I've only been to Houston a few times, usually just pausing at the airport on my way somewhere else. It's a huge city, made rich by energy and aerospace, and it lies just 60 miles from the Gulf, where Hurricane Rita is fast approaching.
We have two '58 classmates in Houston, Jim Hollis and Helen Young. I am hoping they are safe tonight, either headed away from the storm or hunkered down somewhere with family and friends.
Most of the U.S. population lives in coastal areas, even though they are far more dangerous than inland locations. We are in a more active hurricane cycle now, and the damage is made worse by rising costs and larger populations.
In truth, we ought to have a national no-build zone of 25-30 miles, to preserve coastal wetlands and barrier islands, which absorb the killer storm surges. But folks with boats and beach houses don't want to hear that. (You don't agree? Let's hear comments!)
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