Opinion: Don't Be Concerned about Brightline's Safety. Just Learn to Drive.
Jim Hanson 
Florida Representative Brian Mast is concerned about the tragic death of two people killed by a Brightline train in his district. In a recent statement, the Congressman expressed his frustration with the new rail line.
"Just one day after the NTSB admitted that there are major safety concerns, two people lost their lives as a result of one of its trains," Mast said. "Something isn’t right here, and there needs to be assurances that this company is taking clear action to improve the safety of its operations before it’s allowed to come barreling through our community."
The Congressman's concern for his constituents is noble and laudable to the casual observer. But at a closer glance, one must wonder how far the Representative's interest in public safety goes. Why not speak to the thousands of motorists killed in automobile accidents every year, both in his district and the United States as a whole?
The truth is, Mast's latest complaints amount to nothing more than an overture to bus, taxi and asphalt companies. Can't our leaders serve the people first instead of special interests?
