Is it in bad taste to lecture disaster victims from the comfort of one's home/office?

[CreekDog]

in the midst of the disaster and recovery?

to be sure, not all have prepared adequately, but that's pretty hard to sort out now.

isn't the midst of the disaster the time to have compassion, sympathy and to step into help rather than lecture?

my take is that most here are very sympathetic towards the victims in any disaster --am i right about that? i think i am. i think people here care first, have sympathy first towards the most vulnerable and judge later at a time when it can be done constructively.

isn't that how we should approach disasters?

[Union Scribe]

1. Decidedly so. nt

[liberalmuse]

2. Yes, IMHO, it is.

I don't think it's appropriate to judge when you are sitting safely at your keyboard with clean water, snacks, electricity and heat. It is also unfair to compare Japan and the US as far as reactions go.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

3. Almost as bad taste as it is for disaster victims to get on TV and point fingers... nt

[sabrina 1]

9. You mean like the NOLA victims who were desperate and without

help during Katrina? I was glad to see them try to get the attention they needed, it came way too late for many.

When your situation is life threatening any way you can get attention is justifiable. Saving lives should be everyone's first concern. All the rest is irrelevant when lives are at stake.

[CreekDog]

13. if you need something to survive, make some noise

because we need to hear from vulnerable people so that they aren't overlooked.

i would PREFER anyone to make some noise or complain and get what they need to survive (for themselves or their families) than to hear that they were silent and polite and perished.

absolutely.

[HiPointDem]

86. really? you're saying the *worst* thing is for disaster victims to go on tv & point fingers (i

assume they're pointing fingers because they're not getting help...)

that's the thing that's in worst taste?

really?

[WorseBeforeBetter]

4. Yes.

There are some *seriously* ugly threads (and recs) on DU today. And dumb ones: "Stanten" Island can only be accessed by ferry!

[oldhippydude]

5. IOKIYAR...............n/t

[sufrommich]

6. Not only is it bad but it smells exactly like

those anti choice nuts who blame women for getting pregnant in the first place. We do not know the circumstances of those who weren't prepared for the storm,it could be many lack the money to supply themselves for a couple of days.

[Skittles]

7. absolutely, yes

until you've been involved in a disaster you have no clue the fear, the turmoil, the despair.......just offer to assist and shut the fuck up is SOUND advice

[randome]

8. If you weren't there, you really should not be telling people how to behave in a disaster.

[smccarter]

10. Ivan and Dennis survivor here.

I feel for them. It's a miserable thing to have to endure. Ivan destroyed so much around this area, then less than 9 months later Dennis hit directly. Unless you've been through it, you can't begin to understand what they're going through.

The good thing is that it does get better. Life continues. It may take a few weeks, but things will begin to get better.

[HooptieWagon]

11. No.

People were warned to evacuate. People were warned to be prepared, including several days without power or municipal water. Common sense is that there will be shortages of gasoline, ice,, etc after the storm. Common sense that ATMs won't function during a power outage, and wind will blow down cell towers. So, it is not improper to criticize people who didn't evacuate, didn't prepare, and are now whining about life not being back to normal 48 hours after an epic storm.

[CreekDog]

12. all of Staten Island was told to evacuate?

well if your lecture is based on a false premise, double bad for you.

[sabrina 1]

15. No, they were not. The areas which were under evacuation orders are all on the

coast. That is typical in areas that are on the coast. I'm sure that many of them did evacuate, many probably went to stay with relatives inland. That didn't save their homes though. And now many have no homes to return to.

There is a map somewhere that shows the areas that were under evacuation orders, if I find it again, I will post it.

[CreekDog]

16. Yes, I was responding rhetorically --you are correct

my point was that many suffering now were never directed to evacuate.

[NutmegYankee]

37. And if you don't live in a flood danger zone, you shouldn't evacuate.

Only those at risk of storm surge should evacuate. If someone well inland also leaves, he likely takes up a hotel room needed by someone near the coast. Yes, you will likely lose power, and Yes, life with no power sucks, but it's completely survivable.

[sabrina 1]

45. I know, was just confirming what you were saying.

[HooptieWagon]

36. Zone A was told to evacuate.

Evacuation of other areas is voluntary. However, people were told that if they stayed, they may be without power, water, etc, for several days. That is why you stock up on food and water, fill the gas tank, and visit the ATM ahead of time.

