A lot of Mexican labor will be needed to clean, rebuild...Trump should consider a way to legally accommodate them.
Years of Recovery? Fine. But to rebuild on the same flood plains - will pass on that.
Houston as with many North American cities have been and are expanding. All normal.
Houston and other cities keep expanding - just not on flood plains.
Houston as with many North American cities have been and are expanding. All normal.
Houston and other cities keep expanding - just not on flood plains.
Thank GOD someone had enough sense to keep Trump out of the way of the people actually helping.
But, as always, get the photo op.
Please, only show his picture, we don't care what he has to say.
But, as always, get the photo op.
Please, only show his picture, we don't care what he has to say.
Now, let's see how much Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell Jr. and Billy Graham's daughter kick in with money for helping these people. This time they can't say the hurricane was caused by all the homosexuals and other folks they condemn to death. Although there is a big gay neighborhood in Houston. But there is also the Lakewood Church, whose pastor lied and said could not be opened up to people because it was flooded--LIE. How many lies, blames, and pleadings will come out of this Bible Belt city now that it's clear they are in the same boat as the rest of us. And if they attach ANY religious strings to federal help for cleanup, let them look elsewhere.
4
These comments are all very well but have any of you noticed that the worst monsoon floods in memory are taking place in Asia right now. There are 1,200 dead already. Yes 1,200! Texas has what 10 to 20.
Melanie couldn't make a visit there in six inch
Melanie couldn't make a visit there in six inch
3
A conservative is, we have been told, a liberal who has been mugged.
A liberal may come to be defined, we may hope, as a conservative who saw that a government small enough to be drowned in a bathtub can't save your family from drowning in a natural disaster.
A liberal may come to be defined, we may hope, as a conservative who saw that a government small enough to be drowned in a bathtub can't save your family from drowning in a natural disaster.
16
Awesome Zimmerman!
2
The biggest government in the world could not have stopped the rain. And why don't you wait and see just how the grievously starved federal government (emaciated after 7 minths of Trump's rule) responds to this crisis before trying to score petty political points?
2
Members of the U.S. Senate should remember the words of the two Texas Senators (Cornyn & Cruz) before voting any of the emergency relief funding they're going to be asking for on behalf of their stricken constituents. Both Texas Senators opposed funding relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy claiming the bill doing so was loaded with extraneous "pork". Why not hold their feet to the fire and cook up something really lean?
7
Because the people who suffer will never be the miserly souls who vote against humanitarian relief. Those senators and representatives who complained of pork have already enriched their selves at the public trough.
7
Then Texas voters need to throw them out of office. You can't keep electing men who deny aid to other states, then expect other states to come to Texas' aid. I'm sure there are many more humane Texans who would be better Senators -- for Texas, and for the nation.
4
I hope after this is over the state and local governments in the Houston area will seriously consider buying out some of the locations that flood all the time and putting in more green spaces (unpaved areas with trees and grass) to absorb the water. There can't be any doubt that overdevelopment makes flooding worse. That said, my heart goes out to the people of Texas and Louisiana who are the victims (and hopefully survivors) of Harvey.
8
It is a minor point, but this story says a slow recovery while another on the home page says a quick recovery is expected.
6
This kind of storm in Texas brings into question putting nuclear waste from the nation's reactors in Andrews Texas. 63 tornadoes have occurred in Andrews Texas along with three hurricanes since 1950. With the climatic picture increasingly worsening for Texas and elsewhere in the nation the threat of storing nuclear waste on an interim basis becomes Highly Questionable. The continuing operation of a nuclear reactor in Bay City Texas which lies well within the reach of coastal hurricanes is also Highly Questionable
5
Trump's test of leadership will be how fast those in need receive the aid he will promise. I'm guessing close to never for the 2/3rds of Texans who are white, and never for the 1/3rd of Texans from Mexico.
Of course, the oil companies will get their windfall.
Of course, the oil companies will get their windfall.
8
This flood affects all Texans but it is especially a disaster for poor (often minority) families living in the parts of Houston most subject to flooding. It especially a disaster for immigrant families, regardless of their legal status. It is a disaster for Houston's Trump supporters and for members of his opposition.
While there is plenty to dislike about Texan GOP politicians, I hope our hearts go out and wallets open up for those many Texans in need -- regardless of who their Senator is or what color hat they wear.
While there is plenty to dislike about Texan GOP politicians, I hope our hearts go out and wallets open up for those many Texans in need -- regardless of who their Senator is or what color hat they wear.
4
I will feel much more generous when Texas voters realize what Scrooges they have been electing, to the detriment of the states whose support they now need, and vote their Senators and Congressmen out of office while the rest of us help them get back on their feet.
The entire Texas congressional delegation owes a very public formal apology to all the Americans who suffered at the hands of super storm Sandy. Not holding my breath because while not all hypocrites are Republicans it is true that most all Republicans are hypocrites.
13
Well, certainly what the situation requires is gratuitous political slams. Sheesh.
2
Ridiculous. I suffered from Sandy and my only hope is for strength, resolve and support for people in Houston affected by this. While I disagree with you and probably hold different political views than you my compassion would be with you.
I totally agree with you. Thank you for bringing this up. It should be brought up frequently.
1
Just remember everyone-we will help the red state people, even though millions continue to vote for people who would walk right by a drowning man in the gutter. Feel good all you want right now-many people in Texas care about nothing but guns, money, heterosexual white people. They can and DO murder the poor and down and out with impunity. Every day.
And if they continue to vote against us, themselves, and every living thing on earth at some point we can help no more
And if they continue to vote against us, themselves, and every living thing on earth at some point we can help no more
6
Perhaps this is true for some Texans (including its more prominent legislators), but the cities tend to be overwhelmingly Democratic, including Houston which generously welcomed the Katrina victims. Texas is one of the states that will be minority majority in a few years. The GOP hold on the state is already loosening.
We are all Americans, no matter what some think. When they go low, we go high, to quote the former First Lady. Now is the time to open our hearts to those in need, donate generously to help those impacted in both Texas and Louisiana, and keep trying to make things better for the future, including climate science, infrastructure projects that are well built enough and with appropriate regulations that they won't be susceptible to the environmental impacts of global warming, and not underfunding the critical agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and others.
We are all Americans, no matter what some think. When they go low, we go high, to quote the former First Lady. Now is the time to open our hearts to those in need, donate generously to help those impacted in both Texas and Louisiana, and keep trying to make things better for the future, including climate science, infrastructure projects that are well built enough and with appropriate regulations that they won't be susceptible to the environmental impacts of global warming, and not underfunding the critical agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and others.
3
During this horrific disaster I am witnessing just how much careing people are showing and not just local but from the rest of America and around the world, yes even Mexico.
Just to let some in our government know this is what humanity looks like.
Just to let some in our government know this is what humanity looks like.
5
Quiz question:
Trump is in Houston in order to:
A) Offer reassurance that massive assistance is on the way;
B) Get his name back up in the banner headlines again.
Trump is in Houston in order to:
A) Offer reassurance that massive assistance is on the way;
B) Get his name back up in the banner headlines again.
7
B) and C) photo op with his white cap.
We might believe that he cares if he puts true infrastructure projects first, including necessary rebuilding, and gives up the idiotic wall project that will do nothing.
We might believe that he cares if he puts true infrastructure projects first, including necessary rebuilding, and gives up the idiotic wall project that will do nothing.
1
Texas is going to need its undocumented residents to rebuild. This would be a bad time to deport qualified workers or their families, or to shut down the United States government. I hope this brush with reality will bring the Republicans to their senses.
8
No. This should not be used as an opportunity to allow illegal immigration.
2
Whatever you say, Margo.
Good luck finding people who's ethnicity and immigration status you approve who have the skills, let alone the desire, to rebuild Houston and other devastated communities
Good luck finding people who's ethnicity and immigration status you approve who have the skills, let alone the desire, to rebuild Houston and other devastated communities
1
The nexus between flooding and immigration policy is unclear, at best. Perhaps you are saying the government could save lots of money in rebuilding by paying substandard wages to illegals (a/k/a "undocumented immigrants" in these parts)?
That will certainly force Republicans to their senses, I guess.
That will certainly force Republicans to their senses, I guess.
So a furniture store in Houston (Mattress Mack's) has been doing more to feed and shelter people than a mega-church? (Joel Osteen's Lakewood church - "Osteen [said] in a statement that the church is “prepared to shelter people once the cities and county shelters reach capacity.")
Next time I'm in Houston on a Sunday morning, I'm going to a mattress store if I need to get closer to Jesus.
Next time I'm in Houston on a Sunday morning, I'm going to a mattress store if I need to get closer to Jesus.
22
45: "What a throng. What a turnout."
Eye on the ratings. Always.
Eye on the ratings. Always.
12
We must come together in times of crisis, and hopefully the act will encourage us to come together when the crisis has passed.
It will be interesting to see how Senators Cornyn and Cruz explain their votes to deny resources to help Hurricane Sandy relief when they support Federal Aid for Harvey relief.
Hopefully they will have a metamorphysis similar to the one Senator Portman had regarding gay marriage after he found out his own son was gay. Its awfully easy to pass judgement on others. On yourself, publicly? Not so much.
It will be interesting to see how Senators Cornyn and Cruz explain their votes to deny resources to help Hurricane Sandy relief when they support Federal Aid for Harvey relief.
Hopefully they will have a metamorphysis similar to the one Senator Portman had regarding gay marriage after he found out his own son was gay. Its awfully easy to pass judgement on others. On yourself, publicly? Not so much.
9
I agree on the need for the nation to unite in time of crisis, and the resilience and mutual support of the people of Texas is inspiring. Let's hope that Texas voters remember "the better angels of their nature" and their usual generosity of spirit and neighborliness, and throw Cormyn and Cruz out of the Senate. Texas, you are so much better than your Senators, and the rest of the nation wants to help you. But don't send those guys back to DC, okay?
Melania looks ridiculous walking around in high heels in the rain. Maybe she gave her waders to some needy person?
7
She was wearing white sneakers at the briefing. Her husband was strangely subdued as he listened to the reports from those responsible for rescue and disaster relief. He regressed a bit addressing a crowd outside in Corpus Christi, thanking people for turning out to see him.
4
Subdued? Maybe. Or maybe just trying to keep up with the briefing.
Either way, he looked ridiculously unpresidential in his three sizes too big USA cap, conveniently available on his website. Never miss a chance to sell stuff.
More appropriate would be an ABC cap--Always Be Closing. That's his true and possibly only philosophy.
Either way, he looked ridiculously unpresidential in his three sizes too big USA cap, conveniently available on his website. Never miss a chance to sell stuff.
More appropriate would be an ABC cap--Always Be Closing. That's his true and possibly only philosophy.
1
When a disaster strikes, it does not target victims by political party. Everyone in the path is affected. And those who suffer the most are those with stretched economic resources. Sure, the government could have done better after Sandy and during Katrina. Maybe our officials will wake up and see that everyone impacted by an epic event like this one deserves assistance. There are still people being rescued, and it is painful to think of those who have lost their lives.
7
This disaster did not come out of nowhere.
From the Texas Tribune, Ayg 25, before it happened
Why Houston isn't ready for Hurricane Harvey
The article examined 4 large floods since 2001, and shows that much of the development between 2001 and 2010 took place in previously flooded areas.
" “More people die here than anywhere else from floods,” Sam Brody, a Texas A&M University at Galveston researcher, told us last year.
Why?
Many scientists, experts and federal officials say Houston's explosive growth is largely to blame.. local officials have largely rejected stricter building regulations, allowing developers to pave over acres of prairie land that once absorbed large amounts of rainwater. In the decade after Tropical Storm Allison, about 167,000 acres were developed in Harris County, home to Houston. The map below shows that a lot of the new development is in or near floodplains."
https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/08/25/4-2001-2010-dev_...
Some local officials flat-out disagree with the scientific evidence.. Mike Talbott, the former longtime head of the local flood control agency, told The Texas Tribune and ProPublica last year that large-scale public works projects are reversing all the effects of Houston’s recent growth (His successor shares that view).
“You need to find some better experts,” Talbott said. When asked for names, he would only say, “starting here, with me.”"
From the Texas Tribune, Ayg 25, before it happened
Why Houston isn't ready for Hurricane Harvey
The article examined 4 large floods since 2001, and shows that much of the development between 2001 and 2010 took place in previously flooded areas.
" “More people die here than anywhere else from floods,” Sam Brody, a Texas A&M University at Galveston researcher, told us last year.
Why?
Many scientists, experts and federal officials say Houston's explosive growth is largely to blame.. local officials have largely rejected stricter building regulations, allowing developers to pave over acres of prairie land that once absorbed large amounts of rainwater. In the decade after Tropical Storm Allison, about 167,000 acres were developed in Harris County, home to Houston. The map below shows that a lot of the new development is in or near floodplains."
https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/08/25/4-2001-2010-dev_...
Some local officials flat-out disagree with the scientific evidence.. Mike Talbott, the former longtime head of the local flood control agency, told The Texas Tribune and ProPublica last year that large-scale public works projects are reversing all the effects of Houston’s recent growth (His successor shares that view).
“You need to find some better experts,” Talbott said. When asked for names, he would only say, “starting here, with me.”"
12
With apologies to Kevin Costner and his mediocre movie, welcome to Waterworld.
Harvey will not be the last.
What is needed now is rescue and evacuation protocols and personnel for all USA coastal areas.
The USA needs the same kind of organizations that existed in Europe during WW2 to rescue and evacuate people after an air raid.
Harvey will not be the last.
What is needed now is rescue and evacuation protocols and personnel for all USA coastal areas.
The USA needs the same kind of organizations that existed in Europe during WW2 to rescue and evacuate people after an air raid.
4
The used car industry in Houston is destroyed.
Texas needs Federal disaster funding, but the Senate should not vote on it until Senator Cruz takes the floor and publicly issues an apology to New York and New Jersey for failing to vote in favor of Federal aid to them after Hurricane Sandy.
11
These are the moments when we need to realize that we are the United States of America. When Oregon got hit with unprecedented levels of snow Washington sent snow plows to help dig us out. I expect we will see the same thing from those states that border Texas over the next few weeks. We take care of each other because first and foremost we are fellow Americans.
For the moment let's put politics aside and remember that people are going to need help recovering from this long after most of us have moved on to other concerns. This is a time when we need a strong federal response to ensure that the little things get taken care of. FEMA will be on the ground for the long haul. That is what makes America great.
For the moment let's put politics aside and remember that people are going to need help recovering from this long after most of us have moved on to other concerns. This is a time when we need a strong federal response to ensure that the little things get taken care of. FEMA will be on the ground for the long haul. That is what makes America great.
6
And as soon as the rain stops we can get right back to it?
2
My two nieces have had to evacuate. I am very apprehensive about anyone who is in their home needing aid. God bless everyone there, especially the rescuers - official and civilian alike.
8
Climate change deniers claim there is a "political agenda" behind climate change science....WRONG...it is exactly the opposite. The denial propaganda has and continues to be funded by the fossil fuel industry (follow the money). They have spent hundreds of millions of dollars funding their propaganda. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dark-money-funds-climate-chan... The carbon industry has retained the same PR and legal firms that still defend the tobacco industry. And now, the deniers still cannot accept that two consecutive 1,000 year floods (Louisiana one year ago this month, and now Houston) are somehow not linked to global warming....It's really quite simple....the planet is getting warmer resulting in higher water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico (no question the gulf is warmer), resulting in higher levels of evaporation, resulting in much higher precipitation during storms. Simple cause and effect, UNDENIABLE.
2
“We need to recognize it will be a new normal, a new and different normal for this entire region.” - Greg Abbott
Is he admitting what scientists call "climate change" as real? I am not sure which of the 10 Commandments of GOP he is violating, but admitting climate change as real is certainly violates one of them.
Is he admitting what scientists call "climate change" as real? I am not sure which of the 10 Commandments of GOP he is violating, but admitting climate change as real is certainly violates one of them.
7
It's a sad state of affairs when some people cannot, even in the midst of a disaster, leave aside their political agenda.
I'm referring, of course, to the fact that ICE has declined to assure that they will discontinue road-checks, thus trapping thousands of undocumented residents in perilous situations.
Those who would like to help these particularly vulnerable residents can contact the following non-profit:
https://www.raicestexas.org/
I'm referring, of course, to the fact that ICE has declined to assure that they will discontinue road-checks, thus trapping thousands of undocumented residents in perilous situations.
Those who would like to help these particularly vulnerable residents can contact the following non-profit:
https://www.raicestexas.org/
3
Sometimes empathy means calling out the terrible decisions that people make politically that end up having disastrous human consequences. People were empathetic during Hurricane Katrina, and said we should leave the politics for another day, but that empathy apparently did nothing to convince the residents or elected officials of Houston that they should adhere to building codes and stop building in flood plains. And now 12 years later we see the consequences. Should we leave off politics and recriminations if it means the lives hundreds of thousands of people in a future disaster will be ruined because we couldn't bring ourselves to tell the hard truths now?
2
Reuters news estimated the cost of the Trump wall along the border at 21.6 billion dollars. It would seem that the costs of Texas rehabilitation would run somewhere on the order of that or more. Trump better rethink the usefulness of his wall versus repairing Texas.
5
The reason FEMA is doing such a good job at working with the experienced professionals and volunteers on site is that in this case the President appointed an experienced professional to head FEMA with the job description of DO not UNDO.
1
Seeing neighbor helping neighbor, irrespective of color, race or ethnicity reinforces the notion that we are all just people and when it comes down to it, I'd hope that if, for example, a white supremacist would come to the aid of a person of color or, vice versa, a person of color would help rescue even a KKKer.
It's bizarre how a natural a disaster brings out our natural connection to each other. It's sad that a hurricane is what it takes to make us instinctively act human.
Hope trump sees this truth. Hope people who acted heroically and those beholden to who would otherwise be political foes keep that lesson in their hearts.
It's bizarre how a natural a disaster brings out our natural connection to each other. It's sad that a hurricane is what it takes to make us instinctively act human.
Hope trump sees this truth. Hope people who acted heroically and those beholden to who would otherwise be political foes keep that lesson in their hearts.
1
When Trump pulled out of the Paris Accord he voted for these global warming-induced catastrophes to keep getting worse and more frequent.
2
So Texans don't need the rest of us--unless something bad happens?
7
There will be plenty of time and energy for political I-told-you-so's later. Right now, the people of Texas deserve all the help and resources the nation can muster.
After the immediate crisis has abated, though, the right-wing contingent of the Republican party needs to have a come-to-Jesus (to use a phrase they are familiar with) about their hypocrisy. Down-home folksy neighborliness will help the recovery a lot, to be sure. But massive government aid will be necessary. The Texas representatives who voted against aid for Sandy victims should be hugely ashamed right about now, not to mention afraid for their political futures.
After the immediate crisis has abated, though, the right-wing contingent of the Republican party needs to have a come-to-Jesus (to use a phrase they are familiar with) about their hypocrisy. Down-home folksy neighborliness will help the recovery a lot, to be sure. But massive government aid will be necessary. The Texas representatives who voted against aid for Sandy victims should be hugely ashamed right about now, not to mention afraid for their political futures.
2
The NY Times should be ashamed of itself by politicizing an awful situation. People have died and many are still in danger. People are frightened and traumatized. Futures are uncertain as people see everything they've spent their lives building being destroyed. How pathetic that the NY Times believes their political agenda is more important.
3
HuH? What about this article is political? Looks like straightforward reporting to me.
2
How has The New York Times politicized this story-by reporting it?
4
What, specifically, are you even talking about????
There's almost NOTHING (if not ACTUALLY NOTHING) in this entire article that smacks of politicizing this at all. I think you're either mistakenly referring to a different article or just didn't read it carefully (if at all).
This is about as "just the facts" an article as you're likely to see from ANY news source about the hurricane and its effects.
It seems to me that you've just copied and pasted an anti-Times comment that you got from someone else or used on a different article.
Are you a Trump, Russian, or alt-right 'bot or something being paid to post negative comments that aren't warranted by the reporting you claim to be commenting on???
There's almost NOTHING (if not ACTUALLY NOTHING) in this entire article that smacks of politicizing this at all. I think you're either mistakenly referring to a different article or just didn't read it carefully (if at all).
This is about as "just the facts" an article as you're likely to see from ANY news source about the hurricane and its effects.
It seems to me that you've just copied and pasted an anti-Times comment that you got from someone else or used on a different article.
Are you a Trump, Russian, or alt-right 'bot or something being paid to post negative comments that aren't warranted by the reporting you claim to be commenting on???
4
Now I know why Scott Pruitt is working so hard to dismantle the EPA: he longs for Oklahoma to border the ocean.
16
I hope that the people of Texas get the help that they need.
I know where they can find some immediate resources--Governor Abbott can release the Texas State Guard from their operations supervising operation "Jade Helm." That should help.
Texas politicians and politics look pretty stupid and petty in the face of this onslaught. Your conspiracy theories and redneck belief system just no longer seem to offer any answers in moments like this. It may be raining right now but it seems to be shinning a bright light on Texas' shortcomings.
I know where they can find some immediate resources--Governor Abbott can release the Texas State Guard from their operations supervising operation "Jade Helm." That should help.
Texas politicians and politics look pretty stupid and petty in the face of this onslaught. Your conspiracy theories and redneck belief system just no longer seem to offer any answers in moments like this. It may be raining right now but it seems to be shinning a bright light on Texas' shortcomings.
8
best to keep trump FAR AWAY from any disaster. As having 2 disasters in one place can have a negatively synergestic effect
5
Obviously it's going to take many years to get back to anything that might be considered normal. But rest assured, Scott Pruitt will be of top of any environmental problems. Good luck.
12
Those poor people. Glad I made a donation yesterday along with clothing. I remember Hurricane Sandy; that was miserable; this is much worse. So much flooding and then mildew, mold, receding alligators, etc. What a nightmare.
3
Saw Trump on TV, he has a bad case of "old cranky white man" syndrome.
4
What's with all of you offering prayers? Obviously God did not care about Evangelical Christians in Houston, did He?
9
450,000 will be seeking Federal Aid? Gee, I sure expect not a one of those will be a Republican or for certain not a libertarian or Tea Partyist or anti-goverment White Supremacist...i mean "nationalist."
9
Have any of these politicians even hinted at the role climate change may have played in this (and countless other) disasters world-wide? I see these images as the little Dutch boy putting a finger in the leaking dike. More breaches WILL occur folks. Where is our outrage for FUTURE victims as well?
5
If Trump shows up and pretends to help unloading relief supplies like he did during the flooding in Louisiana last year, I will blow a gasket
9
We need to help the people in Texas to recover. What troubles me is how obvious it's been that things like this are coming, will continue to come, and yet Washington is not leading. This is the kind of problem that needs big ideas on the federal level to motivate individual action - things like major incentives and programs to relocate out of areas which cannot be expected to be safe in the foreseeable future. Otherwise, it's a race to the bottom - figuratively, literally, and especially, litorally.
10
How ironic, in another swipe at Obama's environmental legacy and all those living in coastal regions, Trump recently rolled back the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard. He and his fellow Republican climate change deniers deemed it too costly and onerous. Now that he's landed in Texas, the only thing his eyes will see is the dirt cheap real estate for the taking.
16
Praying for all Texans who are victims of this horrific tragedy, and yes, also praying that this disaster opens our president's eyes to the fact that he alone can't fix things, that our democracy becomes greater when everyone is included and that, he, like of all of us, is just a tiny speck in the sea of humanity.
6
Wake up - we need the government - all of it.
14
Hey Donald, why don't you get the Chinese to pay for the re-building of Houston? - After all, it is the Chinese who created this Climate-change hoax.
Also, before you build the big, beautiful wall, you may want to make sure that all the undocumented construction workers in Texas get a chance to help re-build their communities before they get deported.
Also, before you build the big, beautiful wall, you may want to make sure that all the undocumented construction workers in Texas get a chance to help re-build their communities before they get deported.
16
Contrary to the views of many Texas conservatives and other right-wing Republican conservatives, I believe that the horrible flooding Houston is suffering is a national crisis. Our nation feels and suffers for Houston's injury. We must all rally to and support the people of Houston as a national obligation.
8
The president's press conference will the best hurricane press conferences ever. It will be the best show ever and the most successful publicity event any president has ever had.
11
trump just said to Abbott, "We'll congratulate each other when it's finished." Countless people have probably died, including the six family members in the van, thousands are homeless, there is chaos at the convention center, and this embarrassment makes this catastrophe about him. Why does everyone keep framing this as a reset for trump?
15
Mother Nature! Thank God we got out of Climate Accord as we don't believe in weather pattern changes or global warming. This may be the norm for coastal cities going forward.
9
Including Florida which is drowning. By the time Barron is an adult Mar-A-Lago will be submerged.
3
A billion and half for a wall or a billion and half to cope with this and future disasters?
11
Meanwhile, as the US is rightly distracted by a major disaster at one of the world's great economic centers, the boy leader of North Korea has fired missiles over our strongest ally in the region, Japan. This act is a direct response to the tensions escalated by Trump. The last two republican Presidents took at least 18 months before they started a war, perhaps the current one will break that record and our global streak of non-nuclear war in the process. It's gonna be yuge.
8
No doubt climate science deniers of motivated reasoning certainly need a "sea change" in their thinking.
On August 18th on Bill Moyers and Company's program, Texas atmospheric scientist/professor Katherine Hayhoe discussed the National Committee Climate Assessment Report as to dangers to sectors of the U.S. posed by climate change impact.
She said "In Texas, we're at risk of hurricanes, which are getting stronger as we've got the warmer ocean water."
Wow.
The Harvey disaster began as a tropical wave off of the coast of Africa back on August 13th. Look at all that's happened since. I can't seem to edit that memory of wheel-chair bound elderly people in a Texas nursing home sitting with water almost chest high--before that photo prompted their eventual evacuation.
On August 18th on Bill Moyers and Company's program, Texas atmospheric scientist/professor Katherine Hayhoe discussed the National Committee Climate Assessment Report as to dangers to sectors of the U.S. posed by climate change impact.
She said "In Texas, we're at risk of hurricanes, which are getting stronger as we've got the warmer ocean water."
Wow.
The Harvey disaster began as a tropical wave off of the coast of Africa back on August 13th. Look at all that's happened since. I can't seem to edit that memory of wheel-chair bound elderly people in a Texas nursing home sitting with water almost chest high--before that photo prompted their eventual evacuation.
9
For all of the coverage of Texas, deservingly, by CNN, MSNBC and the rest of the corporate controlled media, there has been no coverage of the climate change induced disasters that are happening now in South Asia. I wonder why? Could it be that having an informed citizenry is dangerous to Exxon and BP and the GOP? Absolutely !
Here is what the UN had to say just 2 days ago:
More than 1,200 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed in monsoon floods that are sweeping across South Asia.The United Nations estimates that at least 41 million people have been affected by the flooding in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. In Bangladesh alone, the UN estimates that more than 640,500 homes have been destroyed, and authorities say at least 106,000 people are in emergency shelters as a result of the flood.
Here is what the UN had to say just 2 days ago:
More than 1,200 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed in monsoon floods that are sweeping across South Asia.The United Nations estimates that at least 41 million people have been affected by the flooding in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. In Bangladesh alone, the UN estimates that more than 640,500 homes have been destroyed, and authorities say at least 106,000 people are in emergency shelters as a result of the flood.
16
Reading through these comments, I'm not sure we are one country anymore. For shame, considering Houston votes Democratic and is one of the most diverse cities in America with over a million immigrants.
8
We're not one country anymore. The election of Trump has neatly divided us into two camps - and unleashed the forces of hate for anyone not in your camp. We won't recover for a long time, if ever.
1
I may not be in your camp Kate but I don't hate you or anyone else. Were a disaster to affect you I would help you and show you compassion. All I can hope is that most other humans would do the same even thought they vent vitriol here in the middle of a human tragedy. So no, we are not all neatly divided into our camps.
2
One of the real tragedies here is the tens of thousands of people, mainly poor, who fled New Orleans after "Katrina", only to settle in the Houston area. Now they will have to be resettled elsewhere. A massive human tragedy. In future, just as happened to NO, the Houston area's population may have to decline to something more sustainable.
4
Native Houstonian here. Lived my first 45 years in Houston. I certainly understand the frustration that New Yorkers feel regarding Texas legislature unwillingness to help with superstorm Sandy. I'm am embarrassed and saddened to witness what has become of my state politically in the last couple of decades.
But not everyone in Texas is a red meat Trump supporting Republication. Intermixed with those Trump supporters are a fair number of unfortunately outnumbered progressives who are appalled at what our state and, indeed, our entire country has become lately.
But not everyone in Texas is a red meat Trump supporting Republication. Intermixed with those Trump supporters are a fair number of unfortunately outnumbered progressives who are appalled at what our state and, indeed, our entire country has become lately.
17
Today is the 12 year anniversary of Katrina. Ominous.
8
I really hope this country can come together and help the people affected by the storm. There has been a lot of conflict going on in our country and I really hope people can put it aside to help the people in need.
1
By the way, let your GOP rep and Senator know that the severity of this storm has been attributed to global warming by the weather experts. Secondly, all you GOP Texas reps that declined help for Sandy Hook? Your turn is here.
6
Two wrongs aren't going to help anyone.
Sadly, the Houston metro area has became a lake. The hardest part is to come after the water recedes back to its natural level. Will city and county planners repeat the same mistakes of overdevelopment and building on a flood plain? Or will they seek set aside short term interests of greed to achieve sustainability with Mother Nature. Create a 25 year master plan that will have to shift millions of people and their homes, create an innovative infrastructure plan that is dual purpose i.e. move larges amount of people and water, and make the environment an active partner in regional planning. We simply can't build more subdivisions and more highways. This should be a wakeup to other coastal cities that may suffer a similar fate due to Mother Nature. This is a lesson learned where a well panned disaster response can mitigate the loss of life and property.
10
Hurricane Sandy happened in 2012, when President Obama was in office, which is the primary reason Republicans didn't support the aid package. Now look at the same politicians. As a taxpayer, I want some conditions on any aid, such as new zoning laws, restored abortion clinics, and an admission that climate change is real.
24
Yes!! All of that. Thank you.
1
I hope the NYT (or some of the readers) will address the Q of how long it might take for the water to subside once the storm surge water level reverts back to normal in the Gulf. Since the geography is flat and the distance is not that long, what is a reasonable estimate for the water to drain out from the Houston area?
2
This time when we say we’ll be with the victims for as long as it takes, we have to do it. That means we have to be there for each other.
2
Instead of wasting money and the moronic wall and unneeded build-up of nukes e it for for disaster relief and to fund anti-flooding infrastructure and tighten regulations regarding building in flood prone areas.
Sorry: that makes sense. Trump and friends would rather build a wall and get more nukes. Sad.
Sorry: that makes sense. Trump and friends would rather build a wall and get more nukes. Sad.
5
There are no floods in Texas - it's all a Chinese hoax ...
19
Brought to us complements of the Republican Party and the Koch Brothers.
13
Hey, journalists. Are you aware of how silly you look, constantly reporting and updating "Death Tolls!!" - for a disaster where about 2% of the information is possibly available? It's kinda insulting. You MIGHT report on the history of death tolls; how inaccurate they are in early days- and - how it's the upscale dead who are mostly counted early, and the dead poor who get counted a month later. Ten? Idiotic. It will be hundreds, certainly. We know that.
3
You want journalists to not report on facts because it bugs you that there's going to be more deaths? Really? People are people, we count all of the dead, and don't wait until we are sure we've got both the rich and the poor.
5
Galatians 6:7
"Do not be deceived: "A man reaps what he sows."
My heart goes out to these poor misguided people and I hope that for their sakes they receive all the help they need, and for all of our sakes they learn from this lesson. Global warming is real.
"Do not be deceived: "A man reaps what he sows."
My heart goes out to these poor misguided people and I hope that for their sakes they receive all the help they need, and for all of our sakes they learn from this lesson. Global warming is real.
7
And where is the "problem solver" a.k.a. The Clueless? I sincerely hope he didn't drown upon landing, or he landed in a secure golf court like Harvey-O-Lake? Already the picture is looking every so closed to Old Katrina where another fellow of his lot didn't know wht to do. God help Texans.
2
This is of course all tragic. But as a long-term Floridan who has been through my share of hurricanes one does wonder how a city built on swampy terrain prides it self on having no zoning, weak land use controls and weak building codes. Since FEMA will pick up these costs all US tax payers will contribute to rebuilding Houston but get no input into how to avert future destruction.
While our President is assuring Texans of aid, does anybody remember when the GOP and in particular Texas Senators held up funds for victims of Sandy? It was nasty and stupid. But should Texas get some of its own medicine? While this is an epic storm, so was Sandy.
I know back in the 80's Houston looked at Miami building codes (Cat 3 storm). I was told their codes never changed. In low lying areas the threat of flooding is always there - why these areas were not developed better or developed at all is a tragic story of greed. How people went without flood insurance should not be America's fiscal responsibility - especially in GOP philosophy.
While our President is assuring Texans of aid, does anybody remember when the GOP and in particular Texas Senators held up funds for victims of Sandy? It was nasty and stupid. But should Texas get some of its own medicine? While this is an epic storm, so was Sandy.
I know back in the 80's Houston looked at Miami building codes (Cat 3 storm). I was told their codes never changed. In low lying areas the threat of flooding is always there - why these areas were not developed better or developed at all is a tragic story of greed. How people went without flood insurance should not be America's fiscal responsibility - especially in GOP philosophy.
11
Don't the Bushes live somewhere in Houston? How did their properties fair?
2
What a difference from Katrina where people expected the government to save them, while Texans are saving themselves and their neighbors. And to think the 2 states are next to each other......
1
In fairness, there are lots of people from Louisiana bringing boats over to help. The sheer number of private citizens volunteering to help bring people out of flooded areas is unbelievable. This is a a great exercise in neighbors helping neighbors...
5
This kind of idiocy is what gave us people like Trump and co.
6
Linda, I'm sure you were thinking it but, you forgot to mention most of the victims of Sandy were African Americans.
450,000 will seek federal aid is a very big number doubtlessly impacting politics of the times. It might even reach a threshold of a civil debate: Mexican Wall vs. Texas aid. Me, I'm for the Wall because no one cares about American families wiped out by this storm. Get my point?, not a good solid ground to be standing on. So, Texas might count their blessings because they will get tons of aid but no Wall.
2
I enjoyed the images of Trump and his entourage Looking Concerned, though I did feel that the effects of their Rugged Windbreaker and Open Collar looks were more than a little undercut by Melania's six-inch spike heels and the twenty-foot boat marked "RESCUE BOAT," sitting, dry as a bone, on a trailer right behind Ted Cruz.
7
Agreed--but enjoying Melania's fashion statements has been the only solace this dyed-in-the-wool liberal has taken from the Trump regime.
4
Fear not! Trump will drain the swamp, just like he did in Washington.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/29/us/trump-texas-harvey.html
The First Lady's heels will be useful for skewering alligators, which can be fed to the poor and made into attractive handbags.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/29/us/trump-texas-harvey.html
The First Lady's heels will be useful for skewering alligators, which can be fed to the poor and made into attractive handbags.
7
I'm living the 12 year anniversary of my expulsion from New Orleans by a little storm named Katrina with flashbacks and an almost nauseating need to get in my truck and just drive towards Texas. I know exactly what these people are going through, and will be going through. I want to gather every last one of them in my arms and let them know that their lives will never be the same but they will go on.
9
Can the next one hit Mar-a-Lago, please?
3
Why aren't engineers believed when they warn that a dam is vulnerable to failure, that a bridge is in danger of collapsing, that a sinkhole will occur if structures are built over a parcel, etc.?
6
Some people seem to think democracy means that if enough people believe something, it is true - so never mind the engineer, it's just one person. I'm sure, with my common sense, that the dam will hold, it always has before, the rain won't be that bad, and evacuation, and building codes - well those cost money!
1
I feel for the people of Texas and the road which awaits them once the storms die down and water recedes. My father and step mother tried to ride out Sandy in their home on Long Island. As I tried to get to them, they escaped, leaving behind the last home they would share together as 16 feet of water eventually enveloped and destroyed their home.
My step mother had Alzheimer's and my father took care of her never wanting to put her anywhere else but the place she knew best - her home. Afterwards, we all stayed in a too small home and it was clear that after 92 years of residency on Long Island that my father could no longer stay and he had to place his wife in a long term care facility.
During my one month stay, I waited on lines with my father. One line for insurance another for FEMA. Finally, another line which told him that his house needed to be remediated because of a heating fuel leakage. It would take 9-12 months before there would be anything to move back into.
I'd only once seen my father cry before and this time it came from the realization that he no longer had a home, he could not stay on Long Island, he needed to move in with one of his sons and finally, he had to leave his wife behind.
This is the reality of a storm and the desperation which takes place when you realize everything in your world has changed. This is why I feel so badly for the people affected by Harvey. It will take years to recover for many of them.
My step mother had Alzheimer's and my father took care of her never wanting to put her anywhere else but the place she knew best - her home. Afterwards, we all stayed in a too small home and it was clear that after 92 years of residency on Long Island that my father could no longer stay and he had to place his wife in a long term care facility.
During my one month stay, I waited on lines with my father. One line for insurance another for FEMA. Finally, another line which told him that his house needed to be remediated because of a heating fuel leakage. It would take 9-12 months before there would be anything to move back into.
I'd only once seen my father cry before and this time it came from the realization that he no longer had a home, he could not stay on Long Island, he needed to move in with one of his sons and finally, he had to leave his wife behind.
This is the reality of a storm and the desperation which takes place when you realize everything in your world has changed. This is why I feel so badly for the people affected by Harvey. It will take years to recover for many of them.
21
Your comment has made the keys of my computer a little harder to see.
So many stories go unreported, and those that live them carry the burden along without any public acknowledgement of the hardship they've endured.
So much of the story of a storm is its aftermath, and the toll it takes on the lives which struggle forward, trying to get their feet under them to build again from nothing.
Thank you for writing this. I hope the humanity it revealsit may change the minds of some who would deny federal relief to victims so desperately in need of it. A little prayer and hope your father...
So many stories go unreported, and those that live them carry the burden along without any public acknowledgement of the hardship they've endured.
So much of the story of a storm is its aftermath, and the toll it takes on the lives which struggle forward, trying to get their feet under them to build again from nothing.
Thank you for writing this. I hope the humanity it revealsit may change the minds of some who would deny federal relief to victims so desperately in need of it. A little prayer and hope your father...
6
So the President who pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords is going to Texas to make everything better? He can start by being a born-again environmentalist and firing his climate change denying EPA Secretary. And follow up with financial assistance for Texas and Louisiana.
It is good to see folks coming together after a catastrophe hits. Love the Cajun Navy. It would be just as thrilling to see folks come together to prevent the next catastrophe. We can do both.
It is good to see folks coming together after a catastrophe hits. Love the Cajun Navy. It would be just as thrilling to see folks come together to prevent the next catastrophe. We can do both.
14
It would be akin to asking Satan to be a born again Christian. If anything with him being on the ground at Houston it may stir some compassion in his heart[if he has one lol]. Open his eyes to the fact that there is folks in desperate need for help. Make him realize that we have one common thread that binds us all, is our humanity and compassion to help our fellow man.
5
Sorry, he is missing that common thread you mentioned.
1
I sure hope the good folks of KBR are fully involved in the relief and recovery from this disaster, and that officials of the State of Texas heed their advice ...pb
1
It is mind boggling how much rain there is..our prayers go out to Texans...can anyone tell me why they werent evacuated? Texas is a rich state and surely they could have droven away their citizens to safety.
1
Because the Mayor of Houston (Dem) refused on Friday to issue an evacuation order or recommendation, even though the Governor ( GOP) had recommended evacuation of Houston area.
But I'm not sure an evac of such a large area and populace would have worked well.
But I'm not sure an evac of such a large area and populace would have worked well.
1
Richard Kuntz,
Thousands of people drowned on the highway. Would that have been a better solution?
Thousands of people drowned on the highway. Would that have been a better solution?
1
It probably would have been worse. 7 million taking to roads. No good options. Not a democrat or republican thing at all.
1
For all of those who have decided to respond to this immense tragedy by using their energy to post mean-spirited anti-Texas comments: please try to get it through your heads that not all Texans are right-wing fanatics. Not all Texans share the views of some of the elected officials from this state. We are millions of different people; we are not all Ted Cruz. BTW, Hillary Clinton carried Harris County 54 percent to 41 percent.
12
Most of those comments are not aimed at all texans - but at the politicians who are now showing their hypocrisy, and those from Texas who have spent years noisily commenting against disaster aid, against climate issues, against regulations, against everything that could have and would have helped here.
2
We get it and we feel for you, but unfortunately there are enough right wingers in Texas to saddle the rest of us with people like Bush, Cruz and Trump and it's hard not to be upset about it.
1
Regarding "political" comments:
When you see suffering like this, it seems to me you have two responsibilities:
1. Address the suffering here and now, however you can find a way to help.
2. Raise your voice (including joining this conversation) to make sure we have the disaster funding and foresight necessary to limit such suffering in the future.
