Hurricane Gustav and people not wanting to leave New Orleans

[Common Sense Al]

I know right?! Who cares if these folks are worried about losing their home, jobs and all of that important stuff. They need to prioritize their concerns and make being courteous #1.

So, are you saying they have a right to be ungrateful and that you have no problem with it?

[esemerson]

Al,
these folks were EVACUATED from their homes. They were worried about losing everything... again. Three years earlier they went through a much worse ordeal and were likely experiencing some anxiety. So I can understand if they were on edge, not polite, etc..

Put yourself in their position. More than likely they are grateful but understandably upset.

[josh]

People who are ungrateful rub me the wrong way as well. But if we are to be truly compassionate, and offer assistance, we should do it with the idea that it is the right thing to do...regardless of whether we are thanked for it like we think we should be. Some of those complainers probably do have so much worry going on that they acted out in a way unlike them. For some, they have grown up in a system where the government provides everything for them...and when they government doesnt come through like they expect it to...it upsets them. That is why personal responsibility is soooo important. And why government welfare is soooo bad for people long term.

[Common Sense Al]

People who are ungrateful rub me the wrong way as well. But if we are to be truly compassionate, and offer assistance, we should do it with the idea that it is the right thing to do...regardless of whether we are thanked for it like we think we should be. Some of those complainers probably do have so much worry going on that they acted out in a way unlike them. For some, they have grown up in a system where the government provides everything for them...and when they government doesnt come through like they expect it to...it upsets them. That is why personal responsibility is soooo important. And why government welfare is soooo bad for people long term.

I agree. I think gov't entitlement has a lot to do with the problem. People expect others to take care of them and when they don't get what they want, they complain and act ungrateful for what they do get. This is probably especially true in New Orleans where billions of $$ were given by the gov't to rebuild their city, as if they are entitled to US taxpayers paying for their below sea level city to be rebuilt.

I also think the bible verse "don't give your pearls to the pigs" may apply here. I like to concentrate my helpful efforts to those who appreciate it and are thankful. If I was helping someone who was ungrateful, then I'd move to someone else who is thankful. Ultimately this will (hopefully) help the ungrateful person to change their attitude and better themselves.


On another note:

When I saw those levies holding back the water on TV, I said to myself, "who would want to live there". A small failure in the levy could mean complete flooding. Only a portion of the thing has to fail... and that barge that was loose... good thing they tied that thing down.

If they want to live below sea level and under protection of levies that can fail, then fine, but they should do it under their own expense, not US taxpayers. Pay for your own levies.

[flygirl]

Al, God forbid an earthquake hits california, you'll say it's there fault for living there. or how about a tornado ripping through tornado alley, it must be their fault for building there. etc. etc. All those people should know better huh?

[Common Sense Al]

Al, God forbid an earthquake hits california, you'll say it's there fault for living there. or how about a tornado ripping through tornado alley, it must be their fault for building there. etc. etc. All those people should know better huh?

Why would an earthquake be their fault? Why would a tornado? Where did I say a hurricane was their fault for living there? I'm confused. Oh wait, probably because you are misinterpreting what I said... I get that a lot.

[jlbates]

Virtually every state in the US is susceptible to specific natural disasters - some on an annual, predictable basis. If we choose to live in a tornado zone, knowing that it's a possibility, rare but still a possibility, should we expect govt aid if we get hit? Just curious.

[flygirl]

Maybe they'll finally figure out that living under sea level is a bad idea and stop wasting US taxpayer money for those who choose to live under sea level.

If they want to live below sea level and under protection of levies that can fail, then fine, but do it under their own expense, not US taxpayers. Pay for your own levies

Sorry, guess i figured with the above comments you were implying we shouldn't help out and waste taxpayers money cause it is their fault for living there. Guess i misread the implication!

[flygirl]

Virtually every state in the US is susceptible to specific natural disasters - some on an annual, predictable basis. If we choose to live in a tornado zone, knowing that it's a possibility, rare but still a possibility, should we expect govt aid if we get hit? Just curious.

Can you imagine if we all moved to where there was no natural disaster threat, it would be pretty crowded. wonder where that would be. lol.

[jlbates]

Looks like there are a few states that are relatively natural disaster free. The second link shows the damage amounts per disaster.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/images/disasters-by-state2004b.jpg

http://www.weathercoalition.org/billion2007.pdf

[flygirl]

wow, those are some crazy statistics. guess we'll be moving to Wisconsin. Lived there once. Need to buy a cheese head though, gotta fit in, and keep my head warm. I guess they don't consider being snowed in for weeks a natural disaster. does bring about a lot of babies at the end of the summer though. lol.

[Common Sense Al]

Gustav revives question: Is New Orleans worth it?

I say the fed gov't should stop supporting them with loads of extra money that other cities don't get. If people want to live in New Orleans below sea level, then they should pay for it themselves. Does the federal gov't pay billions for everyone else to live where they live? I don't think so.

Looks like they survived this one... but will they survive the next? Is New Orleans going to have to be rebuilt again?

[slider701]

wow, those are some crazy statistics. guess we'll be moving to Wisconsin. Lived there once. Need to buy a cheese head though, gotta fit in, and keep my head warm. I guess they don't consider being snowed in for weeks a natural disaster. does bring about a lot of babies at the end of the summer though. lol.

Wisconsin just went through a natural disaster.......... I think it was called:

Brett Farve leaving the Packers for the Jets.........millions of households were devastated!

[Toad]

Now people are complaining that they should not have been evacuated. Few learn to appreciate things when they are routinely given for free. They have also learned that complaints often result in more being given.

I am all for helping those in need. What some of those people need is to relocate. You get tired of helping people who routinely keep making the same bad decisions. If you WANT to live there, then accept the risks. Maybe New Orleans should not be a major city. It is just possible that the area is not suitable for major land development. Being from La. I understand the tradition and love that people have for the city, but sometimes common sense has to take over.

We try to teach our children to earn their way and let them experience the consequences of bad decisions. How many times are you willing to bail someone out? and to what cost?

[neighbor]

Virtually every state in the US is susceptible to specific natural disasters - some on an annual, predictable basis. If we choose to live in a tornado zone, knowing that it's a possibility, rare but still a possibility, should we expect govt aid if we get hit? Just curious.

Should we expect a handout? No!

If I decide to live in tornado alley, then I should be expected to cover myself in case of a disaster. And I do by buying insurance, etc. If a tornado hits me, I'll be covered. I made sure of that, and I expect no handouts.