[LeftyMom]

75. It was the end of the fucking month. Which made doing those things impossible for many people.

I swear, the entitled bullshit one reads at this place. :sigh:

[HooptieWagon]

77. So they couldn't take a FREE bus ride to a FREE shelter?

Does the gov't have to make the rounds of people on public assistance and forceably haul them away to safety? Are people that incapable of executing the simple task of getting on a bus to a shelter? Maybe they need babysitters...

[LeftyMom]

78. You were talking about food and gas to shelter in place, a trip to the ATM, etc.

Did those things suddenly become free too, or are you moving the goal posts to make sure you can blame people and feel superior?

[HooptieWagon]

80. And my reply was that if people had no money b/c end of month(

Then free resources were readily available. There was no reason for people to stay in an evacuation zone. There is no reason for people to complain about lack of food, water, or medical care. All those resources were available for free, so no one can complain about a lack of gov't response.

[LeftyMom]

81. Putting people in shelters when they just need supplies makes no sense. Shelter space is limited,

and there isn't enough for all the people with no other options.

[HooptieWagon]

82. Only 70 people showed up at Staten Island shelters.

There was no shortage of space or supplies. I assume that most people who stayed at home or found non-public shelter probably had financial means to stock up on food, water, gas in the car, and emergency cash... but many for some reason didn't. People on public assistance probably don't have financial means to stock up, yet few took advantage of public shelters. Why, I don't know. But they sure have no right to complain.

[progressivebydesign]

84. Really, the people in the waterfront mansions are living paycheck to paycheck? do tell nt

[bvar22]

42. If life is fair,

....someday you will have to eat that post.

Control is an absolute illusion (delusion).
Nobody is EVER 100% prepared.
Nobody is EVER 100% safe.

YOU are one Freak Accident,
one unjust arrest,
one catastrophic illness,
one liability lawsuit,
one "I thought I was covered",
one quirky twist of fate,
...away from having to ask for help.

For your sake, you had better hope that those you turn to will have a softer heart than you.


Cheers!

[etherealtruth]

92. Exactly

I sometimes think the posters responding with these criticisms are doing so to convince themselves that they are not vulnerable .... they can protect themselves from these tragedies.

As you stated, it is all an illusion.

[TreasonousBastard]

14. You are appealing to basic human decency, which...

is often in short supply here.

After my power came back in less than 24 hours I caught myself complaining that cable wasn't back by Thursday and realized that there were still people out here trying to figure out what to do when they couldn't even flush their toilets (yes, a real problem when you have a well, a cesspool, and no electricity-- trust me on that). And we got a really light hit where I am-- the scenes of complete devastation elsewhere are terrifying.

I lived in NYC through two major blackouts, innumerable storms, snow and otherwise, and several catastrophic hurricanes. I never considered myself as having seriously suffered through these things and if I still lived there and heard this storm was coming I might have made some slight adjustments, but probably would have thought it's no big deal, just like the other storms were no big deal. I remember one horrific hurricane when we had a party in a 7th floor apartment that had a large window in the living room to watch the storm go by. After it passed we went out and the only thing open was a gay bar where we found ourselves welcome and we all had a great time for a few more hours.

So, if I still had my apartment on Front Street, I might have taken the 10 foot or so tide seriously, but I suspect I would have just sat still thinking it would be over in a day or so. I would have been wrong, but I don't think my reasoning would be wrong considering my past experience. Besides, does anyone know just what finding high ground to stay at and getting out of town entails? Half the people I know are in the path of destruction that storm took, and before it hit nobody knew who around here was safe.

So, I try to make no judgments, even when it's difficult to listen to someone that might be whining. And especially now that I feel almost guilty for getting away so easily.

(edited speelling)

[SmileyRose]

17. yes

Period.

[Honeycombe8]

18. Of course. But it's valid to point out that, hey, you were in a mandatory evacuation area!

What the heck are you doing still there????

I'm from a hurricane area (the Gulf coast), and I know it's a hassle. But people in the area KNOW that when the govt says evacuate, you get the hell outta there asap. You load up on food, gas, medical supplies, board up your windows, get your guns (for protection), get in your car, and hit the road. Pets and all. If you have to sleep in your car miles away, then so be it.