Comments with a "political" bent are not all the same. Some take cheap shots and say "let 'em drown because they voted against Sandy funding"-- a 'turn-about-is-fair-play' mentality which continues the mean-spiritedness of Ted Cruz, Trumps funding cuts, etc..
But other comments addressing the political aspects of this disaster are doing so to REDUCE SUFFERING in the long term: More FEMA funding, better resources for flood victims down the road...
To address the current suffering only, and ignore Trump's proposed FEMA funding cuts and other wrong-headedness is to end up making the same mistakes all over again, or make them even worse.
We can't stop the rain, but we can advocate for current and future victims so that they receive the most help possible.
When you see suffering like this, it seems to me you have two responsibilities:
1. Address the suffering here and now, however you can find a way to help.
2. Raise your voice (including joining this conversation) to make sure we have the disaster funding and foresight necessary to limit such suffering in the future.
Comments with a "political" bent are not all the same. Some take cheap shots and say "let 'em drown because they voted against Sandy funding"-- a 'turn-about-is-fair-play' mentality which continues the mean-spiritedness of Ted Cruz, Trumps funding cuts, etc..
But other comments addressing the political aspects of this disaster are doing so to REDUCE SUFFERING in the long term: More FEMA funding, better resources for flood victims down the road...
To address the current suffering only, and ignore Trump's proposed FEMA funding cuts and other wrong-headedness is to end up making the same mistakes all over again, or make them even worse.
We can't stop the rain, but we can advocate for current and future victims so that they receive the most help possible.
6
Or how about... Texans use this as a lesson regarding the foibles of voting against their own best interests on Election Day?
it's important to help each other today no matter who, because the tomorrow didn't arrive yet! The rain came strongly, but even in that situation we must be mercy and remember that we don't live alone in this world we need support each other with kindness and love!
6
How about a bounty fee? FEMA money for every GOP seat who voted no on Sandy. And just for a bonus, use Trump properties for homeless shelters, with him absorbing all of the costs associated with that.
3
We need to stop treating this as going to a new normal, or worse calling it a 500 year flood since we guess the last one may have happened 500 years ago. When the average surface water temperature in the Gulf never gets below the mid 70s, of course hurricanes can get more energy by increased evaporation, resulting in more water dumped on land when the energy source is cut off. Politicians who act so as to keep more and more of the sun's energy, and increase the earth's temperature, should be charged with crimes against humanity. They are more dangerous than many who just stick their head in the sand and ignore the problem.
2
Can you post some aeral photos? I know if might be hard to fly in the rain, but if there is a break?
2
There are several on youtube taken by a drone.
2
Trump: I pardoned Arpaio during hurricane because I thought TV ratings would be higher
By Brandon Carter - 08/28/17 04:58 PM EDT
Trump is incapable of consorting anybody. Forget about sincere hugs, he can not even give a humane handshake.
All he is eager to do is find his own ego satisfaction.
Every person involved in his arrangement to go to Texas is having blood on their hand. They should have been rescuing the helpless inundated in water, instead.
By Brandon Carter - 08/28/17 04:58 PM EDT
Trump is incapable of consorting anybody. Forget about sincere hugs, he can not even give a humane handshake.
All he is eager to do is find his own ego satisfaction.
Every person involved in his arrangement to go to Texas is having blood on their hand. They should have been rescuing the helpless inundated in water, instead.
7
Trump Arrives in Texas to Survey Hurricane Harvey Disaster
By GLENN THRUSH AUG. 29, 2017
Mrs. Trump is wearing extra high heels. I'm guessing she thinks they will function as stilts. Thanks, Mrs. Trump, for bringing some humor to a terrible situation.
By GLENN THRUSH AUG. 29, 2017
Mrs. Trump is wearing extra high heels. I'm guessing she thinks they will function as stilts. Thanks, Mrs. Trump, for bringing some humor to a terrible situation.
9
Weren't their windbreakers reassuring, though?
3
Dont you think the way she dresses show that she is really ready to give hands to those in need ? It's melania way!
2
Those high heels are functional. You can chase a bug into a corner and smash it or use the heel to take out a gator or snake. Alternately you could use the heel as a nail to post directions to a shelter.
2
Trump's budget calls for cutting $667 million from FEMA programs. When he makes his publicity tour in Texas today, will someone, preferably an evacuee, please aske him about that?
10
People don't understand that Melania Trump wore stiletto heels to poke holes in the ground to help drain flood waters....
9
This ongoing disaster reveals a number of things:
1. The earth is groaning in pain
2. Disasters don't care if you don't believe or believe
3. Disasters are great equalizers. They affect everyone, regardless...
4. What our true priorities should be. Time be a wall?!?
5. We need good and effective government at a Federal, State and Local level
6. We need to invest in systems, technologies and human resource to deal with increasing crises instead of weapons of mass destruction
1. The earth is groaning in pain
2. Disasters don't care if you don't believe or believe
3. Disasters are great equalizers. They affect everyone, regardless...
4. What our true priorities should be. Time be a wall?!?
5. We need good and effective government at a Federal, State and Local level
6. We need to invest in systems, technologies and human resource to deal with increasing crises instead of weapons of mass destruction
12
Many good comments here, especially about the terrific effort put forth by the responders -- including FEMA. I'll be slapped around for this, but I just wanted to say that this is occurring despite Trump. I say that because he was on the precipice of decimating FEMA with his budget proposal. The fact that they have preformed so well -- there are no "Brownie's" here -- speaks volumes as to how important it is not to mess with necessary services, just to appease your base.
9
I earlier commented on the hypocrisy of Texas and it representatives--i.e. being anti=federal government and opposing aid for Sandy victims -and was admonished by a few readers. please read this article -https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/08/29/ted-cruzs...
5
An entirely new normal because our climate is changing, sea levels are rising, and low lying areas like Houston are those that will pay the price. Like New Orleans, a key is to work on rebuilding in sustainable areas as much as possible, rather than in areas that will just flood again. Problem is that the areas most likely to flood are often where the poorest live, and it's harder for them to just move than for someone with better resources.
7
Not to sound negative, but this does highlight a few problems. First, well below market price flood insurance, brought to you by our government, promotes people living near the ocean and in areas prone to flooding. Second, a lot of people can't move from these flood prone areas but many can. By rebuilding in areas prone to flooding, we are encouraging a larger disaster next time around. We are better off using funds to avert future disasters rather than to keep people in harms way.
3
We could structure the rebuilding funds and other rescue efforts so they support people moving to safer areas to do their rebuilding. Many are stuck, because they own the property they own, and now could not reasonably sell it.
Perhaps have the government buy it up rather than insure it, and make suitable loans to those selling to help them build elsewhere. There would be a way if there was a will.
Perhaps have the government buy it up rather than insure it, and make suitable loans to those selling to help them build elsewhere. There would be a way if there was a will.
Normal states make laws that don't ALLOW building in flood areas. With that the flood insurance does what it should - make insurance available.
California has the same thing - earthquake insurance from the state. It costs about as much as all my other insurance - but it's needed.
California has the same thing - earthquake insurance from the state. It costs about as much as all my other insurance - but it's needed.
1
I have no opinion re. whether flood insurance is "below market price", but other portions of the newspaper suggest that few have purchased it at any price, even if technically required. A cost that is not incurred cannot direct behavior.
I agree with the second.
I agree with the second.
I wonder if this disaster will finally change more Texans' thinking about the *reality* of climate change? Three catastrophic storms in 12 years (Katrina, Sandy, Harvey) is quite a lot.
I grew up in Texas and witnessed firsthand the beauty and sickness in its culture. Maybe this storm will change hearts and minds. I can only pray it will bulldoze the partisanship in Washington, DC and across the nation that is undermining our democracy.
We need to bring the best of our selves forward. I'm sad to say that Trump is unlikely to help do that. Trump wants to play golf and pout on Twitter.
I grew up in Texas and witnessed firsthand the beauty and sickness in its culture. Maybe this storm will change hearts and minds. I can only pray it will bulldoze the partisanship in Washington, DC and across the nation that is undermining our democracy.
We need to bring the best of our selves forward. I'm sad to say that Trump is unlikely to help do that. Trump wants to play golf and pout on Twitter.
8
repub pols, especially those from texas, have based their careers on attacking "big gubment". so, i think we should see them asking political donors to begin funneling wealth into texas relief efforts. who needs government?
and, i think legislation approving govt aid to texas should also include riders increasing the debt ceiling, etc. i mean, "the art of the deal" should mean something to people like ted cruz. and trump.
and, i think legislation approving govt aid to texas should also include riders increasing the debt ceiling, etc. i mean, "the art of the deal" should mean something to people like ted cruz. and trump.
4
Shame on those of you who are bringing "red state" into any of this. Not that it should matter whatsoever, but Houston and Harris County are blue and went to Hillary by a large margin. It's a uniquely diverse and multicultural city with millions of people from all over the world and a large LGBT community, which at times has been a better example of intercultural harmony than I've seen in my years living in New York City and California, which wonderful as they are, seem to be more separated into the haves and have-nots. Not that it should matter. The fact that any of you are talking politics after looking at these pictures and being witness to this nearly puts you on par with the side that you criticize. Try showing some humanity, or at the very least, understand that states like New York and Maine also had more counties go to Trump than Hilary -- Texas just happens to be a lot bigger, with more of those rural counties that would swing right. If your home state went to Trump, would you still be saying these things? We're all in this together.
7
Oh the irony.
I still remember those Ted Cruz supporters who were waiving signs on an overpass near the crossing of I-45 and Sam Houston Parkway around 2014. That area is completely flooded. "Less regulation, Less Government Better Lives", "Government is the problem", "There is no such thing as climate change", some signs called for imprisonment of Obama and Pelosi for being anti-American.
In West Texas, people say that the desert always wins. Folks in east Texas take heart; Mother nature always wins and have a rather harsh way to deliver her message.
I still remember those Ted Cruz supporters who were waiving signs on an overpass near the crossing of I-45 and Sam Houston Parkway around 2014. That area is completely flooded. "Less regulation, Less Government Better Lives", "Government is the problem", "There is no such thing as climate change", some signs called for imprisonment of Obama and Pelosi for being anti-American.
In West Texas, people say that the desert always wins. Folks in east Texas take heart; Mother nature always wins and have a rather harsh way to deliver her message.
13
"And I promise you folks, Mexico will pay for the wall". No, but they will fly over the current "wall" and help Texas recover from hurricane Harvey. I'm starting to believe Mexico doesn't believe in impractical solutions to real problems, which is more than I can say for our current Presidential administration and republicans in congress.
6
Once again we have a demonstration of what is wrong with the "small government" philosophy. We are no longer living in an isolated cabin on the prairie. We are in complex urban and global structures that are essential to preserve life, and that means we need a robust governmental structure which can protect us when natural disaster or malevolent business or opportunistic politicians damage our social institutions. Relying on the "kindness of strangers" to provide food and shelter for hundreds of thousands is relying on humanity without civilization. A civilized social democracy has to have infrastructure in place to minimize the social disruption.
What our country has done is to mortgage our futures by failing to develop the collective strength to create this infrastructure, yielding instead to the greedy cries that private enterprise will take care of all needs more efficiently. A national debt is not our Achilles' heel, a lack of social resources to protect our society is, and we will see it play out in Texas as it did in New Orleans.
As others have said, privatizing our profits and socializing our disasters will destroy our country, leaving a few global oligarchs floating above the fray.
And of course, behind all this is a president and EPA administrator who believe climate change is a "Chinese Hoax", wanting to build a wall, rather than a country, and pardon a criminal, rather than work toward social justice.
What our country has done is to mortgage our futures by failing to develop the collective strength to create this infrastructure, yielding instead to the greedy cries that private enterprise will take care of all needs more efficiently. A national debt is not our Achilles' heel, a lack of social resources to protect our society is, and we will see it play out in Texas as it did in New Orleans.
As others have said, privatizing our profits and socializing our disasters will destroy our country, leaving a few global oligarchs floating above the fray.
And of course, behind all this is a president and EPA administrator who believe climate change is a "Chinese Hoax", wanting to build a wall, rather than a country, and pardon a criminal, rather than work toward social justice.
6
How ironic that Texas, a focal point of climate change denying and ostensibly less federal government, gets slammed by a major weather event and is in need of, and expecting, federal aid. Gov. Abbott is a major climate change denier. The people of Texas are going through difficult times, but perhaps they will wake up to the failures of their leadership and dominant party to recognize and respond to the perils of our times and the need for a functioning decent government to help all those in need.
7
Thankfully those macho independent tough Texans will not seek nor need any assistance nor aid from the federal government nor the American taxpayers nor Congress. They are really lucky to have elected Donald Trump, Rafael Cruz, John Cornyn and Greg Abbott to represent them.
10
Gov. Abbott says this is the new normal. I wonder why given that he doesn't believe there is global warming.
7
The picture of the nursing home residents up to their chests in water led me to tears, I can't stop crying. Those most vulnerable old people sitting in water? Cold water, germ filled water, they must be so frightened. Someone help them. Please
5
They were rescued on Sunday afternoon.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/27/us/flooded-nursing-home-residents-trnd/ind...
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/27/us/flooded-nursing-home-residents-trnd/ind...
4
Think how long they would have been there if not for social media!
2
Pretty soon the GOP will be accusing people seeking aid "on the gravy train".
3
If you're under water, then your land isn't real estate anymore. Sandy survivors wish to repay Texas in like and kind for their help.
7
Despite the rank hypocrisy of the Texan senators and representatives when it came to Hurricane Sandy, the blue states will once again come to the rescue of the anti-government red states at their time of need. But isn't it time that Texas (and Florida) enact state taxes to help pay for their needs instead of holding out for handouts from taxpayers in other states?
19
From this side of the pond I was kind of expecting all Americans to pull together but, on the showings of these comments, there does seem to be an excess of schadenfreude in some parts.
I do hope you folks in Texas pull through. We're all human and each loss diminishes us.
I do hope you folks in Texas pull through. We're all human and each loss diminishes us.
20
While I agree with your sentiment, that's sadly the state of affairs here. Texas Senators and Representatives have a long history of hypocrisy and it's difficult to get past. That said, my heart goes out to the people of Houston and I hope they are provided with all the assistance they need, whether or not I agree with their elected officials.
And... just to poke a bit of a hole in the slightly high and mighty attitude here, how are pro/con Brexit folks dealing with one another?
And... just to poke a bit of a hole in the slightly high and mighty attitude here, how are pro/con Brexit folks dealing with one another?
5
Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has politicized each and every event, rather than lead the country. That leads the sentient citizen to have to place each event in the appropriate context to fight his "alternative facts". What sounds like shadenfreude is actually an existential struggle to prevent a constructed reality from taking over our world.
8
We are all pulling together - we're able to multitask - Texas is getting donations, help at every level, politicians will vote to get them the money they need - BUT at the same time, their politicians showed no such consideration when a different state was hit with a massive hurricane, and pointing this out is an important lesson.
3
Question, perhaps dumb..?
With saturated grounds and soil, and water sitting on asphalt and concrete, except for some eventual evaporation after rains cease, where does all this water go?
With saturated grounds and soil, and water sitting on asphalt and concrete, except for some eventual evaporation after rains cease, where does all this water go?
2
To the ocean. To make more rain for the next storm. Same old, same old.
4
Into the Gulf of Mexico, slowly.
Why didn't this idiot governor warn people to evacuate? Just from watching TV news here in NY I knew that this was coming almost a week before it happened.
3
If a few heads don't roll because of this we'll know something is going on. The excuse of a traffic jam will not hold any water (pardon the pun) once the final tally of casualties from this flood are counted.
2
The "idiot" governor did warn people to evacuate. So did Trump. The democrat mayor of Houston told the people to wait until more "reliable" infomration could be obtained before deciding whether to evacuate or not.
1
Yes, time to be kind, to reach out and help simply because our fellow humans need a hand.
And may the Texas legislature release the other issues, the "bathroom bills" and Confederate statues and all that, and focus on saving lives, and rebuilding them.
And may the Texas legislature release the other issues, the "bathroom bills" and Confederate statues and all that, and focus on saving lives, and rebuilding them.
12
"Yes, time to be kind, to reach out and help simply because our fellow humans need a hand..."
...to the uninsured who rely on Obamacare... to transgender servicemen and women... to LGBT people looking for basic fairness in public accommodations... to Dreamers looking to stay in the only home they've ever known...
Why should kindness only flow in one direction?
...to the uninsured who rely on Obamacare... to transgender servicemen and women... to LGBT people looking for basic fairness in public accommodations... to Dreamers looking to stay in the only home they've ever known...
Why should kindness only flow in one direction?
Hurricane Harvey was a storm of historic proportions. Life and safety concerns in Texas should absolutely be dealt with promptly and without restraint.
However, let's not forget that Texas is a low tax, lightly governed, lightly regulated state with lots of wealth. Let's not forget that Texas threatened to secede during most of the Obama administration. Texas wants to stand apart. National dollars shouldn't gush into the state if their wealthy citizens aren't willing to step up in a significant way. Something on a scale greater than the political contributions needed to keep a purple state red. National dollars should also be contingent on political reforms ensuring civil rights, voting rights and fair apportionment of voting districts.
Again, Texas has lots and lots of money within its borders. There's no reason to privatize all the gains and then socialize the losses to national taxpayers without concessions.
However, let's not forget that Texas is a low tax, lightly governed, lightly regulated state with lots of wealth. Let's not forget that Texas threatened to secede during most of the Obama administration. Texas wants to stand apart. National dollars shouldn't gush into the state if their wealthy citizens aren't willing to step up in a significant way. Something on a scale greater than the political contributions needed to keep a purple state red. National dollars should also be contingent on political reforms ensuring civil rights, voting rights and fair apportionment of voting districts.
Again, Texas has lots and lots of money within its borders. There's no reason to privatize all the gains and then socialize the losses to national taxpayers without concessions.
30
But doing what you recommend is the very antithesis of current era Republican ideology and practice. Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford even the Bushs (41 & 43) wouldnot know these people.
1
Suggesting we punish the poor of Texas for the shortcomings of the wealthy Texans, which you are doing, is nothing short of heinous.
4
But it's the poor, uneducated masses who, time and time again, get swept up in some populist zeitgeist cooked up by the elite and vote against their own self interests at the ballot box. Time and time again. Perhaps they will finally learn their lesson if we let them be.
1
"It is “one of the largest disasters America has ever faced,” Gov. Greg Abbott said"...with all due respect, he should look to his neighbors in Galveston. In 1900 a storm hit that killed upwards of 12,000 people. This does not diminish the challenge in Houston, but is is good to keep such things in perspective.
9
That storm - per estimates - killed from over 6,000 to around 12,000 at a time when the Galveston population was around 37,000 ( and Houston at bout 45,000).
2
"wasn't that a might storm" sung by erik von schmidt and rolf cahn tells the story very well.
After a tragedy the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey, it seems immoral to talk about building a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Let us return to our basic values of helping and supporting rather than dividing.
14
Texas politicians voted against helping Sandy victims, voted for cutting: FEMA, big government, Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, women's healthcare benefits, Meals on Wheels, expanded school lunches and breakfasts for the poor... . And the people of Texas keep voting for them. Now they've suffered a catastrophe they wouldn't (not couldn't - wouldn't) imagine and they need help.
But their god doesn't give them anything they can't handle, right? So if they lived, they're handling it. It's god's will - god works in mysterious ways, and has singled them out to carry this burden. Who are we, (the liberals), to cheat them out of this holy, evangelical opportunity to carry this burden god, in his wisdom, has foisted - I mean bestowed - upon them? All hail and re-elect Ted Cruz, Gohmert, Abbott, Perry, and their anti-Constitutional, evangelical dogma.
Remember, being "politically correct" is a crime in this country now. Being generous and giving is to be a "libtard". Using language that is socially and economically inclusive, culturally supportive by accommodating everyone's differences, and being helpful to those who can't help themselves is horribly BAD - NO! It's worse than that, it's evil Liberal Elitism! MAGA by requiring everyone take care of themselves. Poor? Not my problem - it's yours.
So, how do they like us now? Hateful and willing to withhold desperately needed help? Not much I'm sure, but being nice hasn't taught them a thing. I'm helping the animals.
But their god doesn't give them anything they can't handle, right? So if they lived, they're handling it. It's god's will - god works in mysterious ways, and has singled them out to carry this burden. Who are we, (the liberals), to cheat them out of this holy, evangelical opportunity to carry this burden god, in his wisdom, has foisted - I mean bestowed - upon them? All hail and re-elect Ted Cruz, Gohmert, Abbott, Perry, and their anti-Constitutional, evangelical dogma.
Remember, being "politically correct" is a crime in this country now. Being generous and giving is to be a "libtard". Using language that is socially and economically inclusive, culturally supportive by accommodating everyone's differences, and being helpful to those who can't help themselves is horribly BAD - NO! It's worse than that, it's evil Liberal Elitism! MAGA by requiring everyone take care of themselves. Poor? Not my problem - it's yours.
So, how do they like us now? Hateful and willing to withhold desperately needed help? Not much I'm sure, but being nice hasn't taught them a thing. I'm helping the animals.
30
I know thus is ugly to hear at this time, but it is the absolute truth. As a 'liberal' though I still have concern about Texas' plight...hoping they'll finally wake up & smell the coffee.
6
Such a mean-spirited view. The "them" and the "they" in this nasty little comment appear to refer to every single person living in the state. Do you really believe that we all are right-wing bigots who support Ted Cruz et al.? How does the fact that Hillary Clinton carried Harris County 54-41 percent fit into your analysis?
3
Touche!
3
Why is "the new normal" always worse than the old normal? Don't these politicians ever want to make things better? Don't answer that; I know the answer - only for themselves. The rest of us can go suck a lemon.
10
There is hope for us all in that what we say and what we end up doing are often two very different things.
1
Now that Big Red has been hammered by a combination of climate denying Republican government mismanagement and the accompanying "deregulated" building growth that dismissed climate change outright in their calculations, perhaps the GOP in Washington might consider a tax plan that "increases" revenue from corporations and the super wealthy rather than the never ending tax cuts for Koch Industries and the rest of their "donors".
18
What a sad commentary on our last year.
The haters in angry progressivism have been so thoroughly trained to hate everything - even our country! - that they can only be bitter at whatever they see. Thanks for this goes to the New York Times, CNN, and the Washington Post.
The haters in angry progressivism have been so thoroughly trained to hate everything - even our country! - that they can only be bitter at whatever they see. Thanks for this goes to the New York Times, CNN, and the Washington Post.
4
Oh yes, one wonders how progressives can feel such rage after enduring years and years of right wing attacks on women, LGBT, the poor, minorities, the environment, the arts... Progressives are supposed to just shut up and smile while the right tries to destroy the pillars of our country and planet, right? Okay, got it.
1
That is the leftist's answer to eveything - tax the rich even more!
1
With the incredible devastation that is happening in Texas right now weather and weather-related disasters must now be a priority that all governmental entities who have responsibilities in areas prone to these disasters must immediately address. They must be proactive right now to review and re-assess what plans and infrastructures are in place to see what modifications, re-designs and new ideas are required. The costs and logistics will no doubt be enormous but given what Texas is dealing with now and will be dealing with for a very long time, it is a much smaller price to pay now than waiting for the next weather disaster to occur and being ill-prepared for it.
3
Texas politicians expect the rest of us to pay the costs of their lax building codes, incompetent emergency planning, etc. I really wish that we could give Texas back to Mexico.
But with Trump incharge and Cruz now singing out of a different side of his mouth not likely. Only justice is that they have a good chance of getting similar scale storms on 5 or 10 year frequencies. It is all about physics and thermodynamics of warming oceans and air.
But with Trump incharge and Cruz now singing out of a different side of his mouth not likely. Only justice is that they have a good chance of getting similar scale storms on 5 or 10 year frequencies. It is all about physics and thermodynamics of warming oceans and air.
2
Hear, hear. Any tax money should be allocated to a fund which would be used to pay Mexico to take Texas off our hands.
Mean-spirited much? We won our independence from Mexico dear, and we are not yours to "give". I understand your sentiment, though, as the rest of the US is rooting for "Cacadia" to just go away, we don't care where.
So...two disasters, each of them the greatest ever faced by the nation, the hurricane and our president. A perfect storm. I'm sure it will have no impact on Trump's position re the Paris Climate Accords.
10
I hope that Texans recover quickly AND, more important, when they get that federal aid, it comes from everywhere, including blue state Democrats.
I don't often agree with Peter King (in fact never that I can recall), I commend him for confronting Ted Cruz on his failure to support aid for Sandy and not backing down as Cruz tried to justify that decision.
I don't often agree with Peter King (in fact never that I can recall), I commend him for confronting Ted Cruz on his failure to support aid for Sandy and not backing down as Cruz tried to justify that decision.
15
Does anybody believe that Trump might, just might, take the "Wall" money and give it to the people of Texas who have lost their homes and cars and furniture and food? Nahhhhh. That is not Trump's way. But I felt optimistic there for a second or two. There are many more hurricanes and disasters in the future, and not just in Texas. I live in Florida and I been there and done that. We must work together and prepare better plans. All of us.....
7
The comments stating that this is what people in Texas deserve or get because they don't believe in climate change are unnecessary. Yes, a lot of people in Texas may not believe in climate change but that does not mean everybody does not believe in it. Nor is this some kind of karma comeback on those who do not believe in it. Studies have shown that when presented with the exact same information, people with different opinions on a matter walk away both feeling more justified in their stance. It is unlikely that those in Houston and the rest of Texas change their stance on climate change just because of Hurricane Harvey. Many will argue that a hurricane like this will happen every few hundred years and this just happened to be that year.
Regardless if people believe in climate change or its effects, however, is that we do need to do a much better job at responding to natural disasters and catastrophes. This should teach, hopefully, the local/state/federal governments that they are woefully prepared to respond adequately. I understand that evacuating a city of 7 million people might be dangerous and very difficult but the fact that you can't evacuate a city of 7 million people quickly and safely tells you that you have a very big problem. Even for those who don't believe that Hurricane Harvey was a result of climate change, you can't argue that it's not a good idea to be prepared for natural disasters.
Regardless if people believe in climate change or its effects, however, is that we do need to do a much better job at responding to natural disasters and catastrophes. This should teach, hopefully, the local/state/federal governments that they are woefully prepared to respond adequately. I understand that evacuating a city of 7 million people might be dangerous and very difficult but the fact that you can't evacuate a city of 7 million people quickly and safely tells you that you have a very big problem. Even for those who don't believe that Hurricane Harvey was a result of climate change, you can't argue that it's not a good idea to be prepared for natural disasters.
7
I predict that there will be at least one and maybe two such storms within 10 years in Houston area. And after a few more clean ups paid for by the rest of the country they still will be denying and denying. Trump's decision to rescind the Obama EO requiring planning and design based on higher levels of storm and flooding risks where federal funds are used.
Are you really on board with going forward with the same inadequate standards as in the past.
Are you really on board with going forward with the same inadequate standards as in the past.
3
It's not about 'believing' in Climate Change....it's not a religion. It's about believing what scientific evidence tells you and thats where many Americans fail.
2
Climate change is a given - it has been happening since the earth was new. Whether it's caused by my car or not is another question entirely.
I say we bail out Texas, but include two things: reimbursement to New York and New Jersey for Sandy, and properly funding FEMA so we're ready for the next disaster. Win-win-win.
13
Seems like a real opportunity for Trump to issue an executive order immediately, while he is in Texas trying to pretend he is humane and compassionate, requiring disaster authorities to determine the citizenship of people rescued and staying in shelters. Intake forms should be required and signed by each individual indicating whether they are citizens or not. But if they still look suspicious under the Arpaio test, then they could be detained. Think of the tough on immigration possibilities for Trump. There must be hundreds, maybe thousands of undocumented immigrants needing emergency shelter, clothing and food, taking up emergency shelter space which should be used for real US citizens only. Lots of folks could be turned over to ICE merely if they look suspicious under the Arpaio test, unless citizenship is proven. and could be processed for deportation, while being held in mini-concentration camps set up by Arpaio, the expert. If Trump gets lucky, maybe many of them would die from hunger or exposure before being deported and could be buried in mass graves, like the nazis used. What a great deterrent to other undocumented immigrants. Think of the money that could be saved in the relief and recovery process. That would please Trump, Sen. Cruz and others like them who would not want disaster relief funds wasted on undocumented immigrants. That would constitute unnecessary pork in the disaster relief bill. And more red meat for the Trump base, with lots of photos please.
4
After Katrina struck & moved on, a friend who is a single Mom living in Oregon got in her car drove to New Orleans to help. She had almost no assets, but asked no questions and simply thought that as an able bodied adult she could be of some assistance.
WE choose to sit at our computers, assign blame, and wag our fingers. I'm no better. But we all have a choice. We always do.
WE choose to sit at our computers, assign blame, and wag our fingers. I'm no better. But we all have a choice. We always do.
9
FEMA still exists? I thought Trump was planning to defund it altogether. In any case, Harvey represents an unfortunate, yet most extraordinary instance of poetic justice for Trump and other (right wing, corporatist) climate change deniers; for (right wing) Texas politicians, including the ever-awful hypocrite Ted Cruz, who voted against federal help for Sandy victims; for dumb Christians, like the followers of megapa$tor Joel Osteen, and for Texas in general, whose economy depends is based on minimizing pollution regulation and dismissing climate change. They all got what they had coming.
12
All the brainpower that the Boston area ever accumulated was only good for teaching mindless droids to hate Christianity.
We notice the devout progressive dares NOT say anything bad about the only religion committing 99% of all interfaith murders,child abuse, mistreatment of women and gays, burning people alive, and slavery.
What does the Democratic Party stand for today? We see it here: raw hatred.
We notice the devout progressive dares NOT say anything bad about the only religion committing 99% of all interfaith murders,child abuse, mistreatment of women and gays, burning people alive, and slavery.
What does the Democratic Party stand for today? We see it here: raw hatred.
3
I live in Houston. I am none of the things you say and, guess what, even if I were, I am still a human being. Just as I rejected easy insults when I lived in NYC during and after Sandy, I reject them now. Have some compassion. No one deserves this.
4
I couldn't agree more. My heart goes out to you. What is needed now are prayers, money and assistance -- each person contributing what he can, no more, no less.
We can sort out our differences later. In the end, we are all human beings. -- thegamesmenplay.com
We can sort out our differences later. In the end, we are all human beings. -- thegamesmenplay.com
1
Will Houston-based oil executives now stop obfuscating the campaign for a carbon-free energy future? Will they condemn President Trump for his egregious assault on the Paris Accord?
Probably not.
I am sure they choppered out while the elderly sat waist deep in their wheelchairs.
Probably not.
I am sure they choppered out while the elderly sat waist deep in their wheelchairs.
21
As I'm sure others have said here, "Houston, we have a problem."
6
Hopefully now, Trump will abandon 'the wall' and put those proposed resources where they will surely be needed and for the obscenely wealthy to pay their share like the oil companies in Texas/Louisiana.
5
We are encouraged that President Trump will come down from the heavens, like a god from the sky, descending from his great blue chariot to offer a solution to the Great Houston Floods of 2017.
Like Moses who parted the Red Sea to provide safe passage for the Israelites, Trump will make unto the Waters of Houston to open, so that Neo-Nazis, Fox broadcasters, the alt-right, Steve Bannon and Breitbart affiliates, Ku Klux Klan members, Mar-a-Lago dues paying members, and science deniers may safely walk the beautiful path to safety amidst the roiling Waters. And of the Mexicans who are criminals and rapists, illegal immigrants, people of color, democrats, CNN and other "fake news" journalists, moderate Republicans, non-golfers, presidents born in Kenya and others, Trump shall make unto the Waters of Houston to close upon them, drowning them all.
Like Moses who parted the Red Sea to provide safe passage for the Israelites, Trump will make unto the Waters of Houston to open, so that Neo-Nazis, Fox broadcasters, the alt-right, Steve Bannon and Breitbart affiliates, Ku Klux Klan members, Mar-a-Lago dues paying members, and science deniers may safely walk the beautiful path to safety amidst the roiling Waters. And of the Mexicans who are criminals and rapists, illegal immigrants, people of color, democrats, CNN and other "fake news" journalists, moderate Republicans, non-golfers, presidents born in Kenya and others, Trump shall make unto the Waters of Houston to close upon them, drowning them all.
12
During and after Katrina, we saw flood maps of New Orleans clearly showing which wards were under water and which were safe from harm. Why don't we have similar maps of Houston? Is the entire metropolitan area inundated? Or is the flooding localized? we get no sense of that from the dramatic (and tragic) photos.
12
Go to maps.google.com and search on "Houston TX traffic". This will show you in real time which roads are flooded and which are not, especially if you zoom into a particular neighborhood. That's a good clue as to which parts of the city are flooded. It also shows you the difficult time rescue and relief workers are having in reaching some parts of town, when so much of the road network is flooded.
1
First, all my sympathy to all of Houston; I have a nephew living there, and I am a bit worried. Second, a big round of applause to the people who seem to be going way beyond the call of duty to help their neighbors.
I saw a piece on TV, I think it was CBS Sunday Morning, on the Netherlands and how they approach flood control. Someone made the point that, in contrast to the US where all the efforts seem to be in the direction of rescue and repair, the Dutch have expended their resources on prevention and control. Yes, there is a very large up front investment in this, but there is much less suffering when the inevitable storm comes, and much less expenditure in the long run. This might be worth looking into. I'm reminded of the old Fram oil filter commercials which ended with the mechanic holding a filter in one hand and a burnt piston in the other saying "The choice is yours: pay me now or pay me later."
I saw a piece on TV, I think it was CBS Sunday Morning, on the Netherlands and how they approach flood control. Someone made the point that, in contrast to the US where all the efforts seem to be in the direction of rescue and repair, the Dutch have expended their resources on prevention and control. Yes, there is a very large up front investment in this, but there is much less suffering when the inevitable storm comes, and much less expenditure in the long run. This might be worth looking into. I'm reminded of the old Fram oil filter commercials which ended with the mechanic holding a filter in one hand and a burnt piston in the other saying "The choice is yours: pay me now or pay me later."
9
This event was made much worse by the deliberate acts and omissions of the people who live there ranging from electing politicians that have prevented any effective response to global warming to the permits given developers to build in areas known to flood. The congress should withhold aid until Texas has a clear plan to change its irresponsible way of building so that we do not waste yet more money on people who refuse to see how they, not nature, are the problem.
17
While I do wish the people of Texas speedy recovery, I think that THE WALL should be built along the coast of Texas.
1
@ Al, Trinidad & Tobago "THE WALL should be built along the coast of Texas"
Respectfully disagree.
The Wall should be built on the inland borders of Texas, so the rest of us never have to hear any of their hypocritical howling about "socialism" again.
Respectfully disagree.
The Wall should be built on the inland borders of Texas, so the rest of us never have to hear any of their hypocritical howling about "socialism" again.
I think comparisons with Katrina are appropriate in that the major and most extensive damage was from flooding. So if we're looking at the cost of recovery, the recovery from Katrina cost $160 billion. Harvey has affected at least 10 times the population and Houston region is a major economic area. The cost of recovery would be approximately $1.6 to $2.0 trillion spent over at least a decade. I'm not sure that a Republican Administration and Congress determined to reduce nonmilitary spending and provide tax cuts to the wealthiest people will handle a staggering price tag all that well.
12
What about using some of the federal relief to buy out the folks who live in the most flood-prone areas and letting it return t to nature? This was done in some areas in the NYC area after Sandy. It would provide a buffer for the rest of the city.
17
Houston residents, beware carcinogens. What you have floating around you is probably filled with dioxane and heavy metals as well as contaminants from waste water.
The whole of the area should be condemned and the residents compensated and relocated on the polluters dime. Get your soil and basement water tested immediately.
The whole of the area should be condemned and the residents compensated and relocated on the polluters dime. Get your soil and basement water tested immediately.
I thought NYC didn't get any relief money after Sandy.
It seems that Donald's Wall should be built along the Gulf Coast, not the Rio Grande.
4
I've not yet read an Atlantic Monthly article addressing the human-induced climate change aspect of this cataclysmic event, but to the extent ecological recklessness is the culprit, or part of the culprit, the submerging of Houston is a case or "reaping what we sow."
Of course, Houston is one of the centers of the fossil fuel industry, so it's not hard to connect the dots, and while I've been waxing biblical, resonances of the Great Flood are stark as could be.
Most recall that Great Flood was visited on humanity for that evil generation's greed and selfishness, not so much for overt brutal criminality, but petty economic violence below the radar of criminal prosecution, mutual predatoriness that rejected the divine element built into mankind.
I wonder if this isn't the same kind of greed finally coming to roost. Although 80s "human capital" (Hobbesian "rational choice theory" etc.) dogma hyper-glorifying wealth and profit motive, and related neoconservative doctrine, have somewhat waned in prestige, the ultimate emblem of that era's commercial ideology and crassness is president.
They said then honest selfishness devoid of moral 'pretense' (ie, how the economists regarded all moral claims: mere sanctimony) would lift humanity. Instead, so much of humanity is drowning, just like in the bible.
Of course, Houston is one of the centers of the fossil fuel industry, so it's not hard to connect the dots, and while I've been waxing biblical, resonances of the Great Flood are stark as could be.
Most recall that Great Flood was visited on humanity for that evil generation's greed and selfishness, not so much for overt brutal criminality, but petty economic violence below the radar of criminal prosecution, mutual predatoriness that rejected the divine element built into mankind.
I wonder if this isn't the same kind of greed finally coming to roost. Although 80s "human capital" (Hobbesian "rational choice theory" etc.) dogma hyper-glorifying wealth and profit motive, and related neoconservative doctrine, have somewhat waned in prestige, the ultimate emblem of that era's commercial ideology and crassness is president.
They said then honest selfishness devoid of moral 'pretense' (ie, how the economists regarded all moral claims: mere sanctimony) would lift humanity. Instead, so much of humanity is drowning, just like in the bible.
4
Instead of our President taking a photo op. He should send Scott Pruitt down to Texas.
2
This is what global warming looks like.
7
No, it doesn't.
1
This is what 45 inches of rain looks like.
Being here, in the middle of everything happening, I can say that the emergency response from the State and local governments has been incredible. They deserve a our heartfelt thanks for all the preparations before the storm. Very few deaths and minimal looting, in a city of 4 million people. Other than the flooded areas, very little loss of power. There's been a few glitches, but the execution has been mostly smooth. On top of that, people from all over Texas and Louisiana have been arriving with boats and supplies, pitching in to help with the rescue efforts. It's been over 10 years since a major storm has struck the US, we've learned a lot in that time and taken the steps necessary to mitigate disasters. Still more lessons to learn from Harvey...
47
Sandy was in 2012. And, the Texas refused to help.
9
G-d bless you, Ray.
3
Hurricane Sandy was in 2012 - 5 years ago.
1
The pictures look like a third world nation, unprepared, resource-starved, calls for "donations", a need for billions in emergency funds even though Congress and the President are calling for massive tax cuts and Texas has no state income tax.
The degree of damage is directly related to poor land use planning, and under-investment in infrastructure, science, disater preparedness.
Instead, we see pictures that look like Haiti or Bangladesh, a poor country with no ability to plan or think.
The pictures show the costs and idiocy of Republican trashing of science, planning, public funding of infrastructure. This is what climate change denial and massive under-funding of basic social needs looks like.
The degree of damage is directly related to poor land use planning, and under-investment in infrastructure, science, disater preparedness.
Instead, we see pictures that look like Haiti or Bangladesh, a poor country with no ability to plan or think.
The pictures show the costs and idiocy of Republican trashing of science, planning, public funding of infrastructure. This is what climate change denial and massive under-funding of basic social needs looks like.
10
How could so much water come up from the gulf to be dumped on Texas? This is unpresidented. Hope to see trump in hip waders passing out hot food to the victims!
1
For decades, the anti-government forces of the right have railed against people concerned about the impact on the environment of overbuilding in localized areas, of cutting down trees, of ignoring the need for green spaces, and of laying concrete and asphalt over too much of our coastal areas. Well, the chickens have come home to roost.
I'm proud to be labeled a "tree-hugger" by these foes of rational discourse about what we are doing to our land.
It isn't just the rain that has caused this crisis in the Houston area, it's also the utter disregard for sensible urban planning, the failure to build extensive sewer and water conduit systems, and the disrespect for trees and grass as helpful barriers to flooding.
Another part of the problem is the lack of compassion and arrogance by Senators Corbyn and Cruz of Texas when others needed help. They are too hidebound, too set in their ways, too anti-environment to ever be part of the solution.
The crisis in Houston is not an isolated incident. It is the future of coastal America. We need visionary politicians, not the Old Guard with their constant negativity and hostility to environmental reality.
I'm proud to be labeled a "tree-hugger" by these foes of rational discourse about what we are doing to our land.
It isn't just the rain that has caused this crisis in the Houston area, it's also the utter disregard for sensible urban planning, the failure to build extensive sewer and water conduit systems, and the disrespect for trees and grass as helpful barriers to flooding.
Another part of the problem is the lack of compassion and arrogance by Senators Corbyn and Cruz of Texas when others needed help. They are too hidebound, too set in their ways, too anti-environment to ever be part of the solution.
