Buttigieg says not speaking up on Ohio derailment was a mistake

 While this stems away from the usual point of this blog, I would like to include some parts from the interview between Buttigieg and CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns, which was featured on Tuesday on CBS News' "Red & Blue." He talks about how he himself could've "spoken sooner", about the train derailment that happened multiple weeks ago, and how his and many others silence over the importance of the matter has led to serious health and environment concerns and issues because of the chemicals that were being transported. This coming from someone in his position is a big step in those with government positions acknowledging when they messed up, and how they could've helped with more action. We see less and less of this everyday with more politicians ignoring problems that should've been dealt with earlier, and the media not covering these issues until they are ready.

                                                                             

He urges the rail industry to quickly begin signing up for a specific transportation department program to help protect whistleblowers, alert states when trains are moving toxic chemicals and materials, and provide sick leave to all workers. Whether or not these larger rail companies listen to his advice, it is still amazing to hear from a politician who is advocating for more rights for train railway workers, as this East Palestine trail derailment could've been prevented if these terms were ever achieved. He also wrote a letter to Norfolk Southern demanding them to "demonstrate unequivocal support for the people" of East Palestine, urging them to help set things right for those who may possibly be displaced from their homes.

                    

While I usually try to bring light to topics that get barely any news coverage, I wanted to cover his interview solely as a way to play devil's advocate, and allow me to setup a position that shows that while some issues may not be covered in a timely manner by the media, there are still those who are working behind the scenes to make sure things are set right, and this is exactly what the United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, has done to ensure that East Palestine is dealt with appropriately and with complete action. The derailment will most likely continue to be washed away under all this talk of nuclear attacks from Russia and spy balloons from China, but we should feel somewhat safe that this situation is being dealt with as best as it can be.