For those who ignore the MANDATORY evacuation, it is valid, when those people show up on TV yelling about bad service to take care of them, when they're not even supposed to be in the area.

[CreekDog]

19. No, not all the victims were in a mandatory evacuation zone --why are you saying this?

[Honeycombe8]

28. Staten Island.nt

[CreekDog]

34. No, not all of Staten Island was asked to evacuate --so you're saying you know?

since your whole premise was based on the whole island being asked to evacuate (remember Katrina --not so simple!)...since your premise turns out to be wrong, it means your conclusions are false.

but the point of the discussion is to clear up these misunderstandings.

and we did.

[Honeycombe8]

38. All low-lying areas of Staten Island...you know, the ones where the people are yelling about bad

service. Those areas.

And I might add....the others should be fine. They filled up their cars with gas, right? Loaded up on cheap food not necessary to be refrigerated, right? Have batteries and candles and radios, since they live on an ISLAND, exposed to bad weather. They should be able to hunker down for a couple of weeks iwth no problem. Of course, they should have left, anyway,,,since the storm of the century was headed directly for them.

Yeah...those people on Staten Island.

The people in Katrina...most of them COULD have evacuated but chose not to. Some couldn't afford to, true. But most chose not to.

BTW, I'm from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana myself. Been in a number of hurricanes. I know the drill, and I know stupidity when I see it. And I knkow the damage done by flood waters. It's not something to take lightly.

[CreekDog]

41. Whoa you didn't really say that about Katrina victims did you?

you're own your own now.

wow.

[Honeycombe8]

55. Yep. I'm a Louisianian. Been through several hurricanes there. Always the same....always some people

who disregard the warnings, don't listen to the weather or neighbors' warnings, they're invincible, blah blah blah. And I'm not talking minorities...them, too, but also stubborn old white men, country folk, etc. "I got through WWII just fine - I think I can make it through a little rain."

It was the mayor's fault that he didn't have a place ready for the people who couldn't evacuate. But the buses he was criticized for not arranging...there was no place to take them.

Bottom line...people have to be ready to get the hell out in an emergency. They were warned and told evacuation was mandatory, and to start immediately. Many chose to stay until the danger was upon them. That's how they got stuck there.

How the help from the local, state, and fed govt didn't take over then...that's another story. And they were definitely at fault.

[KittyWampus]

20. I'll definitely call out stupidity from where I sit. PEOPLE WERE WARNED REPEATEDLY & FAR IN ADVANCE.

And that stupidity impacts others.

It has nothing to do with being judgmental or decorum.

Is it being judgmental to say a rock falls when it's dropped due to gravity?

It's a statement of fact.

Just like: If you live in a flood area and refuse to evacuate prior to a storm you are endangering yourself and others.

[CreekDog]

21. you're saying all the victims of this storm were told to evacuate?

and all those victims, that you are saying were told to evacuate, also ALL had the means to evacuate as well as a place to go.

let's just confirm that.

are you and I in agreement that there are victims who did prepare, but were not told to evacuate and through no fault of their own are in harm's way now?

can we agree on that?

[KittyWampus]

24. There are definitely old/infirm being negatively impacted. There is a lot of help for them

right now and I hope they get it.

What sticks in my craw right now is the news focusing on footage of Breezy Point (where there was flooding AND a huge fire).

That's a gated ocean front community on a barrier island.

Yeah, sure it looks awful. But it's not as photogenic as lame granny on 12 floor who can't get out of her apartment cause of no electricity.

[CreekDog]

27. I was evacuated during Irene last year

I was visiting from out of town and word came down to evacuate.

If I hadn't had family or a car or a place to go to, I would have been in a jam.

When you are told to evacuate, that's only part of the story.

You have to have a place to go and the means to get there.

Being told is not the same as being able to carry that out.

[HooptieWagon]

39. There were several hurricanes shelters open...

And free transportation to them. Only 70 people showed up, according to reports. I don't hear them complaining. The complaints are from estate-dwelling teabaggers upset that their power is still out and cell coverage is bad.

