Heard something outrageous this morning about the evacuation of the superdome

[Ziroc]

It's a total loss. New Orleans is a city no more. Its time to get everyone out, and never return.

It would cost less to build an entire NEW city than to rebuild new orleans.

Words cannot express what I am seeing on TV. Never before in U.S. History have we seen this type of disaster.

[Ilander]

*sigh*

I was not saying people should rape/murder/pillage.

I was saying that those who stayed in New Orleans were not to be blamed for staying in New Orleans.

I would ask you read a little more, before the accusations fly.

New Orleans, I hope, will return...it really needs to.

[Chewbacca]

Originally posted by NewbietoRPGs: I may get screamed at for saying this but I have to...Why in the hell did these people stay there??? They knew a Cat 5 hurricane was heading their way and they said "eh, we'll just hang out in the Superdome how cool will that be". Now, let's all keep in mind that New Orleans is below sea level as is the Superdome, so why would that even be thought of as a decent place for a shelter?? What were they thinking?! And I've seen some of the pictures of the babies down there...there's no way that they could be at that point of starvation in that short amount of time. People dying of disease??? I mean WTF? I just don't get it... And I apologize for raving.

Poor people LOTS AND LOTS OF POOR PEOPLE, sick people, old people, people who stayed to protect their homes, people who didn't grasp the danger, people who couldn't leave for reasons beyond their choice. Sure some people made a poor choice in judgment, but considering they might ALL die in the next few days by the thousands without water and food it doesn't matter if they could have left or not.

[Ilander]

Thank you, Chewbacca...I tried to say that and they thought I was supporting looters/rapists/murderers.

[Gangrell]

Originally posted by Ilander: Thank you, Chewbacca...I tried to say that and they thought I was supporting looters/rapists/murderers.

We weren't saying you were, it made it sound like you were saying it was alright for some people to resort to crude tactics as they were (not shooting, raping and the like, but you get my point).

[Chewbacca]

Originally posted by Ziroc: It's a total loss. New Orleans is a city no more. Its time to get everyone out, and never return. It would cost less to build an entire NEW city than to rebuild new orleans. Words cannot express what I am seeing on TV. Never before in U.S. History have we seen this type of disaster.

I'm just sad. The scope unimaginable! The next few weeks and months are going to be tough. New Orleans was a major port, a major energy portal, a major cultural center, a historical treasure, and national asset. The loss of life, economy, and culture is unprecedented in America's time.

[Bungleau]

Ilander, I didn't get that you were supporting looters/etc. I'm glad you were able to clarify it through Chewie's post.

What I thought you were saying was that we should allow our brethren and sistren to make poor decisions, and then be obligated to support them when those decisions turn nasty.

Some people didn't leave. Some people couldn't leave. I have a lot more compassion for those who couldn't than I do for those who didn't. I have a lot of compassion for those who looted stores for food for their children. I have no compassion for those who looted to get high-end electronics and such.

Sometimes, you have to live (or die ) with the results of your actions.

Now, I understand the feeling that those weathercasters have cried wolf too many times about serious hurricanes. 'Round here, we never get nervous about blizzard and heavy snowstorm warnings unless the weathercasters say it will "just miss us". Then we load up for a long time.

That doesn't mean that a snowstorm is the same as this event. It isn't. Period.

It happened, however, and there's a lot of human tragedy in the offing. The biggest thing to do now, in my mind, is to work on recreating some semblance of normalcy and supporting those who are newly homeless, jobless, and possibly futureless. It's up to them, however, to also do their part to pick themselves up, difficult though it is.

If I sound cold and heartless, I'm not. I just don't believe anyone else owes me anything when it comes to supporting my life and my family's lives. They may choose to help, and I may choose to accept, but no one is obligated to come help me.

Personally, I think a lot of the current tragic issues (looting, shooting, etc.) are happening because people down there are caught up in the situation and can't see their way to tomorrow. A strong calming outside presence (such as military force) can help get through this phase until common sense returns.

[Larry_OHF]

Who wants to bet a dozen books and a couple movies will be made from all this?

[Ilander]

I sure as heck would not bet against it.

[shamrock_uk]

Police are now handing in their badges because (having lost their homes etc) they don't consider it being worth losing their lives when they're getting shot at by the people they're trying to rescue

What a situation At least the national guard is finally arriving in number today, but why on earth has it taken so long?

My heart goes out to all caught up in these terrible events.