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A vehicle for venting on philosophy, religion, and the general state of things. Proprietor: C. W. Powell

Monday, June 06, 2005

HoustonChronicle.com - Report says Louisiana's coa...

HoustonChronicle.com - Report says Louisiana's coastline is sinking; Texas' could be next

The report centers on the humble benchmark, a small metal disk bolted to the ground, that provides a standard elevation above sea level for land surveying and mapping as well as determining flood-prone areas.

But there's one problem with benchmarks: They don't give reliable elevation readings if they're sinking along with everything else.



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It seems that the Gulf coast is sinking into the Gulf of Mexico. It was only recently discovered that those who monitor such things have been using "benchmarks" that are sinking with everything else.

Sorta like evolutionary science, y'know. "We know that these fossils are x many years old because they are in rocks that are x many years old. We know that the rocks are x many years old because of the fossils, y'know. Very simple." Not that really simple, of course. It takes more than a little dust to fool the people.

Unless, of course, they have a stake in being deceived. Just a few "benchmark" assumptions prove wrong and the whole monstrous structure sinks into oblivion. Except it doesn't really. Someone comes along, dredges it, the water out, renames it, and sells it as brand new stuff. And so the carousel continues to spin. It seems like a good ride, as we continue to measure ourselves by elastic rulers.

2Co 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Question: Why would anyone who pretends to be a scientist not recognize that a stake driven into the ground could not serve to establish elevation, unless you assume that the ground is stable? But please, oh please. Don't ask us to examine our presuppositions. We might lose some government funding. We are scientists from the government. Any other questions? But don't grovel. We are just like you, only much better paid. Bye, bye, Galveston.

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