowed to get away with in Texas. Red states just like being screwed over by their leaders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Biden forced the unions not to strike. This was one of the issues they were striking over. DeWine refused to label the derailment an emergency. Republicans dismantled EPA and safety regulations. There is a long, long list of failure on the part of politicians. Sadly, it’s the residents of East Palestin that just lost everything— their health, safety, and house values.

Sadly, the residents of East Palestine are getting exactly what they wanted as evidenced by their voting. Starts on page 25: https://www.columbiana.boe.ohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Precinct-Summary.pdf

Whine harder about the one thing Biden did here, which I agree made zero sense and was total big business bull. But everything else? GOP gov. Just elected a new GOP senator. Clearly votes at least 75% GOP. They’ll still vote GOP after this. Most of the cancers and other physical manifestations will be a slow burn and they’ll just blame whatever the coocoo RWNJ cause is at that time - contrails, childhood vaccines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Biden forced the unions not to strike. This was one of the issues they were striking over. DeWine refused to label the derailment an emergency. Republicans dismantled EPA and safety regulations. There is a long, long list of failure on the part of politicians. Sadly, it’s the residents of East Palestin that just lost everything— their health, safety, and house values.

The strike during the Biden administation would not have resulted in the kinds of reforms needed to mitigate this disaster. Things don't happen that quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Biden forced the unions not to strike. This was one of the issues they were striking over. DeWine refused to label the derailment an emergency. Republicans dismantled EPA and safety regulations. There is a long, long list of failure on the part of politicians. Sadly, it’s the residents of East Palestin that just lost everything— their health, safety, and house values.

Sadly, the residents of East Palestine are getting exactly what they wanted as evidenced by their voting. Starts on page 25: https://www.columbiana.boe.ohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Precinct-Summary.pdf

Whine harder about the one thing Biden did here, which I agree made zero sense and was total big business bull. But everything else? GOP gov. Just elected a new GOP senator. Clearly votes at least 75% GOP. They’ll still vote GOP after this. Most of the cancers and other physical manifestations will be a slow burn and they’ll just blame whatever the coocoo RWNJ cause is at that time - contrails, childhood vaccines.

I voted for Biden. I am a Biden supporter. But going against the union was a misstep. But the Republican platform fully creates a scenario like this everywhere in America. Ecodisaster in Ohio today, your town tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It was a mixed freight train that was carrying hazardous materials. Maybe the rules should be that the railroads should be using advanced brakes for any train carrying any hazardous materials?

Why do you think it is acceptable to hide a few hazardous cars in an otherwise non-hazardous load and think it is ok if there is an incident like this?

Shouldn't we be striving to make our trains and communities as safe as possible?

What was stated above is not my opinion.
The Obama-era law that everyone is harping about would not have applied here. That is what the NTSB chairperson is saying.

What Republican rule would have applied or helped in any way? None.

That's right, NONE! Republicans have done NOTHING to improve rail safety and in fact constantly obstruct and reverse every improvement Democrats try to make.

Yet here you a-holes are, trying to blame Democrats who at least tried, and failed, as opposed to CORRECTLY blaming Republicans, who CAUSED the problem in the first place!

How so, my dear?

DP

1) incentivsing bonuses and stock buybacks rather than investment in safety and R&D
2) by holding and then eliminating rules around modern braking systems
3) by poisoning the public to believe the government has no role in everyday lives

This is a crock of $hit.

First, the elimination of the rule would not have impacted this train. Even the head of the NTSB said that.
Secondly, no Republican will tell you that the government has no role. They have a limited role... which they have overstepped wildly. Public safety is indeed the role of the Fed. Govt.
And, as for bonuses and buybacks....... these can happen as well as investment in safety.

Norfolk Southern announced a buyback of up to $10 billion in April 2022: http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/news/norfolk-southern-announces-new--10-billion-stock-repurchase-prog.html

In 2021, Norfolk Southern eliminated thousand of jobs to cut costs due to precision railroad scheduling, which is now being attributed to this catastophe. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/unions-allege-norfolk-southern-job-cuts-saddled-engineers-with-other-duties

The only crock of $hit here, is your belief in thinking that companies will actually make investments in safety.

10 billion could have gone really far toward retaining needed staff, maintaining, replacing and upgrading brakes and sensor systems, plus still leaving billions left over for shareholders.

They could have prevented this but their selfish greed was too great, and it was entirely enabled by Republican politicians who were on the take.

The whole modern practice of big business is so Republican and selfish. As you point out they had more than enough money to make improvements and add safeguards and still have bonuses. They chose not to.

not only chose not to, but lobbied GOP congress to repeal safety rules already put in place.

+1 and !!!

[Anonymous]

It's all good now. Trump brought Trump Water (tm) to the people of East Palestine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Plus Trump and Pruitt decimated EPA.