Poll of the Day > Trump's budget cut proposal cuts funding for west coast quake warning system.

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://www.usnews.com/news/news/articles/2017-05-26/trumps-budget-cuts-west-coast-quake-warning-system-funding

LOS ANGELES (AP) — President Donald Trump's budget proposal would cut federal funding for an earthquake early warning system for California, Oregon and Washington state, a development that seismology experts and some local leaders say would be the end of the project.

The system being developed in conjunction with various universities is intended at providing critical seconds of warning when an earthquake has started and potentially dangerous shaking is imminent, allowing time for people to take cover and to slow or halt such things as critical industrial processes and transportation systems.

A version of the ShakeAlert system has been undergoing testing but still needs to have more seismic sensors installed in Northern California, Oregon and Washington. The proposed funding cuts for the next fiscal year starting Oct. 1 would come from the budget of the U.S. Geological Survey, a bureau of the U.S. Interior Department.

Veteran seismologist Lucy Jones, who recently retired from the U.S. Geological Survey after years of providing earthquake information to the public, said she was deeply disappointed.

"Eliminating the $10 million (per) year that the government has been spending would stop the program and waste the $23 million that has already been invested," she said in a statement. "The talented scientists and technicians that are working on the project now will go to other jobs, so their experience and expertise would be lost."

Rep. Adam Schiff, a Los Angeles-area Democrat, said in a Facebook post that the system should not be stopped just as it is being expanded after years of work to educate the public and Congress on its benefits.

"Support for the early warning system in Congress is sustained, growing and bipartisan, and we will not accept this attempt by the president to cut a vital funding stream for a program that will protect life, property and critical infrastructure," Schiff wrote.

Rep. Ken Calvert, a Republican who represents an inland Southern California district, is chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and the Environment and has supported funding of the earthquake warning system in the past.

In a statement Tuesday he did not mention the warning system specifically, but noted that the budget "proposes some reductions for agencies that fall within the Interior Subcommittee's jurisdiction. Those agencies perform important work, so the members of our committee will be faced with making some difficult decisions."

A telephone message seeking comment was left Friday morning at Calvert's district office in Corona.

In Los Angeles, Councilman Mitch Englander called the funding cuts "a threat to the lives of millions of people in California and beyond."

Englander's district includes the epicenter of the deadly 1994 Northridge earthquake that caused billions of dollars in damage to Los Angeles and neighboring areas.

"When it comes to earthquakes, seconds matter," he said in a statement. "A fully deployed early warning system would give time for elevators to shut down, hospitals to turn on backup generators, and people to take cover."

Mind you, this system is still in development. However, cutting the funding for it will not be helpful to it's development.

It's like we elected a Captain Planet villian.
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Well, California should have voted in his favor. Really, they brought this on themselves. Next election he might not have to worry about their electoral votes.
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"Californians should have voted for the guy who wants them dead"

yeah im struggling to figure out what that even means.

Oh, oh, I get it, he must be saying these quake warning cuts wouldnt have happened if california voted in trumps favor. I have a feeling that wouldnt change anything, but if what states vote for you change your policy on certain matters(like keeping a vital service funded) well that isnt a good look for the potus.

TES_Nut posted...

It's like we elected a Captain Planet villian.

he does kinda look like Hoggish Greedly
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FourthDimension posted...

"Californians should have voted for the guy who wants them dead"

Clearly you don't get it.

argonautweakend posted...

Oh, oh, I get it, he must be saying these quake warning cuts wouldnt have happened if california voted in trumps favor. I have a feeling that wouldnt change anything, but if what states vote for you change your policy on certain matters(like keeping a vital service funded) well that isnt a good look for the potus.

I'm not sure why the joke was so hard to understand.

HylianFox posted...

TES_Nut posted...

It's like we elected a Captain Planet villian.

he does kinda look like Hoggish Greedly

Greedly is pink, Trump is orange. Character-wise, he'd probably be closer to Looten Plunder anyway.
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Trump's the man! West coast sucks!! Cut that fat!

OhhhJa posted...

Trump's the man! West coast sucks!! Cut that fat!

tbh, they were talking about wanting to leave the USA. Now they might get their wish =p

On the bright side, it could be an adventure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmcx0PWPYj0
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Threatening to cut funding from a program that could save lives, and Zeus defends it like always.

If Obama did it, he'd be up in arms and calling for impeachment.
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jedirood posted...

