Ohio train derailment is more proof that elections have consquences

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT Local 9005

"Elections have consequences," Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan often says.

Check out these stories about the disastrous train derailment in Ohio:

Newsweek:  Is Donald Trump to Blame for Ohio Train Derailment?

The Lever:  Rail Companies Blocked Safety Rules Before Ohio Derailment

Daily Kos:  Workers say train in Ohio derailment had previously broken down

USA Today:Fact check: Baseless claim that Ohio train derailment was a 'false flag' operation

Here's the first paragraph in the Newsweek story by James Bickerton: "The derailment of a 150-car train carrying hazardous material in East Palestine, Ohio, was likely more severe because the Trump administration repealed a key safety rule, according to an industry insider."

The reporter added: "A rule was passed under President Barack Obama that made it a requirement for trains carrying hazardous flammable materials to have ECP [Electrically Controlled Pneumatic] brakes, but this was rescinded in 2017 by the Trump administration.

"The industry said it would cost more than $3 billion to implement. The FRA [Federal Railroad Administration] under Obama said it would be around half a billion."

So there you have it. Trump claims he's the friend of blue collar folks. But he squarely sided with railroad executives and joined them in elevating profit over people. At least Trump is consistent. Throughout his administration, he talked pro-worker but walked corporate. 

The train wreck is more proof, as if it were needed, that Donald Trump is a fraud who as president never missed a chance to cozy with business and industry and stick it to unions. Click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.