The crisis in Houston is not an isolated incident. It is the future of coastal America. We need visionary politicians, not the Old Guard with their constant negativity and hostility to environmental reality.
113
Those saying this has to do with global warming have no historical perspective. Severe hurricanes have been common in this part of the world since the beginning of time.
My mother was born during the most severe hurricane of the the 1926 season. The midwife was sloshing around in waist deep water while my grandmother was praying that she would finish pushing the baby out before the water reached the top of her high bed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Atlantic_hurricane_season
My mother was born during the most severe hurricane of the the 1926 season. The midwife was sloshing around in waist deep water while my grandmother was praying that she would finish pushing the baby out before the water reached the top of her high bed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Atlantic_hurricane_season
2
yes they do.
Please don't blame the residents of TX suffering in this terrible natural disaster. Their Republican senators and representatives can now see the follies of their selfish votes during the last nine years and counting. Most of the people flooded out in Houston are not political but hard working and diligent. Texas has many, many Democrats who have fought to unseat these Republicans and now need the encouragement of all of us to survive this latest disaster. No matter what our politics, we should be one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all in times of natural disaster. And keep God out of this. He's done enough already to divide us.
52
"The Republican senators and representatives can now see the follies of their selfish votes during the last nine years and counting."
Really? Can they?
Where is the proof of that?
My bet is that they don't, and they will not, because it wasn't about a government philosophy or ideology to begin with; it was about class warfare from the rich clients and donors of the Greedy Old Party against everyone else.
Really? Can they?
Where is the proof of that?
My bet is that they don't, and they will not, because it wasn't about a government philosophy or ideology to begin with; it was about class warfare from the rich clients and donors of the Greedy Old Party against everyone else.
3
Phyllis Melone: "Their Republican senators and representatives can now see the follies of their selfish votes during the last nine years and counting."
Really? How many of them have said so?
Really? How many of them have said so?
1
Texans did elect their leaders. The natural disaster that is President of the United States Donald John Trump is not God's fault any more than is Hurricane Harvey.
We should be a lot of things but "one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all..." has proven to be an enduring elusive goal primarily divided by color aka "race".
We should be a lot of things but "one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all..." has proven to be an enduring elusive goal primarily divided by color aka "race".
1
There will be time for recriminations. Now is the time for compassion. Stop carping and send help.
6
I feel for Texans on the coast. However, do they have a plan to try and prevent some of this in the future? Will they remove some of the pavement and stop the endless development that deprives the area of the soil that will absorb the excess water? Or will their legislators listen to the oil companies and others and continue to develop the area?
I also hope that, in contrast to what Congress did to New York after Sandy, this Congress acts with a bit more alacrity. There is no reason for any citizen in this country to have to live in abject misery long after a storm is past.
I also hope that, in contrast to what Congress did to New York after Sandy, this Congress acts with a bit more alacrity. There is no reason for any citizen in this country to have to live in abject misery long after a storm is past.
3
Houston is a blue city in a red state.
In order to plan for the future, they would have to actually pay for those plans. In other words, raise their own taxes and then actually do something.
Instead, they expect somebody else to pay for it, which is a typical liberal response!
In order to plan for the future, they would have to actually pay for those plans. In other words, raise their own taxes and then actually do something.
Instead, they expect somebody else to pay for it, which is a typical liberal response!
The only "lessons" from Houston include, first, that this IS the level of flooding that lowland coastal areas areas face. The old 50, 100- and 500 year storm models are obsolete.
In any urban area which takes a hit, the outlook is dismal and costly.
Texas is notable for it's antipathy towards ANY environmental assessments and regulations: some differences in approach would probably have lessened the impact of this storm. That is aggravating.
But in all coastal areas, the country should consider the newer models of storm probabilities and damage, and how we will deal with this real threat to national security. Or will we ignore it and hope that lightning ( major hurricanes, massive floods) won't strike twice ( or in Houston, a fourth time).
What would a workable plan for evacuating 6 million people require? Routes, shelters, roadway assistance and emergency supply plans have to be in place, and publicized widely.
And we have to decide where to build, and how to protect vulnerable areas where we allow critical infrastructure or other buildings to stand.
In any urban area which takes a hit, the outlook is dismal and costly.
Texas is notable for it's antipathy towards ANY environmental assessments and regulations: some differences in approach would probably have lessened the impact of this storm. That is aggravating.
But in all coastal areas, the country should consider the newer models of storm probabilities and damage, and how we will deal with this real threat to national security. Or will we ignore it and hope that lightning ( major hurricanes, massive floods) won't strike twice ( or in Houston, a fourth time).
What would a workable plan for evacuating 6 million people require? Routes, shelters, roadway assistance and emergency supply plans have to be in place, and publicized widely.
And we have to decide where to build, and how to protect vulnerable areas where we allow critical infrastructure or other buildings to stand.
8
Elliot of New York:
You want to "address this catastrophe." Too late! Let's "address" the next one before it arrives by actually DOING something to prevent it. Build up environmental barriers, conserve energy, invest more in renewables, invest less in extraction from the environment. When Republicans get on board with closing the barn door instead of wringing their hands after the horse escapes, then maybe you will see less (JUSTIFIED) resentment mixed in with the giving of assistance. I fully support giving assistance, by the way-but I would like Republicans to recognize Harvey as a climate change wake-up call. You cannot endlessly devastate the environment without consequences.
You want to "address this catastrophe." Too late! Let's "address" the next one before it arrives by actually DOING something to prevent it. Build up environmental barriers, conserve energy, invest more in renewables, invest less in extraction from the environment. When Republicans get on board with closing the barn door instead of wringing their hands after the horse escapes, then maybe you will see less (JUSTIFIED) resentment mixed in with the giving of assistance. I fully support giving assistance, by the way-but I would like Republicans to recognize Harvey as a climate change wake-up call. You cannot endlessly devastate the environment without consequences.
27
and you're delusional if you think we can even put a dent in what is inevitable. Even a complete halt of all US carbon emissions right now wouldnt do anything to stop the expansion and increased use of energy the world over. Humanity is a plague to the earth, period, and it will only get worse as populations expand. This infantile and pathetic scapegoating of Republicans is hilarious. We will have to adapt and evolve. One day we may find a harmony, but the kind of fantasy land change you think is possible just isnt, and thats not even considering the millions of people who would suffer, starve, freeze to death, and die if carbon based energies were stripped from them. There are no catch all solutions in the world, only trade-offs, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or any idealogue.
Texas, the red state that wanted to be their own country will now need all the help they can get from money provided by blue states. I wish them a quick recovery.
22
Can we cherry pick which people in Texas we put-upon average josephine taxpayers are called upon to bail out from yet another monster storm that we were told years ago by NOAA researchers would be happening regularly and devastatingly as climate change continues to accelerate, just like Texans cherry pick which parts of the Constitution and laws of the land they wish to obey?
3
This could happen anywhere. your town might be next. Philadelphia is flanked by 2 rivers. i have friends in Rockaway who are still displaced post Hurricane Sandy.. Our fellow citizens don't beg for help. Texans in flood zone could die. Some volunteers are illegal and risk arrest to save lives.
please put your politics aside today and donate what you can afford to the rRed Cross Hurricane Harvey relief.
please put your politics aside today and donate what you can afford to the rRed Cross Hurricane Harvey relief.
11
When I see a big fat personal check coming from Donald J. Trump to the Red Cross relief fund (and cashed without bouncing) maybe I'll consider coughing up my grocery money and not eat next week. Otherwise, nope.
2
Janet, you could call your Senator or Congressional and urge them to expedite relief.
1
The vivid accounts of strangers helping each other shows the best side of Democracy: when we cut out the elites and work together to solve our problems. However, as a teacher, I am already fearing the inevitable slide toward school privatization (and other public service privatization) that will inevitably occur in the aftermath of large scale disasters, just like New Orleans after Katrina. Disasters give us a chance to remake our society to be more equitable, but far too often will let the grifters come in and profit then leave.
13
The charter schools in New Orleans have vastly improved the lives of the students there.
The grifters will get federal money and have a party while people will suffer, including Trump and Melania and their Texan photo ops. Will Melania wear a designer dress to hand out food? The real heroes are the volunteers, the police, the National Guard, and even Fake News TV helping to rescue people- Thank you!
1
We should be United in saying "Never Again bec We Will,From Now on Reverse Global Warming,bec we Can and Must do it
6
The citizen volunteer effort in TX has been spectacular and a sharp contrast from Katrina.
Texans are a class act.
Texans are a class act.
16
A class act? Maybe with the caveat that Texas has exported the most virulent scourge of politicians on our national political scene, Bush evolves to Perry, evolves to Ted Cruz. What's next? If they had it their way all federal agencies that deal with national emergencies and climate change analysis (EPA, DOE, FEMA) would be gutted.
To me it's a state without a collective conscience, all acts of personal bravery aside. The business community there is arrogant, short-sighted and hostile to national interests and the betterment of our citizenry.
To me it's a state without a collective conscience, all acts of personal bravery aside. The business community there is arrogant, short-sighted and hostile to national interests and the betterment of our citizenry.
5
Katrina had tons of citizen volunteers and people helping others.
And at least some of the reports of negative behaviors were exaggerations and lies, others were entirely different - such as the police officers sentenced for murdering people for attempting to flee the flooding into their area.
And at least some of the reports of negative behaviors were exaggerations and lies, others were entirely different - such as the police officers sentenced for murdering people for attempting to flee the flooding into their area.
of course NY should help them:
but let's not forget TEXAS VOTED AGAINST AID FOR Hurricane Sandy.
and Houston keeps building on flood plains without appropriate building regulation.
Texas lawmakers are extreme hypocrites
but let's not forget TEXAS VOTED AGAINST AID FOR Hurricane Sandy.
and Houston keeps building on flood plains without appropriate building regulation.
Texas lawmakers are extreme hypocrites
33
I think Every Texan that voted to re-elect any of the snakes that voted NO to Sandy aid should Refuse All Aid now .
It's a matter of honor . . .
Let's see what they Actually do !
It's a matter of honor . . .
Let's see what they Actually do !
3
How does one get any region as flat as this one to drain deluges like this?
9
This article begins to answer your quhttps://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/08/why-cities-flood/..., which is a reasonable one.
2
There's plenty of money in the U.S. to pay for protecting coastal cities from violent weather events. The only problem is that it was all given to military-industrial-political complex to pay for the Bush Administration's dreams of conquering the world, beginning with the oil fields of the Middle East. Obama, and now Trump -- with his decision to escalate the American invasion of Afghanistan -- continued in this legacy.
So when everyone starts arguing about how man *Billions* of dollars might be spent to help Houstonians, remember that *Trillions* of dollars were wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan because the nation chose war instead of prudence after 9/11.
After 9/11, Republican leaders in the Bush administration, in a comprehensive and steadfast campaign, with their misdirections and outright lies, inflamed the public with the thrush of vengeance, all in accordance with the principles of "PNAC: Project for a New American Century," whose stated goal was military domination of the world as the primary means by which international disputes should be resolved.
The obvious result is this: if you spent all your money making war outside your house, there's none left to spend on the house itself. Goodbye New Orleans. Goodbye Houston. Hello to the Crusades of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The money to rebuild New Orleans and Houston was all burned in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So when everyone starts arguing about how man *Billions* of dollars might be spent to help Houstonians, remember that *Trillions* of dollars were wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan because the nation chose war instead of prudence after 9/11.
After 9/11, Republican leaders in the Bush administration, in a comprehensive and steadfast campaign, with their misdirections and outright lies, inflamed the public with the thrush of vengeance, all in accordance with the principles of "PNAC: Project for a New American Century," whose stated goal was military domination of the world as the primary means by which international disputes should be resolved.
The obvious result is this: if you spent all your money making war outside your house, there's none left to spend on the house itself. Goodbye New Orleans. Goodbye Houston. Hello to the Crusades of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The money to rebuild New Orleans and Houston was all burned in Iraq and Afghanistan.
17
This comments are disgusting. Can we just put aside politics for once? Please!
9
If we had a functioning polity, those old ladies would not be sitting waist deep in water in an elder care center. That is disgusting to me, and there's a solution to that, and it's political. So no, we cannot put them aside, and politics matter in discussing the response to this storm.
2
Not with these people. They are so infatuated with their 'global warming' agenda that they seem to think we Texans all deserve to die, or at least suffer greatly. What about the 1900 hurricane, or hurricane Camille? Was that 'global warming'? Sorry, but most of the posters here are blind fools with an agenda.
2
In the end , New Yorkers will be kinder because they are Better than the Texas vipers who voted to deny them aid .
But being Refused disaster aid is Beyond politics .
Why do some people seem incapable of grasping that ?
But being Refused disaster aid is Beyond politics .
Why do some people seem incapable of grasping that ?
1
Keep the gloating and hateful comments coming if you want to expose the hypocrisy of the Party of Compassion. Who needs Fox News?
9
Alas , Texans voted to re-elect soulless men to congress who voted to Deny Sandy victims aid so the usual consequences happen .
Were you expecting a warm & fuzzy response to the vipers ?
Were you expecting a warm & fuzzy response to the vipers ?
2
To all those who suffered from Sandy and are rightfully resentful of the Texas delegation and other Republicans (e.g., Paul Ryan now Speaker of the House) who stupidly and heartlessly voted against relief for Sandy victims, as a Texan, I do not blame you at all for feeling angry and vengeful. It will certainly be interesting to hear what the hypocritical Ted Cruz has to say as he twists himself into a pretzel trying to post-haste better explain why Texas should receive funding while he argued against the same for the Sandy victims.
But please consider, you are better than than these so-called "representatives". You understand that the untold human suffering is just beginning for so many people in Houston and surrounding area as they struggle not only to right their lives but also be faced with maze of bureaucracy specifically set to bury them in red tape.
And anyway, Donald Trump is coming to town. Which means some will have to start boiling their water sooner rather than later
But please consider, you are better than than these so-called "representatives". You understand that the untold human suffering is just beginning for so many people in Houston and surrounding area as they struggle not only to right their lives but also be faced with maze of bureaucracy specifically set to bury them in red tape.
And anyway, Donald Trump is coming to town. Which means some will have to start boiling their water sooner rather than later
23
Fortunately New Yorkers have a much better moral fiber & in the end ,
will help the Texas people . . . BUT
I would suggest that those Texas people face-up to their Failure
in choosing congressional representatives and call said vipers on the carpet .
will help the Texas people . . . BUT
I would suggest that those Texas people face-up to their Failure
in choosing congressional representatives and call said vipers on the carpet .
Kathleen,
Get off your high horse. Stating that New Yorkers have much better moral fiber than Texans, or anyone else, is absurd. What does it even mean? I am sure you can find people who have countless stories about mean New Yorkers or nice New Yorkers. Same with people in Texas. And I am sure there are plenty who can find corrupt and despicable politicians from NY just like in Texas.
Give it a rest.
Get off your high horse. Stating that New Yorkers have much better moral fiber than Texans, or anyone else, is absurd. What does it even mean? I am sure you can find people who have countless stories about mean New Yorkers or nice New Yorkers. Same with people in Texas. And I am sure there are plenty who can find corrupt and despicable politicians from NY just like in Texas.
Give it a rest.
From a recent NYT story: Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's wife, Louise Linton, recently boasted on Instagram of all the expensive clothing and accessories she was wearing, estimated from head to toe at $13,000: "The high-end fashions Linton called out in her post carry hefty price tags, with Hermes scarves retailing from $300 to more than $2,300." Louise, if you're listening, here's what you can do: kick in the scarf for disaster relief. You've probably got another.
10
NYT: `Harvey Gives Trump a Chance to Reclaim Power to Unify'
You're kidding, right?
You're kidding, right?
19
FEMA may help Texans but dumpy will take All the credit . . .
Spot light hogging rarely results in 'Unity' .
Spot light hogging rarely results in 'Unity' .
Rick Perry discusses Texas secession BEFORE Hurricane Harvey:
"If Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."
Rick Perry discusses Texas secession AFTER Hurricane Harvey:
"Oops."
"If Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."
Rick Perry discusses Texas secession AFTER Hurricane Harvey:
"Oops."
12
Time to get rid of Perry, Cruz, Cornyn. How much pork do they plan to put in their bills for Texas? Let Louise Linton and Melania donate the resale of 1 day's wardrobe to Texas? One week's clothing wardrobe could give all the people in shelters now a pair os socks and underwear and please do it without a photo op. What designer wear is Melania going to wear to Texas while people go shoeless?
1
So, if our military budget is $600 BILLION dollars a year, how come we are relying on volunteers and the National Guard to rescue these people?
Why isn't there a RR force stationed in the Gulf every hurricane season ready for instant deployment? Where are the LCMs? Where's the Transport Brigade? Where are the Rapid Deployment Forces, helicopters flying off carriers?
Is the military actually fit for purpose, or can it only respond if an 'enemy' makes an appointment several months in advance? So it can get its forces in place. (In the words of Our Beloved Leader): Sad.
[Maybe, just maybe, most of that 600 Billion is spent on boondoggles spent enriching Washington cronies rather than building readiness. Maybe that's why the 7th Fleet is being run ragged. Just a thought.]
Why isn't there a RR force stationed in the Gulf every hurricane season ready for instant deployment? Where are the LCMs? Where's the Transport Brigade? Where are the Rapid Deployment Forces, helicopters flying off carriers?
Is the military actually fit for purpose, or can it only respond if an 'enemy' makes an appointment several months in advance? So it can get its forces in place. (In the words of Our Beloved Leader): Sad.
[Maybe, just maybe, most of that 600 Billion is spent on boondoggles spent enriching Washington cronies rather than building readiness. Maybe that's why the 7th Fleet is being run ragged. Just a thought.]
12
People are still being rescued from their roof tops and there will be suffering and hardship for a lot of Houston residents for a long time to come. The commenters who see this as an opportunity to voice their thoughts about political payback reinforce for me the emerging malice of our times. Add to that, the stupidity of a president who plans to add disruption to the scene by making a self-serving appearance is beyond the pale. Houston was never my favority city and Texas politics have oftened appalled me, but now is the time for a little solidarity.
63
I just plain disagree. These are moments when the truth is so plain to see, the class divisions, the corruption, the failing infrastructure and disaster planning -- the racism even. We can celebrate the individual heroes and at the same time attack the phony-baloney rhetoric of the trickle-down Republican party.
Cubans are better prepared for hurricanes than Texans: https://www.american.edu/clals/upload/CIP-Disaster-Relief-Management.pdf
Cubans are better prepared for hurricanes than Texans: https://www.american.edu/clals/upload/CIP-Disaster-Relief-Management.pdf
3
Actually, President Trump has said from the start he would not go to Texas until it was clear he would not be causing disruption. He has also mobilized the government and FEMA to do everything they can to help the people of Houston, who, by the way, vote Democratic.
3
As I write this, it's still raining heavily in Houston and surrounding areas. Nothing, especially by politicians, should do anything to distract or disrupt attention where it's needed. President Trump is visiting now, right in the middle of an event that is still unfolding. Mobilizing FEMA is routine for disasters like this and just not justify a visit while the catastrophe is in full swing. It's bad timing and poor judgment. President George W Bush flew over the aftermath of Katrina but didn't set down. President Obama waited until Sandy had gone before he visited. That is the decent thing to do.
Speaking from experience (the Northridge Earthquake of 1994?) the rich will get richer off government largess. If you've got a mortgage on a home with $100,000 worth of damage where are you going to get the money for the repairs? You might get a government loan, if you qualify. And that is a big "IF".
7
Of course it's unity we all desire. But pictures of desperation warrant questions. Katrina was an omen of catastrophe to come. What was learned about potential evacuation ahead of time? What about draining conditions? If you do shoddy job, and it affects millions of lives, blame inevitable.
5
Right. All of those calling to "stop politicizing" and "show compassion" forget that without accountability, there is no progress.
1
As someone who was impacted by Hurricane Sandy, my evil twin must admit to just a smidgeon of schadenfreude at the sight of Texas Republicans who voted repeatedly against aid for victims of that storm now scrambling to claim Federal disaster benefits for south Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. ET wants to tell Ted Cruz and the rest of those climate change denying cretins to jump in a lake.
Fortunately, my better angel says that these are human beings, Americans who are suffering and we must support any and all efforts to help them. My better angel wins this argument hands down.
Coordinated disaster relief is one of the reasons we have a government and as much as I'd like to see the Trump administration fall flat on its face, I do not want to see that happen at the expense of hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens.
So here are my hopes and prayers for the hurricane victims. It's going to be a long hard struggle to get back to normal--and some advice. Keep a close watch on your politicians, when there's money to had it sort of tends to disappear into well-connected pockets.
Oh yeah and Ted Cruz and the rest of the Texas Republican delegation can still jump in a lake--or better an alligator infested, sewage contaminated swamp with dead dogs, cats and rats floating around it, a swamp which used to be a Houston schoolyard.
Fortunately, my better angel says that these are human beings, Americans who are suffering and we must support any and all efforts to help them. My better angel wins this argument hands down.
Coordinated disaster relief is one of the reasons we have a government and as much as I'd like to see the Trump administration fall flat on its face, I do not want to see that happen at the expense of hundreds of thousands of my fellow citizens.
So here are my hopes and prayers for the hurricane victims. It's going to be a long hard struggle to get back to normal--and some advice. Keep a close watch on your politicians, when there's money to had it sort of tends to disappear into well-connected pockets.
Oh yeah and Ted Cruz and the rest of the Texas Republican delegation can still jump in a lake--or better an alligator infested, sewage contaminated swamp with dead dogs, cats and rats floating around it, a swamp which used to be a Houston schoolyard.
140
You forgot the floating fire ants.
1
This is a great comment. My evil twin also has been tempted by the same schadenfreude until I remembered the words of our former First Lady who said "When they go low, we go high." This current natural disaster is an opportunity for all U.S. legislators to demonstrate what it means to be true patriots and to care for all people in this country, shaming Cruz and Cornyn for their heartless votes against relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
1
Feel free to continue patting yourself on the back for being a "good person" but the reason the Sandy Bill was voted against was due to the massive amount of pork stuffed in by Christie and other NY/NJ politicians. Hopefully the Texas bill won't have the same amount of politicians attempting to take advantage of the aid but time will tell. Houston has faced countless storms and floods like this before and will bounce back stronger than ever.
So many brave men and women to the rescue, but residents and officials still won't face the fact that with major climate change we now have our own Bangladesh on the Gulf coastal plain.
10
Let this forever put an end to inanities like shutting down the government or failing to raise the debt limit. We have enough crises without manufacturing more for political gain. The last thing America needs is another self inflicted wound.
14
I too am saddened by the snarky comments here. Say what you will, but note that the vast majority of those volunteers coming to the rescue, taking off of work and risking their own safety, are conservatives. As studies show true with charitable giving, those who lean left politically are more than happy to help people *through* the government, while conservatives are more than happy to use *their own money* and *their own time* to help others.
7
In epic disasters like this, pop-up "charities" that take the money and run germinate like flowers when it rains in the desert. I'd rather pay taxes than support such opportunists.
2
Hogwash. "Conservatives" give more money to self-serving entities like churches and political organizations, not to social services or relief groups without an agenda.
6
Oh, really? The volunteers are "conservatives"? Well, who knew? Care to let us in on your source of knowledge?
6
NYT readers should read the flood history at the Houston Chronicle dated last spring; whats is happening is nothing new and has happened over and over again because Houston was built on a swamp,Trees where cut , land was drained and canals dug with the hope that would be good enough. The city will always flood and has always flooded.
Why people decided to build a city on a swamp is a puzzle. The reason the State capital is in Austin is because of the regular flooding of Houston . However since the planet is warming up there are now worse floods ; the last few decades has seen an increase in rainfall. Unfortunately Houston doesn't have the money to build more canals.
Human folly again.
The Chronicle has interesting pictures of the 1935 flood that destroyed downtown Houston.
Why people decided to build a city on a swamp is a puzzle. The reason the State capital is in Austin is because of the regular flooding of Houston . However since the planet is warming up there are now worse floods ; the last few decades has seen an increase in rainfall. Unfortunately Houston doesn't have the money to build more canals.
Human folly again.
The Chronicle has interesting pictures of the 1935 flood that destroyed downtown Houston.
9
Petroleum production has also caused the land to subside.
Texas will need federal assistance on a massive scale, now and for a long time to come. Prayers aren't gonna cut it.
10
Much of what is written in some comments is simply not true. The disaster will not affect the entire nation, just as 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina did not affect the entire nation. The only things regarding 9/11 that affected the U.S. was a new approach to airport security and a pointless war that continues to this day. Katrina affected no one outside of Louisiana.
Only 1/3 of oil and gas production is located in Texas. The only reason fuel prices would rise precipitously is because of greed. Trump needs to issue a warning about that, which, of course, is doubtful.
At most, only 15% of the homes in the Houston region have been flooded. Only 450,000 people out of a population of 6.6-million will be seriously affected after the water recedes. There will be minimal effect on the rest of the country.
I agree with others that there is a political lesson to be learned here, especially because the right wing has decided to make EVERYTHING in America political – waging a media and social war against the environment. Trump was against more money for FEMA.
The lesson for Texas Senators Cruz and Corbyn, who voted against Hurricane Sandy aid, is that no natural disaster should be politicized. This is unAmerican, not people posting here in the Comments section.
Houston's tragedy is sad, but it is not a national tragedy. The lesson the region needs to learn is to stop paving over flood plains. Houston should never have been allowed to expand without intense environment oversight.
Only 1/3 of oil and gas production is located in Texas. The only reason fuel prices would rise precipitously is because of greed. Trump needs to issue a warning about that, which, of course, is doubtful.
At most, only 15% of the homes in the Houston region have been flooded. Only 450,000 people out of a population of 6.6-million will be seriously affected after the water recedes. There will be minimal effect on the rest of the country.
I agree with others that there is a political lesson to be learned here, especially because the right wing has decided to make EVERYTHING in America political – waging a media and social war against the environment. Trump was against more money for FEMA.
The lesson for Texas Senators Cruz and Corbyn, who voted against Hurricane Sandy aid, is that no natural disaster should be politicized. This is unAmerican, not people posting here in the Comments section.
Houston's tragedy is sad, but it is not a national tragedy. The lesson the region needs to learn is to stop paving over flood plains. Houston should never have been allowed to expand without intense environment oversight.
8
I hop I hope readers here understand that many of the inflammatory comments are from trolls trying to stir up hatred and division. Yes, the trolls that spent so much time destroying reasonable discourse in conservative forums are now targeting the NYT and Washington Post.
Don't fall for it. Yes, the behavior of republican congressman during Sandy was despicable. But we are better than that. Let's show Texas that nothing will destroy our commitment to the great nation. Nothing.
Don't fall for it. Yes, the behavior of republican congressman during Sandy was despicable. But we are better than that. Let's show Texas that nothing will destroy our commitment to the great nation. Nothing.
11
Well said. Two wrongs have never made a right.
2
Been a daily reader of NYT since 1961 and last year or so have felt let down by the product. Slow to respond to breaking news, missed stories, campaign '16 botched job, etc. So this old journalist is pleased to see the Times cover such a huge story in a way that's bigger and better than WPost - for a change. Keep it up!
4
Time to permanently get out of Houston, Folks.
And check out the Politico.com article on the history of paving over the wetlands and the flood insurance scandal...
What else is new?
Where is the NY Times comprehensive article on this?
And check out the Politico.com article on the history of paving over the wetlands and the flood insurance scandal...
What else is new?
Where is the NY Times comprehensive article on this?
3
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"
Ronald Regan, 40th President
So, there Is a political view that would say, government is the problem. We are all cowboys, each looking out for oneself (only). You are ruined, it's your problem.
Houston, and many Texans, are going to require much more than frontier-style, good-neighbor volunteerism. Yes, there is a role for government, and for receiving when in need...from the government, financed by everyone's taxes.
Ronald Regan, 40th President
So, there Is a political view that would say, government is the problem. We are all cowboys, each looking out for oneself (only). You are ruined, it's your problem.
Houston, and many Texans, are going to require much more than frontier-style, good-neighbor volunteerism. Yes, there is a role for government, and for receiving when in need...from the government, financed by everyone's taxes.
68
Hmm, sounds like a redistribution of wealth.
Surprised Texas would accept such a thing!
Surprised Texas would accept such a thing!
2
"From each according to his ability. To each according to his need" is the socialist mantra.
2
I've lived in Houston and the Houston area since 1998. Although Harvey is a natural disaster, the extent of the flooding is man-made. It is a result of decades of greed that has prevented adequate measures to address flooding, along with denying science. You can read about it here: https://projects.propublica.org/houston-cypress/
10
It was very disturbing to read the article you provided, but it does provide incredibly important background to what is happening. Thank you.
Former Governor Rick Perry of Texas came to California to pilfer our businesses; and Texas conservatives have long denigrated the liberal, kale eating, tree hugging, coastal elites. The government they want is small. So Texans might see a small response to an immense, global warming caused deluge. Will the good lord provide? Those V8 trucks don't run too well under water.
California needs to spend a lot of money installing and raising our seawalls to prevent the rising Pacific from inundating the coastal cities, so state taxes will be high. Texas touts it's low income tax rate as an attraction to relocate coastal states' businesses. So The U.S. and Texas are asking for donations to deal with this.....are they kidding?
I wouldn't mind giving a donation, as long as the Texas government, operating on a shoestring, denying children a proper education, demands that it's wealthy citizens anty up first.
California needs to spend a lot of money installing and raising our seawalls to prevent the rising Pacific from inundating the coastal cities, so state taxes will be high. Texas touts it's low income tax rate as an attraction to relocate coastal states' businesses. So The U.S. and Texas are asking for donations to deal with this.....are they kidding?
I wouldn't mind giving a donation, as long as the Texas government, operating on a shoestring, denying children a proper education, demands that it's wealthy citizens anty up first.
7
I am native Texan and I'm a bit tired of hearing about how anti climate and fake news believer Texans are somehow deserving of this. Texas is a bluish purple state painted red in disguise. Half the population is Hispanic. None of the urban centers of of Texas voted for trump . Texas leads in wind and solar energy . The politics do not represent the populace much like North Carolina. If trump and Cruz do not treat Texas appropriately they will lose 37 electoral votes and will lose all power . Texas in many ways is the state in the union that has the most sway in the next presidential election. And don't forget all the great Texans . Anne Richards Molly Ivan's jim Hightower to name a few . Texas is a very misunderstood and contradictory place. But it may be are last best hope. Bless you Texas !
104
If you live by carbon, you die by carbon.
1
Do you drive a car dAVID? Live in a house with electricity and heating? What do you heat with in the winter, oil, gas? Yeah, live by carbon, die by carbon, but I guess there's no fixing stupid.
2
Quanah Parker... Barbara Jordan...Lyndon Johnson....T-Bone Walker... Johnnie Copeland
Bless some Texans and some Texas!
Curse some Texans and some Texas!
Bless some Texans and some Texas!
Curse some Texans and some Texas!
1
We in the Northeast will certainly be more generous and compassionate towards our fellow countryman in Texas than many of their congressional represenatives - especially Ted Cruz - were to us during Sandy. Our hearts, prayers, tax-dollars and donations are with them.
4
Inspiring and heartening to see Americans helping fellow Americans who are in great peril. This is, clearly, what makes America great.
Now is the time to seriously address climate change. The deniers should think again. More devastation awaits our fragile planet unless climate change is understood, taken seriously and concrete, substantive actions are taken.
The leaders in the states and countries around the world that are taking constructive action, despite Trump's rejection of the Paris Climate Accord, are to be commended and encouraged. The environment is the one existential threat to all people. We are poisoning our oceans and our air. Time is of the essence. Let us move forward. Let us do the right thing for all people and all nations.
Now is the time to seriously address climate change. The deniers should think again. More devastation awaits our fragile planet unless climate change is understood, taken seriously and concrete, substantive actions are taken.
The leaders in the states and countries around the world that are taking constructive action, despite Trump's rejection of the Paris Climate Accord, are to be commended and encouraged. The environment is the one existential threat to all people. We are poisoning our oceans and our air. Time is of the essence. Let us move forward. Let us do the right thing for all people and all nations.
1
Republicans must publicly state that they continue to oppose taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change, including conservation, clean/renewable energy, and improved mass transit, despite the fact that climate change will bring more storms and destruction that equal or exceed that of Harvey. Or they must finally get on board and make climate change the priority that it should have been at least from 2000 on. If they say nothing, they are implicitly but actively condemning this country to suffer the harm and costs of Harvey-like storms. When will we require our representatives to honor the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? Katrina was a wake-up call, and Bush did nothing. Harvey is another wake-up call. The alarm has been ringing for many years. Please take it seriously!
2
I would like to hear a cogent argument from Republicans on why federal taxpayers should pay for relief for Texas. My Democratic party has an easy answer: government is supposed to help people. But Republicans think government should get out of the way and let the free market reign. So Republicans should be promoting the use of private companies that the people being rescued pay for themselves. That's the free market. That's government getting out of the way. How can Texas' Governor Abbott ask for anything different? The Republican approach would be to sell services to those in need, and those who can't afford it don't receive assistance. And remember that Republicans are the party of the eternal call for lower taxes. If they want lower taxes, then they shouldn't be asking for a tax-funded bail-out.
122
Honestly, I don't think the goverment should bail out homeowners who do not buy flood insurance. I do not live in a flood plain, and I had no home damage, but I always purchase flood insurance because I live in Houston and because it gives me peace of mind. I felt the same way about Hurricane Sandy. I doubt seriously if those homeowners all had flood insurance. Of course the poor are always helped because they are poor. They are already getting FEMA vouchers for hotels. They will need and receive much more, even though most do not contribute much, if anything, to our federal government. Personally I would never ask for and could never receive federal aid. I am fortunate not to need it. But keep in mind that Texas sends quite a bit of money to the federal coffers. My husband and I paid $540,000. to the IRS this year. There are many very wealthy people in Houston, and Texas, who paid much, much more. Your tax dollars and mine get distributed all over the world, often in ways we may not approve of. I think most Texas taxpayers would approve of a portion of their tax monies being distributed to victims of a natural disaster, wherever they may be and whatever their political beliefs.
1
Your points are an excellent retort to all the absolutist free-marketers who think the government has no role (except maybe for the military).
Many Texas politicians have:
(a) voted against storm relief for other areas of the country;
(b) favored cuts to FEMA and similar agencies; and/or
(c) slashed social services programs that would have helped many Texas residents.
What does this mean?
(1) We should never punish Texans for their leaders/representatives' hypocrisy and shortsightedness. They should get all required assistance, even if they voted for/supported said politicians. They are human beings and human beings help each other. Kicking someone while they're down is never the proper strategy.
(2) But, once this crisis has abated we should absolutely punish (via the ballot box), etc. Texas' politicians whose actions have made a horrible situation even worse.
(a) voted against storm relief for other areas of the country;
(b) favored cuts to FEMA and similar agencies; and/or
(c) slashed social services programs that would have helped many Texas residents.
What does this mean?
(1) We should never punish Texans for their leaders/representatives' hypocrisy and shortsightedness. They should get all required assistance, even if they voted for/supported said politicians. They are human beings and human beings help each other. Kicking someone while they're down is never the proper strategy.
(2) But, once this crisis has abated we should absolutely punish (via the ballot box), etc. Texas' politicians whose actions have made a horrible situation even worse.
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THANK YOU! And, more importantly, let´s make Politicians aware that we cannot move on as we did and believed for the last 50years that there is unlimited growth. There is not! if it would be, then over the past thousands of years, our trees would be several hundred meters tall and human beings weighing 2tons each!
And lets not forget another very important fact: the richer pple are the less they are suffering on such extreme events!
And lets not forget another very important fact: the richer pple are the less they are suffering on such extreme events!
How are "we" who have no right to vote in Texas ever going to punish politicians in that state?
When Texans elect leaders who regularly and routinely choose to punish the rest of Americans in times of need they choose state and politics over common American interests. Holding Texans to practicing the letter of their partisan socioeconomic political principles in this disaster is not kicking them while they are down. According to their macho Texas Ranger cowboy myth they are not down nor do they need any assistance.
When Texans elect leaders who regularly and routinely choose to punish the rest of Americans in times of need they choose state and politics over common American interests. Holding Texans to practicing the letter of their partisan socioeconomic political principles in this disaster is not kicking them while they are down. According to their macho Texas Ranger cowboy myth they are not down nor do they need any assistance.
1
And the only way to get constituents to vote against bad representatives is to ensure that they suffer the actual consequences of the policies they have supported. You can't insulate people from the effects of their behavior and expect their behavior to change. While I agree we should support the people of Texas and fund relief, that action means that their representatives will not be held accountable for their own irresponsibility. With a federal check in hand, and a federal trailer to shelter in, no storm victim is going to vote against Ted Cruz or the city officials that allowed developers to run amok or Trump who has pulled the US out of the Paris Climate Accord and seeks to de-fund FEMA et al. They will continue to vote against their own interests because the rest of us with continue to meet their needs regardless of their votes.
1
The exhibits of community spirit are inspiring. The absence of looting reports is heartening. This may seem like the worst of times but you are demonstrating the best of the American spirit, Houston. Stay Texas strong!
4
Only in America do people expect a massive pat on the back for doing the rock-bottom decent thing.
2
Observing difference between videos from Harvey flooding and Katrina disaster. Noteworthy is that in New Orleans the worst flooding occurred in poorer neighborhoods with substandard housing while in Houston many of the flooded neighborhoods appear to include expensive houses. As recovery efforts unfold it will be interesting to compare and contrast the response to the two disasters.
2
Govenor Greg Abbott should be commended for speaking truth to disaster relief applicants: '... don't expect recovery anytime soon'. The last thing that victims of Harvey need is dishonest politicians seeding overly-optimistic expectations of recovery timing to victims. Many victims should be considering leaving Houston for safer areas of the nation where jobs are open and available. Living in squalor precipitated by an historic flood that breeds unhealthy conditions - mould, mosquitos and other disease, is not going to be cured anytime this year and most of next year.
Victims should consider taking their qualified emergency relief funds and invest in safer areas of Texas or the U.S. where employment is good and quality of life from natural disasters is less of a concern. They may also find lower housing costs for similar residences that Houston offered pre-Harvey.
The message here is not to rely on federal assistance to bring back the life you had pre-flood: file your emergency relief application asap and 'get out of Dodge' to locate better opportunities for your family while the recovery of Houston resolves sometime in the next decade.
Victims should consider taking their qualified emergency relief funds and invest in safer areas of Texas or the U.S. where employment is good and quality of life from natural disasters is less of a concern. They may also find lower housing costs for similar residences that Houston offered pre-Harvey.
The message here is not to rely on federal assistance to bring back the life you had pre-flood: file your emergency relief application asap and 'get out of Dodge' to locate better opportunities for your family while the recovery of Houston resolves sometime in the next decade.
29
Please stop. Have you ever been to Houston? Do you know what all major companies are headquartered here or have major operations here? There are few cities in the US that can offer the jobs and opportunities that Houston can. There is a reason Houston is called the Energy Capital of the World. Houston also has one of the best and most respected medical complexes in the world. Houston is home and it will rebuild. It will happen a lot quicker than most people anticipate.
1
A flood of refugees across the Mexican border? Hope they don't run into a Wall.
1
We need to do everything we can to help the victims of flooding in Texas. And let's hope that this catastrophe begins to change the minds of climate change deniers.
4
One more time, let's hear the Republican chant: "privatize the gains, socialize the costs." At some point, all the people on whose backs wealth and privilege depend will be gone. Then the Republicans will sink into the mire they made. They will be the last to go, but they will go. The wealthy of Houston probably have wealthy friends in other cities or they have second homes they can escape to, for now. The non-wealthy, once again, are left holding the bag.
4
The snark, blame and Schadenfreude in these comments is horrifying. The gleeful posters here need to realize that this is a disaster that will affect the entire nation, its markets, its energy reserves, its infrastructure. We can move forward together and address this catastrophe, help one another and put red state/blue state division aside, or slide downhill together. One the one hand, an epic natural disaster, on the other, an opportunity for unity.
34
And an opportunity to recognize the fallacy associated with lower and lower taxes, downsizing the federal government instead of fixing what we think is wrong with it, constantly sniping at those with different approaches to solving our problems, denigrating those who are different from ourselves.
2
Elliot of New York:
It would be great if we could "move forward together," as you put it, but that would require a sane and rational approach to fighting climate change on the part of Republicans.
It would be great if we could "move forward together," as you put it, but that would require a sane and rational approach to fighting climate change on the part of Republicans.
6
Some of us think that one most important thing around which we need to come together is taking the steps necessary to stop it from happening again and again with increasing frequency in the future, i.e. deal with climate change.
2
I've searched online but can find no news about aid to flood victims coming from the vastly wealthy petroleum industry, which is largely responsible for the unfettered, poorly planned building and growth in the Houston metro area and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.
Before we innocent bystanders dip into our pockets, shouldn't they be held accountable for the cost of cleanup?
Before we innocent bystanders dip into our pockets, shouldn't they be held accountable for the cost of cleanup?
21
The time to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for the true cost of drilling, processing and burning fossil fuels passed us by long ago.
2
Obviously a monster storm will cause lots of damage regardless of how we plan. And I sincerely hope for the best. Lots of people ARE overcoming their beliefs to help people they normally wouldn't help.
