Simply stuck

In reading the many articles regarding the recent mass shootings and the many articles regarding the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, I couldn’t help but focus on the strange similarity.

First, the immediate hysteria, then the call for a solution to prevent a recurrence, then the total lack of any action to address the next such happening.

In the case of the mass murders, there are calls for more strident measures to control just who can buy guns, more attention to those with mental disorders, bans on certain kinds of guns, etc.

In the case of Harris County and surrounding area flooding, there are calls for more reservoirs, stricter building standards, dredged bayous and creeks and on and on.

Although the shootings and the flooding are starkly dissimilar in nature, the similarity comes about in that in both situations, nothing has been done in the way of even an attempt to stave off the next such happening. Lots of committees, meetings, etc., but no direct actions.

How many of these disasters does it take to get the authorities in power to act? When will something be done because it is the right thing to do even though that action may be contrary to the wishes of the lobbyists supporting no further restrictions? I am afraid that the old saying of “follow the money” is well exemplified here.

Jim Putnam, Cypress