Corps of Engineers Mobilize to Protect Random Critters and Bogs: American Men, Women and Children Hardest Hit

Missouri River environmentalism takes supremacy over human lives, property rights.

This story bubbled up a few days ago, but is worth a post I think (someone may have written about it already, I only read the comments, same as Andrew Breitbart.)

But after about thirty years of operation, as the environmentalist movement gained strength throughout the seventies and eighties, the Corps received a great deal of pressure to include some specific environmental concerns into their MWCM (Master Water Control Manual, the "bible" for the operation of the dam system). Preservation of habitat for at-risk bird and fish populations soon became a hot issue among the burgeoning environmental lobby. The pressure to satisfy the demands of these groups grew exponentially as politicians eagerly traded their common sense for "green" political support.

Things turned absurd from there.

Things are so absurd now, cities and thousands of acres of farmland are being purposefully flooded, in favor of bird and fish populations.

Minot, North Dakota.

South Dakota (Huffpo link)

Sioux City, Iowa. River expected to crest 5 to 7 feet above flood stage.

A system of dams was constructed decades ago to manage these torrential flood seasons, and for decades was successful in controlling the downflow of winter runoff. It produced hydro-electric power. It protected lives, and property. The longest river in the United States was tamed via a massive construction project that exceeded successful expectations.

Until the "policy" of "snail darters before human beings" took hold within the system.

Ten million acres of productive land, thrown aside for bugs and birds.

On purpose.

We successfully prevented this catastrophe for over 60 years, provided irrigation for farmland, we provided electric power for growth, watersheds for people. And yet somehow this amazing accomplishment has been thrown aside for fucking snail darters.

At the expense of human lives and livelihood.

Shameful.

UPDATE: Remember when Bush was skewered over Katrina and the NO levees?

Please tell me what's different here. "He blew up levees on purpose!", that was the claim, damage inflicted by a hurricane and decades of local mismanagement. But the Army Corps of Engineers is purposefully acting here. Destruction is now policy.

posted by Dave In Texas at 03:07 PM

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