General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAlthough I have deep deep empathy for all Floridians today, there are a few questions I need to get
off my mind and heart and a few comments to make.
One thing that Florida, LA, TX and the southern coastal states have made abundantly clear over the past 20 years is that we, humans have come too late to the climate and other environmental issues. Climate change deniers and environmental scoffers now find themselves in the throws of their shallow self-interests right along with the poor and marginalized citizens who have suffered the most over the years and who have had little or no help to recover. I digress.
Q's about COVID: How does the tragic disaster facing FL now impact the COVID issues still raging among us, especially those victim suffering the disease in the areas being and soon to be touched by IAN even outside of Florida? Are there plans being made at any local, state, or Federal level government entity to stage special facilities to supply COVID-positive people with safety and medical supplies and services?
Qs about Schools and education at all levels: I can't even begin. Our children have been through so much since COVID, what now? There is already a shortage of teachers and other educational staff in K-12, and beyond that level other problems exist.
Qs about November election: Will Floridians even be able to vote? Should there be state and Federal voting officials on cite to oversee the integrity of the elections? Has voting equipment been compromised by the impact of IAN? Same questions for those states yet to be impacted by IAN. I have always wondered about the actual impact on elections at all levels by disasters across the country including the fires on the west coast and the flooding all across the country in the past. What governmental entity or entities ever address these issues?
Qs about our Federal taxes: Shouldn't the privileged people who have used their wealth to build lavish homes and businesses along coastal areas, by law, be required to pay a tax commensurate with the share of disaster relief that they use from the Federal coffers to recoup losses and that give them resources to keep rebuilding in known disaster areas? Not talking about their private insurance. If insurers want to cover these people that's their capitalistic right to do so. But should the Federal government continue to use money above and beyond the average disaster relief from the rest of taxpayers?
Qs Should there be an overall Federal examination of where and to whom Federal subsidies currently go outside of the general social safety net? In other words, should large corporate owned farms be subsidized to not grow certain foods or to not grow tobacco?
"The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind."
lark
(23,155 posts)You can bet Death Sentence will make sure that they get to vote. Luckily this didn't hit Tampa hard because there are lots of working class people there and DS wouldn't care.
dalton99a
(81,570 posts)Federal taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent in Florida
lark
(23,155 posts)It's not because it's for the rich.
I have always thought that if an area is devastated, the government should condemn it and not rebuild there. Pay the people a fair price and make that land be remediation area. Same with rivers flooding for non-hurricane reasons.
The latest quote for Hurricane insurance was 22k + 19k deductible.
I've decided to self insure.
mitch96
(13,924 posts)After Andrew in '92 many left. Expect huge rate increases... Climate change??
What climate change???
m
samsingh
(17,601 posts)the conservatives and republicans there are disgusting traitors who would be gloating if this was happening to a blue state
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)timing is purely awful. There are Democrats in Florida and Texas for that matter. The bombastic and self-righteous attitude of this post during a time when people have died in Florida is just awful. Trashing
Samrob
(4,298 posts)I am seeking better systems for all people...not just in FL. This hurricane will strike up the coast as well. These are my questions and opinions. Trying to get a fairer system for all.
When is a good time to ask questions about looming problems? It's like being scolded for asking about gun control right after a mass shooting. When is a good time? After the event leaves the headlines and people return to their respective corners and forget about the pressing issues?
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)favorite points.
Id like to say Im surprised, but Im not.
Following your lead and trashing thread.