Repost: Why Should Rhode Islanders Subsidize Rebuilding in New Orleans? (H-Urban)

From: H-NET Urban History Discussion List
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 7:29 AM
Subject: Re: The disaster in New Orleans

From: Michael Holleran

Ken Jackson relays a student's question why Rhode Islanders should
subsidize rebuilding New Orleans. As an H-URBAN subscriber originally
from Rhode Island, with deep ties to New Orleans, I'd like to respond.

First, and most important, New Orleans is an essential part of our
heritage. A world without New Orleans - a world without Venice, a world
without Amsterdam - is unthinkable. I would say the same about
Providence, which sits behind its own federally-subsidized hurricane
barrier.

Second, we have collectively created many of New Orleans's problems. We
have channeled the Mississippi, and permitted wetland development in the
Mississippi delta, that dramatically compromised the natural systems
protecting New Orleans. We have collectively segregated the poorest
populations in New Orleans, so that asking them to pay for their own
protection is at best mean-spirited.

Finally, we collectively subsidize reconstuction and new construction on
barrier islands, along the entire Gulf and Atlantic shores. Unlike the
preservation of New Orleans or Providence, this brings no benefit for
the rest of us - in Colorado, for example - but actual disadvantages, as
it disrupts natural flood controls and cuts off public access to the
shore. As a Rhode Islander, I always hoped Senator Proxmire would cut
off the subsidies and save our beaches from the beach houses and condos.
If we wish to scrutinize subsidies, why pick on fifty square miles of
New Orleans, or three square miles of Providence, when thousands of
square miles of new construction are indefensible?

Michael Holleran
College of Architecture + Planning
University of Colorado