Holding Those Responsible for West, Texas Plant Explosion

1. 60

   chipsballposted 11 years ago

   The blame for the deaths of the first responders, the mulitple injuries and significant property loss from the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion lays exclusively with the Texas State legislature and Governor Rick Perry. Governor Perry has touted for years the fact that businesses should move into the State because they can operate with the least amount of oversight and regulation by State and Federal agencies. One can see the results of the business climate he has created.
   
   Furthermore, unlike the response in the Boston marathon explosion whereby State, Federal and Obama Administration vowed to find out who was responsible and to hold them accountable...not one word has come from Governor Perry about holding any person(s) responsible. Instead Gov. Rick shows up on video at the NRA convention this past weekend in Houston shamelessly firing off the same type weapon used to kill innocent women and children at Sandy Hook Elementary in Conn. .while the good folks in West, Texas are left in the dark about the "real culprits" during their moments of grief and efforts to put their lives back together. Thanks to Rick "Snake Oil" salesmen Perry.
   Unfortunately and ironically the same people who are now suffering from this plant explosion...are most likely the same folks who have voted the Governor into office for the past ten years. How about that! They should nevertheless by informed and compensated.

   replyreport
   1. 74

      Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The fire marshal's office has been leading an investigation of the blast, along with the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency (ATF). I am in favor of waiting for the results of this effort before trying to hold anyone responsible.
      

      replyreport
      1. 60

         chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Those investigating the plant explosion will come up with answers...perhaps, but the main point I'm making is the lack of regulations and oversight promoted by Gov. Perry that created the climate in which this company could operate unencumbered. They knew they could operate with 1 million in insurance coverage, they knew they could operated without oversight into their storage of the chemicals used to produce their products and they knew they could continue to do business within the danger zone. You  wait on the investigation by the fire marshal and ATF if you wish but they are "johnny's come lately's" and the damage has already occured.  Responsibility as I stated is exclusively with  the Texas legislature and Gov. Perry.

         replyreport
      2. 0

         Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         In every thread I have read your comments, you are always a voice of reason. Thank you for that.

         replyreport
         1. 74

            Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you for your kind words.
            
            

            replyreport
      3. 94

         wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         But Quill!  Public lynchings are so much fun!  You're just a spoilsport, that's all.

         replyreport
         1. 74

            Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Hey wilderness! Nice to see you here.
            
            Yup, some folks just love the rush….
            
            …the rush to judgement.
            

            replyreport
   2. 0

      HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There is not always "someone responsible" for every accident. In this case, the plant was storing flammables that should not have been stored, but at the same time, the type of fire that ensued, should not have been sprayed with water from the fireman's hoses.
      
      This might be a good case for reviewing storage and firefighting methodology but (at least to date), I've not heard of actual criminal negligence. Ignorance maybe - but nothing criminal.
      
      I'm sure the lawyers will be out in force, trying to convince the victims that they should sue the plant - the result of which, will net the lawyers a pretty comfy settlement.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Stop the lawyer bashing. If it were you or a family member that loss loveones you would be the  first into the lawyers office asking them to assit. This "accident" could have been avoided and the  lives loss, injuries incurred and property damage that resulted would not have happended had there been oversight by the State and Federal agencies. That was their job and responsibility before the plant explosion. If it takes a lawyer to get rightful compensation for those of West, Texas then so be it, but don't blame the lawyers for doing their job representing the victims of the blast in the same manner they would represent YOU!

         replyreport
         1. 94

            wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Pretty plain words, and words that make it extremely obvious that you have assigned blame without having the faintest inclination of what was actually the cause.  You've even already decided that any deep pockets in the area owe compensation whether at fault or not.
            
            Well done!

            replyreport
            1. 60

               chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Correct I do! I know what happened as I state.
               
               Unfortunately the State of Texas has governmental immunity and limits on damages the juries can award at civil trials is not enough to cover this type claim I would imagine.

               replyreport
               1. 94

                  wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Well, I have it on good authority that the blast was caused by al qaeda, who had set an H bomb in there.  Luckily for us only the priming charge went off instead of the hydrogen, but it still torched off the fertilizer.
                  
                  That puts it in the hands of homeland security - the TSA guys that allowed the bomb to be flown in in the carry on luggage.  Not Texas at all, especially as it was flown in on Air Force One to DC and carried to Texas on a motorcycle by one of the terrorists masquerading as a Hell's Angel.

                  replyreport
         2. 0

            HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Chips, lawyers are like parasites, feeding off the blood of the weak.
            
