New Orleans Residents Warned: "You'll Be On Your Own"

[M:SteveO]

http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3kt.htm

I saw this on Drudge and thought it was very interesting. In no way am I trying to minimalize the suffering that all of those people went through, but I still think it is interesting and a little upsetting that no one was prepared. I mean, even if they were poor (which most were), you would think that they would have supplies for at least a day or two. I know the local and state gov't did not respond adequately, but isn't there at least a little personal responsibility in this.

Another thing I thought was interesting was that the local newspaper completely reversed its opinion on the situation (a little bias maybe?).

[ducklite]

Interesting, although my guess is that many of the cities poorest don't read the paper.

I have a friend who has been on and off welfare for about 15 years now. By the 25th of the month, her food stamps are gone and she's lucky to have three quarters in her pocket, and the pantry is bare--often she relies on a food bank to get through that final week. She is pretty typical of people living at or below the poverty line. We can pay lip service all we want, but it's simply unrealistic to think that someone living on public assistance has the means to have extra supplies that FEMA suggests laying around.

Anne

[Charade]

Interesting, although my guess is that many of the cities poorest don't read the paper.

I have a friend who has been on and off welfare for about 15 years now. By the 25th of the month, her food stamps are gone and she's lucky to have three quarters in her pocket, and the pantry is bare--often she relies on a food bank to get through that final week. She is pretty typical of people living at or below the poverty line. We can pay lip service all we want, but it's simply unrealistic to think that someone living on public assistance has the means to have extra supplies that FEMA suggests laying around.

Anne

Anne, I don't mean this in an inflammatory way but why has your friend on (and off) the welfare system for 15 years?

[ducklite]

Anne, I don't mean this in an inflammatory way but why has your friend on (and off) the welfare system for 15 years?

She's made some very poor choices in her life. I would prefer to leave it at that.

Anne