The Beginning Of Reality

After reading the news this morning I have come to the realization that our troubles are just beginning. The aftermath of the terrifying storm kept most busy trying to find shelter and jobs to support their families. After the "dust settled" many had to make the decision to rebuild, repair or just move out of the area. It is my opinion that some of the rules for rebuilding are grossly unfair. For instance, homes that were on the beachfront that were structurely sound could remain but those, reduced to a slab, could not be rebuilt. Where is the fairness in this?

Required elevations are yet another problem to contend with for those who do not have that kind of money A minority of people are trying to "lift" their present homes to the required height. It seems that aesthetics and symmetry are not requirements, just elevation. And .... then there are the people who are scared to rebuild out of fear that another "big" one may hit again. How does anybody know that with certainty? Why are the insurance companies afraid to insure us in coastal Mississippi? Their reluctance has now extended to any state that borders a coastline. It's a catch 22, premiums will be so high that they can't be afforded but mortgage companies require insurance on your home. So how can that be?

The crime rate has risen as transients have multiplied. The high cost of gasoline has forced Pascagoula's sheriff to ask Jackson County for assistance at this time. To cut back on patrols would be a detriment to the safety of the citizens.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation, MDOT wants to build a bicycle and pedestrian path on both the Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs bridge. For what? Highway 90 is one of the most dangerous in the country. A 2 ft. barrier will not stop cars from jumping that wall and injuring or killing people. I also can't imagine people taking a Sunday stroll in the scorching heat of the summer. If we let that happen, a bicycle and our own two legs may be our only source of transportation.

Well, enough of my ranting, I have things to do in this topsy- turvy area I now live in.