"Bye, bye Miss American pie...

...Drove My Chevy to the Levee..."

By RappCity

Sometimes odd things happen and you just can't say why. I ended my blog last week by quoting Don McLean's song Vincent ("They're not listening still..perhaps they never will"), and today, after Hurricane Katrina, the first words that came into my mind as I sat down to write, were once more from McLean. The only connection I can make, is that this guy has had his finger on the pulse of America for a long, long time.

So I waited in line (the 70's all over again?) and paid the $3. a gallon for gas yesterday

Get a beer. A lemonade. Lean back. I have a lot to say today. All I can really think about are the poor people in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Katrina is just about the most tragic thing I have witnessed in my lifetime. I am not discounting the horror of 9/11 (The fourth anniversary is coming up in a little over a week), but my friends, we have lost about 5% of our country this week! And we are losing more and more lives by the minute!

So I paid the $3. a gallon for gas yesterday. I didn't care. I just sat, as the gougers changed prices so fast that people were driving around town in circles, and thought,"This is awful for working people, but at least we are all alive and have water and food.  Tonight, I am also thankful that we have peace on the Cape.

What must it be like to not only lose your home and family, but to have to swim and walk around in alligator and poisonous snake infested water just to scrounge for food and drink?  And, if you made it through the last couple of days in New Orleans, today you are being bitten by hungry mosquitoes and even hungrier people; Some now armed with stolen guns and ammo from a looted Wal-Mart!

"So bye-bye, miss American pie.
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. And them good old boys were drinkin'’ whiskey and rye singin'’, "'this’ll be the day that I die, this’ll be the day that I die.'"

Cops are holding onto a police station like a scene from the old film FORT APACHE, THE BRONX, with orders to, "shoot to kill."  Snipers are shooting at these cops too. They are also shooting at unarmed civilians, lost tourists wandering around looking for a way out, and even people being evacuated from a hospital by helicopter.  Reports of rapes and deadly confrontations between residents are starting to trickle in.  This tragedy is usually what we have seen in other countries, but thought could never happen on these shores. Civilization is a very fragile thing.

There, But for the Grace of God....
We, here on Cape Cod (myself included), have been watching this horror unfold on TV, from the comfort of our homes. We've been witness to a whole civilization and culture (Note: built on the sandy beaches and wetlands of the Gulf coast), being reclaimed by the waters that people have tried to tame with levees, dams and sea walls for many years.

All those efforts have finally, sadly, failed, and Mother Earth, in the end, took back the land. Waters flowed and pushed their way back to where they once were born;  Before we "made" cities from coastal plains and a hole in the ground.

Greed, Negligence and a War
My heart truly goes out to all involved down south, but I also have a lot of anger for those "In the know," who could have done much more. They could have started by warning people a lot sooner about the real dangers involved in living below sea level (New Orleans), next to a weakened levee (see below), or directly atop a coastal flood plain (like Biloxi and Gulfport). 

The people in New Orleans have always known this could happen, and yet, have always chosen to stay. They loved the place. Who could blame them?  I do too. But this time they should have taken flight. They should have been forced to leave.  This storm was a monster. I feel badly for them, but I am really upset that many elderly, sick and poor people simply had no choice but to stay. That, to me,was criminal.  These people had no way out, not even with two days notice!

Where was the National Guard Mr. Bush? Where were the transport ships, cargo planes, helicopters, tanks, army buses, and even Jeeps to get those people out of there before the storm hit?  We know where they were Mr. Bush. We know. But where were you?  Where are you now?

And now "scandal", on top of tragedy. Reports are coming in from all over Louisiana that the Local, State and Federal Government have known for a number of years that the levees in New Orleans were weak and almost ready to burst. Also that most of the money originally designated to the Army Corps. of Engineers for reconstruction was suddenly redirected to Halliburton (for its work in Iraq), with the rest going to Homeland security (I would think our oil fields in the Gulf, and the people living there could have benefited from a little "homegrown" Homeland security)! But not when we are spending billions of dollars a week on this fruitless war in Iraq!

The New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper has been reporting for over two years that the top civilian contractor for the Army Corps, strongly objected to his withdrawing of over 70 Billion dollars (a 44.2% decrease in funds since 2001) from the New Orleans levee project.  Late word is that a lack of only two million dollars earlier this summer halted a patch job on the 17th St. levee, which might have saved the whole city from the floods had it been fixed! Maybe all this explains why Mr. Bush has seemed so "Stand-offish and downright sheepish" in his statements concerning this devastating event

Say what you will about Bill Clinton, but I can envision him hanging out of a helicopter from day one of this, telling people through a bullhorn where to get food and water,  and how he is, "Personally working on getting them out."  That's just MY take.

Wake Up!
A lot of people in this country live in danger zones (California anyone? Mt. St. Helens?), and they "sort of know" they are taking a chance. Or do they?  Many Gulf coast residents it seems, thought that since they had weathered a few hurricanes they were now "Old Pros," and this one would be, "just another." Unfortunately, just because you dodge a few bullets, does not mean you won't get hit eventually.

