One BIG hole in the ground…
Since Hurricane Katrina there has been some discussion on the merits of building, and rebuilding, a city that sits in some places 13 feet under sea level. One of the first things you learn in construction, or in owning a boat, is that water will always seek it’s level…
As with every natural disaster that happened this past year the Democrats have made it a point to claim it was all President Bush’s fault. The response to the Tsunami was not fast enough or the correct amount. The response to hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and numerous others was not quick enough or correct amount.
Nationally syndicated columnist Mona Charen did a great article in the Washington Times the other week and I found some very interesting facts to pass along…
Regarding the claims that the President’s tax-cuts kept money from going to the levees around New Orleans: “Louisiana has actually received more money over the past five years for Army Corp of Engineers projects than any other state, about $1.9 billion. California, with a population sevenfold larger, received $1.4 billion.”
The poor were abandoned by the government: “But according to a careful examination of actual storm victims by the New York Times, most of those who stayed behind either owned their own cars or were offered rides by others and chose, for various reasons to remain”.
Regarding the rebuilding efforts: “ Louisiana lawmakers have demanded $250 billion in aid. Karl Zinsmeister estimates this is the equivalent of handing each Louisianan a check for $56,000. This is on top of whatever insurance reimbursements and charitable contributions hurricane victims receive.”
My Comments:
Why are we looking to rebuild the area’s in New Orleans that are so far in “The Hole” and will only flood again. The industrial structures and refineries came through the hurricane with minimal damage considering. We should only rebuild the vulnerable areas with industry that will meet the proper codes and can withstand the future storm we all know is coming. If people wish to rebuild their homes with those checks they are getting from the Federal government, Insurance companies, charitable organizations, etc, they should be required to meet strict construction codes and maintain proper insurance coverage. There are many areas along the coast and the Florida Keys that require the house to be built on columns, or stilts, to prevent flood damage…
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Dems blame Bush for everything from global warming to high cholesterol, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have done better in responding to Hurricane Katrina. My fear is that he will cave in out of a sense of guilt and try to appease the libs. On rebuilding, "we" (i.e., the Federal government) should provide incentives for private sector development in New Orleans, with zero-interest mortgages to poor people who apply to work in all the reconstruction-related projects. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reform the welfare mentality in that corrupt city. If those folks really want to live in a flood zone, let them take the risk.
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