Threatening to cut funding from a program that could save lives, and Zeus defends it like always.

If Obama did it, he'd be up in arms and calling for impeachment.

You want an earthquake warning? Go outside and put your ear on the ground chump!

jedirood posted...

Threatening to cut funding from a program that could save lives, and Zeus defends it like always.

If Obama did it, he'd be up in arms and calling for impeachment.

Don't be so rood! Plus nothing I said was a defense. And Obama would never want to cut off his constituency.
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Jedirood more like jedistooge

Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't states on the west coast already have an earthquake warning system?

It sounds like we're talking about a system that costs 10 million a year and only improves it by a few seconds.
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Zeus posted...

Well, California should have voted in his favor. Really, they brought this on themselves. Next election he might not have to worry about their electoral votes.

Zeus posted...

tbh, they were talking about wanting to leave the USA. Now they might get their wish =p

1. Not all of California voted for Hillary.

http://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/california/

2. Not all of California wanted to leave the USA. It was just the SJWs and democratic cities that largely voted for Trump that voiced this "popular" opinion.

ForteEXE3850 posted...

Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't states on the west coast already have an earthquake warning system?

It sounds like we're talking about a system that costs 10 million a year and only improves it by a few seconds.

Seconds can mean life or death
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Cuts:

Science
Health
Protective Services
Education

Adds to:

Wall
Religion
Russia

jedirood posted...

ForteEXE3850 posted...

Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't states on the west coast already have an earthquake warning system?

It sounds like we're talking about a system that costs 10 million a year and only improves it by a few seconds.

Seconds can mean life or death

No matter how you look at it though it seems like a waste of money, for a system that's been in development for years and still has had no results, for maybe a few extra seconds, if and when they get it to work. I think it would be different if they were at least able to guarantee results for all this funding.
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WastelandCowboy posted...

Zeus posted...

Well, California should have voted in his favor. Really, they brought this on themselves. Next election he might not have to worry about their electoral votes.

Zeus posted...

tbh, they were talking about wanting to leave the USA. Now they might get their wish =p

1. Not all of California voted for Hillary.

http://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/california/

2. Not all of California wanted to leave the USA. It was just the SJWs and democratic cities that largely voted for Trump that voiced this "popular" opinion.

I'm well aware of both facts, but the humor relies on the fact that California's electoral votes pretty much always go to Democrats these days.

Allisonata posted...

Cuts:

Science
Health
Protective Services
Education

Adds to:

Wall
Religion
Russia

Adds to Russia how now? Because NATO contributions don't exactly help out Russia. And Mexico's check is in the mail for that wall, so it's cool that we're just starting to build it now.
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Donald Trump is a piece of shit garbage human being and I think the would would be a much better place if he were not on it

jedirood posted...

ForteEXE3850 posted...

Correct me if I'm wrong here but don't states on the west coast already have an earthquake warning system?

It sounds like we're talking about a system that costs 10 million a year and only improves it by a few seconds.

Seconds can mean life or death

Get on that treadmill and get in better shape to be quicker. Trump is encouraging fitness

Zeus posted...

WastelandCowboy posted...

Zeus posted...

Well, California should have voted in his favor. Really, they brought this on themselves. Next election he might not have to worry about their electoral votes.

Zeus posted...

tbh, they were talking about wanting to leave the USA. Now they might get their wish =p

1. Not all of California voted for Hillary.

http://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/california/

2. Not all of California wanted to leave the USA. It was just the SJWs and democratic cities that largely voted for Trump that voiced this "popular" opinion.

I'm well aware of both facts, but the humor relies on the fact that California's electoral votes pretty much always go to Democrats these days.

Allisonata posted...

Cuts:

Science
Health
Protective Services
Education

Adds to:

Wall
Religion
Russia

Adds to Russia how now? Because NATO contributions don't exactly help out Russia. And Mexico's check is in the mail for that wall, so it's cool that we're just starting to build it now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdIHzLsELyA

And yeah, Russia is benefiting, I am sure.

Allisonata posted...

And yeah, Russia is benefiting, I am sure.

Well, Russia benefits in the sense that the U.S. president isn't going out of his way to make a villain of Russia for leaving the EU and not supporting a united world government (although the rest of the government still is), not because the U.S. is giving Russia anything.
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Allisonata posted...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdIHzLsELyA

Don't worry, if he doesn't come around, the next guy will cough up the dough. =p (Seriously, though, this is what the tariffs, etc, are supposed to be for if we can't get the money directly.)

