Collapse of Baltimore bridge shines a light on America’s troubled waters
STANDING barely a few hundred yards away from the devastating collapse of the Baltimore bridge, it was difficult to comprehend the terror that must have been felt by those working on it.
The twisted metal loomed large before me as the 950,000 tonne container ship that brought it down lay covered in the wreckage.
Such a tragedy could have cost dozens of lives yet, thanks to the quick-thinking of the pilot on board and the police on the bridge, many people were saved.
Amidst the rubble and ruin, and as America turned its attention to getting back to business, our thoughts should be drawn to those migrant men who lost their lives last week.
Drivers, minutes away from disaster, were spared. Tragically, the same miracle did not extend to some of the workers on the bridge, whose lives were cut short as they toiled to keep this artery of the city
working. Two were rescued, but six are now lost forever.
While some of the details about the men remain private, we know they came to the US from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. The very countries that have been subject to unbridled vilification by America’s Republicans.
Together with their far-right supporters, they have ensured that such countries elicit sneers and disdain, all of which has been fuelled by Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
To his ‘MAGA’ movement, these nations are triggering – symbolic of the perceived threats to America’s identity.
Yet, despite the vilification they face, migrants are often the backbone of US industry, just as they are in other Western countries, including the UK.
Their contributions in the States, particularly in the construction sector, are immeasurable.
Following the bridge collapse, it was reported that immigrants make up 39% of the workforce in and around Baltimore, tirelessly working to build and maintain the city and its infrastructure.
Despite the dangers they face, such workers continue to toil tirelessly, often in extreme conditions, to ensure America functions smoothly.
However, their efforts are continually overshadowed by the inflammatory words of politicians who seek to scapegoat and demonise them.
Trump’s recent comments – likening the rising number of immigrants to “poisoning the blood of our country”, as he campaigned for the White House – echo the darkest chapters of history.
His Republican party’s blanket portrayals of Latino immigrants as criminals only serve to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stoke fear and division.
Yet the facts speak for themselves. Immigrants are far from the drain on the economy Trump and co would have you believe.
They are a driving force for growth and innovation, with higher business start-up rates than the native population.
The US should remember the six men who lost their lives longer than the few days of mourning they received.
Baltimore’s bridge will be rebuilt by immigrants, just like America was itself.
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AYLOR Swift, the unstoppable force of pop and merchandise, has officially joined the billionaire club.
American business magazine Forbes released its 2024 rich list, revealing that the star is now worth a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion (£877 million).
But despite her newfound status as one of the richest people on the planet, Swift (below) remains outside the top-10 wealthiest individuals, all of whom – you guessed it – happen to be men.
At 34, the singer has accumulated her astronomical wealth through a combination of ingenious business moves and sheer talent.
From her blockbuster Eras tour to the value of her music catalogue and her property portfolio, she has proven she’s not just a musician – she’s a financial powerhouse.
I can imagine there may be a few of her exes now wishing they were getting back together.