Trains columnist Don Phillips let go from Washington Post

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark W. Hemphill

OK, Marty: I'll take your bet.

Are you saying that Don is going to retire????[:(!] If so, I dont like the sound of that at all.[}:)] But in the same breath, If he does I hope he has a lot of fun [8D][:D]

[RudyRockvilleMD]

I read the article. First, let me say this Don Phillips was outstanding in his coverage of transportation issues, not just wrecks. One of his best articles appeared in the Washington Post about a year ago about railfans and the Post September 11 security hysteria displayed by some of the railroads. Because of his interest in railroads he got the facts right, and even when he was a collaborator he saw to it that those who had the byline got their facts right. I first learned Don Phillips was retiring about two weeks ago in an article by the Post's Ombudsman in the Sunday, January 4 edition of the Washington Post, and I didn't think too much of it after all they were offering buyouts to many of their senior staff.

After I read the article I am more convinced than ever that it was a case of he wanted to continue to do what he did very well, but his management wanted him to cover other more newsworthy stories which sell papers. After all how many people are really that interested in railroads except railfans? Let's face it the railroads rarely make the news today, good news or bad news. Some seem to feel just because Don Phillips is leaving the Post, and not on the best of terms, it is becoming less supportive of railroads or railroads are irrelevant; that isn't true. Any business, any organization, has the right to tell their employees they want them to go out on a different path, and this is what the editors at the Post apparently wanted Don Phillips to do when they wanted him to concentrate on reporting airline security stories which are more interesting to a larger segment of readers.

[Anonymous]

That indeed is very sad. Railroads are still just as important now as they ever were! I hope Don finds work elsewhere soon. I've always enjoyed his column in Trains very much and have learned a great deal from his writing.

[Anonymous]

I am very dissiopanited about hearing that Don Phillips left I hopre he continues his articles for Trains

[jchnhtfd]

That's sad. But not surprising. He has a real knowledge of what he writes about, and tells it like it is -- characteristics which are not popular with most newspapers these days, who seem to want only the publishers spin.

I hope he keeps writing for Trains -- I don't always quite agree with him, but he always makes me think and revisit my opinions.

Perhaps he can find another paper -- try the Toronto Globe and Mail, which has a great collection of straight-shooting editorial writers, Don! After all, David Gunn (Amtrak) is Canadian!

[jeaton]

OK. I guess I can take the WP Search Page off my favorites list. I would check for Don's articles 2-3 times a week. Of course, I have read his Trains columns since when.

I think he is great at his craft. His knowledge of the business clearly comes through on the news articles he writes, and you don't have to be a foamer to to understand the story he is telling.

I hope the next place he goes to will cut him loose to write as much railroad stuff as he can, and then reprint on the internet.

Good luck, Don.

[JoeKoh]

I wish Don well in his future endeavors.He told it like it is not what some editor wanted him too.
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RudyRockvilleMD

Many of the Washington Post's senior staff members were offered buyouts, and Don Phillips was one of those who took advantage of the offer. It has nothing to do with the Washington Post's views on railroads; in fact the Post has been supportive of railroads and Amtrak in particular.

Rudy-

You need to read the article. I thought as you did before I read it, but there is more in play with Don.

LC

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RudyRockvilleMD

Many of the Washington Post's senior staff members were offered buyouts, and Don Phillips was one of those who took advantage of the offer. It has nothing to do with the Washington Post's views on railroads; in fact the Post has been supportive of railroads and Amtrak in particular.

The linked article seemed to indicate otherwise, but it could be more opinion the fact.

[kenneo]

OK, Mark and Marty, what will the wagers be? Hum?? [:-,]

[Anonymous]

Mark. Do you work a 24 hour shift, night shift, or Editor by day, poster by night shift?

[Anonymous]

OK, Marty: I'll take your bet.

[Modelcar]

...Sounds like many typical stories of railroad interests....Very strange, it's like many people in the country believe that railroads aren't even part of the equation anymore. I for one hope Don is back doing what he seems to do well at another location...soon.

[Anonymous]

How much do you wanna bet he will still do an article for Trains Mag. I sure wouldn't take that bet[:D]

[Anonymous]

I am an early morning CSPAN Junkie who has seen Don on there
several times. He has always been a proponent of the railroad industry
and particularly of AMTRAK.

I hope sincerely to hear and see that he carries on in some way what
he has been doing.

Good luck from one retired guy to another !

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Many of the Washington Post's senior staff members were offered buyouts, and Don Phillips was one of those who took advantage of the offer. It has nothing to do with the Washington Post's views on railroads; in fact the Post has been supportive of railroads and Amtrak in particular.

[Anonymous]

This is most unfortunate. Oh, well. I'm sure Don will continue his work elsewhere. I don't read the Post often anyhow and now have one less reason to bother.

LC

[Anonymous]

Way dose diwty wratz! you cant have transpotation without rail!
What is an airline or airplane anyway?

he he he

[Anonymous]

My apologies if this has already been posted. Apparently the editors of the WP no longer think the railroads are relevant:

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/archives/media/2004/media0109.html