Just Plain Wrong

Recently the Morganza Spillway in Louisiana, was opened to to help redirect flood waters from the Mississippi River away from Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In doing so, numerous smaller towns, home to thousands of people will be almost completely wiped off the map.

When asked by reporters if the US Government would compensate residents affected by this decision, Col Ed Fleming, New Orleans District Commander and spokesman, artfully dodged the question, citing public safety as the reason for opening the floodgates. It would have been nice had Col. Fleming actually had the courage to answer the question; leaving me to conclude that he is little more than a mindless mouthpiece for the organization he represents.

Yes, there are risks associated with living within the reach of the Mighty Mississippi. Folks downriver choose to do so, voluntarily. Never in their wildest dreams did they foresee this day coming. That said, these 25,000+ Americans had no say as to whether they or the larger cities should be sacrificed. That decision was made by their government. Because their government made the unilateral decision to bury their homes, memories, cities and livelihoods under 20+ feet of water, I am of the opinion the government should compensate them for any and all losses they incur.

Will this happen? Of course not. Sadly, they are considered expendable for the greater good. They will be left to pick up the pieces, rebuild as best they can and go on with their lives.