The Patriot Post® · Reader Comments

Editor’s Note: Thank you for sending comments on our news, policy, and opinion — we review every one of them. Here are a few reader perspectives, which don’t necessarily reflect those of The Patriot Post.

Re: “Democrat Interests Finally Align With America”

One wonders if the Democrats would have taken steps to prevent such an economy-crashing strike if the red wave had taken place; they might have let it go, just so they could blame it on Republicans. But while it’s good that the Democrats stumbled into doing the right thing for once, I’ll enjoy some schadenfreude from the knowledge that it will give them some heartburn with their union lackeys. —Georgia

While I am not disagreeing with the president’s (or Congress’s) action, I wonder what the hue and cry from the Left would have been had a Republican president or Congress taken such an action. Consider Ronald Reagan and the Air Traffic Controllers union. Reagan was accused of union-busting when he (legally) prompted the decertification of the ATC union. This country’s unions are complaining about that to this day! But letting Biden and a Democrat-controlled Congress usurp the rail worker unions’ power? Crickets. —Pennsylvania

I disagree — I follow transportation for our firm and Biden and the DOT basically sold out the workers and failed to take into account changing railroad train structures that are leaving crews with antiquated work rules and in many cases stuck by the tracks for hours on end without pay. Had they taken action on these rules, we would never have been where we are. They will still strike. —Florida

These employees often work hundreds of miles from home. Their job is physically demanding and dangerous. New employees get one vacation week in their first years and nowhere near $130K. The rail companies complain about attracting workers and the cost of hiring, yet they continue to see a revolving door of young hires. The work is hard. Work locations are often remote and living conditions (cheap hotels and restaurant food) poor. They could fix this if they would listen to their workers. —Minnesota

Our huge centralized government should never interfere with private business unless there’s a wartime crisis, and Christmas deliveries do not make a crisis. Moreover, if it’s so important to keep the rails open, why do Biden and his socialist Democrats choose to limit oil production in the U.S., making our nation an importer of other countries’ oil? We were energy independent before the socialists took over. Now we pay double for gas. —Florida

Minority opinion is sideswiped. There’s a reason those four unions voted “No,” and it appears that the majority rules according to Biden and Congress. They should have kept their noses out of this squabble. When Big Brother steps in to solve these differences, it undermines the trust of the workers who have grievances against the unions. That’s why for years I have not believed unions care about the workers. When they were started, it was good, but their effectiveness is now gone. The unions rule the workers and the workers get penalized when they try to effect changes. Shame on Biden and Congress. —California

As a retired locomotive engineer, I find it amazing that politicians, the media, and the public still don’t understand what conditions rail workers workers are under, especially over-the-road workers such as conductors and engineers. These employees routinely work 12 hours, then get 10 hours off before having to go back to work. They get demerits for taking days off (even unpaid sick days) to rest up and be with family for special events. When — or should I say if — these employees make it to retirement, their health is ruined, and many die within a few short years. —Illinois

Re: “The Food Supply Is Dry”

Environmentalists look at the low water levels of Lake Mead and other reservoirs and immediately blame “climate change.” They fail to inform about the exploding populations and water requirements of the Las Vegas/Los Angeles/San Diego areas. Too-heavy usage and drought conditions exacerbate the situation. Somebody forgot to tell these people, YOU LIVE IN THE DESERT! —Maryland

Re: “American Violence, Gun and Other”

This article hits so many points that I have said and thought. Do we teach people how to deal with frustration, anger, and life? I see a complete lack of personal responsibility in our society. I believe there is a growing mental health problem in this country. I think we have a “monkey see, monkey do” kind of problem. If the guy down the block gets away with it, then so will I. For some reason, getting help for mental issues is unacceptable to many. Another part of the issue is addiction, which is the way so many try to cope with the world. I do not want government intervention, but we all need to stop fooling ourselves into thinking this problem is going away. —Wisconsin

Re: “SCOTUS Takes Up Free Speech and Religious Liberty Again”

I also feel the Colorado law discriminates on business principles. Making a specific cake or taking photos of a ceremony is a contract. Every contract requires agreement by both the provider and the buyer. If either party does not agree, there is no contract (or discrimination). —Florida

Re: “Where Is Peng Shuai?”

Thank you for not forgetting Peng Shuai. This story is disheartening and needs to remain top of mind. I was greatly disappointed when I heard Eileen Gu competed for China. This is a human rights issue. I will continue to pray for Peng Shuai. She used her platform and notoriety to shed light on what is happening behind closed doors not just to her but to many others as well. Peng is defenseless. She needs our help. —Nevada