As compassionate as we all feel for those living in coastal flood zones impacted by Hurricane Sandy, the time has come for the American taxpayers to cease subsidizing their rebuilding in those areas with federal flood zone insurance. A simple change to the federal program would cover present flood zone insured properties this time for Sandy and one time for future presently un-impacted properties.

The present owners could accept the insurance and leave the property or rebuild but if it happens again there would be no coverage. After one insured event a future buyer would not be covered thereby discouraging rebuilding. It might take a generation or so but we, the taxpayers, would no longer subsidize homeowners, businesses, casinos and hotels from building in a flood zone. As Harry Truman said "The buck (should) stop here!"