[CreekDog]

40. not where I was

[nadinbrzezinski]

22. You know, NYC just now went through an event

that will be known in the future as before Sandy and after Sandy. You can mark my words on this.

And I am not talking of those who refused to evacuate. Those happen every disaster... if I got a buck for each, I would have retired a while ago, comfortably mind you. In my mind those who refuse should sign liability release papers to rescue teams though.

BEFORE the storm, a couple of us had a back and forth with a couple New Yorkers, this is BEFORE IT HIT ok, on getting at least a basic kit together, and some water, and three days worth of food. They gave the same excuses a lot of people in large cities, not just in the US by the way, that have NOT gone though a disaster give for why they do not need to. Oh the stores are there, transit never fails, my local bodega is nearby, I can order Pizza...

I hope they are ok, but we haven't heard from them.

NYC in general will now get why, even if you live in a small apartment, you need to have at least a bare minimum of supplies. Especially, unlike quake country, when you have a few days warning. But, it is the end of the month! Sure, put it on plastic if need be, but some cans of tuna, and some cans of soup that can be eaten cold, and a few gallons of water should NOT break the bank. Now the good flashlight and the good radio could, but any AM radio with batteries will do in a pinch. And damn it, I have a few of those, by the by.

As to the rest... I hope people both in the zone and here, develop a little patience. We are still in the critical phase of the response, it will take a few weeks to restore power everywhere and restore the minimum of services, and clearing debris. But you know what? It will take anywhere from five to seven years (that is the average) for people who lost all, to get anywhere close to normal.

(And that assumes we do not have another storm soon)

So yes, I have little patience for people who refuse to do the most basic of preparation when they get warned... as in three days warning.

[CreekDog]

23. save it for a few days okay?

not all who are victims did anything wrong.

[nadinbrzezinski]

29. Not saying that

If you are reading that, I am sorry... serious.

But another lesson from Disaster Services, the real deal. You speak of disaster preparedness when one happens. That is what makes it very real for others.

You do not speak of disaster preparedness when nothing has happened, because folks go into that exact mode I described.

But I guess it is in really bad taste to tell the rest, who are currently out of of a disaster zone... GET READY.

Yup, in really bad taste. This is why this country tends to be in denial land. It is never, ever a convenient time to talk about hot button issues,. I mean it is not nice. (And preparedness for reasons that I have yet to understand, is a hot button issue)

[NutmegYankee]

25. To lecture victims is very bad taste. But I have some anger towards some other DUers

I'll admit, I've been in 3 multi-day outages in the last 3 years (Irene, Oct 29,2011 Snow Storm, and Sandy). My worst outage was 7 days. This outage occurred on the same day as the second one last year. Same freaking Day!!! And having no power just completely sucks. Many people in my area (SE Conn) have well water, which means no water with no power. Your standard of living drops to barbaric in a moment. One of my friends liked to comment that even the Romans had running water. You lose heat and cooking, and get to enjoy that healthy dose of misery with a cold shower in the morning (if you have water) before dressing in dirty clothes. When you see people complaining and such on the news, don't get too upset. Trust me - We ALL vented and were pissed off. It really really sucks!


Who I don't have sympathy for are the tons of posters on DU who said it was all "hype" and "fear" from the news/weatherman. You led people to not be concerned and to ignore the science. The National Weather Service does not bullshit, but some implied that they hyped the weather as well. And sadly, many people likely bought into this, and now they suffer. For those that pushed the hype line - You suck!

[WilliamPitt]

26. ^^ This ^^

...and this -----> http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=1637779

That.

[NutmegYankee]

30. Thanks!

[nadinbrzezinski]

32. Yeah, people where crtical of Jim Cantore here

yup, he has a flair for reading NWS product in the middle of a windstorm, but he is READING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE product trying to drive the point, this is no joke people.

[treestar]

57. Pissed off at who?

Mother Nature perhaps. But not at the rest of us for not fixing it fast enough. And it may really suck, but 7 days is not that long in the scheme of your whole life, and you're still alive. Some people died in the hurricane. Or lost their house entirely. So there are levels of feeling sorry for people in these things.

Anger doesn't seem to be the right emotion here, at least, towards other people, and especially those trying to help.

