The Roundup 6

Competing Values
The Houston Chronicle recently profiled a couple who have installed synthetic turf in their Houston Heights yard. They were tired of re-sodding their yard, and joined a growing number of property owners turning to artificial grass. It was a decision that they thought best for them. But the Heights is one of Houston’s designated historic districts, and property owners must maintain the historical character of their home or building. In historic districts,  owners are not free do use their property as they choose. Synthetic turf is not consistent with the historical nature of the Heights. We must wonder how long it will be before someone notices this and seeks to outlaw synthetic turf in that community.

Help Fight Flooding
On August 25, residents of Harris County will vote on a $2.5 billion bond proposal to fight flooding in the county. Some proponents are arguing that passage of the bond election will allow the county to receive additional money from the federal government. In analyzing any proposal, we must consider the full context. Bonds are repaid out of future taxes, which means that our children and grandchildren will have the privilege of repaying the debt that we incur today. Federal money comes from taxpayers around the country, which means that individuals who will gain no benefit from flood remediation efforts in Houston will have the privilege of paying for those measures. And guess what? When Cleveland, Tampa, Raleigh, or some other city gets hit with a tragedy, Houstonians will get to pay for that. It’s nothing but a massive shell game. One city or region pillages and victimizes the rest of the country, until it is time for another city or region to pillage and victimize. Today’s beneficiary is tomorrow’s victim.