There are some places on this earth that are not meant for the development of communities. One of these locations is the Tornado Alley, specifically the areas between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. Throughout the years, more and more people have settled in these areas where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets the cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains and Canada. Recent climatic changes have seen an increase in the number of tornados that causes devastation even to the buildings that meet the strict building codes. Yet, after this severe tornado that caused not only damages but a number of death in Murray, Oklahoma, news reports show the residents expressing that they intend to rebuild. They indicate that Murray is a close knit community so they do not intend to leave. Reporters describe this determination of the residents as resilience. Two weeks later another tornado not only hits Murray again but devastates other areas in Tornado Alley. Yet, people are still determined to stay and rebuild! Is this resilience or stupidity? It is obvious that the tornados are becoming not only more frequent but more severe. Being a close knit community is a wonderful thing. But, what is the sense in re-building today knowing quite well that tomorrow not only is your building in jeopardy of taking a hit from a tornado, but your lives are at risk. Nevertheless, many will rebuild, but at what cost?
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Resilience or Stupidity
There are some places on this earth that are not meant for the development of communities. One of these locations is the Tornado Alley, specifically the areas between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. Throughout the years, more and more people have settled in these areas where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets the cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains and Canada. Recent climatic changes have seen an increase in the number of tornados that causes devastation even to the buildings that meet the strict building codes. Yet, after this severe tornado that caused not only damages but a number of death in Murray, Oklahoma, news reports show the residents expressing that they intend to rebuild. They indicate that Murray is a close knit community so they do not intend to leave. Reporters describe this determination of the residents as resilience. Two weeks later another tornado not only hits Murray again but devastates other areas in Tornado Alley. Yet, people are still determined to stay and rebuild! Is this resilience or stupidity? It is obvious that the tornados are becoming not only more frequent but more severe. Being a close knit community is a wonderful thing. But, what is the sense in re-building today knowing quite well that tomorrow not only is your building in jeopardy of taking a hit from a tornado, but your lives are at risk. Nevertheless, many will rebuild, but at what cost?
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