I noticed that a recent article mentioned the possible bulldozing of 40 American cities. It must be the most heartbreaking experience to hear someone tell you that your city, not your job or your project, is on the chopping block. At the same time these same cities are talking about clearing out uninhabited portions of cities. Boarded up homes, that have been sold, put on the market, or even abandoned. I hope I never know that experience.
In time I hope we see the incredible opportunity that is available in the destruction of those city blocks. Copper ore has been traded as such a rare commodity that people steal wire out of houses. Wire folks. Hardwood forests are at a premium and given the long regrowth period, being phased out of some markets. Material resources have new value.
So where is the opportunity? Deconstruction. Not destruction. We are talking about taking homes apart. Piece by piece. As methodically as they were built. Where hardwood is laid. Bricks are plastered with mortar again. Joists and beams take on a new life. Tile makes another bathroom. Ovens cook another turkey. Wire lights up another life.
Where massive skilled labor in Michigan used to be focused on the hum of 8 pistons firing in rhythmic beauty, there now sits a city asking for help. Return the integrity to craftsmenship. Bring honor to the hand built. Most of all bring relief to the suffering.
