The big problem is that while you could open the gates on the Missouri dams, for how long with the current precipitation pattern can you keep that flowing until the reservoirs are too low for the water to get out the gate? And since that water is used for irrigation, along with hydro power and municiple water supplies, how long can you pay Paul and move grain right now before by robbing Peter you impact the ability to grow grain next year?

I don't know the answers to either of these questions, I kind of came in tonight specifically to look for Wildman's opinion on this.

And my opinion is, any system that is as perfect in it's operation and as complex and large as the US/Canadian logistic system, once one piece breaks, the question is how bad does the rest of it stumble. *sighs* I'm going to shut up now, I'm depressing myself.