Thursday, August 31, 2017
Political Mayhem Thursday: What do we learn from Harvey?
I'll be honest: I'm still all in a lather about the Arpiao pardon. In fact I had another piece about it yesterday, this time in Sojourners (you can read that here).
I know that is not the most important story right now; the flooding in Texas is by far the more tragic and impactful development. Harvey took a term and slammed Port Arthur and environs, creating a whole new arc of damage and despair. The cost will be in the billions. The harm to people will be incalculable in terms of disruption, stress, and impoverishment.
What will we learn from this storm? Will it change the way we approach insurance, development, and land use?
Here are a few thoughts about questions that will come up:
1) Federal flood insurance is a difficult subject. It plays a role in encouraging development near coastlines, which probably is a net negative to some people. It also is expensive, even while it is subsidized by taxpayers (as it has been and will be). Should the government be in this business? If so, how should it be managed?
2) Houston is famous for avoiding zoning. There are few rules, and it shows when you drive around. One result has been a lot of pavement, and that played a role in water being retained in some of those areas where flooding occurred. Should some zoning be imposed as the city rebuilds?
3) And what of FEMA and other emergency services? Can we do that better?
Comments:
<< Home
As in every aspect of our communal life we too often choose to repair rather than prevent. This is true in our justice system, ecology, health care, infrastructure and security. It is better for politicians to patch than ask for the funds to do it right the first time. Patching creates a lot of jobs for allies.
Here is Henk Ovinkwith water envoy for the King of the Netherlands He was talking to CNN about the Maeslant Barrier. The Dutch are the world's go-to water management experts. Ovink spent two years in the United States working in areas hit by Superstorm Sandy.
"I said [to them], 'Did you think about preventing the disaster?' And they were like, 'Preventing the disaster? No, we couldn't. No, we have to make sure that we respond faster.' And I said, 'But suppose that there is no disaster because you prepared better?'"
Yes, we should and could do better.
Don't worry, no new taxes. Shamefully we won't be asked to pay for recovery or any safeguards to prevent future catastrophes. The cost this time will be passed on to future generations and we will get a tax cut. The air ways will be filled with stories of help and heroes. We will be made to feel good about everything until it happens again.
Here is Henk Ovinkwith water envoy for the King of the Netherlands He was talking to CNN about the Maeslant Barrier. The Dutch are the world's go-to water management experts. Ovink spent two years in the United States working in areas hit by Superstorm Sandy.
"I said [to them], 'Did you think about preventing the disaster?' And they were like, 'Preventing the disaster? No, we couldn't. No, we have to make sure that we respond faster.' And I said, 'But suppose that there is no disaster because you prepared better?'"
Yes, we should and could do better.
Don't worry, no new taxes. Shamefully we won't be asked to pay for recovery or any safeguards to prevent future catastrophes. The cost this time will be passed on to future generations and we will get a tax cut. The air ways will be filled with stories of help and heroes. We will be made to feel good about everything until it happens again.
Cancel the federal flood insurance program!!! This will prevent future building/rebuilding in these flood plains. This can be presented as a cost saving measure, and not provide those who can't admit to man-made climate change a face saving out. The relief money can be better spent on buying out owners - not financing foolish rebuilding in the obviously unsuitable areas.
Ports don't have to be next to residential areas. Houston's lassi-faire attitude toward zoning and planning is the direct cause of this problem. Public transportation from the residential areas on higher ground to the port for workers would help solve the problem. A much better use of the relief dollars!
Stupidity is defined as doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Post a Comment
Ports don't have to be next to residential areas. Houston's lassi-faire attitude toward zoning and planning is the direct cause of this problem. Public transportation from the residential areas on higher ground to the port for workers would help solve the problem. A much better use of the relief dollars!
Stupidity is defined as doing the same thing and expecting different results.
# posted by 
: 2:39 PM
: 2:39 PM << Home
