The Boomer generation is going out in a fit of frenzied self-recognition @ AMERICAN DIGEST

March 21, 2017

The Boomer generation is going out in a fit of frenzied self-recognition

"When we all wish to be victims, there are too few oppressors to go around.

Or perhaps the Boomer generation is going out in a fit of frenzied self-recognition: It enjoyed all that was given to it, did not accomplish much itself, and left a mess to its successors. Its metaphor is California’s Oroville dam: Aging greens believe that it never should have been built; but since it was, it came in handy for the good life; but no one should spend any money on its repair; but when it nearly fails, we were all warned that it was never a good idea. And so no more dams will be built for our children." - - Victor Hanson, Americans Retreat When There’s No Escaping Politics

Posted by gerardvanderleun at March 21, 2017 11:39 AM

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It'd be a damn shame if they didn't rebuild that thing.

Meanwhile though.

All that freshly exposed granite and aggregate washed downstream. Might be a good chance to go a ways downstream, and do some pannin' for a wee bit o' gold?

Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at March 21, 2017 5:19 PM

Is the big dam attached to the crumbly soft red rock, or the harder compact grey rock (probably granite) underlayment? When the water hits the red rock, it just rips it apart.

They say, that at the core of the dam, there is an impervious clay wall, and at the edges that clay layer is grouted to the rock. The earthen dam we see just keep the clay locked in place.

If there is a weakness at the clay/rock boundary, water will find it, enlarge it, and flow through it.

It is a curse of our age. Those who maintain this dam will publicly swear it is 100% safe until the very minute they cry "Aiiee! Flee, you fools!". The dirt people must never be allowed to know the doubts of the engineers, and be informed of contrary evidence.

Posted by: John A. Fleming at March 22, 2017 10:46 PM

Not much left, is there?

No words are necessary when you have pictures like that. Even a child could see the disaster they created.

Posted by: creeper at March 23, 2017 5:57 AM

Sorry, Gerard. Blame my stupid server. Weed a couple of the echoes out, please.

creep

Posted by: creeper at March 23, 2017 5:59 AM