TANGIER ISLAND, Virginia – As a new day dawns over Tangier Island, its beauty and charm are undeniable. The quaint, historic fishing village is home to 450 people and everyone seems to know everyone.
Crab and oyster fishing are king here and tourism also helps to pump up the working-class economy. The majority of the island attend one of two churches and lean politically to the right. Eighty-seven percent voted for President Trump and campaign signs still dot the community.
But Tangier Island faces a tough future that is literally playing out day by day. It includes environmental forces that threaten to wash it away in combination with government agencies unable to act as lawmakers stall on funding.
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23 comments:
they can always spend thier own money to do whatever needs to be done.
no reason taxpayers should foot the bill
It's my home and always will be, real true people the same day in and day out and when someone has medical bills they can't afford to pay, or an emergency they can't handle they all stand together and REALLY support that person. My uncle a widower stated when I was over their on July 4th that when he had his back surgery they continued bringing food and making visits for an entire year. They pick up mail, food or supplies to their neighbors that can't get out every day. That's family what they are about.
12:34 You are an ignorant A$$! When a tree falls in the middle of the road, or a bridge washes out, or any other natural disaster occurs, I'm sure you are the first person to complain that the Government isn't doing their jobs! The same respect goes for these people.
An island of 450, completely isolated, with limited resources and eroding shores. Why doesn't everyone quit complaining about their isolated lifestyle and just MOVE? Moving to an area with more opportunities and resources would be much better for the current and future children of Tangier residents. Choosing to stay on a dying island and asking the Government for help is selfish and its also selfish to future generations of the residents. Stop being a burden and move anywhere else available across the Delmarva (or elsewhere).
This island has been washing away for 200+ years. Who cares? Not me.
to funny yup this is money well spent, controlling mother nature. good luck with that! let me know how it works out for ya!
Climate change isn't real though remember?
nope. shoreline landowners should bear the responsibility.
it is their property.
washed out bridge is gov property, repaired by the gov
a tree in the road, again gov property
if a tree falls in my yard, should the gov come clear it?
as to a natural disaster, thats why i have insurance.
erosion is an act of nature. sand moved from one place to another.
we shouldnt pay the gov to change nature.
There are some non neighborly people on this post. I would rather have my taxes spent locally than in foreign affairs. Tangier is a cool place to visit, with good people. I would suggest some of the commentators here take a visit, but those good folks don't need your type of stink over there.
1:25-What's your problem? You are being obtuse and ignorant. The island is eroding due to storm surges, wind, and waves. Not climate change. Just like the government building sea walls and other wave and storm barriers, they need that same assistance. Why should they have any less? No one said anything about changing nature. What a stupid comment.
If we can continue to spend millions to replenish the sand in OC I think they should help this island. They can't just up and move. How many of you could just up and walk away from a home that has been in the family for generations. It is not like they can sell it. The bulkhead they have is working. They just need it all around the island. We send millions to other counties. It's time to help our own.
I have to say I watched the episode last night with Al Gore on CNN he talked in generalities trying I think not to give any specifics on what could be done Global Warming, erosion and communities sinking to the tides. The Mayor Of Tangier Island Mayor James Eskridge spoke about the island only being 4' above sea level and Al Gore stating it will sink about 2 more feet and his suggestion was "I bet you would appreciate cheaper electric in the form of help wind machines for one". Is he really this stupid to think electric prices and wind machines are going to help when drastic measures are needed?
1:10- "...asking the gov't for help is selfish to future generations of the residents." What? I'm sure your backwards on that point. Nothing to derive from your ramble. Also, as a grandson of one of the residents, no one is complaining about "an isolated lifestyle." They have a lot of pride. You are the apparent complainer.
1:17- Myself, and hundreds, MAYBE thousands others care, and we are least concerned with you.
I appreciate the culture amd heritage but agree; move or die. I would support tax dollars helpimg with relocation but it is just plain stupid to spend 100's of millions on stopping mother nature for this small island. We spend that kimd of money to protect areas that supports billions in commerce.
Those watermen supply us with a lot of good seafood. Let's try to keep them going if we can.
Personally don't think a breakwater along dimensions of 'original' island is that radical. Let it fill in or bring dredging spoils from Conawingo down to fill it.
All would feel good. Win-Win!
In this day and age of supposed acceptance of everybody as they are, why is there a discussion about moving them. trans want there own bathrooms, snowflakes want the quiet place, let Tangier have their island.
7:01- Man, that was beautiful. Well stated.
So, by your logic, we should let Ocean City wash out to sea, yes? Assateague? Chincoteague???
330 - I'm gonna need you to study up a bit on this issue. Rising water levels are a major contributor to the island's disappearance along with erosion. Actual data (real data, not projected) supports this. Your tax dollars have paid for entire networks of sensors in the Bay and ocean to detect water levels and currents. Just because the mayor spouts off something, doesn't make it fact.
ya ll can do whatever you want but dont ask for my tax dollars to subsidize your lifestyle, no different then beach replenishment for the wealthy, welfare for generations, free drugs, etc......gimme gimme gimme, it's all free, right?
set property tax rates to a point that the landowners of the island will foot the bill.
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