[NutmegYankee]

62. Your post makes no sense.

See Will's post. There were DUers who downplayed the storm danger. I am angry at them, most of whom were not even in the storm area. As for being out of power, I was explaining why people get very emotional (angry and irritable) when they have no power. It's human nature to vent out. If you have never been out for that long without heat/water/cooking/laundry/entertainment/news/travel, then don't make an ass out of yourself. Halfway through having to pour a bucket of water into the toilet just so you can flush the shit down only to find you can't wash your hands, you'll be bitching and moaning too.

[treestar]

68. I was part of the storm in Conn. last year

And part of my family - they were out of power something like 2-3 weeks. Never heard them getting angry at anyone - it was an act of mother nature. In fact they were grateful for getting some MREs from I guess the NG - normally used in the military, meals that cook themselves. One of the kids thought they'd been tested and survived something.

[NutmegYankee]

69. How long were you out? nt

[treestar]

72. Not at all.

Lucky. But if I were out, I would not be blaming someone else. That's my point. I would not be getting angry at other people who were doing the best they can to restore it. People come from far away and work around the clock in these things and how dare people get angry at them because they can't do it all in one day?

[NutmegYankee]

90. Then you don't really understand.

I thought just like you did at first too until I experienced a long outage. It isn't logical, but having experienced long outages and the misery associated with it, I completely understand the anger. The misery overtakes logic.

[quinnox]

33. "blaming the victims" is usually a republican tactic

sad to see a little of it here on this site. But it just shows that, yea, we got schmucks on our side too. Some folks aren't exactly overflowing with the milk of human kindness and compassion, that is for sure.

[eqfan592]

44. Yes, because it is impossible to feel compassion for the victims while also...

...being critical of some of the choices they made leading up to the disaster.

Listen, at least speaking personally, I don't bring up the failure to prepare on the part of some as a means of saying "Haha, I told you so!" or in order to argue that they shouldn't get any aid. I bring it up because there are people out there who still don't get it. They don't get that sometimes help can be days or even weeks away, and that you have to be ready to fend for yourself for at least a few days in the event of a disaster. And for those people, this disaster can be a strong lesson to them....

Leading up to this storm, we were told numerous times by some NYC residents that "Oh, I don't need to stock up. This is NYC. We're different from the rest of the nation. In fact, we feel sorry for the rest of you that do need to stock up." This is an attitude shared by many, and it is pure folly, as has been demonstrated time and time again.

Those of us not in the disaster itself can afford to talk about these things and try to convince others to not make the same mistakes made here, while the images are all fresh in their minds thus making the message that much more likely to sink in. We have a chance to possibly help somebody survive some future disaster down the road, and passing that up on the off chance that some may think it is "insensitive" would be criminal in my mind.

I've had a lot of people rip into me for this here today, going so far as to compare me to Romney, for daring to talk about the failure of some to prepare properly and the consequences of that. Well, I've seen first hand what can happen in a very small disaster and what it can mean to be ready for such an occurrence.

Disaster can literally strike anywhere at any time, so the sooner some people learn to be prepared, the better off they will be.

[nadinbrzezinski]

48. And I have not heard of these people either, need to remove them from iggy list to check

Truly worried to see if they are doing ok

[eqfan592]

65. I've looked several times but haven't seen them either.

I really hope it's just a power issue and nothing worse....

[CreekDog]

50. not all victims made the "choices" you refer to

that's the problem!

[eqfan592]

64. Please note that I said "on the part of some" in my post. nt

[LiberalEsto]

95. Did Jesus blame the people he healed?

Did he kick the corpse of Lazarus and say it was all his own fault he was dead?

I'm not promoting Christianity, but I think we should help those who are suffering instead of heaping blame on them.

[magical thyme]

96. Whoa! did the people Jesus healed bitch at him for taking too long to do it?

Did Lazarus bitch about it taking 3 whole days to rise from the dead?

The point is that there are people out there bitching about how long it's taking for the repair people to fix everything -- who did nothing to prepare. Well it sucks to be them, but maybe the next time they'll prepare.

I went through the blizzard of '78 without anything to eat but a box of cream of wheat and 1/2 box of powdered milk. It was 5 days before the foodstore within walking distance was able to open. That was a mile walk in hip deep snow. I was pretty uncomfortable, but I had nobody to blame but myself.

