Not-in-this-lifetime's Blog

Mr. Kolpan asked what we might 'invent' if given the chance. What follows is not so much an invention as just an idea I wanted to share...here goes:

Venice, Italy

Instead of building and re-building New Orleans, why don't we intentionally build it to be a water city? I mean, Venice wasn't built to be a water city on purpose, but it has withstood the test of time as such. Perhaps we could redesign New Orleans to be a city who is in harmony (no pun intended) with the water that surrounds it. New Orleans could embrace the influx of water during storm surges, and hurricanes by becoming a city ON the water instead of a city UNDER the water when tragedy strikes. It would be best, in my opinion, to have the city rebuilt on floating structures since we are keenly aware that the force of the water will move the land surface below making pylons a poor choice. Yes, the city may be on stilts, but the stilts' moorings would move with the shifting silt. (N.O. is, after all, built on a delta...)

The city could be designed with the same "streets" in mind but instead of the streets being paved with pavement, they could be of water. Gondolas and gondoliers could be the taxis and buses and transportation - using the water instead of barricading themselves from it. This configuration would also reduce crime...how many criminals are going to run into the [water] "street?" Not too many foot chases there... And, of course, the motorized boats (for law enforcement or businesses) would be eco-friendly and would invigorate the alternative fuels industry while simultaneously providing faster transportation within city limits.

The people who ALREADY live there should have first dibs on the real estate (such as it will be) and would be guaranteed a place to live once construction was completed and houses were available. They would also be offered employment FIRST, relative to the rebuild and contingent on each applicant's experience. Civil engineers and current residents would be put to work revitalizing their own city in a meaningful way. Locals to N.O. would be given jobs to help with the construction -- everything from actual construction work to administrative to acquiring funds, and dispersal of those funds. There would be many new jobs and many reasons for FOREIGN MONEY to come to the US. It would be an attraction. It could be great for the people of the whole country...not just New Orleans.

The Dutch are losing their land to the sea. "In response to rising sea levels, the fierce North Sea and swelling rivers, the Dutch are designing floating houses, roads, even cities." In the event that Holland is totally overrun by the sea, we could offer them refuge here in our great country when their land is gone. The Dutch are exceedingly resourceful people. They have made tremendous strides in mathematics, physics, (15 Dutch people have been awarded the Nobel Prize), and agriculture including, but not limited to, water management and control. Why not invite them to help us with this 'water problem' and show the world how Americans DO have a global consciousness and that we DO want to be a part of what's going on in the world. We would appear at once magnanimous and mature on the global scene. I would enjoy being thought of as a country other country's would like to do business with. I would relish having created such a grand and forward-thinking place to as our "New Venice."

As it is now, New Orleans (to my current understanding, that is) will be rebuilt pretty much as it was before. Waiting for a Cat 4 or 5 to drown the place again. Mr. Bolaris has made significant mention that this year will see an increase in summer storms (tropical depressions, storm surges and hurricanes) do to the effects of La Niña. The people of New Orleans haven't even recovered from Katrina yet. Those people are in line for more suffering and squalor. It doesn't have to be this traumatic forever. Can't we think ahead and change that? Can't we change the face of what the USA means and move into this century?

New Orleans, post Katrina 2005

It doesn't have to be this way again...

Peace