However, the phony Texas economic "miracle" has long depended on:
1) Low taxes,
2) No environmental regulation,
3) A generally reactive, rather than proactive, government.
In fact, when Texas was in a drought, Rick Perry held a prayer rally...rather than working on how to prepare for droughts (very little rain fell after the rally).
And Greg Abbott has even had his advisers shadowing the U.S. military in Texas because of a perceived threat by the federal government to Texas liberty.
And what hot budget issue were Texans debating right before the deluge? Laws to bar certain people from using a particular side of the bathroom. I know, many Texans actually think God is punishing their state for not cracking down on the LBGT community.
In a lot of ways, Texas is more like Afghanistan mentally than it is like the United States of America. Texas is a place my foreign-born wife who speaks English with an accent and I have long avoided. Also Arizona.
However, the phony Texas economic "miracle" has long depended on:
1) Low taxes,
2) No environmental regulation,
3) A generally reactive, rather than proactive, government.
In fact, when Texas was in a drought, Rick Perry held a prayer rally...rather than working on how to prepare for droughts (very little rain fell after the rally).
And Greg Abbott has even had his advisers shadowing the U.S. military in Texas because of a perceived threat by the federal government to Texas liberty.
And what hot budget issue were Texans debating right before the deluge? Laws to bar certain people from using a particular side of the bathroom. I know, many Texans actually think God is punishing their state for not cracking down on the LBGT community.
In a lot of ways, Texas is more like Afghanistan mentally than it is like the United States of America. Texas is a place my foreign-born wife who speaks English with an accent and I have long avoided. Also Arizona.
81
Google, "Texans that voted against hurricane aid for Sandy."
2
You seem to know a lot about every single Texan and every aspect of the entire state. Also an expert on Afghanistan! Impressive. From your comments I seriously doubt that you are hoping for the best for Texas. Not that it matters.
3
And yet Texas has way more foreign-born residents than your state of New Mexico, and from all parts of the world, not just Mexico. I'd suggest you learn to not think in such a narrow-minded way.
1
Years of Recovery. . . Actually sounds optimistic in terms of the potential. Perhaps the world needs to stop feeling so sorry for itself all the time. If the US really want to lead the world, we should start here at home. Then at least if our experiments blow up, we don't take everyone else with us. Sorry, don't mean to sound pessimistic, but facts are facts.
5
It is terrible, many small mom and pop places will never come back and all the equity in those businesses will be lost. I don't know what the answer is, but it ain't Trump, that's for sure.
3
I think people are forgetting that many can't leave, don't have the money, the economic security to have an evacuation plan and a place to go to. Many who live and work in Texas, especially in the Houston area, are low level wage earners who work pay check to pay check, yet the conservative voices, and the wealthy people in the state, many who live in Houston do to its oil based wealth, have never understood that part of our job as human beings is to help others, to develop a social consciousness and to put aside our pettiness in times of need. I am a liberal living in a red state, but I have grown up in this state and the people of Houston need help, not chastising for being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other words, some of the responses to the article are mean spirited. Stop it. Be nice.
136
Maybe Al Gore was right after all.
18
The population of Houston is 2.3 million. Hopefully not all of it is affected to a horrific degree. But certainly we shall find more persons who "did not make it."
Very sad indeed. What will this cost the US government and all of us in taxes?
What do we do to correct this problem? If storms like this keep up we will go bankrupt. No one will be able to get insurance in flood prone areas and real estate values will plummet.
Hopefully this tragedy will cause some thinking about climate change. But I doubt it. People mumble about how difficult it is to link this kind of unusual storm to climate change. But notice how one has to use the word "unusual." Isn't that a very big clue? People need education in science and statistics but perhaps too late for that or impossible. Americans are consumers looking for their daily high.
From Vox: — "........especially when high-profile people, like the president of the United States, confuse the issue by calling Harvey “a once in 500 year flood.”
"In theory, a 500-year flood is something that has a 1-in-500 shot of happening in any given year — in other words, the sort of event that’s so rare that it might not make sense to plan around the possibility of it happening. The problem is that 500-year floods are happening more often than probability predicts — especially in Houston. And, especially in Houston, prevention planning hasn’t evolved to acknowledge that a “500-year” flood isn’t really a 1-in-500 chance anymore."
Very sad indeed. What will this cost the US government and all of us in taxes?
What do we do to correct this problem? If storms like this keep up we will go bankrupt. No one will be able to get insurance in flood prone areas and real estate values will plummet.
Hopefully this tragedy will cause some thinking about climate change. But I doubt it. People mumble about how difficult it is to link this kind of unusual storm to climate change. But notice how one has to use the word "unusual." Isn't that a very big clue? People need education in science and statistics but perhaps too late for that or impossible. Americans are consumers looking for their daily high.
From Vox: — "........especially when high-profile people, like the president of the United States, confuse the issue by calling Harvey “a once in 500 year flood.”
"In theory, a 500-year flood is something that has a 1-in-500 shot of happening in any given year — in other words, the sort of event that’s so rare that it might not make sense to plan around the possibility of it happening. The problem is that 500-year floods are happening more often than probability predicts — especially in Houston. And, especially in Houston, prevention planning hasn’t evolved to acknowledge that a “500-year” flood isn’t really a 1-in-500 chance anymore."
9
And more from Vox:
"Tomball, Texas, Public Works director David Esquivel told a local paper there this year that the Houston area had 'two 500-year storms back to back': over Memorial Day weekend of 2015 and early April 2016. That means that Hurricane Harvey constitutes the third “500-year” flood in three years.
Theoretically, the odds of a 1-in-500 event occurring three straight times are one in 125 million. Because Houston is a big city and the same spots aren’t necessarily reaching 500-year levels each time, those odds don’t quite apply — but we’re still, as the Memorial City example shows, talking about events that FEMA estimates to be vanishingly unlikely."
"Either Houston is incredibly unlucky or the risk of severe flooding is a lot more serious than the FEMA modeling has predicted — and the odds of a flood as bad as the ones Houston has seen for the past few years are actually much higher than 1 in 500.
So one can continue thinking about climate change and how it might very well be affecting Houston.
"Tomball, Texas, Public Works director David Esquivel told a local paper there this year that the Houston area had 'two 500-year storms back to back': over Memorial Day weekend of 2015 and early April 2016. That means that Hurricane Harvey constitutes the third “500-year” flood in three years.
Theoretically, the odds of a 1-in-500 event occurring three straight times are one in 125 million. Because Houston is a big city and the same spots aren’t necessarily reaching 500-year levels each time, those odds don’t quite apply — but we’re still, as the Memorial City example shows, talking about events that FEMA estimates to be vanishingly unlikely."
"Either Houston is incredibly unlucky or the risk of severe flooding is a lot more serious than the FEMA modeling has predicted — and the odds of a flood as bad as the ones Houston has seen for the past few years are actually much higher than 1 in 500.
So one can continue thinking about climate change and how it might very well be affecting Houston.
1
The lack of empathy demonstrated in the following comments you are about to read should be condemned in the strongest terms. An immense human tragedy is occurring. For the time being efforts should be at providing, food water and shelter until people can be made whole again. This will take years and Americans need to come together to assist in these efforts regardless of political affiliation which really is counterproductive right now and creates division and isolation.
73
Making people whole shouldn't include rebuilding in flood-prone areas. We need a sober assessment of the evolving risks to low lying areas. Throwing good money after bad is a waste of resources.
3
KB of WILM NC:
Everyone commenting feels terrible for the people of Houston, but shouldn't we be urging Americans "to come together" BEFORE the storm in order to PREVENT the storm? We all know climate change causes and will cause Harvey-like storms. So why don't Republicans join with Democrats to fight climate change? It is easy for Republicans to say "let's help others" after the disaster, but why don't they say that before the disaster? This is not an act of god. This is the consequence of knowing about climate change for many years and not taking the steps to stop it.
Everyone commenting feels terrible for the people of Houston, but shouldn't we be urging Americans "to come together" BEFORE the storm in order to PREVENT the storm? We all know climate change causes and will cause Harvey-like storms. So why don't Republicans join with Democrats to fight climate change? It is easy for Republicans to say "let's help others" after the disaster, but why don't they say that before the disaster? This is not an act of god. This is the consequence of knowing about climate change for many years and not taking the steps to stop it.
5
I don't think that Donald Trump nor Ted Cruz nor John Cornyn nor Greg Abbott nor Joe Barton nor Blake Farenthold nor Jeb Hensarling have ever been accused of being humble humane human and empathetic.
3
Texas-level government does not seem understand the concept of resilience-building and prudent planning. A shame really. Thoughts and prayers.
9
All the billions that Trump intends to spend on more nuclear missiles will no doubt come in very very handy for the Yuge rescue and recovery effort in Texas. Seriously: our thoughts and help are with you Texas. We will not let our congressman and senators forsake funding for you, despite what Cruz and most of the other Texans in congress tried to do to us when Sandy hit. Godspeed.
17
I have to fault Trump and all the previous Presidents of both parties who thrust themselves into the middle of natural disasters. It serves no purpose and takes a lot of manpower away from relief efforts.
On another front, the fact that, in previous disasters, the GOP Texas Congressional delegation, save one member from Houston, tried to block Katrina and Sandy relief should be fair game. I do not propose, however, that any such action should occur here. There should be firm oversight that the funds are spent where they are needed and do not end up in the pockets of the power structure. Keep in mind that a lot of those faces you are seeing are Black and Latino. Hardly the GOP's base. They must be protected.
On another front, the fact that, in previous disasters, the GOP Texas Congressional delegation, save one member from Houston, tried to block Katrina and Sandy relief should be fair game. I do not propose, however, that any such action should occur here. There should be firm oversight that the funds are spent where they are needed and do not end up in the pockets of the power structure. Keep in mind that a lot of those faces you are seeing are Black and Latino. Hardly the GOP's base. They must be protected.
12
Houston Mayor’s No-Win Dilemma: Whether to Tell Residents to Stay or Go
By MANNY FERNANDEZ and RICHARD FAUSSET AUG. 28, 2017
The mayor is right. It makes no sense to send people away if there is no place for them to go. Since a monster storm could hit any part of the Gulf during any particular year, and since most of the Gulf region won't be hit in any particular year, it makes sense to have a comprehensive federal system and plan in place. The various national guard units could be organized in such a way that should a disaster loom, units from various states could converge on safe locations near the disaster and set up search and rescue teams as well as shelters.
However, what I'm looking for today is to see if Trump goes off script and starts attacking his opponents.
By MANNY FERNANDEZ and RICHARD FAUSSET AUG. 28, 2017
The mayor is right. It makes no sense to send people away if there is no place for them to go. Since a monster storm could hit any part of the Gulf during any particular year, and since most of the Gulf region won't be hit in any particular year, it makes sense to have a comprehensive federal system and plan in place. The various national guard units could be organized in such a way that should a disaster loom, units from various states could converge on safe locations near the disaster and set up search and rescue teams as well as shelters.
However, what I'm looking for today is to see if Trump goes off script and starts attacking his opponents.
6
I find it to be the height of hypocrisy . Texas-the home of rugged individualists, haters of coastal elites, the state that started a movement to secede, "we don't need no stinking federal government", now begging for federal help which help is funded primarily by coastal elites. The State whose representatives voted against relief for the east coast for theSandy storm. Will they learn the lesson that people in need should be helped? Will they learn we are in this together? Nah
224
Give it a rest. Houston, like EVERY large TX city voted for Barack Obama and Hillary won HOU by a large margin. While that sentiment rings true on the state level it is NOT true at all on the local level. I am a transplant from the NE that has lived here for 16 years and it continually drives me crazy when outsiders paint us all as obnoxious right wing fanatics which is simply not true.
1
"Haters of coastal elites?" A large chunk of the population in Texas is from those very coastal areas like California and New York. And Texas has never started a movement to secede -- only fringe groups have done so. You might want to do your research next time before you paint a picture of an entire state and its 30 million people.
2
We have to show 'em, nonetheless, DCH, what it means to be compassionate human beings, what it means to be a nation, to be in it together.
2
What's happening in Texas is terrible and as a Sandy "survivor" my sympathy is fully with the people, and animals. I have to say however that every time I remember that the representatives of the Texas voted against providing Sandy aid to our region a part of me want to call my senators and say "vote no." But I won't. I won't stoop to the level of people who are hypocrites, liars and truly disgusting!
188
I definitely agree with you, and would be happy to punish the Texas Congressmen, but the problem is you can't anything to harm them w/o harming the average person in the state.
Let's hope our political heros don't try to stuff a bunch of pork into any Harvey relief bill, like they did to the one for Sandy. Using disasters to rip off taxpayers is criminal!
1
I feel for the homeowners and residents of Texas affected. In the Goose to Gander line of thinking, I'd like to be the first to ask Congress for $1 Billion for Illinois. We don't have disasters, but need a pension bailout. Quack.
6
Also, too bad we don't have a Security of Homeland Security. The previous secretary served six months and then had to move to White House to try to save the Trump presidency (a lost cause if ever there was one).
5
This storm is not even over! Can we please stay in present tense?
5
When will the dangerous, irrational stupidity of this Trump administration stop? Just two weeks ago Trump canceled an Obama executive order to raise the standards for building in flood prone areas. “Executive Order 13690 of January 30, 2015 (Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input), is revoked,” Mr. Trump declared.
He did this over the pleading of FEMA, other engineering experts and fiscal conservatives who wrote an open letter to him in March: “It is simply common sense to consider and mitigate those risks upfront in order to ensure the investment will be long lasting.
When we will here more about this issue and the simple fact that the absence of comprehensive zoning laws in Houston has been a major contributor in flooding in Houston.
Also, let us remember that in 2013 the entire Republican congressional delegation (with the exception of a Representative from Houston, how prescient?) including both current Senators Cruz and Cornyn voted against a bill providing relief to New York, New Jersey and other areas ravaged from Hurricane Sandy. We can only assume that these hypocrites will be consistent and vote against the projected $150 billion needed after Harvey, while the Democrats in New York and New Jersey provide the necessary yes votes needed to pass such an aide bill.
He did this over the pleading of FEMA, other engineering experts and fiscal conservatives who wrote an open letter to him in March: “It is simply common sense to consider and mitigate those risks upfront in order to ensure the investment will be long lasting.
When we will here more about this issue and the simple fact that the absence of comprehensive zoning laws in Houston has been a major contributor in flooding in Houston.
Also, let us remember that in 2013 the entire Republican congressional delegation (with the exception of a Representative from Houston, how prescient?) including both current Senators Cruz and Cornyn voted against a bill providing relief to New York, New Jersey and other areas ravaged from Hurricane Sandy. We can only assume that these hypocrites will be consistent and vote against the projected $150 billion needed after Harvey, while the Democrats in New York and New Jersey provide the necessary yes votes needed to pass such an aide bill.
24
NYT readers have politically embittered themselves so that even a natural disaster brings out their vitriol. They have nurtured political offenses so that every article is becomes a contest of snide and cutting remarks. Abandoning kind, patient and peacefully words, they prefer sowing division and disrespect.
7
There will be plenty of time for recriminations but it is now time to support and encouraging our neighbors, who are meeting this challenge with inspiring fortitude and courage.
Hmmmm, flyover country seems unable to handle the flack associated with their choices. This is not about a lack of compassion for our fellow citizens, just the past choices they have made. Perhaps in the future they will recognize the gem our founding fathers gave us in the federal government. Is it perfect, far from it, but it doesn't get any better by reducing its size or financially strangling it with lower and lower taxes. Where is the money Texas now wants from the Feds to rebuild coming from, except our taxes. Certainly Texas, with its low taxes isn't prepared to deal with devastation at this level.
3
Oh please. Spare me your sanctimony. You folks in "flyover country" have been hostile to everyone and everything that isn't you forever. As a survivor of the AIDS crisis, I will never forget the contempt and hatred directed toward my community by you good people as thousands of innocent people died horrible deaths. You called it God's punishment, ignored massive suffering and made jokes.
My heart goes out to these folks and they must be helped. As for you, run back to your guns, climate change denial, willful ignorance and beloved Donald Trump.
My heart goes out to these folks and they must be helped. As for you, run back to your guns, climate change denial, willful ignorance and beloved Donald Trump.
5
I once ran a large homeless shelter. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, generations of poverty, I saw it all. But never once a flood victim, who I suspect will not -- for the most part -- define themselves as homeless people for long, if at all.
If I was doing this now and had the tax money and voluntary contributions to do it, I’d give them cash, get them registered to vote and get them the hell out of there.
If I was doing this now and had the tax money and voluntary contributions to do it, I’d give them cash, get them registered to vote and get them the hell out of there.
7
While my heart goes out to all the many people suffering from the storm, I also mourn the many dogs and cats left behind and losing their lives. Congrats to this article for mentioning the word pets once. Yes, there are human interest stories as they call them, of a dog or a cat being rescued of a dog wondering with the bag of food in the floodwaters. But I'd suggest listening to reports of this disaster with an ear to the mention of other species.In the many articles and newscasts I have heard, it has been very rare to hear the words animal, pet, dog, or cat. These are our companions, and I have always felt it very strange that in times of crisis, the only beings we talk about are people. As if, we are alone on the planet. If we continue down the path were going, and if we do not address climate change, species will continue to go extinct, and indeed we may soon be alone on the planet. And this tendency to omit other species when we are in crisis is just one example of how we as a species tend to look, or not look, at all others.
80
Yes, the abject disregard by most Americans for any other species but their own is despicable.
And those who left behind pets when flood waters were rising -- and I don't care what their excuses are -- should be barred from ever owning another animal.
And those who left behind pets when flood waters were rising -- and I don't care what their excuses are -- should be barred from ever owning another animal.
3
I don't have nor do I care about any pets. Wild animals are not pets. Domesticated animals for food and clothing are not pets. Plants, fungi, bacteria virus and protozoa are living things that are essential to life but they are not pets.
1
Not to judge others, but I cannot imagine leaving my little dog behind or handing him over to a relief shelter. Most likely we would just walk off together through the flood waters.
"I will teach you with kindness and patience. You will never go hungry. We will do enjoyable things together every day. I will guide you through this world, but above all, we are a team. I will do my best to be worthy of your love and trust. You will never be abandoned. Ever. You will always be taken care of. Here's to you & me, Pup." Author unknown.
"I will teach you with kindness and patience. You will never go hungry. We will do enjoyable things together every day. I will guide you through this world, but above all, we are a team. I will do my best to be worthy of your love and trust. You will never be abandoned. Ever. You will always be taken care of. Here's to you & me, Pup." Author unknown.
2
Reading the comments, I feel like America, the reality and the myth, is irretrievaeble, gone, gone forever. If a nation , during crises, and only during crises, says "we are all in this together", and between the incessant national tragedies, talks of hatred, seperation, splitting the nation, then the nation is kaput. In a democracy, many social conservatives vote GOP because there is noalternative, there is no actual conservative party that is not neoliberal economically and neocon internationally. Likewise with liberal voters, the DP is neoliberal economically and neocon in foreign affairs. The abortion, lgbt, religion etc are cosmetic issuesfor most. Most thinking people just want work, to be left alone, hope for their family===three things that are increasingly hard to find in the US. Service jobs, crime, police shootings, nonstop war, more crime, more war, more unemployment, opiate epidemic, no parties are addressing the issues or the main issue, global warming. As a social conservative, I put my faith in God and science, do not trust elected officials orthe media, global warming is real and we have not seen the worst of it. Capitalism , democracy, consumerism---they all contribute to globalwarming. End all three, save the planet, save yourselfand yourcommunity.
4
Where was good old gawd when the flood waters were rising?
The incessant clinging to superstition in the south is one reason it's in the terrible shape it is. Wake up! What you see is what you get; there is no benevolent sky daddy who's going to make things right one day. That's up to us.
The incessant clinging to superstition in the south is one reason it's in the terrible shape it is. Wake up! What you see is what you get; there is no benevolent sky daddy who's going to make things right one day. That's up to us.
1
Has the Southern and G.O.P. "climate change is a hoax" mantra finally come to an end? Ironic ,isn't it, the national and perhaps world-wide capital of the fossil fuel industry gets hammered by a super storm fed by hot water in the Gulf?
Think Trump's the guy to lead us in a war against carbon? Now that would be a miracle!
Think Trump's the guy to lead us in a war against carbon? Now that would be a miracle!
12
You know what's funny. As a proud liberal from Massachusetts that has lived here for 16 years nobody is talking about that here. We have work to do and people to help. While disappointed in the obnoxious snark coming from people like you I am unfortunately not surprised. Try to be better and a little less gleeful in my cities suffering.
3
The millionaire Trump cabinet and associates, family, etc. need to step up and donate their own money to help Houston. All those Americans for Prosperity donors can afford to help people and still have enough money to buy influence. The government really can't afford this disaster relief. Time for the 1% to step up. They will still have enough to afford their yachts and Hermes scarfs. It is no sacrifice for them to help.
29
The Politicians in Texas voted so many times to cut FEMA so many times.. You would think how hypocritical they are when they have their hands out when their own state has a disaster in front of them. Sorry to make this political but Ask Ted Cruz for Help.. Let him write a check.. or ask Donald Trump the same President that you voted for with all the deal making he states to write a check for all the problems happening in Texas.. With all the wheeling and dealing the Mr. President has said he has done.. do something now.. Wheel and Deal your way out of disaster!!!
25
Selfish remark
1
Amazon, Gander Mtn.;etc. sell kiaks, row boats, fishing boats. We have Cargo Planes that can transport "huge" amounts of equipment to war zones. So where are these resources and donations now? Why aren't the billionaires, millionair capitalist seeing a "huge" humanitarian need that they can help to relieve. Surely good for their brands! And take these drenched folks to our military bases until temp. housing is available. People are doing the best they can to help themselves; but must we watch our govt's. ineptitude continue? This is worse than Katrina!
11
@ KatieBear, TellicoVillage, TN
Sez here (Wikipedia) that the total official death toll from Katrina was 1,836.
Please, by what measure is this catastrophe yet "worse" than Katrina?
They're both horrific, and the ineptitude and inadequacy of our governmental and private responses (especially in the preparation and prevention realms) to each of them has been completely unacceptable.
And that's before we even get to the fact that a significant fraction of our populace believes the self-serving lies of some in both our private and our public sectors who are trying to deny the obvious fact that human activity is worsening both the frequencies and the magnitudes of such disasters.
Sez here (Wikipedia) that the total official death toll from Katrina was 1,836.
Please, by what measure is this catastrophe yet "worse" than Katrina?
They're both horrific, and the ineptitude and inadequacy of our governmental and private responses (especially in the preparation and prevention realms) to each of them has been completely unacceptable.
And that's before we even get to the fact that a significant fraction of our populace believes the self-serving lies of some in both our private and our public sectors who are trying to deny the obvious fact that human activity is worsening both the frequencies and the magnitudes of such disasters.
1
My family had to deal with Hurricane Sandy and that mess the same people with their hands out wanted to cut FEMA during a time when people needed help... Go ask Senator Ted Cruz..
24
Sending our prayers AND OUR DONATIONS to Texans. When this is over, hopefully the good people of Texas will remind their senators that people from all over provided help and that perhaps the next time another state in the UNITED States asks for help in an emergency situation, the senators should view the requests with compassion. Too bad it takes a Texas-size disaster to help the Texas senators see the truth.
23
if only true-- that they will see the truth: doubt it: they will take our aid and then continue to cut FEMA and deny disaster relief to others
1
President Trump is visiting Houston. There's a disaster in a disaster surrounded by a disaster.
God help the people in Houston and us all!
God help the people in Houston and us all!
27
With absolutely no lack of sympathy and concern for the people who are affected by this devastating storm, we now get to watch one of the states most vocal about state's rights and smaller federal government soak up as much federal aid as they can lay their hands on.
60
No worry Houston.
Trump a couple of weeks ago lowered standards for building on flood plains. It will possible to get taxpayer's to fund developers to set up your next disaster. That is his idea of draining the swamp.
Trump a couple of weeks ago lowered standards for building on flood plains. It will possible to get taxpayer's to fund developers to set up your next disaster. That is his idea of draining the swamp.
33
Reality meets ideology head on - the role of government having been well thrashed emerges as the champion of the people after all. We need a new conversation not moderated by fox news and the tax averters that sponsor them. We are a civilization that needs insurance and assurance against catastrophe. Whether it be the health insurance that keeps all Americans free from worry , disaster insurance that holds hope for those that will be displaced by natural events or a referee to ensure that business won't take advantage of the vulnerable, government is essential and it costs money. That taxation has been vilified by the right ignores the real story of human survival which is that we all do better when we work together.
33
^^ @ John Quixote, NY, NY. ^^
Most important comment in the whole thread.
If there are paying subscribers who have more voting power than just the "recommend" hits that we can all do, this needs to be top of the Readers' Picks AND the NYT Picks columns.
Most important comment in the whole thread.
If there are paying subscribers who have more voting power than just the "recommend" hits that we can all do, this needs to be top of the Readers' Picks AND the NYT Picks columns.
1
Hope we don't spend U.S. tax $'s simply rebuilding on land that will likely become even more flood-prone in the future due to rising sea levels associated with climate change.
Come to think of it, wouldn't it be nice to use the Harvey experience to shift the climate change debate away from whether or not it is man-made -- instead, exploring the idea that it is really happening (irrespective of cause) and there are "real-world" implications that need to be dealt with.
It's figuratively and literally time to move to higher ground.
P.S. Probably also a time for a quick refresher on lessons learned from Katrina and Sandy -- including how to avoid Christie-like mismanagement abuses of Federal repair funding.
Come to think of it, wouldn't it be nice to use the Harvey experience to shift the climate change debate away from whether or not it is man-made -- instead, exploring the idea that it is really happening (irrespective of cause) and there are "real-world" implications that need to be dealt with.
It's figuratively and literally time to move to higher ground.
P.S. Probably also a time for a quick refresher on lessons learned from Katrina and Sandy -- including how to avoid Christie-like mismanagement abuses of Federal repair funding.
26
By your logic, I guess we should never rebuild California, Oregon, or Washington whenever an earthquake happens either.
2
After the Loma Prieta quake of '89 in the Bay Area, many the Bay Bridge, the freeway from it that collapsed, and many buildings were rebuilt with improved seismic engineering techniques. I believe the same thing has happened in around Puget Sound.
That's the equivalent of moving to higher ground.
The same line of thinking should be applied to areas like Houston, New Orleans, and other areas along the Gulf Coast. Either change the building codes or build in places that are above the flood plain level. There have been numerous reports of poor development practices in Houston -- including paving over the Bayous that serve as drainage channels.
Seems to me that rebuilding the levees in New Orleans to protect land that is below sea level is pure stupidity. Let's hope the "Duh" factor gets addressed by Houston.
That's the equivalent of moving to higher ground.
The same line of thinking should be applied to areas like Houston, New Orleans, and other areas along the Gulf Coast. Either change the building codes or build in places that are above the flood plain level. There have been numerous reports of poor development practices in Houston -- including paving over the Bayous that serve as drainage channels.
Seems to me that rebuilding the levees in New Orleans to protect land that is below sea level is pure stupidity. Let's hope the "Duh" factor gets addressed by Houston.
And once again in our history it is going to be progressive socialist programs of our government that provide the way forward for these Americans.
25
Where was preparation. Not like California where we don't prep for hurricanes. Certainly the gulf would know is coming. Governor is responsible for this catastrophic planning.
12
The insensitivity of the comments here is sad to see, but not surprising. It is pretty par for the course regarding any bad news from a red state.
Some people here are so concerned about scoring political "points" that they seem to forget these are actual real live people, not simply images on a screen.
Some people here are so concerned about scoring political "points" that they seem to forget these are actual real live people, not simply images on a screen.
11
Not about scoring political points; it's about holding people responsible for what they believe in.
15
Republicans don't care about the real, live people they are harming when they advocate cuts to all the various social support programs they love to talk about cutting. You reap what you sow.
6
You're naive if you think that everyone who's affected by this hurricane voted Republican. Houston is a heavily Democratic city, for one. Secondly, people in Texas are individuals, not one large mass.
2
Why didn't FEMA put a plan in place to evacuate people in flood prone areas before the storm hit Texas? Why wasn't the national guard called out before the storm hit landfall. There was ample time.
Why do we only react after the fact?
It seems we create a worse situation by not being proactive when a catastrophe hits.
Why do we only react after the fact?
It seems we create a worse situation by not being proactive when a catastrophe hits.
76
There wasn't ample time. This was caused by rain, which is a lot more difficult to forecast than a river or ocean overflow.
5
I don't agree. The NWS forecasted the rain and in the amount that happened.
3
I will say to both Carl the lead commentor and sir Baron Chump that there were several forecasts in the days preceded Harvey making landfall that predicted catastrophic rain amounts But that a full week before, Harvey was a dying storm system. Difficult on both ends to figure this one out. But again I do remember last Tuesday and Wed that there were enormous levels of rain predicted. And I also remember hearing that it might stall over that general area of Texas. Whoever made that prediction in the NOAA is to me a great forecaster.
2
NYT Quote: "Hurricane to Cost Tens of Billions, but a Quick Recovery Is Expected"
There is one thing for sure: expectations/hopes will not meet the reality!
The exceptional accumulation of severe thunderstorms in the USA should highlight just how important it is for insurers to have in-depth knowledge of natural catastrophes and how these are affected by climatic changes ! This is true of both, natural climatic changes and those that are man-made!
The major obstacle will be that current Gov.politics neglect the fact that we will face an tremendous change of natural desasters over the next decades hitting the US at various spots. And most likely loss of entire cities in the Gulf of Mexico as many places will be uninhabitable forever for reasons which are logically if we consider that nowadys city structures are not able to "digest" such weather desasters. It is time to seriously anticipate necessary changes of infrastructure set-ups, how we run our economics, how we extract oil and gas, which is including also the way we - as society - consume and live our lifes. The only way to go about is to acknowledge, and reduce our expectations of unlimited growth,
There is one thing for sure: expectations/hopes will not meet the reality!
The exceptional accumulation of severe thunderstorms in the USA should highlight just how important it is for insurers to have in-depth knowledge of natural catastrophes and how these are affected by climatic changes ! This is true of both, natural climatic changes and those that are man-made!
The major obstacle will be that current Gov.politics neglect the fact that we will face an tremendous change of natural desasters over the next decades hitting the US at various spots. And most likely loss of entire cities in the Gulf of Mexico as many places will be uninhabitable forever for reasons which are logically if we consider that nowadys city structures are not able to "digest" such weather desasters. It is time to seriously anticipate necessary changes of infrastructure set-ups, how we run our economics, how we extract oil and gas, which is including also the way we - as society - consume and live our lifes. The only way to go about is to acknowledge, and reduce our expectations of unlimited growth,
3
If readers wish to go beyond sending prayers, Portlight.org is a responsible charity that does not use disaster to increase their bottom line and does show some outcomes. On the other hand, see information regarding the Red Cross and its use of funds in Haiti. Use Guidestar.org if you wish to see the financials on any non-profits you are considering.
4
I'll donate to the Red Cross when they stop spending $175 million a year on fundraising. Not to mention executive pay:
In 2010, top executive compensation looked like this:
Executive director Gail McGovern made $561,210
EVP for biomedical services James Hrouda made $621,779
Biomedical services president Shaun Gilmore made $573,933
In 2010, top executive compensation looked like this:
Executive director Gail McGovern made $561,210
EVP for biomedical services James Hrouda made $621,779
Biomedical services president Shaun Gilmore made $573,933
6
@ Kosher Dill, In a pickle "I'll donate to the Red Cross when they stop spending $175 million a year on fundraising. Not to mention executive pay..."
They spend what they have to to raise money; obviously it's netting them more than if they didn't make such investments in fundraising. I'm not going to fault them for the reality that many people won't donate without major sales efforts.
Nor will I fault them for paying what are, in market terms, truly trivial salaries compared to what private-sector CEOs and other top-level exec's with similar training, experience, track records, and responsibilities get paid, which is tens of $ millions. (I'd have expected some awareness of that?)
The Red Cross was there for my Significant Other when zir apartment building caught fire leaving them suddenly homeless.
I'm happy to be there for them when they need funds to help others in extremis.
They spend what they have to to raise money; obviously it's netting them more than if they didn't make such investments in fundraising. I'm not going to fault them for the reality that many people won't donate without major sales efforts.
Nor will I fault them for paying what are, in market terms, truly trivial salaries compared to what private-sector CEOs and other top-level exec's with similar training, experience, track records, and responsibilities get paid, which is tens of $ millions. (I'd have expected some awareness of that?)
The Red Cross was there for my Significant Other when zir apartment building caught fire leaving them suddenly homeless.
I'm happy to be there for them when they need funds to help others in extremis.
what will the conclusions be?
global warming is real?
god is punishing someone?
(liberals for opposing the wall?)
it is a crucial time for americans.
global warming is real?
god is punishing someone?
(liberals for opposing the wall?)
it is a crucial time for americans.
4
So Trump is taking credit for the biggest flood in 500 years! Of course he'd have to have the biggest flood. Which of course is not accurate!! But it will help his ratings.
2
Apparently many Texans believed the weather reports of disaster were "fake news," then refused to take themselves out of harm's way. Now they expect me to pay their bills of folly.
They remind me of the "rugged individualists" who refuse to have health insurance, who won't permit the "government" to tell them "how to live," then expect others to pay.
Both types nauseate me. Hypocrisy matters!
They remind me of the "rugged individualists" who refuse to have health insurance, who won't permit the "government" to tell them "how to live," then expect others to pay.
Both types nauseate me. Hypocrisy matters!
20
There is a tragicomical silver lining here. Worse, far worse storms will come, and Texans will look ever sillier in their trumpist denial of science - no amount of prayer will alter the course of Nature, who has shown a strong preference for following the laws of Physics rather than the verses of the Bible.
So, one day, when Texas turns into an inland sea, most of its people long gone, a few lonely Texans will remain on isolated islands, waving flags and yelling at the top of their throats "Global Warming is a liberal conspiracy!"
So, one day, when Texas turns into an inland sea, most of its people long gone, a few lonely Texans will remain on isolated islands, waving flags and yelling at the top of their throats "Global Warming is a liberal conspiracy!"
12
You're under the impression that a vast majority of Texans support Trump and other conservatives. He only won 52% of the state. I wouldn't cry any tears if your earthquake-prone city turned into an inland sea. Especially if the sea took you with it.
3
Congressman from Texas loudly denied aid to my state of CT and the northeast after Hurricane Sandy. Now, of course, they have their hands out for their own state. I'm sorry to politicize this horrible disaster, but the hypocrisy of it is so egregious.
51
"The Times Are A'changing"
"Come Senators & Congressmen, please heed the call - don't stand in the doorway - don't block up the hall.
Peter, Paul, & Mary 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mikV8VbZoQk&sns=em
"Come Senators & Congressmen, please heed the call - don't stand in the doorway - don't block up the hall.
Peter, Paul, & Mary 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mikV8VbZoQk&sns=em
11
@ Timothy Shaw, Madison, WI "The Times They Are A'changing"
Credit where it's due, please.
Yes, Peter, Paul, & Mary sang it most beautifully.
But Bob Dylan wrote it.
Credit where it's due, please.
Yes, Peter, Paul, & Mary sang it most beautifully.
But Bob Dylan wrote it.
The hate comments are horrifying! Wow, I guess Obama needs to come back in office to keep things SO QUIET like they were for eight years!
9
We didn't invent "hate", the white South did so. And we haven't forgotten the selfish votes of Southern congressmen and senators in the wake of "Sandy".
1
Yeah, I remember all the love when they started busing in Boston in the 70's. Lots of love there, especially in south Boston. As for 'white southerners', we're Texans, not southerners.
It is "mother nature' or our eco-system trying to do its best towards "global cooling." These huge storms and lots of rain is meant to cool off the land that has become too hot due to global warming. What is mother nature supposed to do? The earth is too hot so it is cooling it by spraying water all over. We humans need to either stop making the earth too hot by doing less burning (fossil fuels for ex) or expect these kind of global cooling events from mother nature...
3
This country, as big as it is, is ripe for this type of disaster, natural or manmade. If we are unable to adequately ready ourselves for a hurricane which allows days of time to act, how massive will be the disaster and unimaginable the recovery from a high-magnitude earthquake through the center of one of our major metropolitan areas, along the west coast in particular. A nuclear holocaust would allow for no meaningful preparations other than to pray to the god you have been taught to believe in.
Changes must be part of this recovery. Changes in where people are allowed to build homes would save grief and heartache for millions by not being in the path of disaster in the first place. Changes in where oil is refined, stored and distributed. It is insane that so much is concentrated along the coasts. The continental US ought to be divided into 12 or more geographical districts with refining and storage capability to provide for at least 10% of the needs of the nation in each. A precision nuclear strike in Houston would cripple us for decades.
Gov. Abbott's statement that this is "one of the largest disasters America has ever faced" is not hyperbole. Though the events are unrelated, it is of a piece with the disaster that Washington has become. During Hurricane Sandy our estimable Sen. Ted Cruz thumbed his nose at New York. He set a precedent. If any legislator wants to vote against providing disaster relief for Texas, Ted Cruz gave them the cover to do so.
Changes must be part of this recovery. Changes in where people are allowed to build homes would save grief and heartache for millions by not being in the path of disaster in the first place. Changes in where oil is refined, stored and distributed. It is insane that so much is concentrated along the coasts. The continental US ought to be divided into 12 or more geographical districts with refining and storage capability to provide for at least 10% of the needs of the nation in each. A precision nuclear strike in Houston would cripple us for decades.
Gov. Abbott's statement that this is "one of the largest disasters America has ever faced" is not hyperbole. Though the events are unrelated, it is of a piece with the disaster that Washington has become. During Hurricane Sandy our estimable Sen. Ted Cruz thumbed his nose at New York. He set a precedent. If any legislator wants to vote against providing disaster relief for Texas, Ted Cruz gave them the cover to do so.
22
I continue to be disgusted seeing so many of these posts using this natural disaster to make political points and/or criticize others.
As horrible as events like these are, they are also an opportunity for people to come together and find common ground.
As horrible as events like these are, they are also an opportunity for people to come together and find common ground.
9
To Sens Schumer and Gillibrand
When the time comes to vote on funding for disaster ref lief, please be nicer to the people of Houston and Sens. Cornyn and Cruz then they were to New York after Sandy.
New Yorkers get it
And, under the "Trump and irony" column.
The President states this was a "500 year storm"
How does he know ?
Because CLIMATE SCIENTISTS told him
Guess that part wasn't fake
When the time comes to vote on funding for disaster ref lief, please be nicer to the people of Houston and Sens. Cornyn and Cruz then they were to New York after Sandy.
New Yorkers get it
And, under the "Trump and irony" column.
The President states this was a "500 year storm"
How does he know ?
Because CLIMATE SCIENTISTS told him
Guess that part wasn't fake
23
I guess all that pious praying to a non existent christian deity is really working out. Meanwhile global warming will continue to wreak havoc and get worse around the globe.
8
A lot of people here also pray to Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist Gods. Maybe it doesn't help, but it certainly doesn't hurt.
Really, this is bringing out the worst in some of the Times' liberal readers. Stop politicizing this. Shame on you. Stop with the global warming and red state nonsense. There have always been hurricanes, flooding and people who disagree with you. Have some humanity.
10
All disasters are political and economic. First, who lives in dangerous areas to begin with, then who has access to boats, second homes and transportation, then health care access, to maybe helpful home insurance, then to their legislators, and then to be very well educated and have the time and persistence to deal with the clean up and fiscal issues?
As with any other issue in this country, the dollar talks first and loudest and that dollar is a political one - 100%.
As with any other issue in this country, the dollar talks first and loudest and that dollar is a political one - 100%.
5
I ask the president to STOP getting rid of regulations that create profit for a few and hurt the earth (re: Zinke, Pruitt, Ichan, etc.). I ask him to STOP dividing the public. I ask him to STOP encouraging violence. I ask him to START paying taxes so he can be of help. I ask the billionaires to come out from your gated communities and know that this could happen to YOU if your circumstances change.I ask this administration to STOP punishing people with no living wage. I ask the oil companies to NOT raise prices and gouge us and exploit this tragedy. I ask the rest of us to HELP these people. I ask that the children be SAFE.
9
I always look at the cars underwater and first think, 'why did they drive into that water' and, secondly, what is going to happen to all those cars? The used car market is scary enough as it is.....but who knows if the car they are about to purchase has a history of sitting under flood waters for days on end. Buyers beware!
5
15% of the folks with property damaged by floodwater bothered to buy federal flood insurance. Flood insurance itself is subsidized by taxpayers and is a real bargain! So long as FEMA bails people out, why spend your money on insurance?
Like everything else the government does, flood insurance is a good idea gone awry.
Like everything else the government does, flood insurance is a good idea gone awry.
6
As is the private home owner's insurance. Are we going to subsidize (as we do in healthcare) private insurance with public dollars, reduce regulations/oversight and hope that the money is used as intended? Or should we not continue with this bizarre hybrid system and make the private insurance companies just pay for what they insured?
1
Can we get news about the impact on animals, especially the ones in factory farm buildings. Acknowledging, as we will, that the impact on humans will be reported first, there is another huge story out there.
