Touche'

A Letter to the Editor in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram speaks volumes. You could replace Arlington with Haltom City, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Keller, Watauga, etc. Instead a billion dollars is being spent on the Trinity River where it does not flood.  YOU should ask WHY and WHO profits.

Arlington flooding

It is easy for Thursday letter writer Robert Baucom to sit at home with floors that are not covered with mud, sewage and a few snakes. (See: "Buyers, wise up") He is correct that a home is one's most major purchase; however, especially in this economy, making a down payment and qualifying for a long-term mortgage is hardly an impulsive process. No one "qualifies" to purchase a $175 sports coat. He may know that there is no state or federal requirement for a seller or landlord to disclose that one is living in a flood plain, but most buyers don't.

The Arlington flood issues have been escalated by growth of new homes, etc. Perhaps his "non-impulsive purchase" has helped drive this problem.

People will deal with the loss of their possessions and their memories, but the majority of 120-plus families cannot afford to leave their most major purchase and move to his dry area. If a tornado destroys his home, can he afford to "walk" away? Baucom seems to expect them to simply clean up, move back in and wait to be washed out again.

Next time, lives may be lost along with possessions. How would he like to live in fear each time it rains?

The Willows at Shady Valley Condominiums,
Sandi Ross, co-owner