When Do They get It?

It’s already started.  Like Texas getting a three week warning to get their act in order, the news media are all over the poorer areas of Houston, already looking for bodies.   People, who for whatever reason could not leave, are being interviewed.  Brace yourselves for another round of “Bush is killing poor people!”

From KOMO TV news in Seattle:

HOUSTON - Wilma Skinner would like to scream at the officials of this city. If only they would pick up their phones.

"I done called for a shelter, I done called for help. There ain't none. No one answers," she said, standing in blistering heat outside a check-cashing store that had just run out of its main commodity. "Everyone just says, 'Get out, get out.' I've got no way of getting out. And now I've got no money."

With Hurricane Rita breathing down Houston's neck, those with cars were stuck in gridlock trying to get out. Those like Skinner - poor, and with a broken-down car - were simply stuck, and fuming at being abandoned, they say.

Ms. Skinner thinks it is someone else’s problem that she is stuck.  She takes absolutely no personal responsibility for her situation.  I understand her car is broke.  That happens, but I read the reports of buses being available and the locations where people could get on them.  Why did she wait until the last minute with a broken car?

Now she thinks it is Bush or Perry or the mayor’s responsibility to get her out.  The thrust of the article is that just like New Orleans, poor people are being left behind.

I know poor.  It wasn’t that many years ago that I was down in the dirt poor. I know what it is to have nothing.  I’m not rich today.  I have a good job and am buying my own home.  I’m doing OK and compared to where I was at about ten years ago, I’m doing great!  The fact is I didn’t stay that way.  I made it on my own and without taxpayer help.  I didn’t have a fancy new car or nice clothes, but I had my pride and I knew how to work.

I understand that Ms. Skinner has a job.  Why couldn’t she salt a little away in case of an emergency over the past few years?  It doesn’t even have to be much.  Ten bucks a week would net you 520 dollars.  Five would get you at least 260. It would be enough for a bus ticket or to buy gas and some food – Maybe even fix the car.  At the very least, it might buy a taxi and a plane ticket to further inland.  If you had the money, you could leave on your terms, not waiting for someone to give you a ride.

Then you have the illegals:

On Bellaire Boulevard in southwest Houston, a weeping woman and her young daughter stood on the sidewalk, surrounded by plastic bags full of clothes and blankets. "I'd like to go, but nobody come get me," the woman said in broken English. When asked her name, she looked frightened. "No se, no se," she said: Spanish for "I don't know."

Her daughter, who appeared to be about 9, whispered in English, "We're from Mexico."

“…but nobody come get me.”  There she sits with a kid and most likely here illegally.  Who is to blame?  The government or the woman?   It doesn’t matter; you know who will get the blame.

I’m not trying to say that we shouldn’t try and evacuate all who want to get out, but realistically, we won’t get everyone and people have to know that they have to take some personal responsibility for their lives and their families.

My sincere hope and prayer is for everyone to be safe and be able to return to some semblance of normalcy after the storm.  In my earthquake prone area, I won’t have the luxury of a three day warning.  I have to be responsible and plan ahead.  If you live in a hurricane prone area, you face this possibility every year. There shouldn’t be any excuses why individuals aren’t at least a little prepared in case government fails them and there is no doubt, government will fail some people.

VW

Comments

[CSC5502D]

Don't you know that "personal repsonsiblity" is the new version of "lynch that niggar?" I actually heard a black congressman say something just like that in a speech once. Lewis, I think but not sure. Similar to "now they don't say lynch the niggar, they say lower taxes."

If they lose their victimhood, they lose their power and that's all they care about.

http://csc5502dsays.typepad.com/my_weblog/

[Louisiana Conservative]

Since Ms. Skinner found these people, I wonder if she found it in her heart to rescue the poor people?

You know, I wish these complainers would open their hearts and their wallets as much as they open their mouth.

[patd95]

In New Orleans where my family lives, my G-mother, who has not worked for 20 years and lives on SS, had enough money from each check to get herself anything she needs. She is poor. I don't consider her poor since she is my relative, but she is poor. Not once did she say she wanted anyoone to help her in Katrina. In fact, besides the tithing she gives to her Church, she has given money to the Red Cross and her house had five feet of water in it! Take That Media!

[Vulture 6]

as some one who is here, she could have gotten out. there were plenty of churches taking people out. The city has offered rides. There are churches and school open as places to go if you do not think that your house can not withstand the storm. She is wanting to be han held through life.

[Just another republican]

I knew it! President Bush has built a giant weather control device to wage war on poor people, minorities, and illegals. Where have two large storms hit in as many weeks? New Orleans, largly democrat stronghold full of freedom and prosperity and south Texas where large numbers of illegals are suspected to be.

The evidence is damning! Be wary San Francisco, Seattle and Detroit, President Bush has a weather machine and he's targeting you next.

[Tickles_Tapeworm]

I sense a little paranoia here. I think you assumed quite a bit from this article.

I never once saw any of the people interviewed making mention of Bush, the Governor, or even the Mayor. The first person interviewed was simply complaining that she was looking for information on how to get help, and that there was none available. Did I miss something? She never claimed they abandoned her. And you're also assuming that she has access to media, like a television, or internet access. Yeah, I know everyone has a TV, but it's possible she doesnt. It's not like they spent 48 hours in her shoes.

And the "illegal"? Once again, who's to say? Did they check her ID? I doubt she didn't know her own name. I'm willing to bet it was more like "no say". :P

I think KOMO did what all media outlets do, and twist peoples stories towards their own agendas. I'm willing to bet that you think that they'll be blaming Bush and all other associated with this, because that's what will get better coverage. Right now blaming Bush is a hot topic, and they're just exploiting it further.

I don't watch the news at all, and this is one of the many reasons why. Besides, channel 5 was always better. ;)

BA~~274

[mlah]

blaming bush is almost always a hot topic for the press.

it's all they do. throw mud. i too wonder if the reporter bothered herself to help the poor old lady, or the illegal.

[Violence Worker]

What do you think? LOL

VW