[s1artibartfast]

I think it is still a good heuristic that most people should follow.

Step 1: do I need to have an informed opinion

Step 2: Do I need that opinion NOW

Step 3: WHAT do I need to know NOW

There is a vast amount of conspiracy theorizing that people could avoid by following this approach.

[pathartl]

Absolutely. I live in a completely different state and I'm pretty unaffected by this whole tragedy/negligence. I could sit and speculate about what actually happened, but what does that do other than spend energy on something that I'm not actually involved with?

[r00fus]

Well, first off, trains run everywhere. So if it happens in Ohio, it can happen near where you live too.

Workers have been pushing to get a single day of paid leave per month and threatening a strike - but rail bosses have greedily ignored them to give more money to their stockholders (ie, themselves too). Then Congress voted to force a bad deal.

What you could do is to get informed and see the results of this blatant corruption.

[s1artibartfast]

You didn't actually explain why they should care if you aren't worried about train derailment near you.

[s1artibartfast]

Yeah, There is something to be said about genuine curiosity, but in the face of a emotionally changed misinformation blizzard the best option is to take a step back.

If you decide you are curious and actually want to care about railroad safety, dont react to the current crisis, "hit the books" and read some actually informative material about past events.

[pathartl]

100%. It's important to note that doing so also doesn't make you complicit. I have a general disdain for the "do your own research" type of people because often they're not trying to seek out actual education, they're just trying to bolster some sort of preconception they have.

[ncr100]

Step 4: Always carry a towel

/s