            This was an accident, but even if there were negligence, it wouldn't be Perry's fault. His job description does not include brushing up on various chemicals and their storage methods and then making sure those methods are implemented.
            
            Start with the people running the plant. Then suggest that firemen have sessions about dealing with dangerous chemical fires in their communities.
            
            But, you're just going off at the governor when it had nothing to do with him.

            replyreport
            1. 60

               chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Wrong! Gov Perry job description is just as you described. His job is to make sure that proper regulations exist, after "brushing up" on it after review and "implementing" them to protect the citizens of the state.
               
               Some people do not know their legal rights when it comes to plant explosions that cause them damages and need legal advice. You descrbe the people who are suffering as "weak"and the people who represent them as "parasites". I see them as victims of lack regulations and the lawyers who will representing them as doing their job.
               
               Gov Perry is a responsible party IMO...whether or not you agree is a matter of opinion...but more will come out later...dip, dip,dip?

               replyreport
               1. 0

                  HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  I understand where you're coming from - in your scenario - no one is responsible for him/herself. I'm on the other side of the spectrum. From where I sit - we're all responsible for ourselves, but I do agree that anyone who intentionally harms another must face the music.
                  
                  Either way - the TX governor is not responsible for this accident. If there is culpability - it will fall on the shoulders of the plant owners - it always does.
                  
                  Government can't foresee every problem - and most of us don't want them to. when something like this occurs, we all reassess and - if new regulations are necessary - we implement them.
                  
                  Sometimes, despite regulations - people don't do as they're supposed to do - and that's why our prisons are full of criminals.
                  
                  But, unless Perry KNEW what the plant was doing - and he KNEW that was unsafe - and he purposefully told the plant to do it anyway - his hands are clean. I agree with another poster that said we just have to wait for the results of the investigation.
                  
                  But, I disagree on lawyers.

                  replyreport
                  1. 60

                     chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Nobody is saying Gov. Perry lit the fuse that started the fire at the plant. He did create the business climate that allowed the company to operate unfretted. That enabled the plant owner to ignore the dangers involved in his operation of the plant. That is not a rush to judgment against Gov. Perry and surely the plant owner is ultimately responsible...but the State of Texas and Rick Perry must shoulder blame IMO for the politics involved and the business climate created, and one does not have to wait for an investigation to conclude that!

                     replyreport
                     1. 94

                        wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        Following that line of reasoning, the people of Texas voted Perry into office: they are responsible for his actions in creating a business climate that then created an explosion.  And before that, Columbus opened the doors to America after his Queen sent him to.  It is all the Europeans fault.

                        replyreport
                        1. 50

                           Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           Seems odd that the President would want to visit such a horrible place and extol its economic successes, but...
                           
                           http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/ … -not.html/

                           replyreport
                        2. 60

                           chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           Exactly...unfortunately the people suffering in West, Texas are most likely the same folk that have voted him in office for the past ten years.
                           They drank some of that Rick Perry snake oil elixir he peddles. You should try and stay away from that stuff as well.

                           replyreport
                           1. 50

                              Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              Texans are not suffering by any stretch of the imagination.

                              replyreport
                              1. 60

                                 chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                 Tell that to the folks of West, Texas

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 50

                                    Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                    Are you not talking about economics? Of course people who have suffered a devastating explosion would be suffering. You keep changing the conversation.
                                    
                                    Business in Texas is booming because of conservative policies, do bad things happen sometimes? Yes, but it doesn't happen very often.

                                    replyreport
                                    1. 60

                                       chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                       My conversation has been the same...Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Legislature created the business climate that resulted in the plant explosion.

                                       report
                                       1. 50

                                          Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                          And the climate that makes Texas the envy of the nation. Good luck trying to tear down a success.

                                          report
                                          1. 60

                                             chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                             Whenever you ignore safety of worker for profit...it usually results in plant explosions. Fertilizer plants are dangerous and hazardeous facilities that's well known in the industry. If allowed to operate exceeding the danger zone...then bad things happen. Workers and those responding to the fire... Die!

                                             report
                                             1. 50

                                                Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                Like I said over and over GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED AGAIN!

                                                report
                                                1. 60

                                                   chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                   No not government but those in charge of government ...they are at fault.

                                                   report
                                                   1. 50

                                                      Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                      You are in extreme denial. Have a good day.

                                                      report
                                                      1. 60

                                                         chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                         Like I stated earlier...put that Rick Perry elixir down...Later!

