Most of the floods of the 20th century have been due to sustained periods of heavy rainfall and hurricanes. Yet, as beneficial as this system is to the city, inevitably it will spell New Orleans' doom.The levee system that has been built along the river, coupled with the canal system to keep the interior of the city dry, prevent the land from being replenished by the annual spring floods. As a result, the land will continue to sink until eventually there will be nothing to stop the waters of the Gulf to rush back upon the fragile land.
In addition, the fresh water that is pumped into the brackish wetlands surrounding the city is creating an ecological disaster. When the Bonnie Carre Spillway is used in order to spare the city of New Orleans from floods, the consequences to the coastal estuary system is profound. As a result, in order to save itself from the waters surrounding it, the city of New Orleans is slowly destroying its own environment.
The final death knoll of the city may very well come from the river itself. Scientists and environmentalists know that the Mississippi is trying to change its course that will bypass the city in favor of the shorter route to the Gulf through the Atchafalaya basin. So far, the Corps of Engineers has prevented the river from doing this. But, one day, it will happen, perhaps following a direct hit from a hurricane. As late summer and early fall approach every year (hurricane season), New Orleans stands with the threat that it will lose its own lifeline. No canal system and no levee system will prevent the disaster that will follow.
Barbour is a very political animal. The entire staff of CNN is no match for him.
"Them that can, do! Them that can't, talk!!"
The talking heads on CNN and all the other TV outlets, as well as the Democratic "non-leaders" who are taking advantage of this tragic situation for Bush-bashing purposes fit that description perfectly.
When Barbour has head of RNC, I developed a lot of respect for the Republican "limited government, balanced budget" approach.
We still need him in leadership. The south needs him now.
Save time, instead of watching CNN, just print a page that says "It's all Bush's fault" and tape it to your TV screen!
