Come Out Come Out Buttigieg
On Feb. 3rd, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio. Authorities moved to address the release of the chemicals as orders for evacuation were issued. There was a warning of a likely “catastrophic blast” on Feb. 6, as officials sought to burn the chemicals away, which resulted in a plume of toxic smoke filling the air, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
This tragedy has caused a great deal of distress for the community, and many are wondering why Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, has not been present in the aftermath.
As Governor Mike DeWine noted, he has not seen Secretary Buttigieg at all in the wake of the derailment, which is concerning. In a time of crisis, it is important for leaders to be present and show a sense of solidarity with the affected community. Secretary Buttigieg’s absence raises questions about his commitment to the safety of the public and his willingness to take responsibility for what happened.
It is also concerning that Secretary Buttigieg waited until Monday evening to address the situation via a thread on Twitter. This is not an adequate response to such a serious incident, and it shows a lack of leadership and urgency on the part of the Secretary.
The derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals no doubt leaves the community shaken up and in need of leadership. The people of East Palestine deserve to have their voices heard, and their concerns should be addressed swiftly and with the utmost importance.
The lack of presence from Secretary Buttigieg in the aftermath of this tragedy is a cause for concern and should not be taken lightly. It seems to be an essential part of the Secretary’s duty to take the time to visit those affected and demonstrate his commitment to their safety and well-being. Only then will the people of East Palestine be able to have some peace of mind and trust that their concerns are being addressed.
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