OPINION PLEASE: Would running this letter be insensitive??

[tk2kewl]

Newsday wants to run my letter re: NOLA/Global Warming. I am thinking to ask them not to. I wrote it early Tues. before the full extent of this human tragedy unfolded. Opinions please.

It is time for the most ambitious environmental restoration project ever!
Unfortunately the government should condemn much of the
destroyed property surrounding the Mississippi Delta for exactly this
purpose, paying property owners for their land to be reclaimed for
natural beaches, barrier islands, marshes and swamps.

It would provide a bail-out for a lot of property owners who didn't
have flood insurance, for some it may be a loss, but for the Gulf
Coast as a whole, and thus the nation, it would be the only right
thing to do in the face of global warming and rising sea level.
Furthermore, preventing reconstruction in the most vulnerable areas
would have a positive economic impact by the reducing insurance risk
which is largely born by taxpayers through federal flood insurance
policies.

Such a project would protect a rebuilt New Orleans while providing the
beginnings of a more sustainable tourism and fisheries economy. The
dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico would also have a shot at recovering,
as more natural shoreline of swamps and marshes would reduce the
nutrient and pollutant load on the Gulf.

Unfortunately, I am not optimistic that the Bush administration would
even consider implementing such a plan, not even in the smallest token
manner. This administration hash shown nothing but disdain for the
environment and seems to have a serious deficit of common sense.

I'm wondering if i could add something about "after caring for the victims" and resubmit.

[tk2kewl]

1. .

[tk2kewl]

2. anyone?

[tk2kewl]

12. .

[craigolemiss]

3. run it

add your extra or not

[mzteris]

4. I like it.

Your letter is about NOLA/Global Warming - the environment - not the colossal rescue f/u. (Write another one about that!)

[AnnInLa]

5. Well, I'm curious about why they chose right now to run the letter

The letter is great tho, I don't know.

[tk2kewl]

11. Do you think if I added something about after the needs of the victims

are taken care of, it would fly

[cally]

6. I think it's a great letter

and comes at a needed time. We need to start thinking long term about our environment.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Great letter. I'd add exactly what you suggested and tell them to go with

it. Kudos on a well-written and informed piece. And the same to Newsweek for choosing it...:-)

[blindpig]

8. go for it

You're spot on. The addition would be a good idea but some will bitch anyway.

[OhioBlue]

9. hate to be the voice of dissent

but, IMHO - It might be better to wait. People might not be receptive to the message right now. The Nation is outraged at the lack of relief for the victims right now.

Great letter tho - I agree with your points, just that as someone who frequently makes the environmental argument - I don't even have the energy to get into those discussions, i just want help to come to the victims at this point.

[tk2kewl]

10. that was what i thought too

human life is the prime concern right now. i am beyond sad and angry.