TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Re: Flood Relief Efforts - Unfair Criticism?

Re: Flood Relief Efforts - Unfair Criticism?

John L. Shelton (john@jshelton.com)
Sun, 04 Sep 2005 14:30:10 -0700

> In looking over the logistics -- many thousands of people needing help
> NOW! -- I wonder if our expectations of government miracles are too
> high. We're used to instant gratification from the Internet and TV.
> But maybe in the real world things work a little differently.

I have seen very little, if any, coverage discussing the individual
responsibilities in such disasters. It is sad that people are willing
to blame government for their circumstances, and in particular push
the Federal government for absolute responsibility.

Individuals owe themselves responsibility. People can better plan for
emergency. People can choose where to live, knowing the risks. People
can behave responsibly during a crisis. But there's been little
evidence of this.

It will be very hard to convince me that 100k people in New Orleans
were incapable of leaving in advance. Many poor people have cars, or
have friends/families with cars. There were enough cars in NO to
evacuate everyone.

If one has as an emergency plan climbing into the attic during a
flood, one should take an ax. If you don't have an ax, don't trap
yourself in an attic. Better to float downstream than drown trapped
in an attic.

Here in earthquake country, many of us stock a few days' supply of
food and water. It doesn't cost very much.

Looting and raping are the actions of individuals. While it would be
nice to have police protection against these, I hold the criminals
responsible, not the police. What is in the minds of those who say
that stealing and rape are bad, except in an emergency? (Perhaps this
is a product of public-school education??)

How did NO citizens elect such a nit-wit mayor? We saw much better
behavior from NYC's mayor in 2001. Perhaps NYC has more resources,
but I think they have a better track record of electing responsible,
take-charge mayors.

Why is the Federal government responsible? Why hasn't the city of NO
actually put into place better emergency plans, and prepared
physically for the inevitable. Here in Earthquake country, we've been
quake retrofitting for 50 years.

Geepers ...

=John=
john@jshelton.com

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