Boy did I learn my lesson. Sandy had a small chance of coming over my head. I just discarded 2 large buckets of water for the toilet. I have drinking water for a week for the entire household, including my horse. I have food to last for weeks. I have steno to cook as well as a gas stove, candles, flashlights, battery radio, etc.

[treestar]

58. No one is blaming any victims

But the victims are blaming other people for not fixing it all up right away. This was a hurricane. those don't fix themselves overnight.

[forestpath]

35. Kicking them when they're down is more than bad taste, it's cruel.

[HooptieWagon]

43. If people are incapable of caring for themselves during and 3 days following a forecast storm,

then they should have gone to a shelter, no?

[forestpath]

47. Hope that high horse doesn't throw you off.

[HooptieWagon]

67. If it does, I won't be blaming gov't for not taking care of me.

This is simple common sense. Warnings were in plenty of time. Resources were available for people who hadn't finances or transportation. This was not Katrina, where people were abandoned in a last minute evacuation. Every possible step was taken by officials, except they didn't factor on the number of people who are just plain stupid.

[RomneyLies]

46. YEs, it is. Instead, every time you feel like lecturing disaster victims...

Text REDCROSS to 90999

[woo me with science]

49. Third Way = Republican,

in policy, and in attitude.

We are given proof of that from the same predictable group here, over and over again...

[mil_5529dem]

51. uh yes?

Very bad taste in fact.

[treestar]

52. Unless they are reading my posts - they aren't getting

"lectured."

But come on, this was a hurricane. One can't decree that power after a hurricane "ought" to be restored within a certain amount of time. I can feel sorry for the situation yet not support any type of grousing at society for not fixing it fast enough. Shit happens, and FEMA, the Red Cross, come to help, but it can't all be done at once. There are other victims too. Mostly I hate the M$M for focusing on this and always giving the grousers the most attention. There are people who are grateful to have survived, too.

[Mariana]

54. Many of the people doing so have been disaster victims themselves.

There really are very few reasons for someone not to have water, ice, food, and gasoline in this situation. The exceptions are:

1. People who had zero money to buy supplies (and even they should have water put up)
2. People who were physically unable to go out and get supplies,
2. People whose supplies got destroyed during the storm.

It's just not that damned hard, when a storm is forecast to be coming your way, to fill your gas tank, make blocks of ice, store some tapwater (in anything that will hold it) and buy some food that doesn't need to be cooked.

That said, everyone should get all the help they need.

[riderinthestorm]

63. +1. Face it, we're 3+ days past the event. It might be the BEST time to educate for the future

Those of us who have been there, done that, can't believe how so many don't even have 3 days worth of supplies (acknowledging your 3 qualifiers of course) with as much notice as these folks were given.

3 days. A few cans of tuna, soup, box of dried milk and cereal, beans, and h20.

I haven't been a scold about the situation to anyone but I'm pretty surprised that people don't think there won't be SOME judgement on their actions.

[NutmegYankee]

66. And you'd think we would have empathy rather than contempt.

I prepared. I've been out 3 times in 2 years. That said - I feel no need to heap scorn on those who failed to prepare. They don't need me to tell them they failed to prepare. They KNOW. And the majority of them will be prepared next time.

[riderinthestorm]

74. Contempt? Really? Nobody's spinning this with contempt.

That's a pretty far stretch.

[MineralMan]

56. It absolutely is. It's like keyboard warriors being tough.

People sometimes make the wrong decision. I've done that more times than I care to remember. What the disaster victims need is assistance, not scorn.

[Darth_Kitten]

59. Those of us who can go home safe, sound and protected should count our blessings....

And try to do something for those who aren't that fortunate.

[bluestate10]

60. No. Stupid choices put some people at risk.

Our advanced country lost close to 100 people, while the islands of the Caribbean lost fewer. Why is that? The President and Governors were fully informing people that they needed to take this storm seriously. Why will we lose nearly 100 people?

[nadinbrzezinski]

61. Part of it is population density

by percentage we lost fewer... just saying.

But yes, people were told, repeatedly. that this was coming

[CreekDog]

71. there are more victims than those who didn't evacuate

can we at least clear that up.

you are acting like nobody in the Northeast should have gotten injured because they should have just evacuated themselves to Scranton.

jeez.

