Evacuee's/Refugee's

[Instrument 41]

I would like to hear from other states that are housing these people? Are they behaving? How much has crime risen in the areas where some of these folks have been sent? They have now formed their own "coalition" in Baton Rouge and are demanding "their rights be met". (Its not like you are GIVEN food, shelter, clothing, health care, spending money) And why didn't the feds utilized all of these bases around the US to house those sent out? The bases have facilities to handle large numbers.

[RallyJon]

The minute they start "demanding their rights be met" is the minute sympathy and charity will dry up.

[Teutonics]

I'm housing my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law from N.O.

"Demanding" is close, but not quite strong enough of a word...

[Steeve]

I hear conflicting views here in Houston. I have heard that the majority of the refugees are very grateful for all the charity they are receiving, but there are some that think that the food isn't good enough, the clothes aren't good enough, etc. I think a few bad apples may be making the group as a whole look bad, by drawing negative publicity.

[dd74]

Here in L.A., a bunch went to a Dodger game the other night. Of course, why start trouble here? There are worse places a homeless person could end up...

[ronin]

unfortunately this is something that will always happen. you can't please all of the people all of the time. there will always be someone that will complain, no matter what. the difference will be in how the media chooses to portray this phenomenon. given enough desire to pile even more crap on G.W.'s plate, the media may focus on the "complainers" as a way to illustrate even more "apparent" ineptitude on the side of the Bush administration. hopefully they will be content to call a spade a spade and leave it at that. I'm not holding my breath

[BRPORSCHE]

Some have ended up at my school (18 to be exact in the my senior class) and except for one they are all great kids. The only thing I hate about this whole situation is the traffic ABSOLUTELY SUCKS!

[RallyJon]

Speaking of killing sympathy...

Galleria Workers Question Evacuee Debit Card Purchases
Retail Employees Say Storm Victims Buying Expensive Gifts With Donated Money

HOUSTON -- Although thousands of evacuees are still in need of financial help, questions are being raised about how some of them are spending money on debit cards they received from the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

Some employees at the Galleria said they saw storm victims using the debit cards to buy expensive gifts, like $250 bracelet, instead of on food or housing.

"I was upset because I donated money like a lot of people, and I think it should have just strictly been used for food and clothing and necessities … not luxury items that, I mean, I can't even afford," a Galleria employee, who asked to not be identified, told KPRC Local 2.

The Red Cross said it is aware of the problem but admitted that it cannot control where the money is spent.

[ronin]

I knew that would happen. and then shortly after the money is gone, we'll be trated to all the news footage of victims who allegedly didn't get what they needed, probably blaming it on the feds for not providing enough

[vash]

my brother is a cop in elpaso. they have lots of OT keeping an eye on the facility that is housing them. no issues yet, behavior-wise. but the nurses there say, alot of them are sick. TB and stuff.

[Steeve]

Originally posted by RallyJon
Speaking of killing sympathy...

We ALL saw that one coming!!! But, better jewelry than crack.