With the 7th anniversary of September 11th fast-approaching, there are still many eye-sores in and around Ground Zero. None is worse than the former Deutsche Bank building, or what is left of it. Those in charge claim it will be taken down by next summer, but with the web of deceit surrounding the operation, who knows when it will truly be done. As you recall, last summer two firefighters lost their lives because of lax supervision of workers who smoked on the job while dealing with hazardous materials. What is worse though, was that FDNY itself did not properly inspect the site and the fact that the water pipes that were meant to fight fires were disconnected and in some places, missing.
After the tragedy occurred politicians and administrators vowed to clean things up, while trying to fend off an independent investigation. Well it turns out that fault lay with many different people and agencies connected to the Deutsche mess. Even with that dirty laundry laid out for all to see, some of the same problems that led to the fatal fire still exist to this day.
From The NY Daily News:
Empty cigarette packs and beer cans were found on several floors last week, triggering a full-tilt probe by fire marshals, two sources familiar with the investigation told the Daily News.
"It is shameful that they would be smoking there. It is a shameful act," FDNY spokesman Jim Long said. "We will take the necessary actions to prevent any further incident."
Joseph Graffagnino Sr., whose son, Joseph Jr., died in the Deutsche Bank fire, said the new revelation was appalling.
"It makes me feel like I want to puke," he said. "They just don't care. They are back to the same old business as usual attitude, which is not the way things should be done."
So 13 months later we still have the same tough talk from the FDNY but obviously no real change to speak of. Why is it that the victim's family still have to complain about the unsafe conditions that led to their loved ones' death last year? The report was a good first step in the direction of accountability. But until those responsible for the tragedy and the unsafe conditions that exist to this day are given their fair share of justice, this is matter will be far from over.
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