[nadinbrzezinski]

73. Not at all, but you go on

keep misrepresenting what is typed

[-..__...]

70. And you have a hair across you ass because of one innocous...

well advised post, that you took totally out of context, and you had to start 3 threads about it?

WTF is going on here?

Hopefully these people will get some relief soon, and will be better prepared for the next disaster.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Sandy-Starved-New-Yorkers-Dumpster-Dive/176839571

What started it, was a post about some "starving" East Village $$$ Hipsters and "enlightened" (and I use that term "enlightened" with ) alternative life style types whom couldn't manage their lives without their American Express cards, Smart Phones, or IPads if their lives depended upon it.

And as it turned out... it just might have.

But, just the same... we get "human interest" stories of them competing with the rats for spoiled food thrown in a dumpster.

Instead of buying a simple, inexpensive case of Raman Noodles, canned tuna (dolphin free), or bottled water... these are the same out of touch with reality dickheads that cross the street without the slightest thought of looking both ways because they're too busy texting, thinking about their next tribal tattoo or which clothes do I wear to express my identity.

Not being able to keep your micro-brew or smoked salmon chilled, or being able to blast your rave music all hours of the night is one thing.

Losing everything you own, or being displaced from your home is another.

I have sympathy for the latter... none for the former.

Congratulations... you've managed to spin this thing waaaay out of context more thanFox News could have.

[flvegan]

76. Don't even get me started.

Lecture disaster victims? Really? Regardless from where. But then that would require a mental state beyond idiot to grasp that. If anyone is willing to stipulate that this storm, like many others that originate from our massively fucked up environmental nature (that's global warming to you deniers and idiots) then ANY SINGLE FUCKING ONE OF YOU (or me) is responsible if you contribute. Eat meat? Your fault. Drive an SUV? Your fault. Run an appliance you don't need? Your fault. Buy shit from X country? Yep, your fault. But lecture away. Simpleton.

See how simple that is? Creeky, come on. Enlightenment in this day and age here is...passe.

[CreekDog]

87. i dread 2016

the remaining white Republicans will be denying a round earth.

[flvegan]

88. I have nothing to add to that.

[Marr]

79. It is the very definition of bad taste, yes.

[progressivebydesign]

83. Sorry, I bemoan the day when Phil Donahue screwed the Country up with "dont' judge"

Judging is how societies survive. It's how species survive. It's how we communicate what is safe, or unsafe, acceptable or unacceptable, and what is wrong.

The people the KNEW they were in the path of a hurricane, and live on an island or in a beach community, aren't getting much sympathy from me. They risked the lives of others with their bad decision making. And sadly some lost their lives because they were afraid that people would steal from them.

But talking about is how people communicate and say "I wouldn't do that..." and maybe just MAYBE it will save some lives next time around.

[Paladin]

93. There's A Thin Line Between Judging And Gloating. (nt)

[bvar22]

94. Will you take the next logical step...

...and condemn all the DUers here who live near or on an active fault line?
(In case you don't know, that is ALL of the West Coast, Hawaii, and a huge land area in the Central Mississippi River Valley (New Madrid Fault)

After all, it IS "only a matter of time".

What grand lecture do you have for these Millions?

[HiPointDem]

85. yes. kind of disgusting, actually.

[JoeyT]

89. It never stopped us before.

Plenty of people were insisting the Gulf Coast deserved what it got with Deepwater Horizon because red states lol. Same for pretty much every disaster that hits in the south. There's always a few "Well, I hope their kids starve because they vote Republican" assholes. There's rarely a half dozen concern threads over those comments.

Yes, it's in bad taste. First we need to worry about getting them the help they need.

[sendero]

91. I have a more nuanced view...

... I'm not going to lecture anyone because the folks who screwed up are WELL AWARE at this point.

And I do not begrudge anyone the right to ask for assistance from life-threatening situations, regardless of where they live.

But OTOH, anyone trying to politicize thier perceived neglect can pack sand. Anyone who has spent their life railing against the idea of climate change, or opining that government is useless, well Shut The Fuck Up idiot, don't make a hypocrite of yourself.