Habeas Corpus isn't the only thing in need of restoration, though unlike it the ongoing destruction of the Louisiana wetlands isn't completely the fault of the Bush administration. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana released its Master Plan in May. Here's a link to the Executive Summary.
Here's the blurb, which should convince you of its importance:
Entitled "Integrated Ecosystem Restoration and Hurricane Protection: Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, the plan is the first document to completely incorporate hurricane protection projects with projects aimed at rebuilding Louisiana's rapidly eroding coastal wetlands. The plan reflects more than 18 months of research, stakeholder and scientific review and writing. It will be the guide for all coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts in Louisiana over the next several decades.
Please take the time to read the Plan. Coastal restoration in Louisiana is vitally important to our state, our nation, and the world.
- The Mississippi is the 5th largest river in terms of discharge in the world, while its drainage basin is the 2nd largest.
- The Louisiana coast is responsible for
- 33% of US oil and natural gas
- 50% of domestic oil and gas refining
- 20% of annual US shipping
- 25% of annual US fishing comes via the Louisiana coast
- millions of migratory waterfowl
- Creating a sustainable coast can also
- help filter the nutrients that create the "dead zone" in the Gulf
- help preserve and enhance the amazing cultures of people in South Louisiana
And just think, at only $55 billion total, the cost is only 6 or 7 months at current Iraq War daily spending levels of $250 million a day! Costs which are, by the way, heading toward $2 trillion total.
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