Anybody notice all the empty backs of pickup trucks leaving NO?

[acmavm]

Mandatory evacuation I understand, but why are all these pickup empty in the rear? I suppose that it would be too much to expect these people to load up someone who can't get out? I mean, they wouldn't even have to ride with them, they could just load them up in the back.

I know all about stress, emergencies, etc. I also know that when it's vicious cold in the winter I've brought people home and let them sleep in my basement (I have a lock so they can't get up to the main part of the house.) I've also given rides to people in the cold. And for some reason every winter for the last four years I've had people who sleep in my garage. It's detached and out by the alley. How can I tell? Foot prints. The real give away foot prints were the one's on my black rubber bumper where someone walked around the car on it to get to the front of the garage. (It was packed with stuff and there was no room in the back without having to step on the bumper).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying everyone has to pack people in the cab part of the truck and socialize with them. But I am wondering why, since it is a matter of life and death, they can't cram a couple of people in the back of the truck.

P.S. Don't bother with telling me that what I've done is stupid. I've heard it for years. I've always given people rides when it's been dangerously cold outside. I have to listen to crap from people when they find out that I have visitors in the garage at night. I understand that maybe I've been very lucky in that I haven't picked up an Otis Toole or a Jeffrey Dahmer. But then, one time I didn't pick someone up, a homeless person named Dewey. And he burnt to death in a dumpster fire that night. Years and years ago. And to this day I still fret and freak over that missed opportunity.

[DoYouEverWonder]

1. I wonder how much empty space

was inside of half those SUV's?

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mikimouse]

10. Looting is a disaster myth, and while many people...

still believe in it, it simply does not happen in natural/technological disasters.

[xultar]

14. I lived in New Orleans. I know my people. Have you lived there?

Do you know?

People are AFRAID of looting. I know that for a fact. Whether it happens or not is besides the point.

THEY ARE AFRAID enough for their property to stay.

[Thtwudbeme]

17. Oh, you must be a powerful demigod with 300,000 personal friends

in NO.

Christ...are your parents out of town or something?

[xultar]

21. As a matter of fact my EX is down there. He's quite a famous photographer

We lived on DESIRE street. I spent more time in that community that you have. I know my people.

If you don't get it then I'm sorry.

It isn't as simple as piling in the back of the truck. IF you think it is that easy then you're not so bright.

[Thtwudbeme]

23. Oh...I see. So you know a bunch of people in a neighborhood

and a famous person.

Cool.

[xultar]

32. Entire Bywater, The Quarter, and Uptown and the Mardi Gras Indian

community.

That is quite a few folk.

But why care. They left town and didn't consider others so screw'em.

[Thtwudbeme]

34. you know everyone in the French Quarter!

my that is impressive....

You know what? I am just going to click that button, and make life easier for the mods.

Whatever.

Good luck to your peeps.

[xultar]

38. Hell yeah. I had the best costume for Mardi Gras a years back

a 24ft Fleur De Lis.

Ahh Decadance... Those were the days. By buddies in the bars. Snugg Harbor.

Ahh my friends in Chiwawagaga.com

Rings of Desire where I got my boobies pierced!

I bought all of my dominatrix gear in the quarter!

My first pair of thigh high patent leather boots.

My first patent leather corsett, paddle and whip!

Those were the good ole days.

[Mikimouse]

25. As a matter of fact, I have lived there...

for 9 months, many years ago. I know that they are afraid of looting, but if their material goods mean more to them than their lives, then...well, more power to them. Personally, I have survived two hurricanes, and I cared not one whit about the material goods, only about my wife and kids. Lost a car in one, and was lucky enough to only lose power for two and a half weeks the other time. In addition, if those people paid a bit more attention, they would know that looting is a myth, instead of buying into the idea of the 'evil poor' coming out to loot their homes while they are away, because that is exactly how it is portrayed in the media. Lastly, the laws about riding in the back of pickup trucks and the like are not going to be enforced in such times. It is well know that many of the less crucial issues become moot during evacuations. the agents of social control simply have to much else to worry about.

[xultar]

36. Then you proved my point. People who wanna leave who don't have

cars can leave. But assuming that you don't have a truck bed full of people doesn't make you an evil selfish bastard.

My Ex wouldn't leave because he's a photographer and this is a chance of a lifetime for him. He's not as much concerned about property than an opportunity.

People stay for various reasons.

I wasn't concerned about material things when I lived there. A storm would be just brewing and I'd head to ATL. I couldn't get my EX to come to save his life. He's an idiot that way.