And for those out there now quoting biblical prophecies, let me just say that I see the same destruction you do. And I feel the same pain you do.  But I still believe very strongly in "Self-fulfilling" prophecies! We need to learn some BIG lessons from this!  Especially here on Cape Cod (and other areas on the coastlines of America), before something like this happens again!  And it will!

Fact:  Did you know that way before Katrina ever hit New Orleans the city was already losing an acre of wetland every 24 minutes? Every 24 minutes!  Similar erosion is happening along the coastlines of the Cape. And we need to take a good long look in our own backyards!  

I turned to the Weather Channel last night to listen to some real  meteorologist and scientists. And yes, folks. It's a fact: Global Warming is here (not coming). We can expect more frequent and intense storms in summer and winter (are you listening yet George)?  These educated men also clearly stated that our "personal" contributions to climate change are of some importance, and although we may not have caused the it,  we certainly could hasten the process and make things worse.  Sadly, some still choose not to believe this. Wake up!

These scientists (Not Conservatives or Liberals) also said that a lot of people down on the Gulf Coast have been under the impression that the great days of hurricanes had passed (The big ones from the 30's to the 60's).  And as odd as that seems, they believed it enough to start rapidly building on wetlands, marshes and bayou's in Biloxi and Gulfport during  the 1970's and 80's.

Gambling then brought in multiple large casinos, which in turned sparked more hotels, restaurants, department stores, shopping malls and other supportive type businesses that grow around any new "Boom" town. Of course the workforce (as well as the wealthy) also needed new homes and apartments too.  Developers up and down the Gulf were very busy!                                    

Everyday folk just trusted this would bring some needed money into the state. I honestly think some people just didn't understand, others chose not to believe it and still others were so busy making money they simply didn't give a damn!  And the latter, I am sure, will be the first people back to rebuild. Trust me.  And probably even bigger than before.  Geeez...

Vacation Memories
I spent one of the best vacations I ever had (winter 2002) driving along route 10 through Pensacola, New Orleans, Gulfport, Biloxi and Baton Rouge, and all the way to Houston.  Nothing could have been more beautiful!

But, as I drove my little car across the span bridges and the Bayou, I did wonder what would happen if a really bad storm hit.  And the following year it happened.  In Pensacola. My new favorite vacation spot. The place with the most beautiful, white beaches and dunes that you could ever imagine!  I planed to return if I got the chance. I didn't. The following year ('03) it was severely hit by a hurricane.  It got hit again last year, but not as hard.

Wake Up Time
Third world nations are fast catching up to the U.S. in business and industry.  Most are also copying many of our bad habits. They're polluting, pumping, dumping and building out of control just like we are.  How cute...such flattery. China and India are now becoming major players (with less regulation and more people!), not to mention all the smaller countries that also want a piece of the Global pie!

I've been talking about problems with water and pollution on Cape Cod for a while now.  So, as sad as the Gulf Coast tragedy is (and it goes as deep as pain goes), I am not writing this piece as an, "I told you so," but rather as a reminder about what we need to do here!  At home. Before we lose Cape Cod!

40B (BS)
One thing we need to do is force our elected officials to overhaul the laws concerning building on wetlands and "Supersizing" 40B projects! I don't know about you, but I am very tired of hearing these "politico's" claiming that they can't do anything because their hands are tied.  They say, 40B housing cannot be avoided.  Nothing can be done. The law allows it. What can they do? I ask, "Even on coastal flood plains and wetlands and marshes?"

These days of developers bypassing all zoning restrictions by simply making 25% of the total units "affordable" housing needs to end!  Quickly! Current law also states that we can only avoid 40B's IF a town already has 10% of its housing listed as "affordable."   I'm not good at math, but even I can see the arithmetic on this does not work out.

For every 100 condos built (by 40B standards) 25 (25%) would then become available as "affordable."  But, if you add in a lot of concurrent "private" building of regular single homes, two family houses, condos and other assorted residences (who do not need to offer 25% affordable housing), that 10% figure gets begins drifting out into space and out of sight again.

This method is so faulty that the ratio of 10% will never be met.  It's a Catch 22!  It's like paying the vig on a gambling debt!  Like a 30% interest rate on a lousy credit card.  You keep paying the interest...but you never make a dent in the principle.   You can never never catch up, and that's the whole point of the game! So the cycle begins again..and the town has to allow more 40B projects.

I smell Big Dirty Rats....and most are appointed or elected!
Affordable housing is needed.  But, these units can be built in clusters, scattered all over the Cape.  Some over here.  Some over there.  Ten at this place.  Twenty over there.  Fifteen around the corner. Six over here. A dozen down the road. And that could help slow down pollution and erosion, while also maintaining the integrity of our towns.

