I'm struggling with how to reconcile responses to the recent tragedies which have occurred in the US.
This week we as Americans have had two significant incidents happen - the bombing in Boston and, as of last night, the explosion of a fertilizer plant in West, Texas.
I can't turn around without hearing someone on tv, on the internet, on the radio, etc - talking about some aspect of the Boston bombing. Talking about how (correctly so) this attack was senseless. Talking about the impact the bombings have had on the lives of the families impacted by this tragedy.
And, rightly so in my opinion, there is a huge amount of conversation now focusing on finding the perpetrators of this attack and bringing them to justice.
A shared sense of outrage that someone would do this. A shared sense of commitment to holding the bombers accountable.
I get that and I feel the same way.
And then last night happened, and alot more people died and were injured in West, Texas than were hurt in Boston. Consequently - there is no shortage of coverage on this tragedy as well, including an outpouring of support and sympathy for the community.
But why is it that as Americans we don't have the same sense of outrage at the perpetrators of this act?
Is it because it's a company?
I mean, it's easy to write it off as an "accident" - but just look at the safety records and statements from the company around the risk (or lack thereof) this facility represented.
This company put people at risk knowingly. And their actions directly resulted in the loss of life, tremendous injury, and damage to the community.
So where will the passion be in this space?
There is no manhunt required in this one. We know who was responsible for not taking reasonable precautions to prevent an "accident" of this magnitude.
Will folks from coast to coast rally to make sure this company is brought to justice and held accountable for those lives that have been lost?
I would like to think so.... but for some reason I just don't see it happening (but hoping I am wrong).
If it were a single person who had intentionally gone in and caused the accident in West, Texas with intent to kill then the manhunt would be on.
Instead, a company's negligence is the cause and our collective passion for justice will most likely be withheld. Taking solace in the idea that this was an "accident".
So Supreme Court - if you ever wanted a new way to look at the question as to whether or not corporations people, I can tell you that using this simple test, they are not. After all, if they were we'd be hauling this one to jail right now.
