Letter to the editor: Putting profit over people results in disaster

The Norfolk Southern train derailment at the border of Pennsylvania and Ohio brought national/world attention to a disaster that could happen in any community along the railroad’s path. Greensburg, Latrobe, West Newton and Irwin could have exchanged places with East Palestine. The findings of the investigation will go on for years, but the catastrophic effects of this event on the people and the communities is evident.

We all adhere to regulations to make our lives safer: getting your vehicle inspected, obeying traffic signals and adapting to changes in construction zones. Why is the public held accountable to regulations while corporations are allowed to sidestep them, spending millions in lobbying to have regulations removed that protect citizens, communities and personal property? Corporate greed far outweighs concern for safety. The welfare of people and the community is secondary to the bottom line: How much money can we make?

President Trump led historic deregulation efforts. The people and communities of East Palestine and surrounding areas seem to be suffering the consequences of a decision to put profit over human safety. The damage this disaster will have on these people will last for decades. This result was inevitable when profit supersedes safety.

Lobbyists, who serve only the interest of their employers, should have no seat at the table debating what the government does to protect its citizens and communities. The government and elected officials need to prioritize people and do a better job of protecting their constituents instead of their wallets.

Katie Forsythe

North Huntingdon