Katrina Victims or Katrina Cons?

Question

I live in the Houston area and we were flooded with Katrina Evacuees in 2005 (no pun intended). The thing is....I understand that it was a devastating tragedy, but how long should the government take care of them? There are some people still receiving assistance and this happened 2.5 yrs ago. I am putting myself in their situation....I think if I was received 4k in money initially, provided an apartment of my own choosing and lived there rent/electricity free for 2.5 yrs....I would be in a great situation. I would have gotten a job and have a nice bank account. How long does it take to heal and become self - sufficient?

Answer 1

Most of NOLA's residents are working, but of course, you will only hear about those who want the government to pay for everything and refuse to help themselves. Please don't think all, even most of us are like that. The only ones who are are the ones you have heard about. It's just that people doing good for themselves isn't news worthy thats why you won't hear about it. Many of us have gotten on our feet, or are trying very hard(some are working, yet still do not make enough to cover the full costs of rebuilding). Much money hasn't even been seen by residents, even now, as our local and state(and federal) governments are very corrupt and have been for years(don't ask me who re-elected Nagin, I didn't and do not know anyone who did), this is why it is taking so long. A lot of people didn't have insurance before hand because, well, we can not afford it. I believe government assistance should be handed to those who can prove they are also helping themselves, but like I said, it is not enough. The only people who should now receive help without having a job are those who are elderly or disabled. It is sad to say that there are people, many who work, who are still to this day living under bridges in tents. I see them on my way home from work sometimes, it is heartbreaking. We seem to have been forgotten about or despised because most Americans do not know what is really going on and if they did, unless they are completley cold hearted, they might be a little more sympathetic. But yeah, many don't even know what is going on, those are the ones who think we shouldn't be rebuilt and what not, even though it is fine to help a country across the world but not even help friendly, tax paying citizens of their own country. Shame :(

By the way, those free bus rides rocked lol.

prairie fire, you are one of the biggest idiots I've ever seen on YA. That is truly saying something. And you're saying that me and my people should be denied any help and that we're all criminals so don't be shocked by the 'idiot' claim. ALL of us? Excuse me, have we met? Didn't think so. All places have their bad apples. Don't act like you're freaking perfect, Don't blame an entire city for the few you have met. Maybe it wasn't even them, maybe it was you.  Who knows :) And the houses that were destroyed in Cali, a lot of it was in a very wealthy area. NOLA is one of the poorest in the country. Honestly, what do you expect? Don't think people who are poor automatically don't have jobs. That's just nonsense. We appreciate and will continue to appreciate all help that is given to us, because though many areas are fine, many still are really bad off. Its a shame that most of NOLA residents that went to your area seem to be losers, but please don't generalize all of us like that because most of are really good people.

By the way, we deserve EVERY DIME we get because we, as a city, never did anything  to anyone. We are also a major port, so unless you want your gas prices to go back to the way they were right after Katrina(I doubt you're old enough to even get a permit), I think it's a good idea we get help.

Answer 2

I can only say about Katrina what I actually witnessed.

I'm a dachshund breeder... and right after Katrina hit 3 African American ladies (and I'm being nice) showed up at my house to buy one of my prettier pups - at a pretty price of $500.  Only while they were leaving did they tell me they were victims of Katrina and they didn't think they were ever gonna get compensated!  I hate to think my tax dollars paid me for my own puppy!!!  

Also, a friend of ours runs a camp that was a "shelter" for Katrina victims for about a month.  This is a very nice camp that usually hosts school groups, college meetings, company seminars, etc... When these poor victims of Katrina left, the place was in shambles... we would have never believed it had we not seen the "after" pictures - it was absolutely revolting.  The bunkhouses were trashed and there was litter all over the farm.  

Also, we volunteered to serve them dinner.  At the same time, a computer club from a local high school was having a retreat there... there were yes ma'ams and no ma'ams and thank yous all over the place from those kids...

The Katrina "victims" were the 2nd group to be served... they lied about how many servings they had, pushed their way through lines, laughed while their undisciplined children ran wild - and I think maybe once I heard a thank you.  So don't even get me started!!!

Answer 3

Some people may have not been able to find a job. If you start out dirt poor, it isn't always as easy and just going and getting a job and getting back on your feet. Many people have no education, and are able to get jobs that may feed and clothe them but don't have enough left over to save. I'm sure competition must be extra high will all the locals and Katrina victims. The gorvernment may also be trying to make up for the embarassing amiount of time it took for them to get aid in the first place. I'm not trying to say that it doens't suck for the Huston locals, but you have to think about several different points of view of these things.

Unfortunatly, there will always be people trying to take advantage of a situation like this.  Be involved in your local, state, and federal government so that you have a say in who gets government money.

Answer 4

I agree with you. I can understand the initial shock these people felt at losing everything and having to re-locate, but it's past ridiculous what some of them are doing. I'm in Texas, too, and my area didn't get many of them, but I keep hearing the stories. I would think that a couple of months would have been plenty of time to get over the worst of the trauma and start re-building their lives.

Answer 5

It can take some people forever...if the state is paying..

Answer 6

theyre CONS all of them...

not one dime should go there... whut of the billions of acres burned in cali? what about those ppl?    

louisiana people are just plain lazy welfare recipeints and have no desire to get a job there in la. to help themselves... sure am glad i dont got NOBUDDY there collecting welfare and handouts...