But that would be too costly and time consuming for these "outside" developers who just want to buy land...any land...build on it, then run back over the bridge in time to be home in Newport for dinner!  
                                                        
Did you know that one man is currently planning a 168 (a staggering number) unit 40B project right next to a fragile wetland in Falmouth Heights?  Did you also know he lives in Connecticut?

The septic waste alone from a "village" that size is totally inconceivable in an area like that. I think this developer (who had over 100 people show up in protest at his town hearing.....and whose lawyer complained that he was being bullied)  should be made to foot the bill for hooking all his units to a public sewer system, paid for by him!  Or (if there is no God, and this guy gets approved), he ought to be obligated to cart the waste over the bridge and back to his home town in Connecticut!

It's enough we may run out of drinking water and lose our fishing and tourist industry (No big deal right?), but those rising ocean levels are seeping, by the minute (Like New Orleans), into our abused marshes and wetlands. We may lose our homes and way of life too!  Estuaries, rivers, marshes, beaches, bird sanctuaries, swimming and fishing ponds, and other delicate waterways need protection from these guys!  And who is protecting us?

These coastal areas themselves been a barrier for centuries between Cape Cod and the sea. They have kept us safe from many storms.  But now, through erosion, rising oceans and man made sewage and greed, we are losing them.  And for what?  So a few "Carpetbaggers" can make a buck or two and run?

See Romney Run!
It's time to take this problem to the Governor and the Legislature.  It is time to change the 40B laws!

Mitt Romney wants to run for President. Ha! I haven't seen this man do one thing for the state of Massachusetts since he's been here. Have you?  If you have, please feel free to comment below.  Maybe I just  fell asleep and missed it.  To me he's just an "Empty Suit" with good hair (You need to have hair these days to be President). This man has been bred, raised and primed to become our President since he was twelve!  And like George Bush, he has done nothing in his life to warrant an honor like being Commander in Chief. He has never had an original thought, and yet still is rising to the top like cream ...only because of his familial, political and business connections. The rich mans version of "Affirmative Action."

But, OK. I will give him one last chance. The Romney challenge has begun! Mitt, show me some Grit!  Give me some Moxie!  Let me believe you honestly care about us. Take a stand on saving Cape Cod and all its American history! Prove me wrong and put your "behind" on the line, and be the "Champion" of our coastlines, and wetlands so we can stay here, not drown or starve and live and be healthy and prosperous for eons to come!

Mitt, I know you're from Utah....but as Governor of Massachusetts (however did that happen?), the least you can do, after our hospitality, is some good while you are here. Use that "Bully Pulpit" and speak out against the devious developers and what they are doing to our land (even if they are your biggest contributors).

Speak to the people Mitt.  Not the Corporations. Put forward some kind of original thought for legislation to change existing 40B laws. Fight for stopping further coastal erosion, for increased funds for pollution control, and making sure Cape Cod (and Massachusetts as a whole) are not just a fond memory as you head out the door for primaries unknown.

Mitt, you just might find that as a HERO of the people you would stand a better chance in national elections.  And you would also be a better person for it! Well, if Mr. Romney refuses my challenge.  I say we write to him! Let's write to all our local and state legislators!  Email them.  Fax them.  Call them!  Annoy them. 

Tell them: Change the law and limit the size of 40B housing developments. Put a lid on future coastal building and home sizes on or near marshes and wetlands"

"Limit nitrogen and chemical use by golf courses and parks near estuaries, coastal areas, ponds and rivers."
And if all else fails, let's all open our windows and all shout, "We're Mad as hell and we won't take it anymore!"

Calling All Kennedy's?
And again, if Mitt won't be our hero, someone tell Robert Kennedy, Jr. that a really good cause is looking for him.  There are plenty of people who can take over the "Save Nantucket Sound" brigade.  Let Robert know that we could use him and his cousin Joe (and some other brothers and sisters and cousins) to come speak out for us, "Little people" and help us in the fight for the future of Cape Cod!  Windmills will be moot...if the Cape is no longer here!  We could very well be underwater one of these days, like our poor southern neighbors ... and along with others in coastal communities around America.  The time to do something is NOW!

Allow me to repeat my regular mantra in a new form: Let's vote out, recall and/or impeach any public servant who does not help the public! 
Those that favor the dastardly developers over real residents should not be representing us!  Our elected officials should be working for us. Developers from other states don't get to vote here. We do!  Let's use it!

As the old proverb says, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!"

Before I leave, please let me offer a prayer for all my brothers and sisters suffering from this terrible situation down south.  May God bless and keep them all safe through this nightmare they are living through. We do hear you.

The great Louis Armstrong sings to me tonight,  ~Do You Know What it Means, to Miss New Orleans?~ Now I do...

RappCity, A.K.A. JC, is a Cape Blogger. The Editors thought this piece was so good we turned it into an Op Ed column. Read JCRapp's other blogs here.