After Ohio rail disaster, Buttigieg is silent on restoring the safety standards Trump repealed

When a freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, bursting into flame and sending up clouds of poisonous vinyl chloride smoke and gas, our immediate concerns were for the people in harm’s way and the train crew:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/04/us/train-derailment-fire-palestine-ohio.html

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/11/dinah-wont-you-blow/#ecp

But those immediate concerns were soon joined by a broader set of worries: that the entire rail industry presented a systematic danger, and the Ohio derailment was a symptom of a much deeper pathology that endangered anyone who lives near one of the rail corridors that crisscross America.

The rail industry is the poster child for corporate power, and rail barons were among the first targets of Gilded Age trustbusters who saw the rail monopolies as a threat to the prosperity and wellbeing of Americans, as well as the integrity of the American political system itself.

40 years of neoliberal “consumer welfare” antitrust — starting with Reagan and continuing through every administration since — has seen the American rail sector achieve levels of concentration that meet and exceed the corrupt, untenable degree of the late 19th century.

Like the original rail barons, the current crop (including the self-styled cuddly billionaire Warren Buffett), have gutted rail investment, skirted on safety, maimed and abused their workforce, smashed their unions, and placed the entire US supply chain in a state of brittle precarity:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/04/up-your-nose/#rail-barons

Like all monopolists, the rail industry has been able to capture its regulators, trampling evidence-based policy and replacing it with rules that benefit shareholders at the expense of the public, labor, and customers.

https://doctorow.medium.com/regulatory-capture-59b2013e2526

This regulatory capture is an inevitable consequence of market concentration. When an industry is composed of dozens of small- and medium-sized firms, they are unable to converge on a single story about which rules regulators should favor them with: some of those companies will want things the others don’t, and each will vie to produce evidence disconfirming the others’ claims.

But when an industry dwindles to a handful of cozy giants whose C-suites are stuffed with company-hopping executives who’ve done time at every major company in the sector, they converge on a single fairy tale about the best way to regulate their industry, and convert their regulators’ truth-seeking exercises into rigged auctions that they handily win:

https://locusmag.com/2022/03/cory-doctorow-vertically-challenged/

That’s what happened during the Trump years, when rail lobbyists secured the repeal of a long-overdue, hard-won safety regulation that would have required rail companies to replace the Civil-War-era brakes on their rolling stock with modern electronically controlled pneumatic brakes (ECPs):

https://jacobin.com/2023/02/rail-companies-safety-rules-ohio-derailment-brake-sytems-regulations

The repeal cost millions in lobbying dollars, but it was worth it. Shortly after the ECP rule was scrapped, Norfolk Southern handed millions in bonuses to its execs and did billions in stock buybacks, while laying offf thousands of workers:

https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/10/25/norfolk-southern-implements-massive-buyback-progra.aspx

Elections, we’re told, have consequences. After Biden won the 2020 presidential election, he made a string of excellent appointments — people like FTC chair Lina Khan, who hit the ground running with detailed plans for making sweeping, consequential changes that would blunt corporate power, reverse-Trump era abuses, and correct the dysfunctions that created a political base for Trump:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/08/party-its-1979-og-antitrust-back-baby

But other Biden appointees arrive in office with much less ambition. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has spent his tenure as King Log, failing to take action on spiraling airline cancellations, confining his major enforcement action to fining foreign airlines while ignoring the out-of-control abuses of America’s domestic carriers, except for the also-ran airline Frontier, which accounts for less than 2% of domestic travel:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/16/for-petes-sake/#unfair-and-deceptive

There are striking similarities between the structural defects in the airlines and the rail companies: both are highly concentrated sectors who have laid off senior staff, attacked unions, and blown billions in public money on stock buybacks and executive bonuses, even as their service degraded.

Both industries have been sharply criticized by experts and industry veterans, who’ve called for specific regulation. In the case of the airlines, SWA pilots and flight attendants had sounded the alarm about antiquated scheduling systems; for the rail companies, it’s experts like Grady Cothen, formerly a top safety expert at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), who told Congress that without action on braking systems, “[there] will be more derailments, more releases of hazardous materials, more communities impacted”:

https://www.congress.gov/event/117th-congress/house-event/LC69424/text?s=1&r=9

Despite these warnings, and despite the near-misses and smaller disasters that led up to the 100-foot-tall fireball over Ohio, Buttigieg’s DOT has not moved to reinstate the Obama-era brake safety rule, deferring to the monopoly rail owners self-serving claim that there is no need for such a move:

https://jacobin.com/2023/02/department-of-transportation-train-brake-regulation-ohio-derailment/

Indeed, the FRA is currently considering a rule that would further weaken braking rules, reducing obligations to inspect, test and certify braking systems:

https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2019-0072-0005

The rail labor unions — the best source of independent expertise on the daily operation of the freight system — say that this would be a disaster: “Following through with a final rule would only deliver yet another financial windfall to rail carriers by eliminating inspections, testing and repairs, and deferring routine maintenance”:

https://www.goiam.org/news/territories/tcu-union/carmen-division-tcu/rail-labor-files-joint-comments-on-fras-nprm-2/

Serving as Transportation Secretary to the President of the United States of America makes you one of the most powerful people in the history of the human race. The Secretary’s powers, while not unlimited, are extensive. The American people need a DoT that works for them, not one that weakens safety rules:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/10/the-courage-to-govern/#whos-in-charge

Image: Gage Skidmore (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pete_Buttigieg_January_2020.jpg

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

James St John (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/27110172823/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

This week (Feb 13–17), I’ll be in Australia, touring my book Chokepoint Capitalism with my co-author, Rebecca Giblin. We’re doing a remote event for NZ tomorrow (Feb 13). Next are Melbourne (Feb 14), Sydney (Feb 15) and Canberra (Feb 16/17). More tickets just released for Sydney!

