-Thomas Campbell
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyjpwxx22ko
Rest in peace to all of them ✟
Following up my last post I was really saddened to hear about those who tragically passed away during the collision of a military helicopter and a passenger airplane in Washington today. May their families find closure and solace during this difficult period.
Although we do not know the full details of what caused this heartbreaking incident, what is not needed during this time is Trump using this event to further reinforce his political fight against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
In fact I found it quite distasteful that Trump blamed his predecessors in the Biden administration for the crash as they allegedly hired people with "impairments" and "psychological issues" to work as air traffic controllers (because apparently being disabled, having mental health issues or even being a person of colour automatically makes you incompetent right?), especially where there is no evidence for this being true.
His weird statement that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was "run into the ground" by DEI hires after it was determined that the agency was "too white" did not help either and in my opinion was a rather damaging statement to make, as being a DEI hire does not mean you are less capable or under qualified.
So I imagine one would only say this to further divide and stir conflict, rather than unite and come together as a nation to mourn the 67 lives lost.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpvmdm1m7m9o (Combative Trump blames diversity policies after air tragedy)
Addendum 31st January 2025:
I have read today that the ranking member of the House committee on transportation and infrastructure, Rick Larsen, issued a statement on 22nd January 2025 that Trump's hiring freeze would contradict the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill that requires the agency to hire the maximum number of controllers. You can read more about this here, though it will not undo the devastating event that occurred yesterday. I just hope Trump (going forward) will attempt to look beyond his prejudices and do whatever it takes prevent a repeat incident from happening.
https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-members-larsen-cohen-statements-on-trumps-dangerous-freeze-of-air-traffic-control-hiring (Larsen's statement about Trump's hiring freeze)