Allisonata posted...

And yeah, Russia is benefiting, I am sure.

So your claim is based on absolutely fucking nothing?

ForteEXE3850 posted...

Allisonata posted...

And yeah, Russia is benefiting, I am sure.

Well, Russia benefits in the sense that the U.S. president isn't going out of his way to make a villain of Russia for leaving the EU and not supporting a united world government (although the rest of the government still is), not because the U.S. is giving Russia anything.

Yeah, we're not giving Russia a dime. In fact, we're paying money to anti-Russian organizations like NATO.
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Hahaha even japanese is more technologically advance than USA in the earthquake warning system, heck i think Indonesia is more advance than USA in that field too its just so hilarious *harhar*
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The system being developed in conjunction with various universities is intended at providing critical seconds of warning

...this is a joke right?
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Veedrock- posted...

The system being developed in conjunction with various universities is intended at providing critical seconds of warning

...this is a joke right?

Hearing an earthquake alarm and having a few seconds to make it to the nearest doorway could be the difference between someone possibly surviving or being crushed by debris.

Future research could also lead to better warning systems. If the research has funding that is
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Mead posted...

Veedrock- posted...

The system being developed in conjunction with various universities is intended at providing critical seconds of warning

...this is a joke right?

Hearing an earthquake alarm and having a few seconds to make it to the nearest doorway could be the difference between someone possibly surviving or being crushed by debris.

Future research could also lead to better warning systems. If the research has funding that is

Honestly, I'm not sure how realistic that actually is. While an added second or two of warning is a benefit, most escapes aren't a matter of a few seconds.
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Mead posted...

Veedrock- posted...

The system being developed in conjunction with various universities is intended at providing critical seconds of warning

...this is a joke right?

Hearing an earthquake alarm and having a few seconds to make it to the nearest doorway could be the difference between someone possibly surviving or being crushed by debris.

People don't have split second reactions like that. When a fire alarm goes off nobody actually starts sprinting and hurdling over obstacles to escape, there's always that moment of confusion before people figure it out and act accordingly.

Is this a local device at literally every venue or is the detector some megadevice housed somewhere that ends up sending a signal to receivers everywhere? Because honestly neither sounds practical. Between the new ordinances that'd be imposed, the sheer number of installs that'd need done, and the continued maintenance and drills people would have to endure, it isn't going to be worth the cost. This cost isn't part of the cut either, it's something after the fact and may not even be adopted by local governments.

Now if this research could lead to greater advanced notice, that's fine and a good arguing point for continuing it. But trying to justify this on the notion that it's current state is going to save so many lives is ridiculous.

EDIT: Decided to look up elevator failure during earthquakes. Found this:

In the past earthquake events, the disruptions and economic losses caused by the damage
of elevators due to earthquakes have been significant. However, it is noted that there have not
been any direct fatalities associated with elevators failure during earthquakes in the United
States. From the point of view of avoiding life casualties, elevators have performed very well
due to combined efforts of industry and regulatory agencies.

https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10052004-201201/unrestricted/01_Chapter1.pdf

Surely, surely there are better solutions for (non)problems like this and generator startup than early detection. Hell, for generator startup, seismic detection itself, even the moment of, can kick it on. Why does it need to start up a few seconds in advance?

I'd think building to be more earthquake-resistant than earthquake-responding would be both more practical and effective.
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ha21nagamas posted...

Hahaha even japanese is more technologically advance than USA in the earthquake warning system, heck i think Indonesia is more advance than USA in that field too its just so hilarious *harhar*

You mean nations more at risk of earthquakes are more advanced in detecting them? Insanity! Plus "even Japan"? Japan is a wealthy first-world nation on par with the US in many regards, it's not some third-world shithole where they don't even have roads because nobody owns cars. @ha21nagamas
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ha21nagamas posted...

Hahaha even japanese is more technologically advance than USA in the earthquake warning system, heck i think Indonesia is more advance than USA in that field too its just so hilarious *harhar*

Japan*

How are you this slow?

pretty sure this is just Trump's plan to crush California, that liberal hippie paradise
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If you think about it there are three great threats the government needs to handle. Natural disaster, disease, and war.

Trump wants to cut funding from two of the three major concerns.

BlackScythe0 posted...

If you think about it there are three great threats the government needs to handle. Natural disaster, disease, and war.