[Image ID: A locomotive steaming away from a nuclear explosion. The face of the logo has been replaced with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's, in the style of Thomas the Tank Engine.]

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Exploring the Nuances of Identity and the Power of Place: A Reflection on Personal Connections and the St. Louis Experience

Introduction: In a world filled with diverse individuals, it is natural to wonder about what sets us apart and connects us to one another. Often, our sense of self is intricately intertwined with the places we call home, shaping our unique perspectives and fostering a deep-rooted sense of belonging. This thought-provoking question of identity arises as we ponder the distinction between ourselves and others. Join me on a journey of self-discovery as we delve into the significance of personal connections and the undeniable allure of St. Louis. Unveiling the Depths of Individuality: As human beings, we are constantly searching for ways to understand our own identities. The question posed, "What's the difference between me and you?" serves as a profound starting point for self-reflection. In contemplating this query, we venture into the realm of introspection, recognizing that our individuality lies in a myriad of factors, both tangible and intangible. Our values, beliefs, experiences, and relationships all contribute to the mosaic that is our unique self. The Power of Place: While our individuality shapes who we are, our surroundings play a pivotal role in shaping our identities. Place, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and community, has a profound impact on our sense of self. St. Louis, a city teeming with character and charm, stands out as an exemplar of how a place can mold our identities. Its vibrant neighborhoods, diverse population, and iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway Arch, symbolize the essence of this remarkable city. Embracing the St. Louis Experience: As I explore the distinctiveness of my own identity, I find solace and inspiration in my connection with St. Louis. One aspect that encapsulates this bond is my loyal companion, Haley, my beloved dog. Haley, with her unwavering companionship, serves as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery. She reminds me of the importance of genuine connections, both with ourselves and with those around us. St. Louis, with its tight-knit community and welcoming spirit, fosters a sense of belonging that resonates deeply within me. It is a place where I can fully express myself, surrounded by individuals who embrace their unique identities. Whether it's engaging in lively conversations at a local coffee shop or immersing myself in the vibrant arts scene, St. Louis offers a multitude of opportunities for personal growth and self-expression. Conclusion: In the quest to understand what sets us apart from one another, we must acknowledge the intricate interplay between our individuality and the places we call home. St. Louis, a city brimming with history, culture, and an embracing community, serves as a testament to the profound impact of place on our identities. As we embark on our own journeys of self-discovery, let us remember that our unique perspectives, values, and connections make us truly extraordinary. Embrace your identity, cherish your place, and let the world witness the brilliance that lies within you.

The Power of Personal Stories: Reflections on Self and Identity

In a world filled with countless narratives and experiences, one often wonders where our thoughts and emotions truly reside. If I were to delve into the depths of my consciousness, there is one place that consistently emerges - my own story. It is within the realm of personal storytelling that I find solace, meaning, and a profound connection to my identity. Join me on this introspective journey as we explore the transformative power of our own stories.

When we contemplate our lives, we often search for a cohesive narrative that encapsulates who we are. Our personal stories become a dynamic tapestry, interweaving the threads of our experiences, aspirations, and relationships. As we reflect upon the various chapters of our lives, we gain a deeper understanding of our own unique essence.

The Significance of Personal Narratives: Why do our personal stories hold such immense importance? They provide us with a lens through which we interpret the world and make sense of our existence. Our stories shape our perspectives, molding our choices and influencing our paths. By embracing our personal narratives, we unlock a treasure trove of self-awareness and self-empowerment.

Embracing Authenticity: In a society that often expects conformity, personal storytelling serves as a beacon of authenticity. Through the exploration of our own stories, we tap into our true selves, shedding societal expectations and embracing our individuality. This process allows us to celebrate our strengths, accept our vulnerabilities, and grow into our most genuine selves.

The Power of Connection: Beyond the confines of our own minds, personal stories have the remarkable ability to forge connections with others. As we share our experiences, we create bridges of empathy and understanding. Our stories become a universal language, transcending cultural, linguistic, and societal barriers. Through the power of storytelling, we foster a sense of unity and compassion within our communities.

Reframing Challenges as Catalysts: Within the tapestry of our personal narratives, we often encounter challenges and hardships. However, by reframing these obstacles, we can transform them into catalysts for growth and resilience. Through storytelling, we gain the ability to reevaluate our past experiences, extracting valuable lessons and finding newfound strength to face future adversities.

In the realm of personal storytelling, we unearth the true essence of our being. Our stories become the foundation upon which we build our identities, embracing our authenticity and fostering connections with others. By recognizing the transformative power of our own narratives, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth. Let us honor our stories and share them with the world, for within them lies the key to unlocking our collective wisdom and understanding.

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ECP summons Usman Dar, Firdous Awan

ECP summons Usman Dar, Firdous Awan

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned PTI leaders, Usman Dar, Umar Dar, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and three others in Daska by-poll rigging, ARY News reported. According to a notice issued by the ECP, PTI leaders, Usman Dar his brother Umar Dar, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Arif Soni, Asif and Iqbal Soni have been directed to appear before the commission on August 30. The notice…

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