PBS is running a new Ken Burns documentary, The Dust Bowl, which covers the hardships suffered in America’s bread basket in the 1930’s, decades before the terms “Global Warming” or “Climate Change” came into use. Of course, there is a liberal bias prevalent throughout the program. That is to be expected, although it would be nice if reasonable counter arguments would be allowed rather than the typical portrayal of the right as scolds who call anyone seeking a handout un-American or stupid for staying in ravaged areas. A few authors have argued that FDR’s policies prolonged the Great Depression, but there is no hint of that here. The disaster that occurred in the region is seen, naturally, as largely man made, attributable to poor farming techniques. The drought lasted eight years and the land did not recover fully until rain returned, despite improved strategy. Approximately one-third of the residents relocated. Those who stayed behind were a hardy lot. Independent by nature and averse to government interference, they eventually caved and all of the survivors interviewed agree they would not have survived without assistance. The photographs are the show’s strength, especially those of the massive dust storms approaching menacingly toward towns. Incredibly, they dropped up to three feet of dirt. One of the most reasonable arguments advanced is that the government's purchase of land, which became off limits to farming, helped reverse the tide. The grasslands returned once the drought ended. In the end, this is at once a cautionary tale of man’s folly and an ode to government. There is no mention that bad weather may occur entirely in cycles. Is it unreasonable to conclude that current powerful storms are also part of a cycle that will reverse itself in time, and not due to man made emissions? One cannot expect such an argument from Burns. I wonder what percentage of the global population even knew of this disaster at the time. These days, any news of a violent storm or natural disaster in any part of the world, however remote, is available in a matter of hours. And is there anyone left, even among the most conservative, who would argue that there should be no government assistance at all? Isn’t the argument really about how much assistance is reasonable?
I did not sell books today, as I accompanied a friend on another of her trips to the doctor. After that visit and lunch at KFC, we went to pick up her car rental, which Geico is providing since her 1998 Ford, which had less than 30,000 miles on it, was done in by the raging waters generated by Sandy. She is now driving a handsome 2012 Mazda, which she thinks is too big for her. As we were walking home, she suddenly wondered if she'd parked beside a hydrant, which may have been obscured by a pile of garbage bags at the curb, more storm debris. Since a garbage crew was working along the block, I thought I'd better check. Sure enough, the base of the hydrant, or Johnny Pump, as Brooklynites call it, was peeking through the pile of Hefty bags. As I moved the car, there was a feature I immediately disliked - the gear shift, which was more like the old standard version rather than automatic. I suspect another vehicle will be requested.
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