Trump wants to cut funding from two of the three major concerns.

Not really. The main function of government is protecting the borders -- which includes war -- because the borders define the country's boundaries and then maintaining a system of order (contract law, criminal law, etc). Everything else comes second. And historically disaster relief wasn't a federal function, that was handled by the states. Disease, when addressed by government was also handled at the state level. The feds weren't even directly involved with roads until the last century when highways went in.
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Zeus posted...

BlackScythe0 posted...

If you think about it there are three great threats the government needs to handle. Natural disaster, disease, and war.

Trump wants to cut funding from two of the three major concerns.

Not really. The main function of government is protecting the borders -- which includes war -- because the borders define the country's boundaries and then maintaining a system of order (contract law, criminal law, etc). Everything else comes second. And historically disaster relief wasn't a federal function, that was handled by the states. Disease, when addressed by government was also handled at the state level. The feds weren't even directly involved with roads until the last century when highways went in.

I'm not even sure what argument you're trying to make here. Historically blood letting and pounding nails into peoples brains were accepted medical treatments.

im content to let the people who choose to live in areas that are prone to earthquakes pay the price instead of the rest of us.
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OhhhJa posted...

Get on that treadmill and get in better shape to be quicker. Trump is encouraging fitness

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/5/9/15590962/donald-trump-thinks-exercise-will-kill-you
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SullyTheStrange posted...

OhhhJa posted...

Get on that treadmill and get in better shape to be quicker. Trump is encouraging fitness

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/5/9/15590962/donald-trump-thinks-exercise-will-kill-you

Well, we'd be wrong to say that exercise has never killed someone... I guess.

Allisonata posted...

Well, we'd be wrong to say that exercise has never killed someone... I guess.

But is it right to say this?

“Other than golf, he considers exercise misguided, arguing that a person, like a battery, is born with a finite amount of energy.”
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Doctor Foxx posted...

arguing that a person, like a battery, is born with a finite amount of energy.

lmao

Doctor Foxx posted...

Allisonata posted...

Well, we'd be wrong to say that exercise has never killed someone... I guess.

But is it right to say this?

“Other than golf, he considers exercise misguided, arguing that a person, like a battery, is born with a finite amount of energy.”

It's his master plan to have everyone agree, stop caring about themselves, and overeat to the point his physique would be considered anorexic.

so rarely have an earthquake that does any real damage in CA. i don't think we have had a big earthquake since 89
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Cacciato posted...

ha21nagamas posted...

Hahaha even japanese is more technologically advance than USA in the earthquake warning system, heck i think Indonesia is more advance than USA in that field too its just so hilarious *harhar*

Japan*

How are you this slow?

Well, it is a rookie user.
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Doctor Foxx posted...

Allisonata posted...

Well, we'd be wrong to say that exercise has never killed someone... I guess.

But is it right to say this?

“Other than golf, he considers exercise misguided, arguing that a person, like a battery, is born with a finite amount of energy.”

maybe he considers doing other things a more valuable use of his time. there is zero guarantee that exercising will increase your longevity. it can but that doesnt mean it will.
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Troll_Police_ posted...

im content to let the people who choose to live in areas that are prone to earthquakes pay the price instead of the rest of us.

Wow. Just... wow.
Krazy_Kirby posted...

so rarely have an earthquake that does any real damage in CA. i don't think we have had a big earthquake since 89

Except that we're overdue for a big one. Seriously overdue.

Krazy_Kirby posted...

so rarely have an earthquake that does any real damage in CA. i don't think we have had a big earthquake since 89

i guess other than the 1994 Northridge quake, or the dozen others that caused billions in damage since 1989.
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Krazy_Kirby posted...

maybe he considers doing other things a more valuable use of his time. there is zero guarantee that exercising will increase your longevity. it can but that doesnt mean it will.

be that as it may, what he has suggested about the body being like a battery is patently false and dangerously misguided

exercise is one of the most important things for health
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Doctor Foxx posted...

Krazy_Kirby posted...

maybe he considers doing other things a more valuable use of his time. there is zero guarantee that exercising will increase your longevity. it can but that doesnt mean it will.

be that as it may, what he has suggested about the body being like a battery is patently false and dangerously misguided

exercise is one of the most important things for health

It's called the rate-of-living theory. His words were not "be unhealthy."
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earthquakes, like global warming are a liberal hoax
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