Citizens must join forces to stop CN

First I would like to thank Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Barack Obama, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Mayor Karen Darch and Mayors Abboud and Weisner for their efforts to halt the progress of Canadian National's proposed purchase of EJ&E without adequate mitigation of the effects.

It feels as if this is a foregone conclusion and, when talking with other residents, the opinion on this is that there is nothing we can do.

I feel the attitude of Hunter Harrison confirms this, particularly when you consider the reports of his meetings with Sen. Durbin and Congresswoman Bean. His refusal to negotiate denotes a fait accompli atmosphere which denies any influence we residents can have. The offer of $40 million goes nowhere near solving the disastrous effects on our communities.

What can we as citizens do now? I would like advice from others who, like me, are seriously alarmed by this situation.

Suggestion: We need a petition on the Web site opposing the purchase without safeguards, which everyone can sign. At least it would be better than waiting for someone else to decide on our lives.

Maureen Yates

Barrington