New Orleans
Is there anything on the shelves in a Wal-Mart that is worth more than a human life?
The descent of New Orleans into barbarism after the storm surge of Katrina took a surprisingly short period of time. There are still people injured, trapped, or starving amongst the remains of the town and gunfire has hampered rescue attempts and made relief and evacuation unsafe for both rescuers and evacuees.
So why would troops be mobilized to protect property that due to storm damage, is useless? There are still people in the superdome and throughout New Orleans that need to be rescued. Because of looting, rescue workers have been re-assigned to protect the people from violent looters.
This is clearly a situation that requires harsh measures towards anyone caught looting, but the priority should not be merchandise, the priority should be to rescue and protect survivors.
The descent of New Orleans into barbarism after the storm surge of Katrina took a surprisingly short period of time. There are still people injured, trapped, or starving amongst the remains of the town and gunfire has hampered rescue attempts and made relief and evacuation unsafe for both rescuers and evacuees.
So why would troops be mobilized to protect property that due to storm damage, is useless? There are still people in the superdome and throughout New Orleans that need to be rescued. Because of looting, rescue workers have been re-assigned to protect the people from violent looters.
This is clearly a situation that requires harsh measures towards anyone caught looting, but the priority should not be merchandise, the priority should be to rescue and protect survivors.
posted by J. L. Kunkle at
Thursday, September 01, 2005
4 Comments:
All,
We need to mobilize as a community and do what we can in this situation. These are Americans and we need to rush all our relief efforts to them. Yes, there are very bad elements everywhere and the looting is horrific especially in this civilized country. The political rethoric needs to be put aside and help needs to be given as fast as possible. Lets show that we are true Americans and all heroes.
Jeff
By
Anonymous, at Thursday, September 01, 2005 5:31:00 PM
Jeff it is obvious that the word "civilized" does not apply to the behavior of some citizens of New Orleans. Someone is going to have to throw down the hammer to get things under control. I am sure things will improve in the next 3 or 4 days once a Federal presence takes over and establishes order. What shocks me most about this situation is how ill prepared people were. If I lived 20' below sea level next to the coast I would at least have some emergency rations or water or a plan for my family in case of a flood. I think too many people expected government to take care of them when it would have been better for them to take care of themselves. Since we live in earthquake country I think all of us should have a plan and food and water rations so that we know we will not be in a position where we have to depend on immediate help.
By
Anonymous, at Thursday, September 01, 2005 8:39:00 PM
I agree that we should all have certain items in the homes for emergencies, but New Orleans was a poor city in the first place. Many of those who stayed lacked transport away from the path of the hurricane.
With our population and surface roads in SoCal, any evacuation would require a level of sophisticated organization that no government could possibly attain, even if they felt like it. In the event of the big one, we are on our own.
It is amazing to me how quickly barbarism falls on the heels of the lights going out. Can you imagine a world without electricity?
By
J. L. Kunkle, at Tuesday, September 06, 2005 4:04:00 PM
Just my 2 cents worth. Whatever the reason, the people of New Orleans need help. I'm not sure how many of us would evacuate if we heard a disaster was on it's way toward California.
In any case, I have my little donation jar set up at the bookstore, and will also accept canned goods, which I will take to St. Martha's next week. I've also been donating 15% of all sales to The Salvation Army.
If anyone would like to help, and the location is nearer than another, my shop is:
Nirvana
40685 Cal Oaks Rd. Ste. A
Murrieta
By
Anonymous, at Saturday, September 10, 2005 7:47:00 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home