Guardian
The Cosmic Force
Folks could be right about the Federal government using this Hurricane for nefarious purposes, but I really don't see where the State govs have overreacted at all, in fact, I think their advance preparations have saved many lives.
IMO, shutting down the subways and anything underground (tunnels, utilities, etc.) was very wise (and costly) With a storm the size of Irene, the tidal surge can arrive 6-8 hours before the actual storm. If even ONE sump pump failed to keep up with the load, a whole train full of people could have died.
"Only" nine people are dead so far, and that's a REALLY low number for a storm of this size and intensity. I think we saw the quick (and expensive) reaction and massive evacuations because the Politicians don't want another Katrina like debacle this close to election time.
Basically, I think MANY lives have been saved, at great expense, because there's an election right around the corner.
IMO, shutting down the subways and anything underground (tunnels, utilities, etc.) was very wise (and costly) With a storm the size of Irene, the tidal surge can arrive 6-8 hours before the actual storm. If even ONE sump pump failed to keep up with the load, a whole train full of people could have died.
"Only" nine people are dead so far, and that's a REALLY low number for a storm of this size and intensity. I think we saw the quick (and expensive) reaction and massive evacuations because the Politicians don't want another Katrina like debacle this close to election time.
Basically, I think MANY lives have been saved, at great expense, because there's an election right around the corner.