13
Thank you. Yes, so tired of the human-centric story - there are so many animal victims here; innocents at the mercy of humans.
2
Not one member of the Texas congress voted for help for Hurricane Sandy in 2013 (some abstained). New York will stand by Texas in this emergency but Texas Congress needs to get its act together and not add Texas or Trump pork to bills and really consider their constituents and develop appropriate planning. I gave money to a 9/11 program that created a cottage industry for Guiliani. he put his wife on a sizable salary. Most people will be with Texas but ther are people in the Rockaways that had to walk away from homes and mortgages. People lost jobs because nursing homes in the Rockaways couldn't open. People in Long Beach are still rebuilding. Prayers for Texas but learn from this. Thank you to all the volunteers - you show what this country is made of. Stay strong!
25
No. Nothing for Texas.
Absolutely nothing for the horrible Cruz and Cornyn until they join the family of human beings.
Let them stew in their own ideological juices. Looks so good on them.
Absolutely nothing for the horrible Cruz and Cornyn until they join the family of human beings.
Let them stew in their own ideological juices. Looks so good on them.
9
Now is not the time to bicker. Now is the time to reach out with both hands. This is a human disaster, and whether we are New Yorkers, or even Americans, is irrelevant (I hope y'all noticed the aid from Mexico). At some point, presumably when the NY and NJ congressional leaders do the right thing and vote to fund the recovery, we can point out the hypocrisy. As we all learned as toddlers, two wrongs don't make a right.
9
I hope aid is distributed evenly and the poor folks get taken care of. Shocking that Cruz would deny New Jersey aid yet want it for his State. And will Climate Change get credit for this...? I hope they recognize that some of the cause is due to Climate Change. Trump's visit is premature, but the photo-op will help him.
9
I hope they recognize that some of the cause is due to Climate Change.-
There is zero chance. The by-line is already prepared and being distributed, you can see it in these comment sections even.
'It is impossible to use a single storm as evidence of climate change. There have been huge storms in the past, just like this one. Texas will overcome like always. Make America great again'
Same old story that will be eaten up
There is zero chance. The by-line is already prepared and being distributed, you can see it in these comment sections even.
'It is impossible to use a single storm as evidence of climate change. There have been huge storms in the past, just like this one. Texas will overcome like always. Make America great again'
Same old story that will be eaten up
4
Wow. Even I, an appreciative NYT reader, am taken about by the deeply political bent of many of these comments. Assuming we all have allowed ourselves a moment or two of empathy for the situation that our fellow human beings are in, before moving on to blaming them for being in that situation.
5
Translation of governor's remarks: Texas taxpayers will make many politically connected people rich in the recovery. Don't ask too many questions about this.
7
It's good to see the Governor acknowledging the threat of global warming when he said, " “We need to recognize it will be a new normal, a new and different normal for this entire region.”
5
My parents and sister and niece and nephew are in Houston. The floodwaters finally reached their house this morning. Few will escape this. I've followed this storm carefully not only because they are my family and I am deeply worried but because I study how we as humans/society are adapting (or not) to climate change especially how we adapt (or not) to better manage our water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. I understand how precipitation patterns are changing and it seems they are changing more quickly than we are able to respond. We have so much fixed infrastructure in place already that is creating a huge amount of management inertia if you will that is difficult to overcome. Houston has made strides in their stormwater management but the scale of the city and the history of development makes it difficult for the city to 'catch-up'. It makes me think about transportation issues...you build another lane of highway but by the time it's done it's already overwhelmed with traffic and doesn't relieve congestion. You build more stormwater controls and capacity but the conditions have already changed (precipitation and development simultaneously change) so it doesn't help. We need to radically re-think our stromwater management and development strategies. Meanwhile, I pray for my family and others affected by this devastating storm.
7
God help these people. God bless the people who are assisting.
7
This is a nightmare of unimaginable proportions. After Katrina, I never thought this could happen again in this mighty and prosperous country with the best technologies humans can think of. Why? It is terrifying.
1
Don't understand why you thought "this could (not) happen again in this mighty and prosperous country". It has and will happen over and over. We have built too much in places that cannot be safe in storms. Storms happen. The costs are much hig, her when more stuff is there. It is time to require any building near a coast to be built on stilts (but that will make them inaccessible to handicapped) Often we choose to put ourselves in harm's way without concern for what it will cost those who do not have the problem. We all pay for the foolishness of the few (even when the few are millions).
7
The relief efforts have been excellent and the volunteers and workers have devoted hours of their own time to assist these desperate people. It is a testament of the generosity and selflessness of people during times of adversity. The coming together of strangers to help those in dire straits is so refreshing and restores your faith in human nature. Many of these people are putting their lives on the line to help the less fortunate. It is such a wonderful sight to see when all seems lost. These are the true heroes of America. You will never be forgotten.
3
Right now I will bypass all the warnings about building on floodplains and just offer everyone in those areas in Texas and all those helping to rescue them and provide food and shelter, my blessings and my prayers.
I am so sorry about the devastation to their lives they are suffering right now with the additional grief of lost family, and/or not knowing where other loved ones and their neighbors are. I am so sorry about the loss of their homes and possessions and memories as well.
Americans not part of the active rescue, like myself, have organizations to give money to. Some will continue to provide food and shelter for the interim, and help rescue and feed helpless animals, including domestic pets, caught up in this. (Red Cross, Humane Society, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Catholic Charities are a few. Donations can be made online.)
I wonder how much Trump and Clan Trump will donate out of enormous personal wealth, a great deal accumulated in the past 7 months, and others of the like. It is all about sharing the wealth, and being there for others in their time of need. Most of us give what we can, and some who have little to nothing extra to give, usually give the most.
Americans are always united in spirit as well as deeds to help other Americans. Aiding fellow Americans cuts through all cultural, racial, religious, and social divisions when catastrophes happen. Humanity standing together side by side to clean up after natural disasters.
I am so sorry about the devastation to their lives they are suffering right now with the additional grief of lost family, and/or not knowing where other loved ones and their neighbors are. I am so sorry about the loss of their homes and possessions and memories as well.
Americans not part of the active rescue, like myself, have organizations to give money to. Some will continue to provide food and shelter for the interim, and help rescue and feed helpless animals, including domestic pets, caught up in this. (Red Cross, Humane Society, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Catholic Charities are a few. Donations can be made online.)
I wonder how much Trump and Clan Trump will donate out of enormous personal wealth, a great deal accumulated in the past 7 months, and others of the like. It is all about sharing the wealth, and being there for others in their time of need. Most of us give what we can, and some who have little to nothing extra to give, usually give the most.
Americans are always united in spirit as well as deeds to help other Americans. Aiding fellow Americans cuts through all cultural, racial, religious, and social divisions when catastrophes happen. Humanity standing together side by side to clean up after natural disasters.
5
President Trump is visiting Texas today. I wonder how video and photos of Harvey spur Trump to acknowledge the disaster while, say, video and photos of inaugural crowd size gets the "fake news" treatment.
5
Speaking of "President" Trump! I knew there would be a nexus whereby I could reasonably post something related solely by that tenuous link. Oh, and there is a connection. The connection is that this item, not the Texas flood, is what should be the dominant item in this News Cycle --
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-trump-organization-executive...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-trump-organization-executive...
2
Is anyone bottling this "water" everyone now has all over themselves and their property for testing at a near future date?
9
Who are the oil, business and medical geniuses who built all of this infrastructure on a geological flood plain and then want the rest of us US citizens to rebuild it for them before the next "epoch" hurricane?
15
Much of Houston should not be rebuilt. The outdated federal flood insurance program has allowed many houses to be rebuilt numerous times and they will flood many more times in the future. Even a 'normal' rain causes many of Houston's streets and neighborhoods to flood because they are built on flood planes.
Please read the excellent article "How Washington Made Harvey Worse" in Politico today.
Please read the excellent article "How Washington Made Harvey Worse" in Politico today.
4
Texas governor Abbott, former governor Perry (oops!), and the current pres and his VP are avid climate change DENIERS. Texas has had many severe hurricanes since the 1900 "Galveston Hurricane" that killed more than 8000 and lots of property damage along the coast. Severity of storms is known to be increasing because of modern hurricane tracking and prediction that came into being in the mid-1950s. Although the novel 'curly-Q' path of Hurricane Harvey was predicted well in advance, the leadership of deniers showed no real leadership in this current catastrophe and the people of Texas must pay for this. In 2001, tropical storm, Allison, hovered over Houston, flooding the town badly because it dumped huge amounts of rain. When will the voters hold their leadership accountable.
15
The obvious concern - was this avoidable... or not? I think that the insurance industry is going to answer that question. Try getting flood insurance in these low lying coastal areas going forward. How many millions will be affected? Quite a few I suspect. Talk is cheap. A serious response will require resources. Where are these displaced people going to live?
There are now many areas of the world where massive refugee problems are the direct result of political developments tied to climate change: the Sudan, Syria, the Maghreb, etc.
The Trump administration has painted these conflicts as an apocalyptic clash between Christianity and Islam and shown little compassion to the plight of refugees. How will the emergence of a growing refugee population internal to the borders of the United States impact national sensibilities?
It's easy to proclaim oneself a Christian. It's harder to do unto others as you you would have them do unto you. I guess we'll find out where people really stand in the coming days and months.
There are now many areas of the world where massive refugee problems are the direct result of political developments tied to climate change: the Sudan, Syria, the Maghreb, etc.
The Trump administration has painted these conflicts as an apocalyptic clash between Christianity and Islam and shown little compassion to the plight of refugees. How will the emergence of a growing refugee population internal to the borders of the United States impact national sensibilities?
It's easy to proclaim oneself a Christian. It's harder to do unto others as you you would have them do unto you. I guess we'll find out where people really stand in the coming days and months.
6
It is stupid and irresponsible to build and develop and expand a major city in a flood plain just next to a rising sea.
Just like it was stupid and irresponsible to rebuild the World Trade Center in a location where it would be flooded.
https://ss6m.climatecentral.org/#10/29.5973/-95.1773
Just like it was stupid and irresponsible to rebuild the World Trade Center in a location where it would be flooded.
https://ss6m.climatecentral.org/#10/29.5973/-95.1773
5
This is the second big lesson after Katrina. If this does not prompt us to get out of flood plains and lowlands subject to flooding in the whole country we will wait for another tragedy to occur. Federal and local aid and charities cannot solve this problem. Probability theory tells us that there will be surely a bigger events in the future and such big events happen in clusters, i. e. come one after another.
7
Large swaths of this country will soon be uninhabitable. So says my climate change crystal ball.
2
Welcome to global warming, Houston. Your dominant industry, Big Oil, has been paying for fake science to stave off the day when you realize that continuing to burn fossil fuel is going to be the end of us all. Well, here it is.
27
I have no problem with shutting down the coal mines and coal-powered plants, but stay away from my car and my Interstate Highway System. I didn't take a road trip this summer, however, because I refuse to spend a cent in any state that went for Trump.
3
You are on the money Jim... and speaking of money, isn't Texas one of those southern states that wants nothing to do with the federal government and often babbles on about secession? Now they are eager for the billions of our tax dollars that will help them recover.
4
After voting against Sandy relief for the Northeast. Yup, that's them all right.
Global Heating will ensure that many locations on the Texas coast now above mean sea level will one day be where the Gulf meets the shoreline.. on any warm, sunny day. Do not expect humanity to do anything important to alter this eventuality.
7
On a side topic, with FEMA helping and all, might some conspiracy-theory Republicans in Texas stop worrying about "FEMA camps" and realize that FEMA is actually trying to provide shelter to people who have lost their homes? Nah, that'd be too much to hope for.
9
Setting aside climate change for a moment, now is a good time to talk about taxes, the importance of everyone paying into the system and the even greater importance of electing people who will use our tax dollars for things we all use and need, infrastructure, health care, FEMA etc.
If you want more people to pay into the system we need to talk about the need for a living wage in exchange for full time work.
If you want more people to pay into the system we need to talk about the need for a living wage in exchange for full time work.
13
If one can look at the entire geography and the demographics of the United States, we see some very "safe" places that are underpopulated--by that, I mean areas that have an existing infrastructure for double or triple the current population--and that hunger for jobs and people. Is it possible that there is work in a city like Houston that could be done efficiently in another part of the country, and that the corporate world could somehow start to think of themselves as generators of a population shift away from disaster prone areas to those places that almost never have life-threatening or destructive weather-related damage? Snow might be uncomfortable, but it is rare to have death and physical destruction from even the most deep snowfalls. Northern Minnesota, northern Michigan, upper New York State....lots of formerly industrial areas that all crave people, have housing, have excellent, underutilized schools and lots of industrial space. Weigh the costs of constant re-building with the cost of higher wages expected in those areas. I don't know the answer, but I'd be surprised if paying a good salary to workers was more expensive than the destruction we see along the coasts, year after year.
11
I'm not saying you're wrong in spirit, but Houston exists where it is and has grown to the size that it is because of it's strategic position as a port on Trinity & Galveston Bays.
Is that safe and practical with a long form view in light of climate change and rising sea levels? Perhaps not. But neither is it as simple as deciding to live with a little snow. The industry will remain at the point of contact with the increasingly global world, not in Northern Minnesota or Michigan a thousand miles or more from the ocean.
Is that safe and practical with a long form view in light of climate change and rising sea levels? Perhaps not. But neither is it as simple as deciding to live with a little snow. The industry will remain at the point of contact with the increasingly global world, not in Northern Minnesota or Michigan a thousand miles or more from the ocean.
1
Yep. An oil refinery in the middle of the Adirondacks sounds like a great idea.
2
I live in Maine, one of the 'oldest' states in the country and a population that has hovered around one million since the Civil War. This past week-end I went to a music festival in Bangor. At one point I turned to really look at the crowd and 95% of what I saw were grey heads. People in their fifties, sixties, on up. A few millennials, a few children. Mostly old people. Our governor, LePage, a Trump mini-me has done everything he can to halt immigrants from coming to Maine. So our young people go to college here and then leave and our government doesn't want new blood (if they are black, especially) via immigrants who come to America to work hard and build a future for themselves, their families and their community. And so we are left with old people turning older by the minutes.
There's plenty of room up here! Yes, it snows but it's also wonderful for many months of the year. Leave the lowlands and come to Maine. We need you.
There's plenty of room up here! Yes, it snows but it's also wonderful for many months of the year. Leave the lowlands and come to Maine. We need you.
3
The floodgates of hatred and intolerance opened long before the floodgates in Texas that were holding back just some of Harvey's destructive, raging waters. And, although I surely see photos and videos of human beings helping human beings regardless of ethnicity and other differences, the bitterness, intolerance and hatred that we are showing so freely these days is going to elongate the healing process for all affected by Harvey. Did Texans "deserve" Harvey? Did people in the Northeast "deserve" Sandy? Did the people of Louisiana "deserve" Katrina? Until we get past the idiocy that catastrophic storms are some bizarre form of punishment for people we do not like, how in the world do we think we will ever heal and recover from any catastrophe? Global warming must be addressed but even if we seriously address it now, it's already too late to prevent other catastrophic storms that will be hitting us with deadlier and deadlier punches. This isn't a liberal or conservative issue; it's a pragmatic issue that needs to be faced head on. The floodgates have opened and thanks to our unwillingness to behave ethically, intelligently, compassionately, and maturely, we are truly doomed. Full recovery simply isn't in our future.
155
Houston is a Democratic Party stronghold. It is 43 percent Hispanic, 25.6 non-Hispanic white and 23 percent black. The videos show people of all racial and ethnic groups are pitching to rescue victims.
3
Thanks for this!
1
I fear that you are correct.
As an atmospheric scientist and policy analyst I have watched us continue releasing tons and tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. As a kid growing up in Texas I can still remember seeing cars everywhere and wondering where the exhaust from them went. Did it magically disappear? No it does not. It has been accumulating in our atmosphere and we are well past the 11th hour in regards to doing something about it.
Given my knowledge of the planet's major systems I think it possible we can still stave off the worst of warming...POSSIBLY. But in order to do that people have got to heal themselves and their communities and stop watching the garbage coming from stations like Fox "News" and believing it's real and true. Just like the storms have no preference for striking liberal or conservative areas the laws of physics do not care if you are young, old, Republican, Democrat, black, Jew, etc. We're all in this together. It would help if we acted like it.
As an atmospheric scientist and policy analyst I have watched us continue releasing tons and tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. As a kid growing up in Texas I can still remember seeing cars everywhere and wondering where the exhaust from them went. Did it magically disappear? No it does not. It has been accumulating in our atmosphere and we are well past the 11th hour in regards to doing something about it.
Given my knowledge of the planet's major systems I think it possible we can still stave off the worst of warming...POSSIBLY. But in order to do that people have got to heal themselves and their communities and stop watching the garbage coming from stations like Fox "News" and believing it's real and true. Just like the storms have no preference for striking liberal or conservative areas the laws of physics do not care if you are young, old, Republican, Democrat, black, Jew, etc. We're all in this together. It would help if we acted like it.
1
I think quite a few Times readers, determined to politicize this terrible event, should remember that Houston is a blue city.
8
Science shouldn't be a political issue.
6
The larger metro area is quite red. Try again.
5
For years, Houston homes have been built, bought & sold knowing that flooding is a problem. From the Briarhills.org HOA website
(2012 News: "Rising waters during a storm are a real threat. Consider buying flood insurance." with a link to FEMA website from homeowners' org website.
An elegant 4,000 sf home in this neighborhood is advertised for $399,000.
If the home is flooded, the US Government just builds them a new one & new contents..
(2012 News: "Rising waters during a storm are a real threat. Consider buying flood insurance." with a link to FEMA website from homeowners' org website.
An elegant 4,000 sf home in this neighborhood is advertised for $399,000.
If the home is flooded, the US Government just builds them a new one & new contents..
8
This post needs to be a NYT pick.
2
"...the US Government just builds them a new one..."? Who says? There are many types of loans and some assistance available to rebuild, but I know of no program, other than flood insurance, that hands over a new house to one that was destroyed.
I helped out as a volunteer after Sandy in 2013 and people were busy using Clorox to kill mold in their own houses. I saw one guy emerging from his basement through a narrow window covered in black grime from trying to clean it out. The government was nowhere in sight other than big tractors pushing sand off streets on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. (You can see some of the aftermath of that storm here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umuy-GgguqY&t=19s
It could be that coastal, on the beach type building is subsidized by floor insurance and other federal programs. This is a worthy debate, but I am unaware of any program that simply turns over a new house to individuals.
I helped out as a volunteer after Sandy in 2013 and people were busy using Clorox to kill mold in their own houses. I saw one guy emerging from his basement through a narrow window covered in black grime from trying to clean it out. The government was nowhere in sight other than big tractors pushing sand off streets on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. (You can see some of the aftermath of that storm here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umuy-GgguqY&t=19s
It could be that coastal, on the beach type building is subsidized by floor insurance and other federal programs. This is a worthy debate, but I am unaware of any program that simply turns over a new house to individuals.
1
Our family volunteered post Katrina in Mississippi. We observed amazing resilience, and also rampant fraud firsthand.
Before posting, I reviewed information directly from the FEMA site;
National Flood Insurance Documents are online; building only: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/12179
Contents insurance is separate. Additionally, Texas rates are online - e.g. http://www.texasfloodinsurance.com/flood-rates.php
Before posting, I reviewed information directly from the FEMA site;
National Flood Insurance Documents are online; building only: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/12179
Contents insurance is separate. Additionally, Texas rates are online - e.g. http://www.texasfloodinsurance.com/flood-rates.php
We have been warned and warned for decades. This did not have to happen. Yes, storms and hurricanes will always hot the Gulf Coast, however the severity of this storm, the fires out west, the droughts, floods, and so forth are the result of human activity causing the current global warming crisis. It is not too late. Rather than accept the "new normal", rather than focus on useless walls, misguided statues, and making the Koch brothers and their ilk richer, our government needs to wake up and work to help the people of the United States. Their hubris is eating this country alive.
29
Texans fervently believe the old Reagan line that government is the problem until a giant flood makes them change their tune. After so many floods in Houston, when will flood control measures actually be done. Its just the same old story on a much larger scale. Rebuild the same substandard buildings in the flood zone, happy in the thought that every few years the government(ie taxpayers) will pay to replace them. And all Trump can do is praise the "indomitable"spirit of Texans while doing nothing except repeal regulations that might actually help. What a fraud.
25
Can all LGBTS and TGs go to Texas to help and let's see how many of them refuses the survival?
All of the Red Cross Money will come from all the citizens, and that includes all colors, creed and types. Would GOP voters refuse help from Red Cross?
All of the Red Cross Money will come from all the citizens, and that includes all colors, creed and types. Would GOP voters refuse help from Red Cross?
7
Where are all the big, rich Houston-based oil companies and their peers in helping their neighbors? They seem strangely unengaged compared to other corporations far from the region, yet are vital to long-term recovery and planning.
11
"The full scale of the crisis is still uncertain, but officials said about 30,000 people would seek emergency shelter, and 450,000 are likely to seek federal aid."
Too bad Canadian Cruz told those affected by Hurricane Sandy to drop dead.
Too bad Canadian Cruz told those affected by Hurricane Sandy to drop dead.
15
Really what does it take to convince Texans that there is Global Warming? For the bible lovers this is close to a Biblical flood.
16
As a geezer , I've come to realize the importance of getting healthy because disasters like these ( & wildfires , earthquakes . . . whatever ) can happen most anywhere and being as Mobile as possible means being more able to cope with evacuations .
It is important for Everyone to work on your health because having to get rescued from a Lazyboy recliner usually does NOT work out well !
It is important for Everyone to work on your health because having to get rescued from a Lazyboy recliner usually does NOT work out well !
12
After decades of wasteful gorging on fossil fuels, and after all the abuse of the planet, Mother Nature is telling us to have a good swim. We can learn from it, or not.
13
Short term disaster relief should be a given regardless of the callous attitudes of some Congressional members. Long term the best aid to ALL Flood Prone municipalities will be (1) a comprehensive planning process with teeth. (2) proper funding to mitigate future catastrophic events dependent on meeting planning criteria. In a nutshell we should endeavor to restrict residential development in flood prone areas, by not rebuilding right back in areas that previously flooded. This should not only apply to Houston but Miami, New York City and the New Jersey shore, everywhere. Essentially let floodplains be floodplains. Use them for parks, recreation facilities, sports complexes, wetlands and wildlife preserves. Restrict residential and commercial development to areas with high enough elevation that they will be above future anticipated flood levels with an adequate safety margin. Assure these areas will remain connected by dry land during the worst flooding conditions. This will cost a lot of money and disruption. But, it has to be done. We also need to rethink where are refineries and petrochemical plants are located. If crude can be pumped across the continent from Canada to the Gulf Coast, it can be pumped to higher ground. There will need to be full Federal involvement in the standards and the funding. In one way or another these disasters affect all of us. This is not a "Texas Problem". This is an "American" problem and Americans need to fix it.
26
Amen!
1
People blame over-development for this flood. And it is true that if nobody lived in Houston, the flood wouldn't matter. But it isn't like this is the first flood in Houston. They have a chronic problem with flooding that has been increasing with climate change. If people had flood insurance, all these storms would mostly be inconveniences. So I'd like to know why only 20% of Houston residents have flood insurance.
9
inconveniences?
Big big problems.
Big big problems.
Because the insurance companies know the high risk areas and charge outrageous premiums to people who cannot afford them.
So people gamble with their possessions vs the likelihood of a flood affecting "them."
So people gamble with their possessions vs the likelihood of a flood affecting "them."
I am particularly pleased at the efforts that people are making to save pets and other animals. Experience has taught us that for long term recovery saving your pet is extremely important to avoid post traumatic stress disorder and at the same time humans and animals - The Lord God created them all!
7
Why don't you provide at least a couple of reputable organizations we can donate to to help those in this horrible situation? It's a huge missed opportunity for you to report on a disaster without reporting on ways the rest of us can help. (Similarly, in your Houston pet rescues story, why have you not provided a way to donate to--or provided the name(s) at least--of the organization sponsoring those who are rescuing the pets so heartlessly abandoned by others so we can donate?)
4
RED CROSS AND HUMANE SOCIETY
3
An article was already written, Some of the Charities are Americare and Red Cross DART- you can specify that the money go to disaster relief. Foodbanls in Corpus Christie and other areas in Texas accept online donations. Use charity navigator to search charities and prevent scamming. People should demand that TV evangelist JOEL OSTEEN open his church for shelter or be taken off the air. He is on network TV (Fox)
3
I hope that in the rebuilding process, Houston will institute common sense zoning regulations that consider its closeness to the Gulf and the guarantee that Harvey is only the first of future severe storms.
10
OK, it's Tuesday. We get it on Harvey. There are umpteen TV stations and other news outlets covering it.
The NYT needs to redirect its resources to the disaster unfolding in Washington, DC, as national lands are sold off, wildlife refuge open for hunting, education hijacked, health care undermined. I'd like to see a daily grid of what each cabinet secretary/federal department is up to. That will be a lot more useful in the long run than endless anecdotes about the poor people in Houston. Leave those to less sophisticated news organizations, please, and get back to work.
The NYT needs to redirect its resources to the disaster unfolding in Washington, DC, as national lands are sold off, wildlife refuge open for hunting, education hijacked, health care undermined. I'd like to see a daily grid of what each cabinet secretary/federal department is up to. That will be a lot more useful in the long run than endless anecdotes about the poor people in Houston. Leave those to less sophisticated news organizations, please, and get back to work.
10
Kosher Dill: Your lack of interest and compassion is telling. I hope for your sake you never experience harm of any kind.
10
I'm already experiencing severe harm from the trump presidency, as are 330 million other Americans and untold people around the globe.
There is no shortage of Harvey coverage. The NYT doesn't need to immerse itself in it. It should cover the larger disaster that is the loser in the white house.
There is no shortage of Harvey coverage. The NYT doesn't need to immerse itself in it. It should cover the larger disaster that is the loser in the white house.
3
Texas is perfect place to make a stand to stop uncontrolled development. Help the people who need help, but not unconditionally. Money for rebuilding should be restricted so that it can't be used to build on flood plains. Stop overdeveloping barrier islands and paving over wetlands and estuaries that are critical for water absorption and drainage during floods. If you build in a flood plain you are eventually going to get flooded. There are well documented warnings about the potential for flooding disaster in Houston dating back to 1996. But uncontrolled and poorly planned development continued unabated and now Houston resembles a giant concrete bathtub, with concrete paving as far as the eye can see, that is now filled with flood waters. The damage of this storm could have been mitigated so much more effectively with more environmentally sound planning and development.
4
Many commentators assert that Texas should shouldn’t get federal aid because “Texas voted against the Hurricane Sandy Relief Act, but his isn’t true. Texas has 36 representatives. They voted 28-8 in favor of the Sandy Relief Act. The two Texas senators voted, along with 36 senators from other states, against the act because it contained billions of dollars for projects that were unrelated to Hurricane Sandy. They weren’t against Sandy relief. They would have voted for an amended relief act. The bill passed, but many Sandy victims have complained that Sandy relief funds were misallocated.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who voted against the Sandy Relief Act, said yesterday that “the problem with that particular bill is it became a $50 billion bill that was filled with unrelated pork. Two-thirds of that bill had nothing to do with Sandy. And what I said then, and still believe now, is that it's not right for politicians to exploit a disaster and people are hurting to pay for their own political wish list. Disaster relief needs to be focused on the victims of disaster relief. And I supported that for Sandy, disaster relief there, and I would support that anywhere there's a major disaster without getting distracted by political unnecessary pork spending.”
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who voted against the Sandy Relief Act, said yesterday that “the problem with that particular bill is it became a $50 billion bill that was filled with unrelated pork. Two-thirds of that bill had nothing to do with Sandy. And what I said then, and still believe now, is that it's not right for politicians to exploit a disaster and people are hurting to pay for their own political wish list. Disaster relief needs to be focused on the victims of disaster relief. And I supported that for Sandy, disaster relief there, and I would support that anywhere there's a major disaster without getting distracted by political unnecessary pork spending.”
5
Thank you for giving the New York Times readers this much needed information about Ted Cruz's refusal to support financial aid for Hurricane Sandy. It makes sense now why he did not want to support the extra pork proposals. It should have been exclusively about Hurricane Sandy.
2
This is really funny given how often Republicans load bills with pork or throw in totally unrelated things like abortion restrictions.
3
Ted Cruz lied. He didn't want to pay for things like upgrades to NOAA aircraft which are directly related to surveillance of severe storms. Sure there was a little pork in the bill, but not as much as he said.
2
The reasoning that an evacuation should not have been mandated in the case of Houston is a little faulty. The mayor of Houston has said that during Hurricane Rita we ordered an evacuation of just a portion of Houston and everybody (more or less) evacuated in a panic causing a horrible traffic jam, during which many died. Therefore, his reasoning goes, we didn't order on evacuation of Houston for hurricane Harvey, based on this experience.
From my strange mind, this is really bad reasoning. The better action is to improve the orderliness of the evacuation by cultural means: TV programs, fliers, that sort of thing. Logistically it seems conceivable that each home is assigned a route and a time to evacuate, police officers, other, supervise highway entrances and all evacuate with no fuss. This presupposes that humans are not rats and can control their actions with central coordination. Granted this is against the grain of some senses of freedom and requires a government, not a bunch of Trump's running the show. I didn't mention i-phones and portable GPS devices that make this, with a little effort, a slam dunk for fast, painless evacuation.
As it is, as was pointed out by a detractor of the no evacuation idea, people are now in the city with ruined cars, homes, and no belongings, and out in the streets or on roofs. The inability of government to compute with technology the sound movement of peoples with the coming global warming consequences is bad. No-one fixes it.
From my strange mind, this is really bad reasoning. The better action is to improve the orderliness of the evacuation by cultural means: TV programs, fliers, that sort of thing. Logistically it seems conceivable that each home is assigned a route and a time to evacuate, police officers, other, supervise highway entrances and all evacuate with no fuss. This presupposes that humans are not rats and can control their actions with central coordination. Granted this is against the grain of some senses of freedom and requires a government, not a bunch of Trump's running the show. I didn't mention i-phones and portable GPS devices that make this, with a little effort, a slam dunk for fast, painless evacuation.
As it is, as was pointed out by a detractor of the no evacuation idea, people are now in the city with ruined cars, homes, and no belongings, and out in the streets or on roofs. The inability of government to compute with technology the sound movement of peoples with the coming global warming consequences is bad. No-one fixes it.
2
If you don't practice it, it will fail. How often are you willing to practice evacuating your entire county?
3
Too many cars.
A few months ago the Times published a good article on the Netherlands' work at dealing with the increased risk of flooding due to rising waters, their position below sea-level, and effects of climate change. It seems that here among the right-wing, that proud American "can do" attitude has become an angry, prideful "no! we can't and we won't!" Regardless of why climate change is occurring, the fact is that it is; we can do more than rescue and survive each time these increasingly disasterous storms occur. We can invest, research, develop, build and thrive. To do that, we must stop being led around by the nose like a dumb animal; we must stop allowing the oil and dying coal industries and the political shills who work for them dictate where our tax money and investment goes. We need government leadership, not government light. (And no, I'm not saying government is the only answer, but its leadership is why we pay for it; it is supposed to be by and for the people).
17
In the end it really doesn't matter whether the people believe in global warming or not. The earth will reflect back the result of human damage so there will be no question; however, it will also probably be too late.
3
This is the 21st century, not the Dark Ages, and the United States is the richest country in the world. Four hundred years ago, the Dutch figured out how to build cities situated below sea level. The US is, moreover, home to some of the most advanced research and engineering institutes in the world. Yet supposedly no one could have anticipated or planned for the flooding of a major city on the Gulf of Mexico?
13
A large majority of the Texas Congressional Delegation voted against federal aid to the Northeast when Hurricane Sandy hit, just remember that people. Ted Cruz led the charge.
8
La Opinion is reporting this morning that undocumented people in Houston are in fear of asking for help due Texas's recently enacted "show me your papers" law.
And how disgusting is it that Trump is admitting/bragging that his lawless pardon of the criminal Joe Arpaio on Friday night was timed to take advantage of "the ratings" that Harvey would provide him. Always about him.
And how disgusting is it that Trump is admitting/bragging that his lawless pardon of the criminal Joe Arpaio on Friday night was timed to take advantage of "the ratings" that Harvey would provide him. Always about him.
9
Law enforcement has been on local television since the beginning making it clear that whether or not someone is a legal citizen is of no interest to them and no one will be asked about their status.
That doesn't mean that undocumented immigrants will actually take them at their word Barbara. That is the problem with putting in place laws that intimidate residents of a community -- they become reticent to cooperate with law enforcement, reticent to register their children for school, reticent to take care of their health issues, etc. etc.
This is a big job. People forget that Texas is the size of mainland Europe even though it has a quarter of the population.
1
To Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Texas' House Republican delegation (save for the Republican who represents the Houston area in the House), I have just one word to say: Sandy.
You held up and voted against disaster aid for the far-flung victims of Sandy, claiming you wanted the spending offset in the rest of the federal budget, something never before done with major disaster aid spending. Now you're relying on Washington for the billions in recovery dollars that will be needed in the years to come for Harvey victims. And yet the moderate Republicans and Democrats who represent the region devastated by Sandy five years are pledging their support for your constituents today, in a bipartisan spirit as fellow Americans who've also been beset by tragedy.
That's leadership and compassion, Cruz. That's the American spirit, Cornyn. Learn from them, you hypocrites.
You held up and voted against disaster aid for the far-flung victims of Sandy, claiming you wanted the spending offset in the rest of the federal budget, something never before done with major disaster aid spending. Now you're relying on Washington for the billions in recovery dollars that will be needed in the years to come for Harvey victims. And yet the moderate Republicans and Democrats who represent the region devastated by Sandy five years are pledging their support for your constituents today, in a bipartisan spirit as fellow Americans who've also been beset by tragedy.
That's leadership and compassion, Cruz. That's the American spirit, Cornyn. Learn from them, you hypocrites.
9
I think building the wall on the Mexico-US border is now a dead issue. There's no money for both a wall and rebuilding Texas. We're all about to get a much-needed lesson about human compassion and kindness.
9
Move to higher ground & away from floodplains.
Hurricane Harvey is a wake-up call for preparedness & reminder of results overdevelopment along coastlines prone to flooding. On 8/15/17, Trump reversed regulations that would strengthen our nation's flood preparedness, by instituting stricter standards for federally-funded projects near floodplains.
I am sorry for the people of Houston, but I am also tired of paying billions for flood damage & hearing that you & your leaders don't believe the planet is warming..
Hurricane Harvey is a wake-up call for preparedness & reminder of results overdevelopment along coastlines prone to flooding. On 8/15/17, Trump reversed regulations that would strengthen our nation's flood preparedness, by instituting stricter standards for federally-funded projects near floodplains.
I am sorry for the people of Houston, but I am also tired of paying billions for flood damage & hearing that you & your leaders don't believe the planet is warming..
12
The majority of people in the United States live near the coasts; that's where the centers of commerce are located. In the central part of the country you have tornadoes and now earthquakes. So where do you suggest that people move?
By the way, reversing the stricter standards for floodplain projects was absolutely a stupid move.
By the way, reversing the stricter standards for floodplain projects was absolutely a stupid move.
According to FEMA, Texas has had the most disasters in the nation (since 1953). Texan leaders don't like regulations, and I think they are important.
In the face of the destruction the Grand Old Party will continue to try to engineer their way through future hurricanes while praying this doesn't happen again which will have no impact on anything except make the church coffers a bit fuller. The denying of Climate Change will continue because "there is no man so blind as he who will not see."
6
This gives me nightmares. The helplessness of being in a situation like these poor people were in, the loss is mind boggling .. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the storms and the floods ..
109
Harvey/Houston is a textbook case for the repudiation of much of what Donald Trump stands for. He strongly denies global warming ("I believe in weather. It goes up, it goes down." [accurate quote, not "fake"]). But the far warmer than normal Gulf of Mexico (see dramatically roiling clouds as Harvey sucks up water here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/24/us/hurricane-harvey-texas... is not conveniently characterized as mere weather.
And as David Leonhardt points out today in the NY Times, "In Houston’s particular case, a lack of zoning laws has led to an explosion of building, which further worsens flooding. The city added 24 percent more pavement between 1996 and 2011, according to Samuel Brody of Texas A&M, and Houston wasn’t exactly light on pavement in 1996. Pavement, unlike soil, fails to absorb water."
Trump is strongly opposed to all types of regulation, including zoning laws, that hinder business -- or rather, his understanding of "business," on which his Make America Paved Again depends. Houston would have even more concrete and less open soil to absorb rainfall than it does now, had Trump ever been its mayor.
Harvey gives the lie to Trump's entire mindset. Say it loud, and say it long. Don't let him get away with calling Harvey's devastation of Houston mere "weather."
And as David Leonhardt points out today in the NY Times, "In Houston’s particular case, a lack of zoning laws has led to an explosion of building, which further worsens flooding. The city added 24 percent more pavement between 1996 and 2011, according to Samuel Brody of Texas A&M, and Houston wasn’t exactly light on pavement in 1996. Pavement, unlike soil, fails to absorb water."
Trump is strongly opposed to all types of regulation, including zoning laws, that hinder business -- or rather, his understanding of "business," on which his Make America Paved Again depends. Houston would have even more concrete and less open soil to absorb rainfall than it does now, had Trump ever been its mayor.
Harvey gives the lie to Trump's entire mindset. Say it loud, and say it long. Don't let him get away with calling Harvey's devastation of Houston mere "weather."
19
A message for Mr. Trump
Please forget about that wall between the US and Mexico. Use the money to help these thousands upon thousands of refugees from the greatest natural disaster the US has ever had. They will be desperate not only for the basics of life but for reestablishing a home (house or apartment) and replenishing all their personal belongings.
Also forget about shutting the government down because if you do then millions of people in the hurricane area and many many more throughout the US will suffer irreparable damage to their lives through ABSOLUTELY no fault of their own.
Mr. Trump, if there is a heart in that body of yours, have it reach out and help your citizens - they need it more than anytime in the past.
Please forget about that wall between the US and Mexico. Use the money to help these thousands upon thousands of refugees from the greatest natural disaster the US has ever had. They will be desperate not only for the basics of life but for reestablishing a home (house or apartment) and replenishing all their personal belongings.
Also forget about shutting the government down because if you do then millions of people in the hurricane area and many many more throughout the US will suffer irreparable damage to their lives through ABSOLUTELY no fault of their own.
Mr. Trump, if there is a heart in that body of yours, have it reach out and help your citizens - they need it more than anytime in the past.
11
“We need to recognize it will be a new normal, a new and different normal for this entire region.”
I am flabberghasted. A Texas governor finally said the words. Too little, too late, but it's something.
I am flabberghasted. A Texas governor finally said the words. Too little, too late, but it's something.
3
WillyD, as much promise as those words might imply, taken at face value they only state facts. He might just be saying "we are going to be dealing with the recovery from this storm for years, and will have to deal with things like this in the future, that's just the way it is."
I hate to be negative, but I don't see how next week isn't far worse than this. There are 100ks of people who are only accessible via boat now and who do not have potable water or sewage. How does this play out? Given that nobody is trying to evacuate those people, I trust that folks who know far more about the infrastructure than I do are confident that potable water will be flowing within the week... but this armchair quarterback wonders that it won't be weeks until something drinkable comes out of the taps.
3
Reports state that water supplies are still potable, flowing now, and drinkable. That could change.
So many individual and tragic stories, each one seemingly getting as much or more coverage than the thousands of drownings, bombings and other mostly man-made atrocities that occur daily in other countries. US news reporting is truly out of tune with the rest of the world. I'm suffering from disaster news fatigue and stopped reading and watching Harvey reports after a couple days of constant commentary. Sad...
The anonymous, ordinary citizens who rescue and help others in this crisis are true heroes. As a previous comment has mentioned, these are times when political, cultural, and racial boundaries (should be) strip away, and all you can do is help others as best as you can. Many of us simply cannot imagine the devastating scale of impact, and what has been wrought upon millions of people.
118
There is a large area of east Houston which is mostly Chinese and Vietnamese. One of my husbands coworkers live in the area and we just found out that his property has not flooded yet but it probably will in the next few hours.
so, I see Galveston on the map near Houston...how different is the Hurricane different than the devastating one in Galveston one of 1900??...haven't seen anything about that...
1
Harvey is much weaker than the great Galveston Hurricane. That hurricane was not measured with modern technology, but likely was the strongest hurricane to ever hit US shores. It killed far more people, and physically destroyed Galveston under water much deeper than Harvey has produced
1
The thing about the Galveston hurricane was that there was no preparation - in those days there was no systematic forecasting, let alone satellite pictures and all the information we have today. No preparation, no modern communication and transportation, and much more vulnerable structures, right at the edge of the gulf. What would happen if a similar hurricane hit Galveston today? Hard to say, but there would have been a lot more preparation leading up to it.
"...expected more than 450,000 people to apply for federal assistance."
Yes, this is why we have a government and pay taxes. I wish everyone affected by the hurricane the very best. Yet, I wonder how many of those people voted for Trump and his slashing of the federal budget, including programs that help people?
