This is the kind of scene that keeps people from evacuating

[Lindaloo]

I'd like to know why they only keep showing mobile homes that have been destroyed.

Wouldn't that give some people a false sense of security? "Well, only those mobile homes got blown to bits. I didn't see any regular houses get destroyed. I think I won't evacuate next time. My house is safe."

I think that's another scene that would keep people from evacuating.

I agree!!

[Steve]

EmeraldCoast1,

Not to be ugly or anything, but I think you're playing this too much of an us vs. them situation. I think the cops shoud be understood, but nonetheless, a taser is an extreme use of force. You may be ex-military which is what I'm guessing based on your Bush quote at the bottom (FWIW, I wonder how many hearts and souls of America there are, but I'd guess it's whereever Bush or Kerry happens to be campaigning that day).

>>Yeah, and what happens when they (law enforcement) let people back on an island with washed out roads, downed trees and power lines, and snakes, and somebody gets severly injured or killed? Now resources are taken away from shelters and such and used to take care of that problem. Then the homeowner's and media will scream and shout things like, "how could they let us go onto the island when it wasn't safe?" "The cops just let us back on the island when they knew it wasn't safe".

So the resources are taken away. Bottom line is the guy is a property owner or dweller in that area and should have the right to protect his belongings. That should come first and trump all other considerations.

>>Island communities, especially, should have waivers as part of their emergency evacuation procedures. When you return to the point of entry to the island to return to your property after an evac., you must prove you live there (photo id with address), and sign a waiver stating that the county government will not be held responsible for any injuries or death that occurs during this time. If a homeowner wants to return to his/her property before it is completely safe, they should be allowed to as long as they agree to not hold the local government(s) liable for injuries.

I don't have a problem with that. An old timer Louisiana guy once told me that to get down to his boat and camp (lower St. Bernard) after a cane (Betsy or one of the late 40's canes), they required him to get vaccinated for malaria and acknowledge that he was going at his own risk. I don't know how you play that out with an entire city, but you do have some valid points in your second paragraph.

In my mind, days and days and days of "not knowing" just pushes people over the edge. You can't blame the dude for wanting to get back home and being fighting mad about not being able to go. And I wouldn't blame the cops if they cuffed the guy and forced him into a cooling off period or whatever. But by use of extrordinary force, it was their way or the highway. In my mind, that's unAmerican (even if I do live in the true [tm] heart and soul of the good old US of A).

Steve

[Skywatch_NC]

I saw a story of a couple on the news yesterday...they were either from Sanibel Island or Punta Gorda...anyway, they took a boat ride to get past the 'cop guards' and to see if their house was still intact...fortunately it WAS!

Eric

[GalvestonDuck]

Island communities, especially, should have waivers as part of their emergency evacuation procedures. When you return to the point of entry to the island to return to your property after an evac., you must prove you live there (photo id with address), and sign a waiver stating that the county government will not be held responsible for any injuries or death that occurs during this time. If a homeowner wants to return to his/her property before it is completely safe, they should be allowed to as long as they agree to not hold the local government(s) liable for injuries.

That's true for Galvestonians. We also put a circular sticker on our windshields that identifies us as islanders (and only islanders get one) plus we have to show our ID's or other proof of residence -- or so I'm told. Since I've never had to evacuate, I've never really experienced what happens upon returning to the island. The only other thing I know is that UTMB employees who do NOT live on the island but are part of the E1, E2, E3 plan must have their UTMB hospital ID's AND the E-status tags (E1's go home and pack up stuff for the long haul...they're the ones who stay throughout the storm; E2's are the preparatory team...they work prior to full-fledged evacuations and provide coverage while E1's get ready to "live" at UTMB for the emergency; E3's are the relief team that comes in after the "all clear").

Of course, I don't think they'll allow most people back unless they know it's safe. So no waiver needed.