The Black Republican

This storm has been so awful. Devastation. A huge task for recovery. The big stuff will take a long time to accomplish, there are some little things that could happen now to ease those impacted. One small idea follows.

There has been noticed a strong, and natural, desire by those who left to see what damage was done to their homes by this most horrible hurricane. The leaders in the affected areas, correctly, say that it isn't safe for them to return, yet. I have a solution which could satisfy but needs, remote viewing.

And the technology already exists. It is called, Google Earth. This program, free by the way, allows the user to see the earth from a collection of satellite images. While some pictures are fuzzier than others, generally, one can input his address and the program will take you to a satellite picture of your property. The picture is taken from space, and perhaps intentionally, lacks the resolution to be considered an invasion of privacy. But, with a few adjustments, could be a tool for the unfortunate people who fled Katrina, and now are prohibited from returning to see the fate of their property.

One change, the photos must be refreshed from their current age to show the real time conditions. Secondly, a sharper resolution could be allowed, if only temporarily, to allow the viewer a clearer perspective. Thirdly, I would like to have the technology allow the user to view a time lapse of images, which would be important, for example, to the residents of New Orleans who were spared yesterday, but are in peril because of post storm flooding today.

I believe such a use of Google's technology would be of great benefit to the victims, the authorities currently undertaking rescue and appraisal, and could be a financial windfall for Google (if their advertising revenue is based on viewership). It would be nice if they donated the increased revenue, if there be such, to the relief effort, of course.

Update: Our satellites are taking a look.

Another way to make money from this tragedy, which I would approve, came to mind today. Have you, and surely you have, seen those "Terrorist Hunting Permit" bumper stickers; someone needs to start printing 'Looter Hunting Permits' in response to the scavenger's who always take advantage in times like these. One change should be made though, where the "Terrorist Hunting Permit"s are taken as political statements, and not actual permits, I would have the Looter permits endorsed as to actually allow one to shoot a looter dead on sight. I expect this would have multiple beneficial effects. One, it would serve as a deterent to looters. Two, it would prevent those who are not deterred, and caught, from procreating, (in case there is a genetic component to looting), thus thinning the herd by de-selection. Third, it would be a great way for victims and recovery workers to blow off some steam, and regain a sense of control over things. Of course, I chose the word, allow them to shoot dead, because some looters today are taking only the things they need to survive, food, water,... And, those people would not need to be shot, some discretion is always necessary. The asshats animals who are stealing, they need to be shot, accurately and well.

I do wonder why so many stayed behind. Just as I wonder why the weather people keep going to these storms, (and I especially wonder why they think it a good idea to go outside during the storm, they never really show us anything for we only learn the entire impact when it is possible to see the overview). If you ever find yourself in the way of one these storms, if at all possible, leave sooner rather than later, and go far away.

A final note; one man has called this disaster, "our Tsunami", how many countries do you suppose will send relief to the USA?