HE wouldn't even go to the Dome. He has a boat tied out back and his cameras tied around his waist.

When the storm hits he'll stay out side as long as possible in the Bywater to take pictures, then he'll go in, ride it out and if he can get in his boat afterwards row around and take photos of the aftermath.

But to assume that because his neighbor is an ass for not take him is wrong. My EX is too stoopid to leave.

[Mikimouse]

44. Not sure about that...

People who wish to leave, but have no transportation out can leave? Perhaps I am confused, wouldn't be the first time, but it would seem to me that in such events, if people were leaving, they would at least check on their neighbors to see if they wanted to leave. Cooperation during disasters is well defined in the literature, as well asin personal experience. It is called Emergent Norm Theory by disaster researchers.

[xultar]

49. I'm saying because it is a very close community. There was an old lady

on my block and when ever she needed anything. She went to the family across the way. They took her to make groceries get her meds and took her to the Dr.

Even my EX did that for some mardi gras indians that he worked with. HE took Felton Brown to the Dr. Bought him gum etc.

I could picture my grand mother on the news saying that she didn't have transportation knowing that her daughter was going to come and pick her up in a couple of hours.

My grand mother would tell people that she didn't have food cuz we didn't take her to the grocery store @ 2pm like she wanted. But, if you
asked her @ 5pm then she'd say she had groceries. Not to mention we'd filled her pantry the week before.

You know how old people are.

[malaise]

18. You're not serious

Looting is a major factor following hurricanes. That's why governments declare a state of emergency in advance.

[Mikimouse]

31. I am absolutely serious..

Looting is a dsiaster myth. Please review the literature from Quarantelli, Dynes, Drabek, Miller, Wenger, Tierney, and others. THe declaration of a state of emergency has little to do with the threat of looting. It has much more to do with getting people out of harms way, and suspending (though unofficially) many of the traffic laws, parking ordinances, etc., that might hinder any evacuation efforts. Looting is commonly found during and after riots, in which there is a perceived inequity based on economic, social, or political power. It is not, however, part of the danger in a natural/technological disasters.

[Feron]

55. Oh please..

After Hurricane Georges, some of the people that took shelter in the Superdome swiped anything that wasn't nailed down. That incident is probably the main reason it was originally billed as a "special needs" shelter.

Unfortunately, a natural disaster doesn't stop a thief.

[Mikimouse]

56. Where can I find the links to that?

I can cite my evidence, but will not accept, for obvious reasons, hearsay. As an example, after the Houston floods of 2001, there were two highly publicized arrests for looting. In a nackpage story in the Chronicle a few days later, it was revealed that the 'suspects' had been arrested by overzealous police. It turned out that they were the homeowners, come back to collect a few things. And yes, natural disasters do stop thieves. Think about it. The danger to you, as a thief, is just as profound as to everyone else. Is it really worth your while to risk your life for an undefined return? One more thing, please refrain from your condescention, it really adds no credence to your argument. I have been a disaster researcher for many years now, and I do know what I am talking about.

[BayouBengal07]

2. I think

It might be illegal to ride in the back of a pickup truck on the interstate...I know that's the case on the causeway over Lack Pontchartrain.

But I don't think the law applies right now, especially when cops have been given the power to comandeer vehicles.

[dogday]

3. Maybe they feel there is an urgency to

get away and they don't have the time to organize rides out of town. If people are walking out, I say pick them up. But already a 4 hour ride is taking 24 hours, so I think they believe time is of the essence....

[xultar]

4. First of all it is illegal to ride in the back of the trucks. If people

wanted to go, I mean really wanted to go you can get a ride out.

I've lived in NOLA. It is a family town so this is a stupid post.

YOU NO NOTHING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[karlrschneider]

13. FWIW, I agree with you 100%

:eyes:

[Thtwudbeme]

15. Holy tamales, did hell just freeze?

;)

[karlrschneider]

40. Heh, must have. :D

Sometimes you're kinda fulla shit but you nailed this one.
:evilgrin:

[Thtwudbeme]

42. Oh my God, Karl...I am TOTALLY full of shit

particularly when I am drinking Jack Daniels at night. Honestly, I thought everyone who had been here for awhile KNEW that.

Steph

[xultar]

19. Yo! STEPHANIE!!!! I LIVED THERE FOR YEARS. NOT JUST VISITED.

I KNOW MY PEOPLE. IT IS A FAMILY TOWN. PEOPLE WHO LEAVE WILL CHECK ON THEIR NEIGHBORS. THOSE THAT STAY MORE THAN LIKELY WANT TO STAY FOR SOME REASON.

