BART had a chance to right-size service and reduce service without a tax increase, according to a recent front-page story. The BART could have done this when it was at an all-time low, reducing costs without significant public impact. Instead, it increased service and ran mostly empty trains while avoiding the difficult decision to rightsize itself. Now, with ridership back up, BART is threatening to close stations and reduce services unless taxpayers provide a bailout. The article suggests that the proposed tax increase is a ploy by the public to hold the public hostage. It also criticizes President Donald Trump for his actions towards Iran and other issues, including his disregard for environmental protections and immigration reform.