Yes, this is why we have a government and pay taxes. I wish everyone affected by the hurricane the very best. Yet, I wonder how many of those people voted for Trump and his slashing of the federal budget, including programs that help people?
25
Look here:
https://www.texastribune.org/2016/11/11/harris-county-turned-blue/
Like most cities Houston leans Republican, in the last election:
"The blue wave was apparent up and down the ballot on a banner night for the county's Democrats.
They swept up every single countywide seat, including the district attorney and sheriff’s offices. They flipped a Texas House district in Pasadena. And with a presidential fight at the top of the ticket, Democrats shored up their lead in the fight for the typically purple county with Hillary Clinton beating Donald Trump by more than 160,000 votes — up from the 971 votes with which Obama took the county in 2012.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday chalked up Republican losses in urban areas to increased turnout in presidential years, which tends to benefit Democrats."
Still, roughly 45% of the people in Harris County (that contains Houston) voted for Trump.
https://www.texastribune.org/2016/11/11/harris-county-turned-blue/
Like most cities Houston leans Republican, in the last election:
"The blue wave was apparent up and down the ballot on a banner night for the county's Democrats.
They swept up every single countywide seat, including the district attorney and sheriff’s offices. They flipped a Texas House district in Pasadena. And with a presidential fight at the top of the ticket, Democrats shored up their lead in the fight for the typically purple county with Hillary Clinton beating Donald Trump by more than 160,000 votes — up from the 971 votes with which Obama took the county in 2012.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday chalked up Republican losses in urban areas to increased turnout in presidential years, which tends to benefit Democrats."
Still, roughly 45% of the people in Harris County (that contains Houston) voted for Trump.
2
Politics aside, let's keep in mind that this could be any of us. It could be our town, our city, or wherever we live. Major disasters like this do not pick a red or blue state, nor who won where. No one should use this as an excuse or justification for a photo op or to gain some political points or favors or to profit from the misery of many. This is the real America everywhere, helping other Americans in their time of need. Never allow anyone to divide this nation and who we are. We are, who we are...Americans.
17
I am getting a little sick of the leftist glee that stands smiling with horrid "I told you so eyes" - as if a torrential rainstorm is validation for their baseless claims that every weather disaster is due to Climate change. There is NO evidence that this was anything more than a routine strong hurricane that has not been moving due to decreased steering currents. But if it makes you joyful to watch others suffer in vindication of your politics - then you are a true ghoul!
9
Leftist glee, or rightist glee - it doesn't matter for those looking to make things better for mankind. Try to look at what is the problem - real problem at work here. The gulf of mexico is warmer by 3-4 degrees, and that has come from rising temperature through climate change (1 degree). Too much moisture is getting picked up, and what you saw is the outcome. It's simple physics - more heat, more vapor. All this water that fell didn't have anywhere to go since there is a lot of concrete but not enough soil to absorb. Climate change means we all lose. We can change that by making that central to all business decisions, because the alternative is more costly. More suffering, more losses, less land, more crowding, more diseases.
5
Oh ross, a lot of us are not "gleeful," we are just lamenting what could have been -- and what could be prevented in the future -- if we start taking steps to reverse the damage to the environment and the consequences of climate change.
If the arc from Katrina to Sandy to Harvey proves anything, along with the increasing droughts, wildfires and floods, it is that these storms and "weather events" are getting worse and more costly in terms of lives, displacement and economics. And that they don't care what your political leaning is -- they impact Americans on the left, right and everywhere in between.
If the arc from Katrina to Sandy to Harvey proves anything, along with the increasing droughts, wildfires and floods, it is that these storms and "weather events" are getting worse and more costly in terms of lives, displacement and economics. And that they don't care what your political leaning is -- they impact Americans on the left, right and everywhere in between.
7
That's junk, Ross. Understanding what's going on -- as "the left" certainly does -- is not reduceable to "glee over suffering." And it is ridiculous to suggest that people who understand the reasons for extreme weather events not point them out, even with people like you ready to pounce. Silence will only lead to more suffering for others in the future.
2
At this point, the original "Inconvenient Truth" movie should be mandatory viewing. A movie which predicted events exactly like this due to Global Warming. Congress definitely needs to vote for the much needed funds to help Texas and Louisiana- but I hope they also put in place the much needed policy to help stem global warming.
271
Mandatory reading and listening would lead one to know global warming is real, seas are rising, future risks are obvious, much of this is man-made and there has been no significant effort, including the Paris Accords, to slow or halt possible catastrophe but the number and severity of hurricanes has not changed over the years. I would trust climatologists at Columbia and other scientists rather than Al Gore's movie.
1
My thoughts exactly. We seem to be willing to spend billions in post disaster clean ups but so little on educating ourselves. Whether we think climate change is human caused or part of the cycles of nature, we humans will be subjected to more and more of this kind of nightmare.
The "Inconvenient Truth" movie conveniently leaves out the meat industry and the enormous impact that has on the earth.
So is this devastating storm God's punishing the Texas gun crazies, gay- and trans-phobes, and Mus-Mex haters? Or the punishing libruls in Austin? Only the right-wing fundies know for sure.
4
Your sympathy is amazing and not typical of any NYer.
1
As someone who has no empathy for anyone I can see how you could make such a puerile comment while the emergency is still going on. I live here and the people here are the friendliest people I have ever met in the world and I have lived all over the world. They are from everywhere in the world too, but all soon learn to get 'Texas friendly'. They are the first to turn to help you, always have a smile and a good word. They are all different nationalities and races, but they are all Texans. Look at the people going to help, see who they are. They could be your neighbors, but with your attitude your neighbors probably stay away. I was born in Jersey and lived there many years, still have family there. My son just spent the summer up there with them. When Sandy hit and I was so sad, I don't remember people here gleefully laughing at you all. I remember a lot of people sending prayers and what help they could. I don't know what religion you are or indeed if you have one, but I am Jewish and next month or so comes our day of atonement. You need to do some meditating and reflect on your hatred.
1
I assume you were equally incensed when the right-wing fundies made their outrageous comments about God punishing gay folks and liberals.
The tragedy in Texas is horrible to be sure, but the fact conservative Republicans can be so myopic in their understanding of the importance of what the Federal government can and should do is mind-boggling. What's worse, is now that the country is so deeply divided these limited government Constitutional "experts" are playing politics with people's lives.
When Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, Republicans did not think the damage significant to warrant appropriating massive funds. They wanted "proof" the money would actually help people in need.
What is it about these right-wing neanderthals? They still subscribe to the misguided gospel of Ronnie Raygun: "the worse thing one wants to here is: I'm from the Federal government and I'm here to help". Really? Yes, really. Ronnie thought that saying just one of his many cute and crude Hollywood-inspired guffaws whose intent was to simplify and negate what government, and only the government, can do.
I do so sympathize with what is happening on the Gulf Coast, but I am sick and tired of hearing politicians promising people the world, with silly slogans about making America great. They cause one to vomit. Since they are so blind, these Republicans need to look around and see that we are no longer living in the late 18th century. This is 2017. Start acting as a grown-up, and steward of the most powerful nation on Earth. We're capable of annihilating the globe yet we cannot help our own people. Pathetic.
DD
Manhattan
When Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, Republicans did not think the damage significant to warrant appropriating massive funds. They wanted "proof" the money would actually help people in need.
What is it about these right-wing neanderthals? They still subscribe to the misguided gospel of Ronnie Raygun: "the worse thing one wants to here is: I'm from the Federal government and I'm here to help". Really? Yes, really. Ronnie thought that saying just one of his many cute and crude Hollywood-inspired guffaws whose intent was to simplify and negate what government, and only the government, can do.
I do so sympathize with what is happening on the Gulf Coast, but I am sick and tired of hearing politicians promising people the world, with silly slogans about making America great. They cause one to vomit. Since they are so blind, these Republicans need to look around and see that we are no longer living in the late 18th century. This is 2017. Start acting as a grown-up, and steward of the most powerful nation on Earth. We're capable of annihilating the globe yet we cannot help our own people. Pathetic.
DD
Manhattan
26
I’m dismayed that, elsewhere, President Trump tweets that “experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood” (sic).
Let set aside the fact that this is not how the scientific community describes this flood.
I’m dismayed that, elsewhere, President Trump tweets that “experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood” (sic).
Let's set aside the fact that this is not how the scientific community describes this flood.
What rattles me is that now that it makes him look presidential, we in the geoscience community are labeled the “experts”, while for the last few years he has belittled us as part of an elaborate hoax; a cabal of people chasing funding or political agendas, etc. Pick your derisive term- he has hung them all on us.
You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Trump.
Let set aside the fact that this is not how the scientific community describes this flood.
I’m dismayed that, elsewhere, President Trump tweets that “experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood” (sic).
Let's set aside the fact that this is not how the scientific community describes this flood.
What rattles me is that now that it makes him look presidential, we in the geoscience community are labeled the “experts”, while for the last few years he has belittled us as part of an elaborate hoax; a cabal of people chasing funding or political agendas, etc. Pick your derisive term- he has hung them all on us.
You can’t have it both ways, Mr. Trump.
12
Well, Sandy happened five years ago and some have not recovered so you are in for the long haul. Oh and is not rich those senators and reps who voted against the recovery package for New York and Jersey are coming hat in hand for immediate funds-no limits. But this is what Republicans do.
14
Huh, unlike the LA Times, Chicago Tribune and even CNN, the NYT article makes no mention of the Texas Governor's praise of Trump's response to the hurricane. In fact the next headline in this news update is that stupid, and probably bogus, real estate story about some clown boasting that if Trump builds a skyscraper in Moscow it will guarantee his election as the US president. I'm no fan of Trump but I am a fan of fair and balanced journalism. C'mon NYT, get it together. Stop with the biased editorial petulance that keeps widening the political divide in your country.
7
It;s the news reporting that is separating the country and not Trump and his idiotic supporters of racism, hate and greed. What utter nonsense.
2
Yes, it's so bogus that it's part of the collusion investigation against Trump.
And sorry but a Republican governor praising a Republican president is a mundane non-newsworthy happening.
And sorry but a Republican governor praising a Republican president is a mundane non-newsworthy happening.
2
"Melanie Steele, 43, said she and her husband evacuated their home along a bayou in Houston’s Linkwood neighborhood with little more than their dog, Baxter, and a baggie of dog food."
I love these people - knowing that things were getting desperate, they still took their dog AND some dog food. It breaks my heart reading and seeing pictures of animals left behind for who knows what reasons. Pets and other animals are truly at the mercy of humans.
I fear that the toll of life lost will be greater than imagined. Heck, it's still raining and so much work ahead for millions. I cannot go to Houston to help out in any way, but my hands aren't broken so at least I can write a check to the Red Cross. It will take years for the folks of Houston to recover. May they continue to remain strong and not lose hope or faith. A similar deplorable situation could happen to anyone tomorrow.
10
My heart goes out to all in Texas affected by this watery tragedy. My wallet went out to support the Houston Humane Society.
11
Mine too. It's not the animals' fault they are dealing with this mess. Nor is it their fault they were owned by despicable people who would abandon them in an emergency.
1
@Dill -- Just what is your problem?
When we needed help after Sandy the posturing fake conservatives from Texas voted against aid to the Northeast. Now when they are in need they have grown a selective amnesia. I know that our elected officials will vote for whatever it takes to help our fellow Americans without any strings because that's how we do it. Someone need to tell the Texans that you never kick a guy when he is down because he might be the one you need one day to pick you up. Having been a lifelong resident of New York I know my state will stand toe toe with Texas to help these suffering Americans. I hope the Texans who voted against helping us learn something in return about Karma and Class. New York has always been a Class Act. Seeing people of all shades helping people of all shades is what America is about and maybe its time the politicians understand that. The suffering of those people has to melt the hardest of hearts and make you realize we are all in this together. There is no time for hate when their is suffering.
13
You start your comment with hateful remarks then close it saying there is no time for hate ?
I think it is humane, a patriotic duty, a moral imperative - the right thing to do - for the federal government to support Texans victimized by Harvey in their time of need. I'm happy my tax money is used to help these folks.
However, I would structure the legislation funding this so that not one cent would go to any slime ball Texan congressional member (or their families) who voted against aid for Sandy victims.
However, I would structure the legislation funding this so that not one cent would go to any slime ball Texan congressional member (or their families) who voted against aid for Sandy victims.
12
Hmmm, maybe Mr. Trump might want to build a wall around Houston to keep the water out?
6
I expect the NYT to have a headline claiming Trump is responsible for the hurricane.
3
Actually, denial that human activity has a good deal to do with climate change, and constant belittling of science and scientists, does have some consequences.
2
I always shake my head in wonder at the sight of strong men wading ankle-deep in water while "saving" an already-drenched person from having to walk ankle-deep in water. Perhaps the photographer did not want to venture out into deeper water for a more dramatic rescue shot.
3
Although a dramatic photo might make our eyes pop, walking in ankle-deep flood water is no picnic. You have no idea what's underneath that water: sewer grates, snakes, rocks and other types of obstructions. Flood water is murky...you can't see the pavement. it's dangerous.
1
I am watching this on TV. What a disaster!
You think Sandy was bad? This is worse. Sandy came and went in short order leaving destruction in its wake. Texas is going to be stuck with this for awhile.
What I don't get is why these people who are now in distress didn't evacuate. Here in NYC I heard about this days in advance. No one in Texas heard the dire forecasts that I heard?
So they stayed and put their lives and the lives of their rescuers at risk? Very irresponsible.
You think Sandy was bad? This is worse. Sandy came and went in short order leaving destruction in its wake. Texas is going to be stuck with this for awhile.
What I don't get is why these people who are now in distress didn't evacuate. Here in NYC I heard about this days in advance. No one in Texas heard the dire forecasts that I heard?
So they stayed and put their lives and the lives of their rescuers at risk? Very irresponsible.
3
Strongly denying human-induced global warming, Trump said: "I believe in weather. It goes up, it goes down."
I guess in Houston, it went up.
But the fast-motion video, available here at the NY Times
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/24/us/hurricane-harvey-texas...®ion=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region#tracker
of Harvey's clouds dramatically roiling up over the Gulf of Mexico shows something not fairly called mere "weather." It shows a tropical storm swiftly sucking up trillions of gallons of water from a HOT Gulf of Mexico.
And that is not just weather "going up." It's global warming of the oceans, well documented, and new.
Trump is wrong. Harvey proves it.
I guess in Houston, it went up.
But the fast-motion video, available here at the NY Times
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/24/us/hurricane-harvey-texas...®ion=span-abc-region&WT.nav=span-abc-region#tracker
of Harvey's clouds dramatically roiling up over the Gulf of Mexico shows something not fairly called mere "weather." It shows a tropical storm swiftly sucking up trillions of gallons of water from a HOT Gulf of Mexico.
And that is not just weather "going up." It's global warming of the oceans, well documented, and new.
Trump is wrong. Harvey proves it.
11
Meanwhile, the insurance agency lawyers are swarming to find loopholes and new ways to cheat these people out of their insurance claims, you can certainly bet on that....
6
Yet another republican scam, already spreading fake news about endless recovery times, siphoning hundreds of billions of your dollars into the hands of rich texan oligarchs. The sun will dry them out. They don't need dollar bills to soak up water. They just need patience, and prayer. Texans running to nanny in government because they have a boo-boo?
11
Lets hope some of his constituents start asking, "Why have you been lying to me about the climate all these years?"
5
One story says the population of Houston is 6.6 million. A different story (comparing Harvey to Katrina) says the population is 2 million. Which is it, NYT?
2
Houston proper is 2 million. Houston metro area (with all the suburbs) is over 6 million. Pretty easy answer to google.
2
US Census estimates (2016 of CITY of Houston are 2,303,482. The area impacted (numerous COUNTIES) is over 6.6 million. Harris County is #2 in growth in the nation, and also high birth rates.
1
Metro area vs. city limits.
To add to my Comment issued a minute ago, the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is running at 2 to 3 degrees above its typical rate. It is now an incubator of storms that enter the Gulf of Mexico, killer Hurricanes like Harvey. There is a new normal in place with record wind events, rain events, snow events, droughts, longer and more destructive forest fires, cold snaps. Our seas are rising as the arctic melts, with northern territories losing their permafrost. The age-old Ididerod can no longer be held on its usual course in Alaska, as the snow and ice are now gone, the permafrost as well. What will it take, how much longer for the 'science deniers' to wake up?
12
For the record: This is not a horrible tragedy!
The event's in Houston, Southern Texas, Louisiana and surrounding area's are normal... If you don't believe me... give it time. It will happen again and again and again. For example, in the past two years, there have been over 8 major floods in the southern Texas region - several of which have been described as a 1 in 10,0000 year event. In fact, the biggest downpours have increased 167% since the 1950's.
Folks, if you move to the lowlands, next to the ocean, and build in bayou, along with 7 million other people... don't be surprised when it floods. (Hint: It floods there so often that people are having their homes raised.) Flooding is a natural event in the area!
Okay, so climate change is making things worse, stop complaining and stop pointing fingers because if you're reading this, you haven't done anything to reduce your impact on this world.
Again, stop blaming others. Stop pointing fingers and stop crying because if you have one or more vehicles, or take the garbage out everyday, have an electric bill higher than $80 per month, fill a vehicle up once a week, have a child or more, eat out once a month or more often, and/or have a cell phone, have a computer, have flatscreen TV's, have cable or satellite service... then take a good look in the mirror because you're part of the problem!
This is not a catastrophe!
It will happen again!
The event's in Houston, Southern Texas, Louisiana and surrounding area's are normal... If you don't believe me... give it time. It will happen again and again and again. For example, in the past two years, there have been over 8 major floods in the southern Texas region - several of which have been described as a 1 in 10,0000 year event. In fact, the biggest downpours have increased 167% since the 1950's.
Folks, if you move to the lowlands, next to the ocean, and build in bayou, along with 7 million other people... don't be surprised when it floods. (Hint: It floods there so often that people are having their homes raised.) Flooding is a natural event in the area!
Okay, so climate change is making things worse, stop complaining and stop pointing fingers because if you're reading this, you haven't done anything to reduce your impact on this world.
Again, stop blaming others. Stop pointing fingers and stop crying because if you have one or more vehicles, or take the garbage out everyday, have an electric bill higher than $80 per month, fill a vehicle up once a week, have a child or more, eat out once a month or more often, and/or have a cell phone, have a computer, have flatscreen TV's, have cable or satellite service... then take a good look in the mirror because you're part of the problem!
This is not a catastrophe!
It will happen again!
3
Twenty years ago I met with a major insurance company who advised our firm to stop buying commercial real estate on the coasts of the US because of climate change and the high probability that these areas would be flooded.
One of my colleagues derided me for coming back with the advice -- but it has proven to be extremely accurate. Building insurance has been impossible to buy in some locations for some time or prohibitively expensive.
And yet, building in flat, coastal area continues. Building codes remain essentially the same but its possible to build in an ever changing environment i.e. raised concrete structures may reduce the risk -- cars underneath/garages etc. Time to give up the lawn and the pool!
The US has always been innovative -- time to rebuild smarter! Export that know how! So many lives changed forever.
One of my colleagues derided me for coming back with the advice -- but it has proven to be extremely accurate. Building insurance has been impossible to buy in some locations for some time or prohibitively expensive.
And yet, building in flat, coastal area continues. Building codes remain essentially the same but its possible to build in an ever changing environment i.e. raised concrete structures may reduce the risk -- cars underneath/garages etc. Time to give up the lawn and the pool!
The US has always been innovative -- time to rebuild smarter! Export that know how! So many lives changed forever.
“We’re going to be here for several years helping you guys recover,” he [Brock Long] said.
Uhm... maybe not. Trump just cut FEMA's budget significantly. You may be going home sooner than you think, Mr. Long.
Uhm... maybe not. Trump just cut FEMA's budget significantly. You may be going home sooner than you think, Mr. Long.
4
My liberalism left the building on election day. The nation will help Texas of course, but my heart isn't in it.
How much hypocrisy should I be asked to tolerate? The state helped elect a vicious anti-government propagandist, and now will demand help from the government.
How much hypocrisy should I be asked to tolerate? The state helped elect a vicious anti-government propagandist, and now will demand help from the government.
14
With the events of recent days and weeks we have seen the worst and will see the best of America's core.. I think it will be quite obvious which feels right.. nature indeed seems to possess a reminding justice at times
1
Trump's swift action in the face of this horrific national crisis has saved countless lives. Today he is going to Houston to get a first hand account of the crisis. That is called leadership. America is in good hands.
2
Oh, please!
3
It's about time he did something right, eh?
3
What, exactly, has he done other than rush to completion his pardon of Joe Arpaio Friday night because he was afraid Harvey would upstage him?
The best thing he can do today is just stay out of everyone's way -- which he'll probably do, since he has all the compassion and empathy of a doorknob. That, and he won't want to ruin his MAGA ballcap by getting it wet.
The best thing he can do today is just stay out of everyone's way -- which he'll probably do, since he has all the compassion and empathy of a doorknob. That, and he won't want to ruin his MAGA ballcap by getting it wet.
2
A Socialist is a Republican that got hit by a natural disaster.
FEMA = Medicaid
FEMA = Medicaid
11
Trump's photo-op and speech in Houston will be a gem. It will be solely about him, and he'll attack the press over the usual nothing. Whatever he promises, he'll contradict himself within 24 hours or minutes.
Texas deserves the abuse. It helped elect this empty poseur.
Texas deserves the abuse. It helped elect this empty poseur.
11
And yet 1 in 3 Texans dont think climate change is happening.
http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us-2016/
http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us-2016/
5
There has been a sharp decline in the frequencies of hurricanes over the past two decades. Weathermen refer to it as a hurricane draught. Harvey was not an exceptionally power storm. It causing exceptional property damage because it ran into a high pressure front and stalled over one of the nation's largest population centers. The decline in the number of hurricanes doesn't prove or disprove global warming.
Don't forget oil is coming from their backyard.
It's like putting a bunch of frogs in a pot of water and slowly bringing it to a boil. They don't have a clue what is happening to them.
1
Gore Vidal called us "The United States of Amnesia."
The "Christians" exhort "forgive."
But I will not forget or forgive the vile Texan behavior towards the "Sandy" victims of New Jersey. Texas led the pack turning humanitarian aid into a political football.
Other GOP hypocrites like Paul Ryan hopped on the bandwagon too.
Now Texas has its greedy hands out reaching for my wallet.
God may forgive you, but I don't.
The "Christians" exhort "forgive."
But I will not forget or forgive the vile Texan behavior towards the "Sandy" victims of New Jersey. Texas led the pack turning humanitarian aid into a political football.
Other GOP hypocrites like Paul Ryan hopped on the bandwagon too.
Now Texas has its greedy hands out reaching for my wallet.
God may forgive you, but I don't.
10
Texas has 36 representatives. They voted 28-8 in favor of the Sandy Relief Act. The two Texas senators voted, along with 36 senators from other states, against the act because it contained billions of dollars for projects that were unrelated to Hurricane Sandy. They weren’t against Sandy relief. They would have voted for an amended relief act.
Sen. Ted Cruz said yesterday that “the problem with that particular bill is it became a $50 billion bill that was filled with unrelated pork. Two-thirds of that bill had nothing to do with Sandy. And what I said then, and still believe now, is that it's not right for politicians to exploit a disaster and people are hurting to pay for their own political wish list. Disaster relief needs to be focused on the victims of disaster relief. And I supported that for Sandy, disaster relief there, and I would support that anywhere there's a major disaster without getting distracted by political unnecessary pork spending.”
Sen. Ted Cruz said yesterday that “the problem with that particular bill is it became a $50 billion bill that was filled with unrelated pork. Two-thirds of that bill had nothing to do with Sandy. And what I said then, and still believe now, is that it's not right for politicians to exploit a disaster and people are hurting to pay for their own political wish list. Disaster relief needs to be focused on the victims of disaster relief. And I supported that for Sandy, disaster relief there, and I would support that anywhere there's a major disaster without getting distracted by political unnecessary pork spending.”
1
All hat, no cattle, Tex.
The Sandy bill passed unanimously through the Senate, but 67 members of the House of Representatives voted "no" to assisting people who were left, at best, powerless or homeless by a hurricane in November. 67 Republicans:
The Sandy bill passed unanimously through the Senate, but 67 members of the House of Representatives voted "no" to assisting people who were left, at best, powerless or homeless by a hurricane in November. 67 Republicans:
1
This is not the time to be silent about the climate out of consideration for the victims in the catastrophe. They aren't going to read these comments and, if they do, they won't be hurt by them.
Currently, the power of our scientific instruments and models do not allow us to causally connect with scientific certainty the hurricane and climate change. Climate deniers exploit this to default to the null hypothesis, but the failure of our models says more about the laudable conservatism of science than it does about the relationship in question.
Programmatic and political decisions don't generally turn to scientific instruments to provide "scientific certainty" before progressing. Common sense and objective observation can guide planning before the strictures of the scientific method are satisfied.
And it is time to stop kidding ourselves. We are looking at a freight train out of control.
Currently, the power of our scientific instruments and models do not allow us to causally connect with scientific certainty the hurricane and climate change. Climate deniers exploit this to default to the null hypothesis, but the failure of our models says more about the laudable conservatism of science than it does about the relationship in question.
Programmatic and political decisions don't generally turn to scientific instruments to provide "scientific certainty" before progressing. Common sense and objective observation can guide planning before the strictures of the scientific method are satisfied.
And it is time to stop kidding ourselves. We are looking at a freight train out of control.
7
Over one week, we have seen an awesomely beautiful eclipse and an awesomely horrific hurricane. Both of these events underscore how small humans are in the overall universe, and how important it is for all of us, regardless of party, race, religion or wealth, to pull together as humans living our short lives on this fragile planet. Please, all of us, be kind, be empathetic, and be helpful to each other.
268
Trump, much larger than any universe, would take offence at your sentiment.
The hurricane was bad enough but now the people must contend with torrential rain. This nightmare does not seem to end for these unfortunate folks. Some have lost everything and must start over. This is such a heartache for those who had little to begin with. My heart breaks for these people and we must assist them in any way we can. They did not know it was going to be so disastrous or they would have been better prepared. Mother Nature is so unpredictable. Please stay safe and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
2
Actually there was ample warning by real experts that it was going to be completely disastrous. The Democrat leader warned them to flee. The Republican leader scoffed and said don't mess with Texas.
2
Mayor Turner of Houston discouraged people from leaving. It was Governor Abbott who wanted the people to leave. The mayor's response outweighed the governor's and now we see the results. People fled their homes ill prepared for this disaster. This information was repeated many times but I guess you missed it.
If you and your family needed to be rescued from flood waters, would you refuse aid from someone who shared vastly different political beliefs? Would you refuse to help someone who belonged to a different party? This is no time for political judgments and bickering.
Simply help people who are hurting. Plenty of time later for debate about Federal budgets, government aid, Trump , etc. I've seen news coverage and videos of ordinary citizens rescuing elderly and disabled individuals, saving people whose cars were sinking in roaring flood waters, and making sure dogs and cats made it to shelters, hopefully to be reunited with their owners.
Such kindness, such compassion. At a moment like this, who cares where it comes from?
Simply help people who are hurting. Plenty of time later for debate about Federal budgets, government aid, Trump , etc. I've seen news coverage and videos of ordinary citizens rescuing elderly and disabled individuals, saving people whose cars were sinking in roaring flood waters, and making sure dogs and cats made it to shelters, hopefully to be reunited with their owners.
Such kindness, such compassion. At a moment like this, who cares where it comes from?
6
"...would you refuse aid from someone who shared vastly different political beliefs?" Do you mean like rightwingers from Texas, South Carolina, Wisconsin during Sandy?
1
I was not addressing funds allocated - or not-for assistance but only referring to direct person to person help in this particular crisis. People taking friends to shelters. People offering meals, taking in animals, etc.
The horror for these people is far from over. We once faced mandatory evacuation due to fire, albeit only for a few days, and discovered that human kindness has a flip side.
You'll know things are improving when the looters show up.
You'll know things are improving when the looters show up.
4
Sandy in NYC, Katrina in N.O., now Henry swamps another major city, 4th largest, Houston it is as if their paths are heat seeking.,
3
Nope.... just nobody reports when small towns are devastated. The media only cares about cities. The rest are neglected and forgotten.
1
“We need to recognize it will be a new normal, a new and different normal for this entire region.”
But whatever you do, don't say "climate change."
But whatever you do, don't say "climate change."
8
Texas (and Florida - another increasingly disaster prone southern red state) have no state or local income tax. Here in Ohio, where I pay federal, state, and two local income taxes (where I work and where I live) I am once again getting ready to see federal taxes I pay going to help a state so wealthy it doesn't need to tax its citizens. Hurricanes happen in this part of the country. Why don't these wealthy states plan ahead instead of relying not the rest of the country to bail them out? Especially with global warming these disasters are not possibilities, they are inevitabilities. Where is the cherished personal responsibility of the right we hear about at election time?
16
Texas pays into the disaster relief fund like other states and is entitled to disaster relief like other states.
1
This is not the first time that Houston encounters with flood problem. But this is the first time that so many homes and people were affected. The problem is so severe and immense that I don't think our state & local government can solve the after messes in a reasonable amount of time. And I don't think Houston will ever recover from its hey days when oil price hit $140/barrel & an ordinary house inside the 610 Loop easily surpass 1 million dollars . However, I do think it is the perfect time that our elected officials have to realize the severity and seriousness of "climate change" that creates so many unexpected & anomalous "unnatural" natural disasters. Future city planning & improvements must consider this.
7
Maybe energy policies should consider it too. But they won't.
All Americans should provide assistance to their fellow citizens in time of need. I wish I could be there to help.
5
I keep reading the subtitle to this piece. Two feet of rain still expected. Still. Yet to Fall.
That's insane.
The self-appointed armchair evacuation committee phoning in their recommendations from 1500 miles away has to stop. I can't imagine the horrifying drone cameras relaying hundreds of people drowning on the freeways.
However, we require a national effort to rethink urban infrastructure around these events. We need entirely new planning to deal with something that will happen again and again.
Unfortunately that planning will not happen any time soon.
Just watch Trump and the local state officials start lining up rebuilding contracts for their friends while they privatize a variety of formerly publicly held trusts in the name of efficiency. Just like they did with NO schools after Katrina.
This will be done along private profit imperatives as opposed to climate change science and visions of the public good. Guaranteeing it will be just as bad during the next catastrophe. Government bailouts will go to resuscitate formerly public properties and services right into the pockets of private capital. It's the pattern. Check it out.
We have such a fight on our hands to save the planet and our democracy. They are not separate fights as the elites have failed to internalize both the lessons of climate change and the destabilizing effects of radical inequality between the haves and the haves not.
That's insane.
The self-appointed armchair evacuation committee phoning in their recommendations from 1500 miles away has to stop. I can't imagine the horrifying drone cameras relaying hundreds of people drowning on the freeways.
However, we require a national effort to rethink urban infrastructure around these events. We need entirely new planning to deal with something that will happen again and again.
Unfortunately that planning will not happen any time soon.
Just watch Trump and the local state officials start lining up rebuilding contracts for their friends while they privatize a variety of formerly publicly held trusts in the name of efficiency. Just like they did with NO schools after Katrina.
This will be done along private profit imperatives as opposed to climate change science and visions of the public good. Guaranteeing it will be just as bad during the next catastrophe. Government bailouts will go to resuscitate formerly public properties and services right into the pockets of private capital. It's the pattern. Check it out.
We have such a fight on our hands to save the planet and our democracy. They are not separate fights as the elites have failed to internalize both the lessons of climate change and the destabilizing effects of radical inequality between the haves and the haves not.
10
Looking at that map of accumulated rainfall, there's something very obvious, very curious -- and more than a bit scary.
Landfall was initially just above Corpus Christi, well down the coastline from Houston.
But very quickly, the points of heaviest rainfall moved north and east, and then settled convincingly and directly on Houston -- and proceeded to stay there.
From that point on, the devastation of worst-rainfall accumulation remained centered directly on that city, and just progressively (heh) worsened.
Now, if I were one of those types that believes in a God who is both personal and vengeful, I'd find it impossible to conclude anything other than that He had taken a moment to adjust His aim, and then just kept slamming that city over and over and over -- clearly mighty ticked off, and letting us know it (rainbows nowhere in sight and notwithstanding).
So, are there any nice materialist science-y weather types out there who can explain to all of us in non-Deity-based terms just WHY the catastrophic accumulations should have so perfectly zoned in on that city, and then stayed there?
Or am I going to have to start sacrificing some goats and heifers, if I hope for MY city to remain disaster-free?
Thanks in advance for any woo-free clarity.
Landfall was initially just above Corpus Christi, well down the coastline from Houston.
But very quickly, the points of heaviest rainfall moved north and east, and then settled convincingly and directly on Houston -- and proceeded to stay there.
From that point on, the devastation of worst-rainfall accumulation remained centered directly on that city, and just progressively (heh) worsened.
Now, if I were one of those types that believes in a God who is both personal and vengeful, I'd find it impossible to conclude anything other than that He had taken a moment to adjust His aim, and then just kept slamming that city over and over and over -- clearly mighty ticked off, and letting us know it (rainbows nowhere in sight and notwithstanding).
So, are there any nice materialist science-y weather types out there who can explain to all of us in non-Deity-based terms just WHY the catastrophic accumulations should have so perfectly zoned in on that city, and then stayed there?
Or am I going to have to start sacrificing some goats and heifers, if I hope for MY city to remain disaster-free?
Thanks in advance for any woo-free clarity.
The hurricane ran into a high pressure front just as it came ashore. This caused it to rapidly fall apart and loose strength, but also caused it to stall. Instead of moving rapidly inland, the storm was pinned against the coast line, where it continued to draw moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This is what has produced the torrential rains.
Houston is a Democratic Party stronghold that voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016, but there is no proof that he or she is a registered Republican, as conservatives claims. Some people think God is nonpartisan. Hurricanes tend to hit Democratic cities because most coastal cities vote for Democrats.
Houston is a Democratic Party stronghold that voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016, but there is no proof that he or she is a registered Republican, as conservatives claims. Some people think God is nonpartisan. Hurricanes tend to hit Democratic cities because most coastal cities vote for Democrats.
This is an environmental disaster of epic proportions. Much land will be too hazardous to live on, Gulf seafood will be contaminated, and the mold will set in as soon as the temperature goes up.
Building a seawall and forbidding construction next to the coast to support dune reformation might help against storm surges, but this is another kind of problem. The drainage system for the region is clearly unfit to protect people, and the city will have to be reconfigured. If the people can't get it together to do it through local and state government, then the insurance companies will.
As always, this will be most disastrous for lower income residents. It is New Orleans all over again. Watch the stock market as this sinks in.
Building a seawall and forbidding construction next to the coast to support dune reformation might help against storm surges, but this is another kind of problem. The drainage system for the region is clearly unfit to protect people, and the city will have to be reconfigured. If the people can't get it together to do it through local and state government, then the insurance companies will.
As always, this will be most disastrous for lower income residents. It is New Orleans all over again. Watch the stock market as this sinks in.
2
Rebuilding is fine - but without nature to stop the storm surges, without enough nature to absorb rainfall, and with warming temperatures - we would just be repeating the mistake - waiting for the same scenario to unfold more often.
Nature must be part of any construction - we just can't have unfettered construction - destroying wetlands and forests. Smaller houses and more green surroundings is what is needed now.
There is no hope for changes - as long as republicans are making money and not losing it, climate and environment do not matter. Flooding only affects the poor and middle class.
it will be the same concrete everywhere.
Nature must be part of any construction - we just can't have unfettered construction - destroying wetlands and forests. Smaller houses and more green surroundings is what is needed now.
There is no hope for changes - as long as republicans are making money and not losing it, climate and environment do not matter. Flooding only affects the poor and middle class.
it will be the same concrete everywhere.
6
In spite of the Texas representatives, both house and senate, refusing to help the northeast after hurricane Sandy, this is an opportune time to reach out to Texas and show through our actions that we are all in this together and as Americans, united, we can accomplish whatever we set our minds to.
6
A lot of these comments urge that we should put politics aside here. I agree that we shouldn't let politics get in the way of helping people in need, in the sense that we should act compassionately towards the victims of this disaster regardless of whether they share our political views. However, we shouldn't conflate this with responding apolitically, because the Ted Cruzes and Greg Abbotts of the world certainly will not miss the opportunity to benefit politically by having their cake and eating it too--by feigning an ideology of "small government" and "states' rights" when it suits them, and grabbing for federal dollars and assistance when it doesn't. We need to highlight this inconsistency and make the case that there is a lot that government does for us, and rightly so, while pointing out the hypocrisy of so-called "small government" conservatives like Cruz. Sometimes we need the government to help out. We shouldn't let politics get in the way of compassion, but we should also emphasize that compassion itself has a political dimension.
12
Gov. Abbott and his GOP colleagues have done everything in their power to reduce citizens' access to healthcare and reproductive health options. There is nothing kind or gentle about him, Ted Cruz or John Cornyn. Zero.
9
Personally, I believe we should ban together as Americans and support assistance for victims of a disaster regardless of their political affiliation or whether victims live in a " blue" or "red" state. A number of comments have criticized the Texas Republicans in Congress for their lack of support for victims of Sandy. A criticism well deserved!
Knowing that major cities usually vote for Democratic candidates, I checked on line for 2016 election results for Harris County Texas. Here is what I found: 54.31% vote for Hillary Clinton. 52.62% for Democratic sheriff and 54.10% for Democratic District Attorney. So, even though I wish people's voting choices wouldn't matter in their time of need, I hope those angry at the Republican Congress members will realize that the majority of people affected by this storm are probably not the ones who put these people in office!
Knowing that major cities usually vote for Democratic candidates, I checked on line for 2016 election results for Harris County Texas. Here is what I found: 54.31% vote for Hillary Clinton. 52.62% for Democratic sheriff and 54.10% for Democratic District Attorney. So, even though I wish people's voting choices wouldn't matter in their time of need, I hope those angry at the Republican Congress members will realize that the majority of people affected by this storm are probably not the ones who put these people in office!
3
If instead we are to believe our eyes, the news is that there are 10,000 "reporters" in Texas standing in front of parking lots under 1/4" water, w/cars in the distance buzzing by at 50mph, and POTUS magnanimous w/our money for FEMA and Coast Guard for people who hate gov't spending at $20T debt and view military maneuvers in their state as a federal invasion. Certainly their avowed objectivism requires they move to higher ground or suffer the consequences, as they instructed us for Sandy victims, or am I missing something? They may as well "re-build" in the Sargasso Sea. The widely reported news from Texas is the years-long drought that is ending their cattle industry. So which is it?
2
Alternative headline: "State that regularly votes to abolish the federal safety net seeks federal safety net."
11
WITH FULL RESPECT AND EMPATHY FOR LIVES LOST RE HARVEY, ON AVERAGE 90 PEOPLE DIE EVERY DAY IN AMERICA FROM GUNS FROM MANY CAUSES, WHERE ARE THE HEADLINES, THE OUTRAGE FOR THE MORE THAN 33,000 LIVES LOST FROM GUNS EVERY YEAR, WAKE UP IE CAPS RE VISION PROBLEM
3
Still waiting to hear from Senators Cruz and Cornyn. What do they have to say about FEMA and emergency aid now. The Sounds of Silence, eh?
3
All I can think about is the lack of potable water and sanitation for these people trapped in the flood. The flood will likely bring disease in its wake. There was no way to prepare for this. It Is a humanitarian disaster that is likely to eclipse Katrina. We must all reach out a hand.
1
I lived in Texas when Hurricane Alicia hit Houston back in 1983, Cat 3 Hurricane w/ 21 casualties. But the next day I drove around Houston taking pictures. No major flooding with the Buffalo Bayou holding it's own, levels of water filling the bayou but not topping it. Harvey is a game changer and all those 'science deniers' out there better get on board and stop fearing the Religious Right, those who started all the 'science denying', propagating how the earth was 'made' by God in 5,000 years. Let's get real. We've evolved over a period of 3 billion years. And we've evolved to a point where we are and always will be at the mercy of a tangible reality we must begin to reckon with. We've done this to ourselves and have to realize 'Nature bats last', always has and always will. The Evangelicals have the Republican Party shaking in their shoes they will not support them if they ever start to recognize 'A Woman's Right To Choose' or stop believing in a literal interpretation of the Bible. It must stop. They helped to elect Trump, getting the vote out in the last election. And why, because trump gave his support, this non-christian, lying boor. A Narcissistic fraud who will have our country on its knees by the time he rids us of the regulations enacted since Richard Nixon, regulations to counter the heat trapping gases that are undoing our safety on this planet. The 'moderates' must return to the Republican Party. The extremists, primarily the Tea Party types, must go.
4
We lived in Houston for 5 years in the 70s, the first across the street from Braes Bayou. I thought at the time concrete bayous were crazy. They fill at the blink of an eye because the water can't sink in normally. Wetlands are much better--don't mess with Mother Nature!
2
Houston unrestricted growth on a low lying flood plain. Welcome to the world of Sandy Survivors and the future.
