Friday, October 07, 2005

Tom Joad Isn't Here

What will become of the thousands forcibly displaced by this year's hurricanes? Those in coming years? Will history books show a significant permanent shift in population from the devastated areas?

Between 300,000 and 400,000 people migrated from Oklahoma and other Plains states in the 1930's - escaping the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. I believe that more than 400,000 have been displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. How long until the bowl of New Orleans is drained and populated again?

Will the next decade see caravans of hurricane refugees tom-joading around the country looking for work and a place to live? Will a Steinbeck emerge and produce a Grapes of Wrath for our time and experience?

Right now I just hear lots of whining from all quarters.

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