"Concrete doesn't like to be twisted: it cracks. Cracking exposes the member to additional deterioration," Dise explained. ... True--this is a fact, not an opinion. ... "It will absolutely be safe. Remember, we know that it already handles its own weight, and it's already survived an earthquake." ... These are half-truths, and an opinion. ... Hurray! It handles its own weight! BIG DEAL! What about fully loaded buses? What about the impact on safety of “additional deterioration” over time? ... Hurray! The SSTC survived an earthquake! So did all but a VERY few other buildings, both old and new.
Are you ready to accept the opinion of one who can hardly be called impartial? Dise, and others (especially those who happen to be using the SSTC if disaster strikes), have much to lose if the SSTC is unsafe. So far, those who have been insisting that the SSTC is safe either work directly for Montgomery County or WMATA, or are private consultants paid for by Montgomery County or WMATA. Personally, I will feel better if independent experts, not working for Montgomery County or WMATA, say that they believe that the SSTC is safe. It would still be only an opinion; but, at least it wouldn’t be the opinion of those who have much to lose if the SSTC isn’t safe.
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