                                                         report
   3. 50

      Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You mean government screwed it up? Shocking.

      replyreport
      1. 60

         chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Government is not to blame...those in charge of agencies WITHIN and those who administer government are to blame. SHOCKING!

         replyreport
         1. 50

            Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            They are government! Just as Obama is to blame for Boston and Benghazi!

            replyreport
            1. 60

               chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Nonsense...and you know it!

               replyreport
               1. 50

                  Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Just what I thought you would say its only Republicans who are responsible.

                  replyreport
                  1. 60

                     chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     You threw that out...not me! I'm sure the folks of West, Texas could care less.

                     replyreport
                     1. 50

                        Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        What do you know about what the people of West,Texas care about?

                        replyreport
                        1. 60

                           chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           I listen to what they have to say!

                           replyreport
                           1. 50

                              Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              Really, how?

                              replyreport
                              1. 60

                                 chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                 Put the Rick Perry snake oil down and do some sober googling.

                                 replyreport
                                 1. 50

                                    Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                    What does Rick Perry have to do with what the citizens of West think about Benghazi? You have no clue what they are thinking or saying on any subject.

                                    replyreport
                                    1. 60

                                       chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                       Not sure what you are talking about. Again...put the snake oil down and think sober.

                                       report
                                       1. 50

                                          Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                          What snake oil, what is Perry selling me that I should be concerned about?

                                          report
                                          1. 60

                                             chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                             Did you not read my original post? My points are very clear. It is related to the regulations and/or non-regulations of the fertilizer plant in West, Texas.

                                             report
                                             1. 50

                                                Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                Yeah, I said it was shocking that government had failed once again, you said government didn't fail that Rick Perry failed, Rick Perry is government! You can't seem to follow along very well. This is the part where you tell me to put the snake oil away, and the part where I shake my head because I have no idea what snake oil you are talking about.

                                                report
                                                1. 60

                                                   chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                                   Rick Perry created the business climate that allowed the fertilizer plant to operate with little or no oversignt and regulation. His actions or lack thereof are shameless as administrator of the people of the state of texas best interest by not requiring more instead of less. Rick Perry touts business operating unfretted in Texas before regulations of businesses so the oversight of the plant became secondary to the financial interest of his cronies, contributors and new businesses he aided in creating. He gave wink and nod to regulations that would have made the facility meet more stringent safety standards...at a higher cost...but with less profit.

                                                   report
            2. 67

               Cody Hodge5posted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Wait.....Obama was responsible for Boston? Does that mean that Bush was responsible for 9/11?

               replyreport
               1. 50

                  Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Its what the liberals tell me, but the actual fault goes to Bill Clinton.

                  replyreport
                  1. 67

                     Cody Hodge5posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Riiiiiight

                     replyreport
   4. 61

      Josakposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I do think it's too soon to start assigning blame but in my opinion a factory that has twice been found to severely fail tests for the safety of it's workers should have been closed, evaluated entirely and ensured to be safe, which in hindsight I am sure everyone agrees with, if it had been done before the incident however I am sure it would have been derided by many conservatives as just another instance of anti business big government interference, we can only wonder how much of a role that attitude played in the deaths of workers.

      replyreport
      1. 94

         wildernessposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Maybe.  And maybe not - "severely fail tests for the safety of it's workers" could well mean that they didn't have the MSDS for that bottle of 409 in the janitor closet.  Or that some maintenance guy didn't get the required yearly training in how to use a stepladder.
         
         It is not unusual at all for a large facility to have two "severe" OSHA violations over a couple of years (and you don't indicate whether that was from one inspection or 10), but those violations are seldom anything you or I would consider "severe".
         
         In addition, closing the doors is not something to be done lightly.  Not only does the company lose (and who cares if they really are compromising safety?) but so do all the employees.  Suppliers may be forced to close, as may that companies customers.  It's a long chain reaction that goes far beyond the company pocketbook.

         replyreport
2. 0

   HowardBThinameposted 11 years ago

   So - - - - what's happening now in West, TX?
   
   http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/10/pa … z2SunqAFbL
   
   A criminal investigation?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      chipsballposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes...a criminal investigation of an individual in possession of a explosive device. You know more than that?

      replyreport
      1. 0

         HowardBThinameposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Not much. A little more on USA Today.
         
         http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nati … n/2150461/
         
         Not a turn I expected this to take.

         replyreport
         1. 50

            Lie Detectorposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            My wife told me a week or so ago that she had heard on the news that it was a bomb that blew at the plant. I looked everywhere but never found anything about it, I guess we'll see.

            replyreport