The Fifth Column: The Case of the Confounded Water Model or All Streams Do Not Flow North

Once upon a time, there was a nameless county near the eastern seaboard of New England. This county looked ripe for the development of many more homes per square foot than presently existed. A consortium of real-estate investors was found and before long these investors were poring over eight color maps, much as a group of crows might discuss which part of the corn field to eat next. The county planning commission sat through the usual presentation of the proposed new development duly noting the deep vistas covered with proposed parks, proposed bike paths, proposed swing sets, pools, and, oh yes, HOUSES. Meanwhile, the developers were patting themselves on the back at how few houses they had proposed with which to infest this proposed development. Naturally, the county planning commission was absolutely horrified at the plethora of habitations the developers were proposing. Now, let’s digress for a moment and explain how this chess game is usually played.