2
Houston will recover. Its citizens will rebuild their homes and communities. People will get back to work. It is going to take a long time.
4
Hallmark sentiments change nothing.
1
Until the next "500-year" storm that happens 5 years from now. Then another one 2 years after that. The truth is that Climate Change is eventually going to move millions of people permanently out of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, the Carolinas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey for a variety of reasons, but mostly extreme heat and flooding. Those millions (probably tens of millions) will move to places like Omaha, Duluth, Fargo, Butte, Cheyenne, Toledo, Mankato, Sioux City and many other Upper Midwestern small towns and cities that will be the Metropolises of the Future. People will relocate as far North as they can to try and escape. So, no, Houston is never really going to recover. It may seem like they recover, but it will be temporary. In a few years, the same thing will happen, then it will happen again and again, until finally The Bug Storm will come, and everyone will leave. I give it 30 years.
1
I strongly recommend that we enact an income tax surcharge ( progressive in nature) to help our fellow citizens. Just as health care delivery, we are obligated to one another as a society. This ongoing disaster must be mitigated in the aftermath and recovery. We are all in this together.
22
I suggest we redirect the $720 million dollars a day we spend on Afghanistan. We are already paying more than enough in taxes to take care of this.
2
What ever happened to signing up for insurance? If u can't afford insurance move into a cheaper place. Whenever big ticket items break (house, car, health etc.) it can have a devastating financial impact. I am all for government making sure that insurance is available to all (and markets being regulated in case of healthcare). But then it's up to the individual to look out for themselves.
I am sure Texans will agree with me. After all, they are among the ones overwhelmingly voting this way election after election...
I am sure Texans will agree with me. After all, they are among the ones overwhelmingly voting this way election after election...
1
I have total confidence that each and every dollar raised by this soak the rich tax scheme will go, non-stop, directly, and fully accounted for, to the people of Houston.
I'm waiting also for the chicken-little crowd to blame the severity of the first hurricane to make landfall in the US since 2005 (12 years) on global warming. Oooops, they already have.
I'm waiting also for the chicken-little crowd to blame the severity of the first hurricane to make landfall in the US since 2005 (12 years) on global warming. Oooops, they already have.
1
Given the changing climate and the increasing probabilities that powerful hurricanes will become more likely as the planet continues to warm, ice caps continue to melt, and oceans continue to rise, the question becomes is the Gulf Coast a viable place to live anymore? We can't just continue to ignore the 500 lb elephant in the room that is climate change. Both New Orleans and Houston have now suffered devastating hurricanes. My heart goes out to these people but maybe the government should instead give them money to relocate to another area away from the coast instead of simply rebuilding. The flat lands at the Gulf Coast are simply too vulnerable.
33
It is good to see people rallying to the aid of those in distress. It makes me proud of my nation, but in the long run how many times will we be able to continue doing this? Much of the East Coast is going to go under water too, given projections that seem increasingly clear to anyone who lives in a place like Norfolk, just down the road from me.
For 40 years scientists have known the direction of this slowly encroaching catastrophe. The question is not only where permanently didplaced people go, but whether civilization itself will survive. That we have made Climate change a political issue is the greatest catastrophe of all.
For 40 years scientists have known the direction of this slowly encroaching catastrophe. The question is not only where permanently didplaced people go, but whether civilization itself will survive. That we have made Climate change a political issue is the greatest catastrophe of all.
2
Some of the pictures of flooded Houston were taken 70 miles or more from the coast. Just how far inland do you expect people to move?
Trump will go to Texas, regardless of the challenges his visit will represent for a state reeling from, and still trying to figure out how to cope with this disaster. Mark my words ... he will find a way to make this all about him. Hey, the country is focused on this and the cameras are there. Exposure. Ratings. Perhaps he will take the time to hold a rally while he is there.
79
If he goes, then, as you have already done, he will be criticized.
If he doesn't go, the NYT would have a field day and he would be criticized.
That's what happens with closed-minded people!
If he doesn't go, the NYT would have a field day and he would be criticized.
That's what happens with closed-minded people!
1
Sadly, I fear that you are right, AW.
He's the victim.
I don't want to donate to the Red Cross to help the people of southwest Texas. I want federal tax money spent to do that. Just as should have been done much more quickly post Sandy. 39.6% should go up to 90%, like it was in the 1950s.
43
@ carol goldstein, new york "39.6% should go up to 90%, like it was in the 1950s"
...when America was great!
Agreed.
At that time, the federal taxes paid by the wealthy and the corporations combined covered over 35% of the federal budget; they now cover less than 9%. Guess who’s making up the difference?
And while we’re at it, let’s get over a third of America’s workforce unionized again, as we were then, so that it will once again be possible for just ONE worker to bring in enough to keep a family of four alive.
(You “traditional marriage” types at least oughtta like that one. How you going to keep them womens in the kitchen, if it’s not a financially feasible choice to do so, hm?)
And hey, let’s reach for the stars – let’s again make it possible to work one’s way through college, and come out with a degree, and debt-free, in just four years, as we could then.
C’mon, Trumpsters – you DO want us to be GREAT again, as we were in the glorious ‘50s...
Don’t you?
...when America was great!
Agreed.
At that time, the federal taxes paid by the wealthy and the corporations combined covered over 35% of the federal budget; they now cover less than 9%. Guess who’s making up the difference?
And while we’re at it, let’s get over a third of America’s workforce unionized again, as we were then, so that it will once again be possible for just ONE worker to bring in enough to keep a family of four alive.
(You “traditional marriage” types at least oughtta like that one. How you going to keep them womens in the kitchen, if it’s not a financially feasible choice to do so, hm?)
And hey, let’s reach for the stars – let’s again make it possible to work one’s way through college, and come out with a degree, and debt-free, in just four years, as we could then.
C’mon, Trumpsters – you DO want us to be GREAT again, as we were in the glorious ‘50s...
Don’t you?
1
No. Not for Texans who don't even pay a state income tax. They should have taken out insurance, and should have built your car garages on the first floor, living quarters on top. Building a ranch style home out of cheap ply wood is risky when the water comes. As is living on the river in Brooklyn...
I don't know where you get your 9% number, but the wealthy pay 70% of all taxes.
For those criticizing the Mayor of Houston for telling residents to "shelter in place" just think about Millions of vehicles stuck in grog-lock as the waters rapidly rise and flood the vehicles. He made a decision based upon logistics.
24
Officials also were aware that 100 people died during the evacuation for Hurricane Rita, far more than were killed by the storm.
Houston had time to plan an orderly evacuation. The mayor and governor made the residents sitting ducks.
Both should resign.
Both should resign.
3
I've heard this said many times, but surely an orderly evacuation could have been planned without the loss of life.
1
America has major weather-related infrastructure crises. Meanwhile, our absurd president wants billions of dollars appropriated for a politically symbolic, idiotic border wall which, he declared, America would not pay for in the first place. Idiocracy is such an appropriate word.
177
What is a real shame is the fact that your comment is political and has nothing to do with the story!
10
No FEMA head, dropped out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, billions for a wall or he will shut down the government....Mr. Brock's comment has everything to do with the story. The story of a president and party that denies the facts.
3
I disagree. We really do need a focus on infrastructure and not a questionable wall. Now is the precise time to reconsider options and weigh priorities.
Suggestions of punishing the Texas legislators who have voted against federal aid programmes is not revenge. Anyone who votes to deny aid to fellow countrymen is not a patriot or worthy of public office. We should not consider it revenge to upbraid and castigate those who deny assistance to the most vulnerable. It is a a public duty to do so.
50
Of course it is revenge. It is also spiteful. It even ignores the facts. It is what we call politics!
If what you say was true, we would have universal health care. But it's not, and we don't. Shouldn't we get rid of FEMA and let the free market find a better, cheaper, solution? Now that Houston has a pre-existing condition, shouldn't we put it in a special "high-risk" pool, so the rest of us don't have to bear the burden of the bad choice it made to situate itself in harm's way?
Just kidding, of course, but it seems like a good time to point out that Big Government is sometimes a good thing. You know what they say - a Republican is a Socialist who has never experienced a natural disaster.
Just kidding, of course, but it seems like a good time to point out that Big Government is sometimes a good thing. You know what they say - a Republican is a Socialist who has never experienced a natural disaster.
3
Can't even imagine this. The people of Houston and S.E. Texas have endured, in 24-36 hours, as much rain as we receive in an average "year!" The task of recovery is going to be daunting and take years.
11
I don't live in NY, and until this week I was oblivious to the history of the TX congressional delegation and Hurricane Sandy. But I'm amazed at anti-Trump comments. Even he doesn't think he controls the weather. The US, under both parties, has lost the unity and moral courage to make long-term decisions, regardless of the issue (conservation, budget, tax reform, infrastructure). I'm sure both liberals and conservatives drowned this week, in the bipartisan flood waters.
13
Trump is a divider, not a uniter. Simple as that.
1
Well, not that it has a lot of place in this tragedy, but Trump actually does think he controls the weather. See some of the nuances of his comments about inauguration day. In contrast to the facts, he claimed that it stopped raining and the sun came out as he began to give the greatest speech a president has ever given. True story. I'm expecting it to stop raining in Texas as soon as he gets off the plane.
1
"Long recovery"
Translation: pony up America, so Texas can continue to pretend it doesn't need "socialist" government, and so it can continue to attack the "takers" who do.
Translation: pony up America, so Texas can continue to pretend it doesn't need "socialist" government, and so it can continue to attack the "takers" who do.
83
None of us want TEXANS to suffer but this may be a GOOD LESSON that socialism is GOOD when the rest of the country comes to their financial rescue. I want people helped and my tax money and I approve that it flow in that direction for food and shelter. But I do NOT want to pay for those without FLOOD INSURANCE. Mostly because they are REPUBLICAN ANTI-SOCIALISTS who think this way when its the other guy - not them.
And yet your party continues to deny climate change is real. Don't you think the people affected by the 8 major floods and other 1 in 10,000 year events had help from at least the Texas government?
1
You're about to see that change.
Some of the people in Houston are refugees from New Orleans' Hurricane Katrina. They never returned to their home city. Now they face the same problems again.
19
I was only two weeks from moving to an area away from the coast. The house is flooding as I write, and I have already lost most of my stuff.
But it is stuff, I and the dogs and cat are still alive.
I was able to get the photo albums with my children's baby pictures, of all my possessions the most beloved and irreplaceable.
It is still raining, I am hoping that I live to see another day, but hoping more that my sons and daughter in law and beautiful grand baby in Houston 30 miles away survive the flooding.
But it is stuff, I and the dogs and cat are still alive.
I was able to get the photo albums with my children's baby pictures, of all my possessions the most beloved and irreplaceable.
It is still raining, I am hoping that I live to see another day, but hoping more that my sons and daughter in law and beautiful grand baby in Houston 30 miles away survive the flooding.
63
I hope so too. Good luck.
28
Thoughts and prayers to you.
1
My thoughts are with you and all who are suffering in this terrible, ongoing tragedy. Be assured that people all over the country are doing what we can to help ease suffering. I just saw that Amazon will match all donations to The Red Cross if we donate through their website. As just one person, I can't effect much change, but together, as a nation, we can all pull together and lend support from afar. This is an American tragedy and it's time for all of us to step up to the plate. The rain will stop and you and your family will live to see a brighter day. Stay Strong!
how much of this disaster is man-made, i.e., lax/non-existent zoning, building in flood plains, climate-change responsible for stronger storms?
26
Take my word for it Elvis, mere mankind does not have that kind of power.
5
Barbara: I believe Elvis was asking how much devastation could have been avoided if human beings enacted sensible zoning laws and did not make the choice to build in flood plains. We DO have the power to make sensible decisions.
1
On the contrary Barbara, analysts in your area are talking specifically about the paving over of natural marshy, grassy areas that could have absorbed a lot of water if it weren't for urban sprawl. Ditto for Katrina and the removal of natural barriers. Climate change is happening, it is influenced heavily by (global) carbon/methane release, and people like you have to come to grips with the fact that mankind does certainly have the power to bring destruction as well as good. And can stave off more of the destruction if they have any sense.
I just made a donation to Houston SPCA. It'd be nice if all the useless posters here spouting off about politics and climate science actually helped out - like volunteer or make a donation. Enough with the whining already.
13
Thank you Dr. M, lots of sweet pets will appreciate that!
8
Why do you call it whining? It is time to discuss climate change. Past time. And folks likely do both: help by donation AND try to discern what might be done in the future to ease or prevent disasters. Doing the former without doing the latter is only going halfway at best. Besides, I think your own comment is passive-agressively political. Politics is not a bad word. It is how we plan and act collectively. Coin another word, and we can use that. But please be not so blameful of others expressing their opinions. We welcome yours. Thank you. Even "passive-aggressive" is ok. We welcome you, or at least I do.
34
Liberals have been helping out for years, we work hard, pay our share of taxes and cast our ballots for people who will use those tax dollars appropriately, for the things we all use and need and that includes agencies like FEMA.
1
How many of these unfortunate people being driven from their dwellings don't know how to swim? And then panic at the sight of all this turbid, foul-smelling water? Swimming and water safety should be incorporated into everyone's curriculum, and this inundation shows precisely why.
11
Colleges sometimes require this. It is kind of pricey for some high schools.
4
In the Houston area where I once lived, the Y has innumerable Learn to Swim classes and the inner city kids are bused up from Houston to the Woodlands in great numbers. One can only hope that some of them did learn the basics.
4
Back in the '50's and '60's, learning to swim (or float and tread water) was a "state" requirement in California; as was first aid and drivers education. I don't know if they still are, but they should be.
All thoughts with Houston and our friends there.
All thoughts with Houston and our friends there.
2
Houston we have a problem: Trump is coming for a photo-op , and you thought the worst might be over?
49
So, if President Trump doesn't come will that give you an opportunity to gloat that he is uncaring? In your eyes, he can't win no matter what.
The Sarah Palin victim/persecution card. Trump can "never win?"
No, he can't, because he can't even fake the illusion of sincerity. His motives are always suspect.
Stop feeling sorry for him.
No, he can't, because he can't even fake the illusion of sincerity. His motives are always suspect.
Stop feeling sorry for him.
Global warming isn't real; so this flood must be payback fro bad behavior, right?
17
The IPCC discusses the threats Houston faces due to climate-induced flooding. Houston has known for some time that this was going to happen. The report cites Hallegatte et al., 2013 regarding the risk of sea level rise. So when this current flood is finally cleaned up, the risk will not only still be there, it will be increasing.
I am confident the free market will take care of it.
What a strange religion you must adhere to if you believe weather is dependent on elections and millions of people's perceived "behavior". Bizarre.
Just forget all the hand-wringing over CC.....as an architect w/30+ years of family and friend visits to Houston.......nightmare......no zoning......no reg's on development.......this was all evident more than 30 years ago.....
Shame on city of Houston......shame.......you own this!!!....
Shame on city of Houston......shame.......you own this!!!....
33
And all those "visits" made you an expert. Right. As someone involved, in a minor way, with new schools built in our area for the past 24 years, I can assure you there are more rigorously enforced building codes than you could possibl imagine.
The goal of getting a new school up and running at the beginning of the school year is often thwarted by those who inspect and enforce those codes. Our homes are also required to have hurricane clips in the roofing, but I'm sure you knew that.
The goal of getting a new school up and running at the beginning of the school year is often thwarted by those who inspect and enforce those codes. Our homes are also required to have hurricane clips in the roofing, but I'm sure you knew that.
Where are all of those small government, "shut it down" Texas Republicans today? Heaven forbid that they should call upon the federal government for a bail out (pardon the pun).
33
Don't worry they'll start showing up and coming out of the woodwork very soon. The same ones who didn't want to help with Sandy.
Didn't Texas want to leave the USA at some point? Now they'll be screaming bloody murder if they don't get what they want. We live in a country full of non thinking instinctually driven citizens and self serving politicians.
Sorry to be so crabby but it gets old when people who yell and scream about "the government " complain when the government doesn't rush to their rescue.
Whatever.
Didn't Texas want to leave the USA at some point? Now they'll be screaming bloody murder if they don't get what they want. We live in a country full of non thinking instinctually driven citizens and self serving politicians.
Sorry to be so crabby but it gets old when people who yell and scream about "the government " complain when the government doesn't rush to their rescue.
Whatever.
1
The nightmare continues. I am worried sick for the people affected by this Climate Changed induced hurricane. If this tragedy doesn't wake up the alleged leaders of our country, nothing will.
11
My heart is breaking for my friends and loved ones and fellow Texans in the middle of this horrible disaster. But as I sit glued to t.v. and internet coverage of the nightmare continuing to happen in Houston and along the coast, I am also so proud of the Texas neighborly spirit being shown over and over, as Texans jump into their trucks and boats and go to help where they can. These are the Texans I grew up with, the same type of simple hard-working people from whom I am descended. I'm so proud that in the middle of tragedy the rest of the country can see real Texans in action instead of the stereotypes people so often write about in this and other national publications.
15
Care to guess what Trump said was asked by a reporter whether he had anything to say to the people of Texas? He said: "Good luck. They're going to be safe, every body. Good luck to everybody." Yes, he actually said that. That is how unfit he is for this job.
This is a terrible tragedy, made worse by all of us knowing this is making Trump happy. He is totally thinking "this is beautiful - my ratings will go up because of this!"
This is a terrible tragedy, made worse by all of us knowing this is making Trump happy. He is totally thinking "this is beautiful - my ratings will go up because of this!"
24
The wrath of nature has come over the Houston area. But there is no climate change. Of course.
23
The earth has natural and devastating storms every year for thousands of years, no it's not just climate change
Grow up
Grow up
2
"Wrath" means anger, Peter. Nature doesn't feel anger, it is just nature. I am so sorry you are having trouble with that concept but keep working on vocabulary, grammar and punctuation and you will get there!
1
A number of celebrities have begun to pledge generous donations to Hurricane Harvey Victims. Donal Trump is an extremely wealthy man. Let him show this country , and those in Texas who supported him. that he is as wonderful as he believes himself to be, by making a very generous out of pocket donation to Hurricane Harvey Victims.
19
But don't take a rubber check!
4
Correction: Trump CLAIMS to be an extremely wealthy man. Nobody has ever been able to validate his claims.
The way he pockets every loose dollar would argue against his claims.
The way he pockets every loose dollar would argue against his claims.
Too bad the Clintons cleaned out their foundation, I'm sure Hilary would have donated handsomely.
Essay question for students soon returning to school - "Compare and contrast the Republican response to Hurricane Harvey, Sandy and Katrina."
16
Why is it so difficult for Americans to plan for the long term, invest in sensible infrastructure and pay taxes to finance this? Lot of this could have been avoided with planning, zoning laws and sensible decisions. But no, Americans rather enjoy news stories of tragedy and heroims...
27
It is genuinely concerning that you would take an opportunity such as this to bash Americans instead of offering solidarity for those who have lost their homes, their loved ones, and all of their belongings. Being right does not outweigh being kind. I am also really curious as to how zoning laws can prevent hurricanes- would you mind elaborating on that?
4
Because we want everything for nothing and the GOP is a broken record, "cut taxes."
7
Clearly they do not prevent them. They ease the consequences, sometimes tremendously. Are you sure you yourself were not interested in a bit of "bashing?" I find your comment to be aggressive, and the other man's comment to be so as well. Aggressiveness is not always bad. It is sometimes necessary in order to make change, to warn, to rally and gather. All people should plan, if they can. We all should recognize climate change and the role it played in strengthening this storm. Others like it will follow, increasingly. Are you sure you want to "bash" voices that echo the monolithic scientific consensus that it is happening, and that it can be eased with changes in behavior?
5
Some things are difficult for me to understand, and I do not think it is because I am old. I just read here in the Times that FEMA is asking for donations!. Can YOU believe that? We are the richest country in the world. The budget for the Pentagon is approaching one trillion dollars for just one year, and FEMA is asking for donations. Congress should be able to immediately send thousands of troops and billions of dollars to assist and rebuild the hurricane-devastated areas, including those places not yet affected. Shame on us, America!
106
I don't believe that you have a grasp of what "Community" really means!
A community helps itself during a crises and doesn't wait for government. This is why Texans, people from Louisiana and people from other states, are bringing their boats and supplies to help.
This is what communities and real Americans do!
If you sit around while crying and whining, waiting for big government to save you during a life changing natural event, then chances are you could lose your life!
Strong communities (and their neighbors) help themselves!
Government does not and cannot protect us from life events. It never has and never will... this is something which conservatives understand and liberals don't!
A community helps itself during a crises and doesn't wait for government. This is why Texans, people from Louisiana and people from other states, are bringing their boats and supplies to help.
This is what communities and real Americans do!
If you sit around while crying and whining, waiting for big government to save you during a life changing natural event, then chances are you could lose your life!
Strong communities (and their neighbors) help themselves!
Government does not and cannot protect us from life events. It never has and never will... this is something which conservatives understand and liberals don't!
2
FEMA is asking for donations? If true, that's INSANE.
Trump just asked Congress to cut FEMA's budget. Congress can either fund FEMA or cravenly give in to Trump.
Any Congresscritter voting against fully funding FEMA should pay for the shortfall out of his/her own pocket.
As for me, I already gave at the IRS. My tax dollars are SUPPOSED to go to FEMA!
Trump just asked Congress to cut FEMA's budget. Congress can either fund FEMA or cravenly give in to Trump.
Any Congresscritter voting against fully funding FEMA should pay for the shortfall out of his/her own pocket.
As for me, I already gave at the IRS. My tax dollars are SUPPOSED to go to FEMA!
I think our military needs to be here helping to rescue and rebuild now....stop wasting time & money in an endless un-winable war in the Mid East that profits a small minority....bring them home to help at home now. Priorities....it's far more then the Tx National Guard can cope w/.....we fund the military w/ a super lush budget....so let's bring them home where we need them. Let them do meaningful service here at home. We need them.
If Trump can send 4,000 troops to Afghanistan, why can't he send troops to Texas? Is Texas not as important?
29
I don't believe you have an understanding of what our troops do!
Our nation does not need armed troops in Houston. National Guard - Yes... US Military - No!
Our nation does not need armed troops in Houston. National Guard - Yes... US Military - No!
1
I believe that I have an understanding of what our military does....I spent over 20 years in the military during the Korean and Viet Nam years......
1
Could someone ask Mr. Trump:
If Climate Change is Fake News....what is that?
If nobody needs a strong State....who helps now with Billions?
If Climate Change is Fake News....what is that?
If nobody needs a strong State....who helps now with Billions?
11
Trump will visit Texas today to "see" the devastation. One wonders if he would tweet "fire and fury" to negate the damage done by mother earth, who herself has been mauled by mankind globally in the name of development. If Trump could go back to Paris and say "I made a mistake", that would be more than worth the tax dollars he would be spending now on this "tour" of Texas.
4
I guess climate change was just a Hoax
9
The climate is constantly changing and has been doing so since the Earth was formed. Texas has been having terrible hurricanes as long as they have been recorded.The Gulf because of it's warm water temperature has always been the worst area in our country for hurricanes. The reason this is such a disaster compared to other storms is the amount and type of development that has gone on in the Houston area in the last 50 years.It would be interesting to know how many ares have been flooded that have not been flooded before.
8
Three points:
Zoning would have prevented building in low-lying areas.
Climate change is making storms worse.
Climate change induced sea level rise is still a major threat to Houston.
Zoning would have prevented building in low-lying areas.
Climate change is making storms worse.
Climate change induced sea level rise is still a major threat to Houston.
Do not blame the climate change but blame the people building houses in known swamp areas (some of them cannot afford housing in safe areas), blame the administrators in the city and the legislators for not having emergency plans and infrastructure in place to handle a storm which can occur again any time.
My family has experienced flooding in a small town in Germany with three people dying. The analysis of the desaster showed that a whole chain of failures by the local authorities caused the problem. It took more than a year to rebuild the area.
Houston should learn from Tokyo - they have severe floodings almost every year. They have built the highways to become big rivers. There is an almost perfect system in place to warn the people and provide public transport e.g. from the airport to the city when the airport turns into an island.
Saving a couple of gallons gasoline will not solve the flooding problem.
My family has experienced flooding in a small town in Germany with three people dying. The analysis of the desaster showed that a whole chain of failures by the local authorities caused the problem. It took more than a year to rebuild the area.
Houston should learn from Tokyo - they have severe floodings almost every year. They have built the highways to become big rivers. There is an almost perfect system in place to warn the people and provide public transport e.g. from the airport to the city when the airport turns into an island.
Saving a couple of gallons gasoline will not solve the flooding problem.
9
Why exclude climate change? Scientists agree that it is a rising cause and strengthener of these storms. Besides that, you pose questions that are answered. It is precisely the history of water heights, flooding, storm frequency and duration which are providing the evidence for the scientific consensus. You can find that information. You do not need to do so though. Scientists have pored over it, done calculations of extreme deftness, and reported as one. Climate change is important, and getting moreso. Zoning and planning is as well. Why ignore one of the two roots?
7
Things like this have happened and will happen no matter what we believe and possibly no matter what we do, going forward. It's chemistry and physics and it doesn't matter if we believe or not believe -- what is, is, in spite of us and sometimes because of us but in the big picture this little blue planet is very tiny indeed and the cosmos will hardly take note when the last light goes out. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, if possible.
6
I wonder what the impact will be on the health care system. Since 25% of Texans are uninsured and a sizable number fall in between eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and Medicare will they be overwhelming hospitals and clinics?
Both the current and previous governors were adamant against expanding Medicaid under the ACA. Of course they fall to realize everyone is better off having coverage so when a natural disaster hits hospitals can handle those impacted.
When the ACA was passed there should have been more of a campaign outlining the nature disaster and national security implications of having a sizable population of uninsured. It's not too late to figure that out.
Both the current and previous governors were adamant against expanding Medicaid under the ACA. Of course they fall to realize everyone is better off having coverage so when a natural disaster hits hospitals can handle those impacted.
When the ACA was passed there should have been more of a campaign outlining the nature disaster and national security implications of having a sizable population of uninsured. It's not too late to figure that out.
9
This is nota wake up call. We wont wake up until millions die, coastal cities are permanently flooded and left to rot. Too many people "need" their cars and trucks. Too much profit is made. We must stop this insanity , it already may be too late.
19
I've read that Houston had already seen "500-year-floodings" in 2016, and now this. How many 500-year events do people need to convince them that paying a little more at the pump for a carbon tax is the right thing?
10
This may be meaningless in Texas, but here is a word of caution: My home town, Santa Barbara California, flooded very badly when I was young. My friend was thrilled to find a new swimming hole in the middle of a flooded park and she dove in. I declined for some reason. She came down with the worst case of poison oak the doctors at the hospital had ever seen. The creek banks coming into town were infested with poison oak and this got pulverized by the flood and it contaminated the water.
In addition septic tanks are being washed out and God only knows what is in there.
I don't know if poison oak or poison ivy is a big problem in Texas but be careful of the flood water.
In addition septic tanks are being washed out and God only knows what is in there.
I don't know if poison oak or poison ivy is a big problem in Texas but be careful of the flood water.
31
Reasons not to play in flood water here, in Houston: sewage, chemical runoff, water moccasins, floating masses of fire ants and the occasional gator.
1
Rule of thumb for buying real estate in the coming age of climate change: don't buy any land where you're less than 15 feet above water - you'll be sorry!
16
Sorry, flooding can occur even on hills. It's a problem of faulty planning of sewer and water system planning. Houston is a good example what can go wrong. The people in the Netherlands live below sea level happily for hundred of years. However, they care for their water systems and invest big money.
7
Alternatively, build a house that swims:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/amphibious-houses-dutch-answ...
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/amphibious-houses-dutch-answ...
4
I'd suggest higher than that. In addition, don't live anywhere if you are dependent on pumps to keep the water at bay.
2
Sorry for all the good folks who are suffering, BUT these same folks elected government that 1. denies catastrophic climate change and, 2. allowed excessive building and paving over of wetlands, making a tidy profit for hit and run developers, and the nice political contributions that come with that, and turned Houston into a gigantic swimming pool just waiting to be filled. Sorry--- but stupid decisions have consequences-- and these are them.
95
Houston voted for Hillary Clinton and has a Democrat mayor.
12
And poor, innocent New Jersey voted for Chris Christie. Still in power.
2
Who are you going to blame for California's next big earthquake?
No one causes a hurricane, tropical storm, or 45 inches of rain. Perhaps you should do some thinking before you spout off.
No one causes a hurricane, tropical storm, or 45 inches of rain. Perhaps you should do some thinking before you spout off.
1
Schadenfreude is not becoming, Sandy rememberers. Houston is a multiethnic, multicultural blue city in need of assistance now. If it were Waco or Lubbock or the no-name town that sent the legislators that voted against funds to aid in the recovery from Sandy's devastation, it still speaks poorly of those who would deny aid to people in need. Be better.
57
If Houston is to survive, forget the border wall. Build a dike and make Texaco pay for it
77
We have to find away of storing all this fresh water. We need bigger dams.
8
The Republican Senators from Texas who voted against aid from Sandy should stay consistent to their principles and turn down aid from this disaster. Voters should see what Republicans actually stand for. If they aren't willing to give to their fellow Americans who are far away, they shouldn't be willing to accept charity when it is close to home.
69
But it will only hurt the poor people whose lives have been devastated by the flood.
5
We should help the people of Texas, of course.
But we should never forget to punish the hypocrisy of the Texas congressional delegation. Are you listening Cruz, Cornyn, et al?
But we should never forget to punish the hypocrisy of the Texas congressional delegation. Are you listening Cruz, Cornyn, et al?
84
I am reminded of Barbara Bush's words when Katrina refugees arrived in Houston, that perhaps their guests were enjoying the TX hospitality a tad too much...so much for First Lady graciousness....I wonder what Mrs Bush has to say today?
Thank goodness President Trump doesn't believe this is caused by climate change; otherwise we'd have to make appropriate long-term societal plans and then solve for this so it doesn't happen again.
47
So what did you have in mind?
3
@AirMarshallofBloviana. A good start would be a carbon tax high enough to cover both the extra costs of disasters due to global warming AND the military costs to defend our interests in oil producing countries around the world.
That would go a long way to funding 'appropriate long-term societal plans' as suggested by Ethan in Sacramento.
That would go a long way to funding 'appropriate long-term societal plans' as suggested by Ethan in Sacramento.
2
What "long-term societal plan" can insure that hurricanes and flooding "don't happen again"? And how do you get Mother Nature to agree to it?
6
Thank you for offering free access to all storm-related reporting. It's a generous and humanitarian offer from a great but "failing" newspaper. And I wonder if Hurricane/storm Harvey is of any relevance anyway if all you do is report "fake news"? Thank you anyway!
20
The rain in Houston ends Wednesday morning. That starts the long recovery.
5
This is a wake up call to everyone of all political views of the world we face with a changing climate. Regardless of any relationship between this storm and Climate Change, the long term trend is going to include more of these types of storms.
A massive chunk of our nation's people, critical infrastructure and economy are located in coastal or near coastal areas that will be at increasing risk- not just in Texas- but everywhere from sea to shining sea. We ignore the wake up call at our own peril and that of our children.
One has to mention the irony that the home of the Carbon based energy industry has to be the poster child for the vulnerability of our built environment to more powerful and unseasonal weather events from a warming planet. While I wish all in Metro Houston well, I hope our fellow Americans in Texas take notice and stop sending climate deniers to Washington.
Finally, take note and remember your Congressional Republicans from Texas and Louisiana that opposed helping the Northeast recover from Hurricane Sandy. Notice that Blue State "liberals" will vote without hesitation to help you- our fellow Americans, rebuild. E Pluribus unum- from many, one.
A massive chunk of our nation's people, critical infrastructure and economy are located in coastal or near coastal areas that will be at increasing risk- not just in Texas- but everywhere from sea to shining sea. We ignore the wake up call at our own peril and that of our children.
One has to mention the irony that the home of the Carbon based energy industry has to be the poster child for the vulnerability of our built environment to more powerful and unseasonal weather events from a warming planet. While I wish all in Metro Houston well, I hope our fellow Americans in Texas take notice and stop sending climate deniers to Washington.
Finally, take note and remember your Congressional Republicans from Texas and Louisiana that opposed helping the Northeast recover from Hurricane Sandy. Notice that Blue State "liberals" will vote without hesitation to help you- our fellow Americans, rebuild. E Pluribus unum- from many, one.
132
Katrina was a wake up call to everyone of all political views of the world we face with a changing climate. But nobody woke up.
I beg your pardon, both Louisiana senators voted for the relief, Landrieu and Vitter. You are wrong.
Remember just a few months ago Trump wanted to eliminate $600 million from FEMA budget, and eliminate the floodplain mapping and disaster-preparedness programs. How will government shutdown affect programs like rebuilding Houston after the hurricane devastation?
90
I guess FEMA must think this is a timely hurricane. If they faced a budget cut in the past, they won't now. At least someone has a silver lining...
3
Also cutting the west coast earthquake alert programs is not going to help when that inevitable big quake event takes place. This administration is more like a destruction derby then an attempt at governing.
1
Abbott is tending to the disaster at hand assiduously, and that's a good thing.
However, the way he has talked about climate change, social programs, punishing sanctuary cities, and the treatment of undocumented immigrants with U.S. children gives me pause.
He reminds me of the turn of Lionel Barrymore playing Henry F. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life."
However, the way he has talked about climate change, social programs, punishing sanctuary cities, and the treatment of undocumented immigrants with U.S. children gives me pause.
He reminds me of the turn of Lionel Barrymore playing Henry F. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life."
20
He's a right wing know-nothing like his predecessor, and his predecessor.
7
Americans always come together and help each other when a natural disaster strikes. Wish we could stay together after the storms pass.
16
I'm not even feeling very much solidarity right now....
3
Keep these pictures close by for your grand kids. In there life time this could be what this place will look like permanently in 80 years or sooner.
I won't see it, but they will and ask how much more did we need to see, before we cared enough for them to plan on what to do for the future?
I won't see it, but they will and ask how much more did we need to see, before we cared enough for them to plan on what to do for the future?
285
This type of comment is so weirdly pervasive. We're seeing it NOW. It's HERE. In YOUR lifetime. What quirk in the collective human psyche causes us to fixate on that moment after December 31, 2099, when climate change finally begins to cause terrible things like unprecedented flooding, rapidly melting Arctic ice, record-breaking heat, famine, mass animal and human migration, drought, etc?
7
If you can't get out there in a boat, there's plenty you can do. Donate, go to Amazon and send something from the American Red Cross' list, or use social media to help the rescuers. And let's put politics aside.
9
America, take a lesson!
6
Hey, what if the thousands of immigrants in Texas left for other states? Why shouldnt they? They will have nothing left in TX. Their homes are gone. Their schools are gone and there are no jobs. Just think, who are those ICE agents going to harass? Better yet, who is Gov Abbott going to get to clean up that awful mucky place and pay a lousy $7.75 an hour, which, after deductions, is nothing.
14
Sorry to disappoint, but 90% of Houston is fine, our homes and neighborhoods are dry, our kid's schools are open and our well-paying job are still here. Unlike California, where more people leave than arrive, Texas keeps attracting people who want to make it their home. Over the years I have lived in Southern CA, the Central Coast, and Silicon Valley. I could not get out of there fast enough. I can assure you that you needn't worry about an influx of Texans, although we are grateful for your comedic value.
This is a perfect time to change the meme and Make America KIND again! If we all donated whatever we could to the Red Cross, imagine how much it could help our fellow Americans!
163
I don't want to help anyone who voted for Trump, or 3rd party, or didn't vote at all. They put the nation at risk... sold us down the river,
1
I've been helping for years. I pay taxes and I voted for people who believe in using those taxes for things like FEMA. The response I got from far too many Texans was that they didn't need the government and they thought people like me were idiots.
We are already donating $720 million dollars a day to Afghanistan - how much kinder can we get?
45 can forget about funds for his wall.
Mexican labor sees an opening in rebuilding Houston. Forget the wall, go after employers who hire illegals.
45 will make $$ if he gets the wall built.
"I am a builder, that's what I do" candidate Trump once said.
Mexican labor sees an opening in rebuilding Houston. Forget the wall, go after employers who hire illegals.
45 will make $$ if he gets the wall built.
"I am a builder, that's what I do" candidate Trump once said.
2
employers are mostly republicans and as we have seen they are above the law.
8
Remembering remembering Katrina..it was in the week after the event with the streets still flooded and thousands trapped that things got ugly. Now the press reports the heroic efforts to rescue people. In a few days those rescued people will have no cars, no habitable homes, much of he city will still be draining, and no jobs to go to. What are they going to eat? As the flood waters fill with sewage and waste, disease can spread and many hospitals will still be closed. Getting people out of the second floors of inundated homes with boars is just act one in a a tragedy that will continue to unfold
16
Houston is nothing like New Orleans. We don't sit on the curb waiting for someone else, much less the government, to help us. Houston will come roaring back sooner than you think.
Build a sea-wall and make Texaco pay for it.
20
Stolen for a Twitter message.
1
Houston is inland.
We had Katrina with George Bush in office and now Harvey with another Republican president. Is the universe trying to tell us something? Neither of these presidents seemed/seems equipped for such a tragedy.
I know it's about rain. I also know what it is NOT about. It's not about some blathering Donald Trump bloviating about himself or anyone else. It's about the hard work of making sure people are safe and the children have beds. No posturing, Donald. No posturing or photo ops or shinola this time.
It's not about you.
I know it's about rain. I also know what it is NOT about. It's not about some blathering Donald Trump bloviating about himself or anyone else. It's about the hard work of making sure people are safe and the children have beds. No posturing, Donald. No posturing or photo ops or shinola this time.
It's not about you.
18
This area has had many hurricane's , one in particular was Carla in 1961. I think JFK was president. In scale similar to Harvey. That storm also brought Dan Rather to national prominence , talk about disasters.
2
I spent my time in Texas. I know what it's like, but we did not have a president ripping our country apart when the other storms happened. One disaster at a time, please.
1
We are just thrilled we don't have to put up with Harvey AND Hillary.
That would just be too much to stomach.
That would just be too much to stomach.
1
Why would Abbott suspect this is the new norm? Did he make a mistake and imply climate change is real? I'm surprised Patrick, Cruz and Cornyn haven't already called for his impeachment.
23
I want to say, Texas remember before asking for Federal aid: Government is not the answer, Government is the problem. But Houston is a great American city that helped the victims of Katrina and despite it's ignorant R Congressmen, deserves America's help now that it needs it.
34
We all know the federal flood insurance program is its own disaster. When will Congress recognize the need for a national disaster program that can pool all catastrophic events like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes? Why don't lenders require catastrophic insurance as they do fire insurance?
Having lived through a few natural disasters, I feel for the people in the region and hope for a sound recovery.
My other cynical thought is that perhaps DJT will turn his attention from the mythical DC swamp to drain the swamp the Houston region has become.
Having lived through a few natural disasters, I feel for the people in the region and hope for a sound recovery.
My other cynical thought is that perhaps DJT will turn his attention from the mythical DC swamp to drain the swamp the Houston region has become.
6
maybe its time not to keep rebuilding where it happens over and over and over?
12
This is an epic catastrophe that first requires an emergency evacuation by the coast guard and navy of the thousands now stranded in rheir homes facing imminent starvation and dehydration. So far, the rescue effort has been local, but a massive federal presence is needed to save lives of those now in flooded homes lacking food and water. Second, urban planners meed to consider the viability of Houston as a coastal city exposed to rising sea levels and more storms like Harvey that gain immense energy from a warming Gulf of Mexico. Houston can and should be the model of how to protect against global warming perhaps by rebuilding further inland and building an effective dike system as was done in New Orleans after Katrina. It's time to stop denying climate change and rebuild a new Houston that can withstand future events like Harvey.
33
People prepared for the hurricane. Tap water is safe to drink still. People do not starve in 3 days. Were you being facetious about "facing imminent starvation and dehydration" ? Humor can help as I am laughing about all the Trump jokes while stuck in my home, but I assure we have plenty of food, water, and booze to tide us through this. Even the folks who left home and that are in shelters are being fed.
6
Houston is that last big American city that does not even have zoning; forget sound urban planning. You can basically build whatever wherever. The result is there to see.
3
Jim- The commenter was obviously not being facetious. First of all, you don't know how much food and water other people have.You know how much food and water you have.
As for what you have : How many weeks' worth of non-perishable food and bottled water do you have? Do not assume that the tap water will remain safe. During Sandy,flooding affected a sewage plant. The tap water became contaminated by sewage.Not only could we not drink the water, but we could not use it to brush our teeth our bathe. Then, there was the matter of the raw sewage that spilled into some people's homes.Imagine having a home filled with raw sewage. I am grateful. that mine was filled with water, while of course I don't know what was in the water.
Of course, I hope that you have enough food and water to last you as long as you need it.
As for what you have : How many weeks' worth of non-perishable food and bottled water do you have? Do not assume that the tap water will remain safe. During Sandy,flooding affected a sewage plant. The tap water became contaminated by sewage.Not only could we not drink the water, but we could not use it to brush our teeth our bathe. Then, there was the matter of the raw sewage that spilled into some people's homes.Imagine having a home filled with raw sewage. I am grateful. that mine was filled with water, while of course I don't know what was in the water.
