Katrina musings...
2005-09-01

Thoughts on Katrina...
I've been watching way too much coverage of the tragedy down south. In another life I spent quite a bit of time down there and it sort of hits a bit too close to home. I recognize places, streets and wonder what happened to the folks I knew there. I hope they are all well. The scenes evoke strong reactions. I guess it would be hard not to. Some things I've been thinking about...
If your house is wiped out and flooded, and you don't have running water and there won't be power for several weeks, why would you be out stealing TVs? Food I can understand, water, diapers and formula, absolutely and maybe even clothes, but DVDs, high heel shoes, an electric Barbie car? What the F are you thinking? Is it just a reflex action? Do you think you are entitled? Sad, just sad.
I wasn't surprised that some of the local cops just joined in with the looting. There are those that say Rhode 1sland is a corrupt place and they would be right in a lot of cases, but compared to Nawlins, be are strictly little league.
Note to everybody, when the government tells you to evacuate, get the hell out... I know these simple words of wisdom come a bit late for way too many people, but moving forward, lets pay attention here... There are reasons folks... They don't ask a million or so people to move just so they can have something to do, Okay?
Me? I'd grab puppy, M.E. all our important papers and as much food and water as I could carry and be out of there in a heartbeat. Things can be replaced. People, not so much. Even if the risk was fairly small (and Catagory 5 hurricanes are never a small risk) is it worth it to stay? I think not.
Of course the people who ignored the warnings and stayed and through the grace of God or just pure dumb luck did manage to survive are the ones yelling the loudest that the government isn't doing enough to bail them out from their own stupidity. I guess that should be expected.
The Yacht Club where I use to live when I stayed down in Nawlins was on TV. I recognized it right away. I had quite a few friends there then... The building was surrounded by water and was on fire. How do you catch on fire in a flood? The docks were totally gone and dozens of boats were in the parking lot and street on the OTHER side of the building. The floating casino was no where to be seen. I hope everyone listened and got the hell out. Those who didn't had no chance. Boaters are a weird lot though. I just know some people stayed on board. May God rest their souls.
I wonder if all the countries that we've helped in the past with their disasters will be offering to help us back? Will the French offer to help bail out the French Quarter? Will Germany or Britian or even Canada send cash? I wouldn't bet on it Skippy. In tragedy, America always helps others, but when the hurt is local, America stands alone.
And life goes on... except when it doesn't.

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