joeandkathy.com

Thank you , Katherine Dreyfus

Letters: Suffering, sarcasm in response to rising temps

Posted by Readers , July 29, 2009 8:00PM

Print publication: Thursday, July 30, 2009

I am horrified to learn that TriMet is sending drivers out in buses without air conditioning on days when the outside temperature is in the neighborhood of 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

We all know the warnings against leaving our children or pets in such virtual cookers. And if there was any doubt, Wednesday’s Oregonian provides a recipe for baking cookies on the dashboard when the outside temperature is “at least 95 degrees.”

Yes, the air is moving — somewhat — in the buses. Yes, the passengers without underlying health conditions might not be at significant risk during a 20-minute ride.

But nothing justifies requiring workers to pull a four- or eight- or 10-hour shifts in these murderous conditions.

TriMet, please rethink this policy immediately. Please do not put these valued citizens’ lives at risk for one more day or one more hour.

KATHERINE DREYFUS
Southeast Portland