You’ve seen news photos of disaster victims poking through remains of properties destroyed by flood, hurricane, tornado or earthquake.
And of local, state and federal governments, the Red Cross, Salvation Army and countless insurance companies standing by with zillions of dollars for aid, relief and recovery.
No argument with such largesse when persons are victims of unforeseen disasters.
But most persons getting such help today are victims of foreseen disasters. They deliberately developed properties on lands prone to floods, hurricanes, tornados, fires and earthquakes.
Taxes and insurance premiums increase for everyone to pay for massive property damages and relief efforts.
But the real ripoff is allowing individuals to build and rebuild and insure and reinsure properties in hazardous areas.
Stop the practice by employing zoning and building codes, which allow or disallow development in specific areas.
Don’t bail out victims of stupidity. (14 JULY 2002)
