An idea for Kerry, re: FL and Charley - affordable, SAFE housing...

[Skip Intro]

Wait - I am NOT among the DUers who are worried about the Kerry/Edwards campaign. I have gone from being skeptical to being a believer (and this didn't happen recently - I've grown to trust them). They have earned my trust, and respect. I truly believe they have some very smart, savvy people on board, and I am convinced that we will see the most effective, powerful campaign possible. Not to use another analogy, but you don't tip a hand of Aces when the betting has just begun. I am fine with Kerry, and look where we are - leading, or at least tied with the "savior" of the right. NO problem with the Kerry campaign from me.

Having said that, I'm also of a mind that the more ideas shared, the better. I'm just putting this out there - wholeheartedly fwiw.

While the mass media continues its efforts to bring Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry" to life ("get the widow on the set"), I keep hearing, over and over about "trailer parks" "trailer courts" and "weak construction." People are watching in horror as these people's homes fall apart like dollhouses under a hammer. And the casualties mount.

Which got me thinking. Why do people buy mobile homes?

Anyone who's been house shopping and considered all their options knows the answer - they're way cheaper than site-built homes.

What would the effect be if Kerry tactfully made a strong statement that all Americans should have access to affordable, SAFE housing - that the life of no American should be at risk because of his/her economic status. All Americans have a right to be safe.

As we see that people who lived in homes that were mobile homes were by far the ones who suffered the most, and that those in traditional homes were far more safe, its clear that the lives of those of lesser means were more at risk - and that's just wrong. Lack of money shouldn't put you at more risk of life and limb. This is America.

And doesn't that fit nicely into Kerry/Edwards courage in taking on the poverty issue?

But politically, strategically - natinwide and in FL (and along the east coast), how would this play? With those in mobile homes, and with those who sympathize?

And, with a purely political eye, is there an advantage to be had here by Kerry?

For example: "Let's make the American Dream aceessible, affordable, and Safe - for All Americans."

Again, just a thought I had. I merely put it out there, fwiw.

[goclark]

1. That should show the people ofl Florida

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that we care.

I believe it is the right thing to do.

Kerry should start mentioning we want to keep you SAFE in your house and in your country.

[cynatnite]

2. Amen

Send it to the Kerry Campaign

Cyn:)

[HysteryDiagnosis]

4. All Americans have a right to be safe. Double please delete.

Double.... please delete....

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. All Americans have a right to be safe.

as long as they are wealthy.... but even the mansions took quite a hit... from what I have heard.

How about a safe room right next to the mobile home? Solid poured, steel reinforced, deeply anchored, aerodynamid (rounded) concrete 10x10 structures for under say $2,000. I know it can be done... I am wondering how many more times this needs to happen before it becomes a reality.

http://www.pbrla.com/domehome_press1.html
>>Hurricane Winds

Hurricane Keith, a force 4 storm, raged for three days off the coast of Belize, causing no damage to the two monolithic domes built there. The shape of the dome allows the wind to pass around the home, eliminating any serious pressure build up and easily withstanding 150 mph winds.

A dome can withstand over 2300 psf forces. (A 300mph tornado exerts 400 psf.) Because the dome is not flat, the maximum air pressure against it could never be realized. The margin of safety is four times greater than on a flat wall.<<

[Warpy]

3. Trailers are compact, well thought out spaces

that maximize useful space and storage, with very little maintenance needed. I lived in one for 5 years until interest rates declined enough for me to buy a shabby fixer upper in a bad neighborhood. I still miss that trailer and would probably still be there if there had been a possibility of eventually owning the small lot it was on. At the time, it was the best housing bang for the buck in terms of privacy and space.

As it stands, the site rent is now nearly what I pay in principal, interest, taxes and insurance on this little house, so I did the right thing when I sold it.

I'll always miss it, though.

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6. I lived in a trailer until I was 16

My entire family - mom, dad, two sisters and myself - in a 10'x56' three bedroom mobile home. When I was 18, I shared a larger trailer with my first roommate. I have lived in a few, actually.

But the thing is, they just are not as safe as site-built homes. Evidence of that is all over the tv tonight. I think its a shame.

I think most people live in mobile homes because traditional homes are out of their reach. If that's the case, its just a shame that safety is sacrificed for economic capability.

It seems very analogous to the situation faced by seniors who have to choose between buying their life-saving medicines, or keeping their lights on.

That's the way it looks to me, anyway.

[formactv]

7. One form of housing that always survives hurricanes:

Geodesic domes. An entire neighborhood can be levelled, and the one dome is left with maybe a smashed window, where a piece of a house went through it. It has happened several times, but it never makes the news.