Duke University and Orrin Pilkey

Orrin Pilkey, geology Professor at Duke University is talking out the side of his mouth.  This storm is not what the islands need - his theories are just that, theories.  No one knows how the barrier islands anywhere came to exist.  In any case saying this big blow is a good thing is something to be expected from a 'scientist' from Duke.  They have large marine research stations along the coast of North Carolina and the best work they seem to have done is recording the slow destruction of the fishing industry (they are given government grants to support and expand the fisheries).  As for houses on a beach - they should not be on the beach - that's just silly - but try to tell someone that is renting one for $3,000 a week that and you get nowhere fast.  Orrin Pilkey also neglects to mention the tree farms in eastern Carolina - tens of miles of trees at a time planted in straight rows - no self-respecting farmer concerned about erosion would ever do such a thing - but go see for yourself.  These days - after harvest - companies like Weyerhauser immediately turn their government land into housing developments like a large marina they are building now on the Pamlico River (and will likely need to rebuild with government money).   God help all those in need and let some light shine into the minds of men and women of science who have forgotten what it is to be human.