The New York Times appears to have uncovered the real problem of the toxic chemical leak that occurred after a train derailed near East Palestine, Ohio: Republicans are critical of the government’s disastrous handling of the incident.
“After a train carrying toxic materials derailed in Ohio this month, right-wing commentators were particularly critical of the response, using the crisis to sow distrust of government agencies and suggest the damage may be irreversible,” the Los Angeles Times wrote Thursday. on Twitter.
After a train carrying toxic materials derailed in Ohio this month, right-wing commentators were particularly critical of the response, using the crisis to sow distrust of government agencies and suggest the damage could be irreversible. https://t.co/HbGAPdn01P
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 16, 2023
The opening paragraph of this story acknowledges that the area around East Palestine has become toxic to humans and wildlife:
Since a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Ohio almost two weeks ago, residents have been concerned for their safety. Controlled burning of toxic materials filled the air and covered surface waters and soil with chemicals. Dead fish were floating in nearby streams and there was a disturbing smell in the air.
But the problem is still the “right wing” and its comments:
On social media such as Twitter and Telegram, commentators called the situation “the biggest ecological disaster in history” or simply “Chernobyl 2.0″, referring to the nuclear disaster of 1986. They warned, without evidence, that key reservoirs serving states downstream could be seriously contaminated. They also suggested that authorities, railway companies and mainstream media were deliberately concealing the full toll of the crisis.
The article also complains that conservatives are criticizing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg because this is another major disaster within his department’s reach that could occur at tiny notice. The mayor of East Palestine said he only recently learned of their situation from the White House, almost two weeks after the derailment.
The Times article says government officials are assuring residents that the city is sheltered to return to and the water is sheltered, even though videos of local waterways have been released showing weighty pollution. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) said that if the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency thinks the water is sheltered enough, he should drink it himself.
Today I visited a local stream in East Palestine. These waterways are still very polluted. It’s time for Norfolk Southern to finish the cleanup. Check out this video: pic.twitter.com/4lsHBmrMJj
— JD Vance (@JDVance1) February 16, 2023
