You know, I know I’m going to go out on a limb here by even suggesting this but since it’s not coming up in the media and everyone is too busy with the amazing devastation of Katrina, I’m going to say it: those stuck in New Orleans brought most of their suffering upon themselves. — Duck–

Now let me explain my statement and preface it. First, I am very sorry for those who have lost literally everything and I am saddened for them. I wish no ill will on them and hope that they will be able to survive this tragic ordeal and be able to once again live. That said, I think it’s important to realize that most of these people, not all, were in complete defiance of a civil order by the police and major of New Orleans. All residents were instructed to leave the city days before the hurricane came. It was a mandatory evacuation. Mandatory. Evacuation. But thousands ignored it and stayed behind. Outside of being immobile, I really can not think of any excuse that one would have to keep themselves situated in hells path. I read that some thought it wouldn’t be as bad as many had been stating but that doesn’t matter, they were ordered to leave the city.

It is tough to feel for these people left in the cesspool of the city below sea level when they defiantly disobeyed orders that would have prevented the very pain they are now suffering. Additionally, this is now costing you and me money as the federal government now needs to orchestrate evacuation operations that would have not been needed at the current scale if these people had just obeyed the original order. Their civil disobedience is now costing us more money. As if that wasn’t enough, now these people are looting, burning buildings, and shooting at military helicopters. Dude, are you insurgents? What country are you living in?

I heard one person defend their action of looting as it was to feed is family and help them survive. Mmm, interesting angle. If he had cared about his family, maybe he would have left the city when originally told. Others could be seen carrying boxes of Nike shoes from some stores. Ya, that’s your basic survival needs, huh?

Now I understand that there would be some that just could not make it out in time for what ever reason and all this isn’t even directed to them. Most of the people I see at the Super Dome where able to get there, prove they could have gotten out of the city, too. But there are few who had medical and other issues preventing them from leaving their homes. Those, sadly, I think will be the majority of those found dead in their homes, not in the Super Dome.

I would like to think all this would teach a valuable experience to those that didn’t listen and stayed but I know it won’t because of their unintelligent decision to stay would indicated that this probably wasn’t the first stupid mistake they have made. Further, they’ll find way to lay blame on someone instead of taking responsibility upon themselves. But maybe, just maybe, one person did learn something. I hope so.

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4 Responses to “Did Those Left in New Orleans Cause Their Own Doom?”

1. martin Says:
   September 2nd, 2005 at 2:42

   Tell me, DUDE, why does God hate LA?

2. Sven Says:
   September 2nd, 2005 at 10:14

   God doesn’t hate LA, he hates the sin of those in LA as he he hates the sin of anyone else in any other place. It’s the deeds of man he hates like he told John in Revelation of the Nicolaitans. We’re clearly told that God hates sin in Hebrew 1:9:

   “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.”

   Interestingly enough, those left behind in the streets of New Orleans are committing the very things God hates:

   There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness {who} utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.” - Proverbs 6:16-19

   Look what God did to Sodom and Gomorrah when there wicked ways became so bad that He destroyed them with fire. It’s not outside of history that this kind of thing can happen.

   Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not speaking for God and saying that the events with the hurricane are due to the sin of that region. I am saying God hates sin and wants all to repent. He desires to see none perish for eternity.

3. Jon Says:
   September 2nd, 2005 at 11:57

   To be honest, I had this thought at first myself. The majority did evacuate. I have heard of lots of people deciding to “ride it out” which clearly was a misjudgement. But I think a majority of those who stayed did so because they had no other place to go or didn’t have the resources to leave. That’s purely an optimistic guess.

   Regardless, now isn’t the time to be shaking a middle finger at these people. They have already paid a heavy price for their choices. Any expense the rest of us are left with now is simply to maintain their basic human needs, most of which they’d have even if they’d all evacuated.

4. Sven Says:
   September 2nd, 2005 at 13:01

   I agree with you Jon, they’ve paid the price and now it’s time to just help them out. My point was that most of them most likely could have avoided this misery, that’s all.

   It is hard and trying on the heart to see the video of a father wondering where his children are or a mother with a five day old baby. At this point, it doesn’t matter why they’re, now, but how to get to them and get them out. That’s what matter now.