Of course, I hope that you have enough food and water to last you as long as you need it.
4
Wonder if storm Harvey had taken place before the Paris accord meeting would DT still get out of the Paris accord.
11
"Both of Houston’s airports were closed, and hundreds of passengers were stranded." I've been watching KHOU via internet and heard a presentation by a Houston aviation official who explained that Southwest and United Airlines had negotiated with the FAA after the airports closed to use their planes already in Houston to fly several hundred stranded passengers out. At that point on 20-30 stranded passengers remained in the airports, and that was because their destination was Houston but they couldn't get where they needed to go within the city due to flooded highways. Of course, it's possible that rather than being out of date now, the numbers may refer to people stranded in other parts of the country whose destination was Houston.
4
Just a thought Governor but perhaps it's time to drop the posture of climate change denial for the sake of political expediency. But like I said, just a thought...
29
What the disaster in Houston shows is that no mega-city in the world can really prepare for disasters-either natural or man-made. It is impossible to evacuate millions from such cities and such cities cannot possibly have on hand materials which would cover any possible disaster. In the case of Houston, it was well know that the major threat to this city would be flood waters-and yet, it is mostly private citizens who are bearing much of the first-responder load.
Cities all over the world have grown large and mostly incapable of responding to threats of disaster. It is in the geography and logistics of how major cities have evolved. There should be no personal blame because the Houston disaster was not preventable.
When thinking about recovery in Houston or any other city on the America southern oceans or gulf, planners must be aware that the same thing may happen next year or even every year. Sometimes, with changes in either weather pattern or changes in storm intensities, thought must be given as to whether it makes sense to duplicate a city which will never be able to protect itself. Even after Katrina, New Orleans is not well protected. There are lessons here about urban life in the 21st century.
Cities all over the world have grown large and mostly incapable of responding to threats of disaster. It is in the geography and logistics of how major cities have evolved. There should be no personal blame because the Houston disaster was not preventable.
When thinking about recovery in Houston or any other city on the America southern oceans or gulf, planners must be aware that the same thing may happen next year or even every year. Sometimes, with changes in either weather pattern or changes in storm intensities, thought must be given as to whether it makes sense to duplicate a city which will never be able to protect itself. Even after Katrina, New Orleans is not well protected. There are lessons here about urban life in the 21st century.
12
Have a look at Tokyo - they manage. A bad example is Mumbay. New buildings popping up at sea level! They don't care.
4
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all the people displaced by this disaster. The picture of the nursing home resident sitting in waist deep water broke my heart. I am glad they were rescued but why weren't they evacuated?
10
I used to live and teach in Houston. This is why Texas citizens need to pay state taxes: to actually have infrastructure, better roads, homeless shelters and social safety nets not just coming from churches and the evangelical indoctrinator community. Houston deprives its citizens (and especially its people of color) of basic necessities because the rich and cheap who control the Texas legislature can afford to pay out of pocket for nearly everything they personally need. It is heartbreaking. I can only hope this hurricane has a silver lining of setting the state on a proper path toward equality.
95
Come on, taxes are only to build football stadiums.
2
Honestly JS, none of that is true. My son's public high school is nationally ranked, our entire school district, which I pay for with over $35,000 annually in property taxes; we also pay 8.25% sales tax. Houston does not deprive citizens of any color in the least. If anything, the poor are given everything free, whether they are deserving or not. You really should not generalize about an entire, huge state based on your localized experience.
1
Really? Ever seen the schools in the 3rd or 5th Wards, Barbara? Your property taxes are not evenly distributed across the state, or even the city or county. I'd be willing to bet money that your neighborhood and your son's public high school are largely Caucasian and upper middle class.
2
We need higher taxes paid by upper income Americans to improve the flood control infrastructure for Houston, the 4th largest city in the US after NYC, LA, and Chicago. You cannot get private companies to build this, as the people of Houston cannot afford the fees, and FEMA can't either if taxes are cut. Meanwhile the rich are pulling away from the middle class in terms of income levels. Why should the rich get a tax break, while we borrow more and more from our grandkids?????
19
What "tax break"? The rich already pay already 70% of the taxes. Your solution is to have them pay 100%? No way. Paying taxes is part of being a citizen.
A better solution is to end income inequality and have EVERYONE pay taxes, even poor people. If it's your money, you care how it's spent. And you might even vote. What a concept!
A better solution is to end income inequality and have EVERYONE pay taxes, even poor people. If it's your money, you care how it's spent. And you might even vote. What a concept!
3
No thanks, we already pay about 45% of our income to the IRS because of the two additional obamacare taxes for high income earners. I'm tired of paying thousands a month for my family's employer-sponsored health insurance and 4.6 % of our income so other people can get subsidized obamacare. They like it because they only pay a fraction of what it costs - let them pay the actual cost and see if they still think it's great. Health care is expensive, therefore health insurance is expensive. If it is important to you to have it, and it should be,then make it a priority; maybe you forgo the newest smart phone, the giant television or the expensive shoes. Don't expect other people to pay your bills! I am so tired of hearing "tax the rich". It's so easy to spend other people's money. Everyone should pay at least some tax so they can take ownership in our government.
What percentage of people and property in Houston have no flood damage?
11
Dear Donald, Did climate change make this storm worse than usual? Is an 800-year flood an unusual event? Why did the Republican Senators from Texas vote down federal aid to the victims of Sandy a few years back? C'mon be honest and answer these questions straight.
27
Dear Will,
No
Yes
Because the majority of the aid package was pork for other states and unrelated to Sandy.
No
Yes
Because the majority of the aid package was pork for other states and unrelated to Sandy.
I have read several of these comments; and, although I am not or never will be a Trump supporter, I believe we are above judging a person because he wears a Trump hat. That man is knee deep in water, with concern on his face, trying to help others. His politics seems to take a second or third or fourth seat to who he is. What is happening in Texas is horrible. Who cares if it is a Red State? Those are our people suffering, and we need to help them. Let's try to exercise empathy; and, instead of focusing on the irrelevant, why don't we contribute in some way, even from afar, to ease this pain and suffering.
324
In commenting about the volunteer with the Trump hat, I mentioned I was glad he was out there helping. I also mentioned that the proposed Trump budget for 2018 would cut $667 million from FEMA funds including disaster relief, $90 million in FEMA pre-disaster mitigation funds, and $190 million from the National Flood Insurance program. So my comment isn't about the hat-wearer. God bless him. It's about the irony of volunteering to provide disaster relief while supporting a president who has done all he can to slash disaster relief. Makes me scratch my head is all.
If we want to save more people like this volunteer is trying to do, we're going to need our nation to provide all the resources those folks will need.
If we want to save more people like this volunteer is trying to do, we're going to need our nation to provide all the resources those folks will need.
52
I agree. It is as short-sighted to judge this man by his hat as it is to judge the proverbial book by its cover. Actions matter and at the time this photo was taken, he was knee-deep in flood water, helping others. Truth be told, Mother Nature - when she decides to be relentless - is decidedly apolitical. Would it hurt us humans to follow her example? Our empathy should be similarly apolitical. In 2012, when Sandy wreaked havoc on NJ, it affected ALL of us, irrespective of where we lived, our political affiliations, etc. This is neither a Democratic thing nor a Republican thing. It's an American thing.
2
Who cares when your mother needs a heart operation and even with insurance, your family can't afford it? Not the Red States. That being said, I'm all in favor of coming to the rescue of Texas. A Big Government/Socialist/FEMA response for victims of disaster is a wonderful thing. I only wish such a response were available to people suffering less dramatic disasters.
4
texas senator cruz said that here is and cannot be any federal aid. and texas representatives all agreed.. oh ya, he was talking about ny and nj. where is he hiding now?
45
I have never seen or heard of a man as despicable as Mr. Cruz. He's an aberration. I hope he's voted out, the sooner the better for all Americans. Trump is a disgusting human being. Cruise is even worse.
1
There is no hope until there is a flood or a storm or a natural climate disaster which will affect exclusively those who deny climate change.
As long as these things also affect the innocents, the voiceless, and the folks who are trying to do the right thing, the ignorant crooks will find a way to still exploit and game the system.
As long as these things also affect the innocents, the voiceless, and the folks who are trying to do the right thing, the ignorant crooks will find a way to still exploit and game the system.
15
Is Trump still threatening to shut down the government--when so many need help?
20
Now children, can anyone one say, “Global-warming?”
15
Michael- This is the identical comment that you posted above ,as you know !
2
Not from me. But it is a good comment. . . . . . . Remember how Republicans had to be hauled kicking and screaming to even admit there was Global-warming at all. Now, when will they admit mankind has a big hand in it all.
Remember when Republicans stated, “The secret to pollution is dilution. Mankind can’t possibly pollute all the oceans!” . . . . . . .
Well, how many mercury polluted tuna stakes can you eat in a week?
Remember when Republicans stated, “The secret to pollution is dilution. Mankind can’t possibly pollute all the oceans!” . . . . . . .
Well, how many mercury polluted tuna stakes can you eat in a week?
1
I have hope for our fellow human beings that we can come together and help each other without knowing who they are or what side of the aisle they come from..Maybe there is hope for our species
113
Yeah, no, I don't. Too many rats in too small a cage. How's Houston Planned Parenthood doing? Are they going to rebuild that?
2
Yes. How nice.
However, Texans are so distrustful of the rest of us, that Greg Abbott has had his police spy on the U.S. Army to assess the threat of a federal take-over of Texas.
If Texans expect help, THEY need to learn about and practice American values...other than when THEY are in trouble.
However, Texans are so distrustful of the rest of us, that Greg Abbott has had his police spy on the U.S. Army to assess the threat of a federal take-over of Texas.
If Texans expect help, THEY need to learn about and practice American values...other than when THEY are in trouble.
2
That is not true, just a stupid myth.
1
Trump is to visit Texas. More destructive wind forecast.
202
I hope the yellow animal he killed and wears on his head flies away.
The entire rescue effort here is being so well done, the people are unbelievable...from local residents, to first responders and National Guard, police/firemen, and people coming from other areas and especially LA. It may be chaos, but it is organized chaos as best it can be. And the people running it, so many people involved, are making it work better by the hour, improvising, using every means possible to help people. And so proud of all my fellow Houstonians for all they are doing. And it is everyone, no thought of who is who...everyone in this together. Epic storm, and epic response by wonderful people. There is no need for armchair rhetoric, empty and sophomoric comments from anyone, anywhere.
27
Did your Senators and Congressmen vote down federal aid to Sandy victims a couple of years ago? Did you vote for Trump and if so, do you beleive that climate change is not true? Is an 800-year flood an unusual event?
15
Amen to that Aaron! Who knew Californians and New Yorkers were such Hurricane experts? They have kept me laughing all night while I stayed up to keep an eye on the rain.
1
Trump blathered today that the Harvey disaster would be fixed quickly and that we would be stronger than ever when it is over or some such nonsense. These disasters do not make people stronger, it takes away so much from people and with luck and hard work they may recover back to the point they were at before the disaster but in many cases they never do. This is not the time for rah rah sideline cheering, this is time to put up or shut up in Congress and the White House.....money talks, we know what walks.
57
New York Times reporters have an opportunity to describe the people.
What can we learn from looking at all of them? What do they tell us about our nation, our culture, our people?
Hundreds if not thousands will come before the cameras and move.
Jack Healy... you have the wisdom and the maturity needed.
Report on the people.
What can we learn from looking at all of them? What do they tell us about our nation, our culture, our people?
Hundreds if not thousands will come before the cameras and move.
Jack Healy... you have the wisdom and the maturity needed.
Report on the people.
12
To the brilliant politicians who balked at Sandy and other disasters, you reap what you so and you should be tossed. Houston is 50 miles inland-its not zoning or building permits or anything else-it's a natural disaster and people need help. To the others, travel from Houston to New Orleans and the vast majority of our country's energy infrastructure flows through there - so if you want $18/gallon gas and a huge spike in heating costs in the winter-throw your stones.
6
Henry Grabar, Slate journalist: "... Texas, where 20 sitting Republican congressmen and both of the states senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, voted against the 2013 Sandy Relief Act. (Ironically, in the 2011–2012 fiscal year, Texas received more federal disaster relief money than any other state.)"
-- from "Flashback: 20 Texas GOP Representatives and Both Senators Voted Against the Sandy Relief Act."
While Grabar's article didn't address Texas voters themselves, it is true that, according to the Texas Tribune, Harris County went for Clinton by 12.3%. So maybe Texas congresspeople will vote against the Harvey Relief Bill; after all, they're Republicans.
Meanwhile, our thoughts are with those displaced by this disaster, and for the families of those who lost loved ones.
-- from "Flashback: 20 Texas GOP Representatives and Both Senators Voted Against the Sandy Relief Act."
While Grabar's article didn't address Texas voters themselves, it is true that, according to the Texas Tribune, Harris County went for Clinton by 12.3%. So maybe Texas congresspeople will vote against the Harvey Relief Bill; after all, they're Republicans.
Meanwhile, our thoughts are with those displaced by this disaster, and for the families of those who lost loved ones.
36
Help the future children: do not have any or more than one child.
Thank you. And so sorry.
Oh, and if you love children, adopt some. There are many available.
Thank you. And so sorry.
Oh, and if you love children, adopt some. There are many available.
15
Trump cut back on future flood protection. Will he be asked to change this cut back in the face of Harvey and the damages it has inflicted?
NPR August 16, 2017:
"President Barack Obama signed the order in 2015, but the changes have not taken effect; FEMA has been soliciting input and drafting new rules.
Now, the order has been revoked as part of an effort to "slash the time it takes" to approve new infrastructure projects, as Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao put it in a statement.
Speaking at Trump Tower in New York City, Trump said, "We're going to get infrastructure built quickly, inexpensively, relatively speaking, and the permitting process will go very, very quickly." Few details were revealed in that news conference, but the text of the order has since been published and it specifically revokes Obama's flood risk rules."
NPR August 16, 2017:
"President Barack Obama signed the order in 2015, but the changes have not taken effect; FEMA has been soliciting input and drafting new rules.
Now, the order has been revoked as part of an effort to "slash the time it takes" to approve new infrastructure projects, as Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao put it in a statement.
Speaking at Trump Tower in New York City, Trump said, "We're going to get infrastructure built quickly, inexpensively, relatively speaking, and the permitting process will go very, very quickly." Few details were revealed in that news conference, but the text of the order has since been published and it specifically revokes Obama's flood risk rules."
20
Trump also pulled out of the Paris climate accords. Interesting that Houston, oil capital of the world, is one of the first to really suffer the extremes of global warming. Even if the federal government doesn't get on board, maybe Texans, one of the most conservative states in the country, will.
18
These days, I find myself constantly revisiting the words of John Donne in his famous 17th Meditation, from timely collection, "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions" of 1624.
So again I think of John Donne, who said the truth in the concluding stanza of this Meditation:
"No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
I do not think I have discovered a deeper truth yet.
So again I think of John Donne, who said the truth in the concluding stanza of this Meditation:
"No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
I do not think I have discovered a deeper truth yet.
36
To keep matters in perspective, the level of flooding in Houston pales against the Great Mississippi flood of 1927:
"The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was the most destructive river flood in the history of the United States, with 27,000 square miles inundated up to a depth of 30 feet."
By contrast: "At Rice University in Houston, classes are canceled through Wednesday. Libraries and recreational centers remained open to students, however, and all the dining halls were serving food. The university has reported two fallen trees on campus and minor damage to 12 buildings. Most of that damage is the result of leaks, although at least three buildings had their basements flooded.
It appears that the biggest dilemma facing Rice students is meatloaf or chicken cutlets.
"The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was the most destructive river flood in the history of the United States, with 27,000 square miles inundated up to a depth of 30 feet."
By contrast: "At Rice University in Houston, classes are canceled through Wednesday. Libraries and recreational centers remained open to students, however, and all the dining halls were serving food. The university has reported two fallen trees on campus and minor damage to 12 buildings. Most of that damage is the result of leaks, although at least three buildings had their basements flooded.
It appears that the biggest dilemma facing Rice students is meatloaf or chicken cutlets.
11
And that comparison is helpful how?
Have you seen any footage of the areas hit in this storm? I doubt anyone who has lost a home is doing the "which was worse?" game right now.
Have you seen any footage of the areas hit in this storm? I doubt anyone who has lost a home is doing the "which was worse?" game right now.
11
I believe those students are doing volunteer work; and, they have opened their buildings to people needing shelter.
5
You aren't offering "perspective." You are being puerile and churlish.
4
I feel very sorry for the Texans who are suffering through this horrible event. As a New Yorker who lived through Sandy, I know it is shattering. And there are many here who are still suffering.
It was also shattering for us when all but one Congressperson from Texas voted against federal Sandy aid. Perhaps they now know how we felt.
And I feel sad for the people of Texas who have a governor who denies climate change. How many more Sandys and Harveys will it take before we realize that burning fossil fuels helps create the global warming that causes these unprecedented monster storms? Unless we say NO to skeptics like Pruitt of the EPA, events like Harvey will become the norm, rather than the exception.
Tell your legislators to acknowledge global warming and to act accordingly in spite of what the Trump administration is doing to dismantle the EPA and to promote the use of fossil fuels. It's time for people in BOTH parties to act for the common good before it's too late.
It was also shattering for us when all but one Congressperson from Texas voted against federal Sandy aid. Perhaps they now know how we felt.
And I feel sad for the people of Texas who have a governor who denies climate change. How many more Sandys and Harveys will it take before we realize that burning fossil fuels helps create the global warming that causes these unprecedented monster storms? Unless we say NO to skeptics like Pruitt of the EPA, events like Harvey will become the norm, rather than the exception.
Tell your legislators to acknowledge global warming and to act accordingly in spite of what the Trump administration is doing to dismantle the EPA and to promote the use of fossil fuels. It's time for people in BOTH parties to act for the common good before it's too late.
71
A previous posted suggested that the 1935 flood was worse....apples and oranges comparison....that was WAY before extensive drains and dams were in place...the ONLY important issue to comapare is the rainfall amounts...that's what matters for a comparison to pre and present global warming...here's the rainfall amounts then:
20.6" in 35 hours over Westfield, TX. Houston reported 5.52" of rain. Satsuma in northwest Harris County had 16.49" of rain. Bayous were 52 feet above normal. The city's pumping station was unable to supply water for a few days and the city had no protection against fire. Buffalo Bayou at Houston 54.4 feet with 40,000 cfs. Buffalo Bayou at Addicks 85.6'. 2/3 of rural Harris County was flooded. Halls Bayou was over its banks. Spring and Cypress Creeks were out of their banks.
REPEAT....this flood is a 1,000 year flood ...and only 12 months ago a 1,000 year flood happened next door in Louisiana.
20.6" in 35 hours over Westfield, TX. Houston reported 5.52" of rain. Satsuma in northwest Harris County had 16.49" of rain. Bayous were 52 feet above normal. The city's pumping station was unable to supply water for a few days and the city had no protection against fire. Buffalo Bayou at Houston 54.4 feet with 40,000 cfs. Buffalo Bayou at Addicks 85.6'. 2/3 of rural Harris County was flooded. Halls Bayou was over its banks. Spring and Cypress Creeks were out of their banks.
REPEAT....this flood is a 1,000 year flood ...and only 12 months ago a 1,000 year flood happened next door in Louisiana.
25
Such a dilemma for TX and DT (and isn't it funny that his initials are those for delirium tremens): does one use public funds to rescue a liberal city that's home to the fossil fuel industry, and happens to be in a tremendously regressive state? Hmmm. The answer, presumably, depends on the extent to which the TX politicians and the occupant of the White Hoise president can personally profit from the disaster.
11
This is the new normal. Extreme weather, "500 year floods" wth regularity.
Republicans deny climate change while those in Texas, Louisiana and Florida experience its pain and devastation.
The senators of Texas and their simpleton governor sought to deny national emergency funding for New York and New Jersey Hurricane Sandy victims, but it doesn't make sense to mimic idiots.
Let's help the people suffering from the foolish actions of their leaders and not repeat the idiocy of those who refuse to help Americans in a time of crisis.
Americans need to think strategically and wisely with respect to a renewable energy policy and with compassion for their fellow citizens when disasters strike.
Americans also need to elect new leaders who believe in science and have a modicum of decency and consideration for all people everywhere.
Republicans deny climate change while those in Texas, Louisiana and Florida experience its pain and devastation.
The senators of Texas and their simpleton governor sought to deny national emergency funding for New York and New Jersey Hurricane Sandy victims, but it doesn't make sense to mimic idiots.
Let's help the people suffering from the foolish actions of their leaders and not repeat the idiocy of those who refuse to help Americans in a time of crisis.
Americans need to think strategically and wisely with respect to a renewable energy policy and with compassion for their fellow citizens when disasters strike.
Americans also need to elect new leaders who believe in science and have a modicum of decency and consideration for all people everywhere.
178
Set gas & oil prices at levels where they actually pay for all the costs of burning them.
We would see rapid adoption & innovation in alternative energy sources toot sweet.
We would see rapid adoption & innovation in alternative energy sources toot sweet.
6
But how was nearby Galveston able to avoid the same flooding? They must have gotten the same amount of rain, but there is no mention of problems there.
Do they have better drainage systems?
Is it because the flooding is coming mostly from overflowing rivers?
Do they have better drainage systems?
Is it because the flooding is coming mostly from overflowing rivers?
2
A quick look at a map shows that any raindrop that falls on Galveston is probably less than 100 meters from the Gulf of Mexico, so drainage systems are not needed.
3
Galveston got a fraction of the rainfall Houston did; the rain bands from Harvey trained over Houston.
4
It's sad to read how many comments try to bring politics into this natural disaster. Our political differences are dividing us enough already. Now is the time to be a human being first.......
9
You're right, of course. We need to help our fellow citizens. We need to support them as they might support us.
However, it does make perfect sense for commenters to point out that Texas politicians turned their backs to folks elsewhere who were suffering. That is a political reality which needs to be looked at. This is not about revenge. Maybe that unhappy history could be the beginning of dialogue. But for sure, we should not forget the inhuman actions taken by those many Texas politicians.
However, it does make perfect sense for commenters to point out that Texas politicians turned their backs to folks elsewhere who were suffering. That is a political reality which needs to be looked at. This is not about revenge. Maybe that unhappy history could be the beginning of dialogue. But for sure, we should not forget the inhuman actions taken by those many Texas politicians.
24
And why are trump, Melania, Donald jr, Eric, Ivanka and their respective spouses not in Texas participating in rescue efforts? This is s rhetorical question of course but really...I guess each member of this despicable family will not soil their designer clothing or mess up hair and make up. Did they see the photos of nursing home residents sitting in 3feet water, the families, young children, atop cars and roof tops? And one can only wonder how the budget battles will resolve. If given a choice, trump would surely build a wall rather than homes and infrastructure for the many thousands, millions who will be homeless.
15
An inconvenient truth has just happened in Texas. Wake up America. We can learn a lot about water from the Dutch.
69
Trump will probably spin this as a great building & construction boom opportunity...a really great opportunity! So out of touch w/ real life.
Many of these comments reveal the failure to understand the reason Houston is the Houston we see in these very disturbing images. We all own the disaster as Houston is an image of the economy we allowed to happen. Rapid growth of a city and its suburbs driven by the petro chemical industry contributed to what we see today. I remember many trips to Houston in the early 70's. It was big - yuge even then. But, Houston has allowed growth without regard to its topographic features. Because, growth was the means to the end for the forces controlling the city. All the rest of us needed its resources - mainly the petro chemical industry. We allowed this there and other places too .
So all of you living in the pristineness of your community, think about what you should contribute to Houston based upon the benefits you've received from Houston.
Not to excuse any irresponsible growth - but those that benefited should consider the costs these folks now will pay. That's why we are a country and not just a group of unrelated states. I hate what the republicans have done to Texas - especially the destruction of a great education system - but most of the people suffering had no power against the forces controlling that state, i.e. $$$$$.
So all of you living in the pristineness of your community, think about what you should contribute to Houston based upon the benefits you've received from Houston.
Not to excuse any irresponsible growth - but those that benefited should consider the costs these folks now will pay. That's why we are a country and not just a group of unrelated states. I hate what the republicans have done to Texas - especially the destruction of a great education system - but most of the people suffering had no power against the forces controlling that state, i.e. $$$$$.
35
@Lydia: Oh, you are so right. While every other major city has lost population to the point of disappearing, only dumb old Houston has had growth; and only Houston has had growth issues. I'm so glad you have the answers, and would be tempted to say you should just come here and solve everything. But no, I want to just keep the wonderful people we have, not someone who is just a finger-pointing child with no mature thought.
7
Thank you for that thought. But my comments were only commentary on how Houston has given in to the economic needs of not only corporate America but everyone else as well. Unfortunately commentary on this article somehow powered some pretty sorry comments by you and others. Much the same as those folks who want New Orleans and now Houston to cease to exist. Good luck -
5
That's fine, keep growing without regard to zoning, the environement, topography. Just don't ask the rest of us for FEMA handouts.
7
Houston's laissez-faire to zoning laws and their pave-it-at-all-costs approach to environmental land management is squarely to blame for this disaster. There's too much sprawl and too much concrete where there was once swamp and no place for the water to go.
274
NO... actually 50 inches of rain is the problem. See what happens in Chicago or st louis or cleveland after 50 inches of rain. Seriously!
10
Seriously-- Chicago, Cleveland and St. Louis have never been hit by a hurricane. In as much, all three are great places to live.
5
If you like freezing weather.
1
Residential rebuilding after this flood should be at higher elevations inland. Abandon low elevation neighborhoods that have routinely flooded in several recent severe floods.
Houston's development -- 50 miles inland from the coast -- at the turn of the 20th century was accelerated in response to the devastation of Galveston by the 1900 hurricane.
The government tab for rebuilding after Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey will easily total more than the purported savings from the "skinny repeal" of Obamacare that the Senate majority was pushing five weeks ago. Deficit hawks, rebuild smartly at higher elevations.
Houston's development -- 50 miles inland from the coast -- at the turn of the 20th century was accelerated in response to the devastation of Galveston by the 1900 hurricane.
The government tab for rebuilding after Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey will easily total more than the purported savings from the "skinny repeal" of Obamacare that the Senate majority was pushing five weeks ago. Deficit hawks, rebuild smartly at higher elevations.
9
Or perhaps we need to learn from the prehistoric Swiss lake dwellers and start building houses on stilts in vulnerable areas -- that, or houseboat-like buildings that are designed to float.
5
As this developed, I had a thought of which I was ashamed, but nevertheless: I was glad this was happening because maybe it might finally convince some people of the reality of global warming and the need to do something about it, NOW.
For the moment, I want to think rather of the well-being of people, the most vulnerable who will suffer the most and who have had the least to do with the decisions that contributed to this catastrophe. Perhaps some folks really will rethink what they have believed about how global warming is a hoax, government only hurts us and fosters dependency, evolution is a delusion, etc. etc.
Now is the time for compassion and helping.
For the moment, I want to think rather of the well-being of people, the most vulnerable who will suffer the most and who have had the least to do with the decisions that contributed to this catastrophe. Perhaps some folks really will rethink what they have believed about how global warming is a hoax, government only hurts us and fosters dependency, evolution is a delusion, etc. etc.
Now is the time for compassion and helping.
24
You may not be able to pin this storm on global warming/climate change with confidence, but this is likely what it will likely look like. I think we should take climate change seriously, no?
29
This one event may not be not enough to identify climate change as the cause. But because we've gotten extreme flooding for the past three summers, I (and every climatologist) would say something is up.
19
Is this God's punishment for the oil industries' refusal to admit that their products might cause climate change? Or Texas voting for Trump?
11
neither.
here's hoping God heals your hard heart.
here's hoping God heals your hard heart.
8
First of all, Houston and Harris County did not vote for Trump.
And where do you think your plastic products and gas come from?
Houston is a more complicated city than you think. All that Spokane could face for its sins are ice storms and forest fires. Neither of these things could ever compare to the destruction in Houston right now.
And where do you think your plastic products and gas come from?
Houston is a more complicated city than you think. All that Spokane could face for its sins are ice storms and forest fires. Neither of these things could ever compare to the destruction in Houston right now.
5
We must stem climate change.
14
Any of you Red State folks change your mind yet about the virtues of "small government"?
73
Oh wow that is so original. Red staters believe in as big a government as is necessary to provide safety and welfare. They do not believe in government that will tell you what you can and cannot say to your own kids.
6
after Katrina, the Jefferson Parish sheriff...said "where's the cavalry Bush?" He was an ardent cut-government fanatic...irony is powerful
6
Oh? Really, Ross? Where was that safely-and-welfare mindset when it came to helping the Northeast after Sandy?
And by the way, what about a government that will tell doctors what they can and can't say to women about their bodies, and say to families about guns in the home; and will tell school boards what history and science books can and can't say about slavery, evolution, and global warming? I'm listening.
And by the way, what about a government that will tell doctors what they can and can't say to women about their bodies, and say to families about guns in the home; and will tell school boards what history and science books can and can't say about slavery, evolution, and global warming? I'm listening.
2
The Republicans are considering the elimination of the home mortgage and state tax deductions, both of which will decimate Blue States like California and New York. Is this part of Trump's plan to built the wall and repair Texas? If so, as a Californian I'll cheat on my taxes and take my chances with a downgraded IRS.
8
That's a false statement.
2
“I think you’re going to be in fantastic shape,” Mr. Trump said. Apparently our President isn't looking at the same photographs I am.
67
Houston is a very liberal city, as is Harris County.
And it's interesting that of all the photographs that could have been picked, your photo editors chose the one with a person wearing a hat with the word "Trump" emblazoned on it.
And it's interesting that of all the photographs that could have been picked, your photo editors chose the one with a person wearing a hat with the word "Trump" emblazoned on it.
17
I think it's a great choice....Trump denies the existence of global warming and here's one of his still-supporters dealing with a clear result of what he denies...irony is very powerful.
10
It's a conspiracy.
Say no to any further taxpayer funded disaster bailouts to Texas or any southern state that doesn't believe in the role of government when it comes to disasters affecting human society as a whole. FEMA isn't a political punching bag.
61
Those are human beings you are willing to leave in the lurch. When will this endless tit-for-tat childishness end?
11
I think that would be saying no to those in Texas who are already without a voice.
1
Trump is coming here tomorrow? All he can accomplish is to pull already stretched resources away from people who need them, just to accommodate his photo op. Stay home and go golf, Mr. P
222
In roughly the last 25 years Houston has had 6, one-hundred-year floods. So the climate change deniers in the petroleum city have simply ignored and campaigned against the warming of the Gulf. Plenty of contributions and ads on FOXNews have kept all of this at bay. Houston has also had two 500-year flood's in the last two years. See what FoxNews has brainwashed its viewers with.
48
Its ironic to see a gentleman wearing a TRUMP hat in the first photo.
Trump is a climate change denier who took us out of the Paris Accord and believes that global warming is a hoax. Global warming has and will result in megastorms like Harvey and Katrina and is no doubt responsible for the catastrophe occurring in Houston.
Trump is a climate change denier who took us out of the Paris Accord and believes that global warming is a hoax. Global warming has and will result in megastorms like Harvey and Katrina and is no doubt responsible for the catastrophe occurring in Houston.
52
not ironic, but definitely predictable.
15
With the global-warming induced catastrophic flooding of Houston, maybe the Texas deniers who have been dispossessed can appropriate and settle on the new Island of Texas created when the 30 billion ton 2000 square mile iceberg the size of Delaware recently broke off from the Antartica
8
I am a Sandy Victim from Long Beach, New York. The Texas Congressional Delegation ,being well aware of the devastation that Sandy had wreaked, voted against providing aid to Sandy Ravaged New York and New Jersey.
Texas Republican Jeb Hensarling,had the following to say:
" But Madam Secretary-here is the tragic reality :the national flood insurance
program is broke. It is now taxpayer bailout broke."
If "The. National Flood Insurance is broke. Taxpayer Bailout Broke.-then it's taxpayer broke for Texas.
If it's broke, it's broke.
Let the many wealthy Texans reach deep into their own pockets to help Hurricane Harvey Victims,.We Sandy Victims can't afford to rebuild our own
homes, let alone those of the people who voted to deny us aid during our most desperate hour, week, month, and now, nearly five years of need."
Besides. the Federal Flood Insurance
Texas Republican Jeb Hensarling,had the following to say:
" But Madam Secretary-here is the tragic reality :the national flood insurance
program is broke. It is now taxpayer bailout broke."
If "The. National Flood Insurance is broke. Taxpayer Bailout Broke.-then it's taxpayer broke for Texas.
If it's broke, it's broke.
Let the many wealthy Texans reach deep into their own pockets to help Hurricane Harvey Victims,.We Sandy Victims can't afford to rebuild our own
homes, let alone those of the people who voted to deny us aid during our most desperate hour, week, month, and now, nearly five years of need."
Besides. the Federal Flood Insurance
374
Amen.
10
They were not voting against aid for Sandy victims .... they were voting against cynical use of that bill to slip in more than 2/3 of the spending for unrelated wasteful purposes. Its the bill drafters' own fault that they tried to use the Sandy disaster to slip passage of heinous amounts of hidden spending. Shame on them.. not the Republicans.
4
Here is another story from Times about that flood insurance.
"Homeowners in areas designated as 100-year flood zones are required to hold policies from the federal program. But in practice, the requirement is difficult to enforce and most people — including in eastern Texas — fail to buy coverage or let their policies lapse by not keeping up on the premiums.
“It’s a pretty cheap buy,” said Charles C. Watson Jr., a founder of Enki Holdings L.L.C., a data analytics firm for natural disasters, who offered the $30 billion estimate for the overall damage to homes. (CoreLogic, a firm that analyzes real estate and insurance data, estimated that private insurance would wind up covering from $1.5 billion to $3 billion.)
Mr. Watson, who lives in what he believes to be a flood-prone area of South Carolina, said only he and a couple of his neighbors had flood coverage, even though the premiums are far lower than the cost of potential claims."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/business/dealbook/flood-insurance-har...
Americans don't seem to believe in real health insurance, and they don't seem to believe in any other kind either.
"Homeowners in areas designated as 100-year flood zones are required to hold policies from the federal program. But in practice, the requirement is difficult to enforce and most people — including in eastern Texas — fail to buy coverage or let their policies lapse by not keeping up on the premiums.
“It’s a pretty cheap buy,” said Charles C. Watson Jr., a founder of Enki Holdings L.L.C., a data analytics firm for natural disasters, who offered the $30 billion estimate for the overall damage to homes. (CoreLogic, a firm that analyzes real estate and insurance data, estimated that private insurance would wind up covering from $1.5 billion to $3 billion.)
Mr. Watson, who lives in what he believes to be a flood-prone area of South Carolina, said only he and a couple of his neighbors had flood coverage, even though the premiums are far lower than the cost of potential claims."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/28/business/dealbook/flood-insurance-har...
Americans don't seem to believe in real health insurance, and they don't seem to believe in any other kind either.
9
Wait! 450,000 might seek federal aid? Aren't these the people in the sate that wants to secede from the country? Would they even be eligible for federal aid?
210
Please, people, stop equating Houston with the rest of Texas. Houston is very liberal; we are the largest city in the U.S. to elect an openly gay mayor, Annise Parker. For 4 terms, I might add. We voted against Trump, Cornyn, and Cruz. But due to gerrymandering our votes get canceled out. We believe in climate change too, but the corporations here have too much control, just like everywhere else. Houston is a blue sea of sanity surrounded by a red ocean of fake news (Fox) consumers.
11
What difference does it make what political party people belong too? What if they don't belong to any party, like me, an independent. Should they have to show their voter registration to get help? Terrible.
1
Umm...no...the secessionists never had enough votes to get on the ballot let alone win.
Predictions the media is missing: food and drinking water will run out, with roads incapable of getting these in or people out; and, with tens of thousands of buildings damaged beyond repair, this will be a $1 trillion storm.
31
Also for many, going back to work and earning a paycheck may be a long way off. Think of those that are minimum wage or otherwise hourly wage workers who are unable to work because of the floods and damage/destruction of their places of employment (and how many have lost their means of transportation in the floods). Of course there is going to be a big demand for people to help clean up the mess afterwards as well as for people that can help with the rebuilding of homes and businesses so maybe there will be jobs for those that end up losing theirs. I hope that those that thought the Repub agenda of cutting social services who are now out of a home and/or without food and potable water will now reconsider the importance of having those social programs available.
12
My family is from New Orleans. I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Unless I miss my guess this disaster is far worse than Katrina. Katrina was a powerful, destructive storm that affected millions. It brought a historic, strong, proud city to its knees. New Orleans and the surrounding area (the North Shore, southeastern Louisiana, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Mobile and the surrounding area) had a population of, perhaps, half the population of the Houston Metropolitan Area. Houston is a far bigger port than New Orleans and Gulfport combined. Houston is home to several business headquarters and a very large medical infrastructure. Houston and the surrounding areas are home to many refineries and other energy infrastructure that supply a very large part of the country.
Katrina was a historic disaster. Hurricane Harvey should make Katrina look quaint by comparison. That is not easy for me to say. When I moved back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast I could barely recognize it. I am afraid that Houstonians, all the millions that they are, will have a similar or worse experience. Many people have lost much or all. So many are homeless. New Orleans and the Coast still bear the scars of Katrina. With Houston being the fourth largest city in the country the scars will last much longer than 12 years, unfortunately.
With all sincerity, to Houston and the surrounding area, good luck and stay safe. Possessions can be replaced, lives cannot.
Katrina was a historic disaster. Hurricane Harvey should make Katrina look quaint by comparison. That is not easy for me to say. When I moved back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast I could barely recognize it. I am afraid that Houstonians, all the millions that they are, will have a similar or worse experience. Many people have lost much or all. So many are homeless. New Orleans and the Coast still bear the scars of Katrina. With Houston being the fourth largest city in the country the scars will last much longer than 12 years, unfortunately.
With all sincerity, to Houston and the surrounding area, good luck and stay safe. Possessions can be replaced, lives cannot.
111
"Possessions can be replaced", but most of the time they can not.
When it takes 35 years working part-time minimum wage jobs to repay student loans and save enough to buy a miserable dilapidated basement condo, you know you will never replace your lost possessions.
When it takes 35 years working part-time minimum wage jobs to repay student loans and save enough to buy a miserable dilapidated basement condo, you know you will never replace your lost possessions.
1
Trump is in for a rude awakening when he visits Texas. He has been tweeting about the storm itself using his normal meaningless hyperbole ("Wow!) that nonetheless doesn't begin to approach the devastation that the people of Texas are experiencing right now; he's about to learn what the word "epic". really means. He keeps tweeting about the storm, but not the people in harms way in any manner that is comforting. Brock Long put out a plea that all Americans help, and many will choose to do so, even those who know our government doesn't attend to their basic needs. And it is absolutely ridiculous that Trump would even hesitate in accepting Mexico's offer to help with disaster relief; it takes his spite and smallness to even lower levels that I thought possible.
56
W did his flyover of New Orleans, but Trump will do him much better. I just can't wait for the inane, obnoxious, egotistical tweets to start.
6
What are the odds of government buyouts for flood prone properties? Or will lack of zoning and distaste for regulations allow rebuilding in (100 year) flood zones?
13
I have decided to permanently tune out of politics and instead simply continue to help people and the needy with compassion and kindness in any way possible. And hopefully I will be able to make a living at the same time. Peace out!
57
You can tune out of politics, but I guarantee that politics won't tune you out. The more that people like you abandon politics to others who don't share your interests, the more the you will be targeted to pay for it.
21
I spent 40 years practicing finance law in Houston. Inevitably, most of my contacts were in NYC, because it's the finance capital of the world. I have consistently said, long before Harvey, that New Yorkers are wonderful people. I want to thank all of you for your support.
110
Thank you, William Hayes. I lived in CT for 33 years; worked in one of the Towers for a brief time before moving to a job in Stamford, CT. What I saw in New York was incredible generosity to the poor, street beggars, strangers who were lost and needed directions. When the firemen died in the Towers, everyone donated money, clothes and time to those families left without fathers, brothers and sons. We donated to Trinity Church, because it provided shelter and food to firemen and First Responders exhausted in the rubble they were digging through. We all spent time in NYC; some of us had worked there; many of us had friends there. And, New Yorkers are funny! When I rode the metro to Grand Central and the subway to Battery Park, there were moments: two men sitting talking about rough times, when one of them said: "You think you got it hard? I just got out of prison!" Everyone within hearing distance started laughing. When I worked in a Tower, a small man dressed in a uniform talked to himself in the reflective elevator doors: "Don't be late. You are always late". We loved him.
8
I'm from NY, and I don't support Texas at all.
4
I agree....I miss living in NYC so much...the greatest people anywhere in mho.
1
I have been in Houston for over 30 years, but this is the worst disaster that I have ever witnessed in Houston. Many traditional safe heaven & flood free areas were hit unexpectedly. But again, it has also been claimed that Hurricane Harvey is one in a 800-year flood. In the stock market term, Hurricane Harvey is a black swan event that anything could happen. The worst thing is that many people do not have flood insurance, and they expect government will bail them out. Will see how president Trump handlews this difficult situation.
18