In the first part of 1994 heavy rains in California sent mud slides down the hills near Los Angeles. Houses were ruined by the slides. Heavy rains falling on areas that were denuded by earlier forest fires caused the slides. The persons who were affected by the mud slides looked to the government to help them rebuild their houses. Should these people rebuild in the same locations? If they do, should those who have suffered by the mud slides get government help to rebuild in the same locations? Are they wise to continue rebuilding there?

The same question could be raised about the persons who build in the flood plain of the Mississippi River. The federal government declared the places where the river flooded a disaster area, making those who were victims eligible for aid.

English, a town …