By The Editorial Board, The Roanoke Times; September 6, 2019
Norfolk Southern has furloughed 130 employees in Roanoke and one rail union says the workers have only a “slim” chance of being recalled to work. Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, said he was “shocked and deeply disappointed to hear about Norfolk Southern’s plans right after Labor Day” and that “this decision shows a blatant disregard for Roanoke’s role in helping to build the railroad in our region.” Why is he surprised? Why is anyone surprised? Rasoul’s heart is in the right place, but it’s a vital organ that Norfolk Southern — or should we say, Atlanta Southern?— does not possess.