It’s strange to drive on I-29 and be the only car, going either direction. Period. It’s like a scene from a movie.
Since parts of it are closed due to the flooding, what few stretches remain open, mainly for the locals, are deserted. I’ve driven this highway from Kansas City to Omaha too many times to count and this is the first time I’ve had it all to myself.
This is going to have long-lasting economic effects on these local communities.
The farmers will most likely get SOME compensation for the lost crops and damaged buildings. But the businesses not destroyed by the flood waters will get no reimbursement for lost revenue.
There also won’t be reimbursement for people who can’t cross the river for work. To get to the other side, which used to take minutes, now takes three hours. You either drive south to St. Joseph or north to Something Something, Nebraska. People are having to rent apartments near their jobs just to keep a job.
What we see in the news and what we see in the eyes of people affected by this reality is very different.
Some will quit. Some will start again. Just like in 2011 when it happened.
But what about the next time?
I'm just a guy who finds the world an interesting place and likes to capture certain moments with a camera. They aren't for sale, or anything. I just like them. Well, usually. I've taken a lot of photos I don't like, as well.
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A week ago Tuesday started out simply enough...we woke up early and hit the road north to Marceline, MO to tour the Walsworth Publishing plant, then lunch at Tall Paul's in Bucklin, MO with Meghan Viers Jolliffe, Joe Cupp, and Beverly Cupp. From there, Jonathan and I would wander rural Missouri so he could get a glimpse of life out here.
As we pull into the lot in front of the big sign, I realize just how right Kurtis was...this is fantastic!
The conversation I would like to hear happening at our southern border: Border Patrol Officer: “Welcome to the United States of America. How may I help you?” Asylum Seeker: “We would like to apply for asylum in this country.” BPO: “Oh, I’m sorry that you felt you had to leave your home and family to do this. Please, come with me and we’ll start the application...."
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