LEAVING IS TOUGH WITHOUT MONEY. IF YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND THAT IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SIMPLY PILING INTO THE BACK OF A TRUCK!

[Thtwudbeme]

22. Ummmm I lived in Charlotte NC for the better part of 41 years

I don't claim to "know" "my" "people."

I was also a paramedic...I know full damn good and well what it takes to evacuate.

I also know full well the poverty rates in Louisiana.

But, calling someone an idiot who had a suggestion on an internet board...someone who gave enough of a damn to put some thought into it...well, I am going to assume you are too distraught to understand the depths of the ugliness of your statements.

No use telling me my post was ugly either dear. I wrote that ON PURPOSE.

Stephanie

[xultar]

28. But you're assuming that just because people aren't piling folks in

the back of their trucks for selfish reasons.

I know the community of new orleans.

It is a place where everyone will get fed. People care for one another down there. To make a post like that assumes the worst in people and that isn't right. You know that.

What if I just say everyone in CHARLOTTE are racist. Wouldn't you get pissed.

Would you say the same thing fleeing Charlotte seeing empty pickup trucks?

Give me a break.

[Thtwudbeme]

30. Ummm, pardon me. Quote my post where I wrote

anything where you could have come up with this:

"But you're assuming that just because people aren't piling folks in the back of their trucks for selfish reasons."

Big parts of Charlotte are extremely racist, btw.

[xultar]

33. I know. I lived in Charlotte too. But for the most part it is a great town

I have much love for Charlotte and the folks there.

[DoYouEverWonder]

24. No one is saying YOUR PEOPLE won't help others

but there are lot's of people who live there you do not come from there and/or share the same values.

Since there are reports of 100,000 people in NO without a way to get out and then you see pictures of vehicles with just one or two passengers it makes you wonder.

[xultar]

29. So, everyone who leaves town without a pile of people in their car

are evil?

[DoYouEverWonder]

54. No just questionable

That's why 70,000 people are already in the Superdome, which is the last place I'd want to be right now. Even if the structure survives the storm, how are they going to get enough food and water to these people afterwards. It's going to really suck in there once the power goes out.

[LWolf]

16. You're right.

I know nothing about New Orleans, other than that there is a restaurant that shares my name somewhere down there. I do know how to spell "know," and I do know that name-calling and "shouting" at someone who is worried about people who may unwillingly be stranded is less than civil.

When a fellow human being is worried about less fortunate fellow humans in a catastrophe, it really isn't an occasion for incivility.

Peace. Please.

[xultar]

20. It isn't as simple as piling in the back of a truck.

[rbjensen]

46. I agree.

It seems that we are all getting a little freaked as we visualize the worst.

I think that if the situation was mayhem in the streets with people demanding to be able to leave, that the trucks would be filling up (you know, ala disaster movies!) but right now it is more orderly and there isn't a perceived need for every square inch of available transportation space.

I hope they don't regret that.

And I hope the damned thing just peters out in the middle of the gulf.

[xultar]

27. All I said was YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT NEW ORLEANS...

Is that being uncivil. I lived there. I have family and friends there. Hearing people assume that because they aren't piling people in the back of the truck they are some how being inhumane is ridiculous.

So everyone who leaves NOLA without a bunch of people in their truck or SUV is somehow a bad person is stoopid. It is dangerous and assumes something about a community that the poster has no experience with.

[LWolf]

35. It's an internet courtesy.

All caps is shouting. That means you were shouting at the OP, and now you are shouting at me. All you said, while shouting, was "you no nothing." You also called the OP "stupid." It has nothing to do with whether or not you agree with what was expressed in the post; it has to do with how you express your disagreement.

It also has to do with understanding someone's concern, even if you don't agree with their proposed solution. It seems like a potential catastrophe of this magnitude should draw people together, not be an occasion for shouting and name-calling.

[xultar]

39. OMFG I wasn't shouting @ you. I was repeating what I said. I didn't want

you to think I was candy coating what I said. I was being realistic in my reinterpretation of what I said.

Now is it ok if I did OMFG? Whas that shouting or should I have done omfg?

[acmavm]

37. I think I'm beginning to understand. Especially if you're representative

of the 'people' of NO (which I don't for one minute really believe).

There was a thread here this morning about a 74-year old woman who wanted to leave but couldn't because she had no money or transportation.

