The great Daisetta sinkhole about 30 miles west of where I write this blog continues to gobble up parts of what was Liberty County.
Although scientists now say the gargantuan hole appears to be stabilizing, others think that huge chunks of Southeast Texas associated with the sinkhole may break off and fall into the Gulf of Mexico. Well, maybe not, since I am making that up. But at least the sinkhole is good for reporters to get a few corn pone or slightly humorous quotes into what would otherwise end up a depressing tale for news consumers. “Depressing” tale. Get it.
Reporters live for something offbeat to happen. And while a great portion of a small town collapsing into the Earth could be a tragic and even heartbreaking story, just the thought of a giant hole eating up the Texas countryside is perfectly ripe for comic relief.
Copy editors who write headlines are, at the very least, having a field day:
“Sinkhole and Town: Now You See It … ” “The New York Times”
“Giant sinkhole swallowing everything” “Melbourne Herald Sun”
“Massive Sinkhole Messes With Texas Town” “MyFOX Providence (RI)”
Hmm, that last one is a little difficult to interpret unless they are playing off the state transportation department’s famous “Don’t Mess With Texas” anti-litter campaign.
But yes even though some of those in the news biz may be getting a well-earned respite from dull city council and zoning stories, the sinking ground in Daisetta is a dire matter for those who worry about their homes or business disappearing into the ground.
And the more the thing grows the wackier the story will become. Pretty soon you will have doomsayers out there touting the world’s demise if you don’t already have them. It is also doubtless that someone will print up some kind of funny T-shirt about the great hole in Daisetta. Also, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary if the Republicans blame the Democrats for the huge sinkhole and vice versa.
I will keep tabs on the hole and head for higher ground if the hole decides to cross the county line into our county. But not before I sell a few T-shirts.