Washington, D.C. - October 12, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after an ATU Local 689 worker was reinstated as an employee after being fired for falsified track inspection reports:
“Reinstating a track inspection supervisor who approved falsified inspection reports is an unconscionable decision that puts the lives of Metro riders at risk. Employees who falsify safety reports have no place in a major transit system such as WMATA, especially in the wake of recent passenger deaths and train derailments that have plagued the system. Anyone complicit in falsifying safety reports, from track workers to management, must go.
“The fact that the leadership of the Metro union challenges decisions to fire negligent employees is just another example of poor judgment at the expense of Metro riders. Current policies that allow for this must be changed to protect the riding public.
“I have fought for Metro funding and safety reforms so our region can have a safe transportation system on which residents can rely as they go to work every day. With this federal investment comes a responsibility to support policies that ensure a safer system, and that begins with rooting out the bad apples that exploit union protections and ignore basic safety foundations in a transit system that can and should be a nationwide example for excellence.”
The Unpopular Truth
Friday, October 12, 2018
Trump Denies Visa to Same-Sex Unmarried Partners of Diplomats
Washington, D.C. - October 12, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- In a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd) joined 118 of her colleagues in calling on him to reverse the discriminatory policy of denying visas to same-sex partners of foreign diplomats.
On October 1, 2018, the State Department began implementing its policy to no longer issue diplomatic visas to the same-sex unmarried partners of foreign diplomats, and officials and employees of international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank. All current same-sex unmarried partners must now present proof of marriage by December 31 or risk potential deportation.
“This cynical decision not only runs contrary to our values as Americans, but it also puts foreign diplomats - who are committed public servants - at risk,” said Rep. Davis, a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “With international relations already frayed from this President’s behavior and actions, this decision will only make things worse.”
A signed version of the letter
The Ponder wants to know: Is the unmarried partner of heterosexual diplomats allowed? If not, then there is no discrimination involved. If so, then the rule needs to apply to them as well in order to be fair.