You can call me stupid all you like. I'll just be eternally grateful that I'm not you or like you.

[xultar]

43. You don't believe that I lived in new orleans. THat I adopted a kitty

and got the lady arrested cuz the cats were in terrible condition.

you don't believe that I lived on Desire St.

I ate @ Snugg harbor and got the GUMBO with a burger.

You don't believe that I took my cats to the Cat Doctor in uptown,

You don't believe that I new Felton Brown who was a Mardi Gras indian
I knew Tootie who was a Mardi Gras indian chief

I got my piercings done @ Rings of Desire on DEcatur ST.

[xultar]

47. NOLA is a family town. People care about each other there.

I truly believe that if she really wanted to leave she can.

Anyone who wants to get fed can get fed in NOLA.

Anyone who wants to get clothed can get clothed in NOLA.

People take food over each others houses and gather and invite strangers all the time.

I don't believe that there isn't someone in her parrish that wouldn't take her down to get her meds or to make groceries if she needed it.

[Gormy Cuss]

41. stepping in here with one toe

I understand what you're saying about people helping people being the way in NOLA, and that some people are choosing to ride it out for fear of looting, but I noticed the vast majority of fleeing cars seemed about as empty as normal commutes (a driver, and no sign of another adult.) What with the estimate that there are 100,000 people without the means to leave town, it struck me as odd. You're on the ground in a community you know and I believe your assessment of community support, it's just there is the weird disconnect between mostly empty cars fleeing the area and reports of so many people without means to leave. Do you think the reports of those stranded (as opposed to staying voluntarily) are overblown?

I hope your family and friends stay safe.

[xultar]

50. Some people sent their familys out before in one car and left another

behind to finish boarding up and close up the house. They are taking the second car out themselves after they are finished.

[Gormy Cuss]

52. that makes sense, thanks for the explanation n/t

[MADem]

5. Legality, or liability, perhaps?

Is it legal to let people ride in a truck bed?

Nowadays, people are so litigious, it is difficult to be kind if you are risking a lawsuit, and someone hit by a flying something could sue you....

[Chocolatebison]

6. Time maybe?

Does anyone have time to ride around and search out the folks who are too poor to leave?

Just asking.

The storm is coming in tomorrow.

If somebody asked me for a lift and I had room I would grant it.

[Mikimouse]

7. Not stupid at all...

You are to be commended for what you have done. I respect anyone who has real compassion, it is simply too bad that most of us only preach it, rather than live it. Kudos to you!

[senseandsensibility]

9. No flame here

I think what you do is wonderful. I think you are "walking the walk" and helping people. Most people don't have the guts to do what you're doing, and they feel guilty. So they find it necessary to criticize. However, I can't end without praising you for the safety measures you DO take, and encouraging you to take even more.:)

[fishnfla]

11. It depends on where they are coming from and where they are going

The people without cars are mostly in the inner city, I'm guessing. Its all helter skelter now....a trip into the city to pick someone up would most likely be a one-way ride.

They waited too long on the evacuation.

[NYC]

26. You're a good person.

I suspect some people in New Orleans will be offering rides to strangers. I hope the hurricane misses New Orleans.

[SlowDownFast]

45. You got a huge heart.

'Nuff said.

[riverwalker]

48. acmavens point is a good one

There are elderly, poor and handicapped who don't have family, even in a "family town" whatever that is. They are trapped.

[XanaDUer]

51. I'm not sure what a "family town" is either,

since even mean, old NYC pulled together after 9/11 and other disasters.

That being said, I do remember an elderly lady being quoted on another thread that she wanted to leave but could not.

Maybe some people waited too long. Maybe some people are so worried that they are not thinking about others right now.

I just hope nothing bad happens when it hits. But I fear I will be wrong on that one.

[JDPriestly]

53. Inertia. Procrastination.

These are innate human traits that can overcome the survival instinct and prevent people from leaving when disaster approaches. We rationalize that things are not as bad as they seem, and sometimes that is true. Depressed people don't see any point in leaving. People feel that someone close to them is too old or weak or sick to be moved so they stay and take the chance they will survive. Some don't want to leave a pet behind or a favorite object. Some want to see the storm. These are all bad reasons, but they explain peoples' choices. If people lined the streets begging for rides, they would get them. We Americans are extremely generous and willing to help and have a strong sense of community no matter where we live.

[Moderator]

57. Locked.

Soory, but this thread seems way out of any proportion in discussion of a Category 5, catastrophic hurricane.