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Subscribe to RSSNBC's Kerry Sanders reports from a helicopter high above Bloomfield, N.J., where drivers are lined up for miles waiting for a chance to fill up.
The fight for fuel after Superstorm Sandy is getting increasingly desperate.
A motorist was arrested Thursday after he tried to cut in line at a gas station in Queens and pointed a pistol at another motorist who complained, authorities said.
Sean Bailey, 35, of Queens, was arrested on charges of menacing and criminal possession of a weapon, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. It wasn't clear whether he had a lawyer.
If convicted, Bailey could face up to 15 years in prison.
Damage from the storm has forced many gas stations to close and has disrupted fuel deliveries, causing long lines at the stations that remained open. Power outages kept many pumps out of service.
Gas-seekers traded tips via social media and roamed the region for hours in search of functioning pumps. Police officers helped maintain order at the few stations in operation.
At a Gulf station in Newark, N.J., a line of vehicles stretched for about two miles. Dozens of people with empty red gas canisters also stood in the line that snaked around the station.
Betty Bethea, 59, had been waiting almost three hours as she approached the front of the line of cars, and she brought reinforcements: Her kids were there with gas cans, and her husband was behind her in his truck.
"It is crazy out here — people scrambling everywhere, cutting in front of people. I have never seen New Jersey like this," Bethea said.
Adrees Latif / Reuters
A woman covers her face in frustration while waiting for hours in line to get fuel outside at a gas station in the New York City borough of Queens on November 1, 2012.
Numerous reports of confrontation at the stations that were still open surfaced on Twitter and YouTube.
A fistfight broke out Wednesday between customers at the Getty station on Route 59 in Monsey, N.J., the only functioning station in the area, Chiam Tzik, the station's manager, told Newsday. On Thursday morning, traffic stretched for at least half a mile on both sides of the road.
In New York state, Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano signed an executive order rationing gas to 10 gallons per customer effective immediately.
At the heart of the fuel supply crunch is the fact that Sandy has devastated the energy industry's ability to move fuel into and around the New York City region, particularly the harbor, by any of the three means that normally supply the area: tanker imports from abroad; pipeline shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast; or refinery production from the mid-New Jersey area.
The good news is none of these issues appears to be especially long-lasting. Power is gradually being restored in New Jersey, where much of the key infrastructure is located and New York Harbor barge traffic is expected to resume later Thursday. A key pipeline should resume limited deliveries on Friday. Even flooded refineries should eventually resume production.
But that's little comfort for those who need fuel now to get to work or to help heat their homes as a cold front moves in.
With limited mass transit, more folks are forced to use cars, and that, combined with a gas shortage, is creating gas station lines extending for miles all over New York and New Jersey. NBC's Tom Costello reports.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Deadliest zone: Staten Island reels from devastation
- Sandy power outages could last another 10 days; new winter storm builds
- NYC taxis running out of fuel as gasoline lines grow post-Sandy
- Wind, flames, Our Fathers: The inside story of Breezy Point's terrible night
- 'We'll figure out a way': Breezy Point looks ahead
- War veterans hit Sandy's front lines for rescues, cleanup
- NYC-area airports up and running, albeit slowly
- New York trick-or-treaters defy Sandy to celebrate Halloween
- How to avoid post-storm insurance and repair scams
- New Jersey investigating reports of price gouging
- Your Sandy photos: Show us the heroes in your life
- Sandy's aftermath: How you can help
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As I drove to different grocery stores in my area, and finding the shelves for food that had to be kept refrigerated wiped clean, and the frozen food doors roped off with notice not to open the doors due to dry ice being used, and then seeing the long gas lines everywhere I went, coupled with non-working traffic signals and widespread power outages, I felt that we weren't too far from being a third-world country in these circumstances. The impossibility of repairing all the damage and restoring all the power in a short timeframe also underscored that. I was lucky, and had no flooding or lengthy power outage, but we did lose power for about five hours Monday night. I cannot imagine how the people on the devastated shorelines will recover, a large number of whom doubtless lost everything they had but their lives, which will now be wretched and painful for a long time to come.
sadly simply put?....slowly...as we all do after disasters, but as Americans we always " endeavor to persevere"...... its what we do best.
"As I drove to different grocery stores in my area, and finding the shelves for food that had to be kept refrigerated wiped clean, and the frozen food doors roped off with notice not to open the doors due to dry ice being used, and then seeing the long gas lines everywhere I went, coupled with non-working traffic signals and widespread power outages, I felt that we weren't too far from being a third-world country in these circumstances."
Actually, there's a difference. I've met people with little in third world countries who still treat each other with respect, and who go through life with a semblance of dignity and good humor, despite their situation. Many Americans however are outraged when their power is off for more than a day, and some (as evidenced by the moron in this story) will do anything to get what THEY want/need, even at gun point, and to hell with everyone else.
Third world nations also have their desperadoes. Why is it that Americans love to place their own nation so far below the rest of the world?
This is what keeps us from being a 3rd world country - we help each other. We have a government that the rest of us tax payers give money to that also goes to helping those in need.
overseas
Hogwash, tramp. The feds spent $32 billion on domestic disaster recovery in 2011. Probably be more this year.
Of course, Romney wants to cut FEMA's budget and privatize it eventually,lol
That should work great, for-profit disaster recovery.
This was just a single storm that directly impacted a very small portion of the population.
Imagine what it would be like if something were to happen on a larger scale? A simple solar flair at the right time could blow out huge portions of the grid. What then?
We are too dependent on technology and energy and sometimes on each other. Society is a fine mesh that can do a lot of good working together. But if there's a small tear in the right spot, it can pull apart very quickly.
Only a first class moron would lose their mind over gas. Give this guy at least 10 years.
I'm hit, I have no power, and gas lines are 2 hours by me. Either conserve your gas, wait on line, or take a vacation from your car. Seriously, heat and power are a bigger concern, and your personal car is last on the list over municipalities for gas. Grow up time, here.
Tiggle, the storm was 1100 miles wide. It impacted a significant portion of the country's population. Disasters don't get a lot larger than this. About the only thing bigger would be the Yellowstone supervolcano deciding to erupt. THAT would be a bummer, dude.
Everything from Obama's 4 years reminds us of the Carter years.
unless your job is essential, stay home, if you most take vacation pay; keep off the roads as much as possible, let the linemen and trucks do their job; water and food is the only essentials at this time; if it is a medical problem that is serious go to a emergency room, or walk in clinic; remember this is a major natural disaster, keep coll in the head, and pitch in with your neighbors; FEMA has no equipment, and no ability to help until power and supplies are restored, just stay cool, calm and collected; at least there is no major civil unrest, New Orleans saw a total collapse of a civil society, do not repeat that mistake;
good luck NY and NJ, the world is watching how real Americans respond to this, let us make them proud.
Take a Vegas vacation. Come back when things return to normal.
If this would have been N.O., the government would have given these folks $1,000.00 each to evacuate, supplied the transport to a location of the evacuees choosing, and give them shelter in the best hotel-motels.
This storm should show people just how unprepared they are for a disaster or even worse...the fall of a government.
The cities were just not prepared for this...as usual. They'll huff and puff after this but nothing will get done.
Like the economists and prep people have said...NYC could have spent $1 in preparation over the last 10+ years to save $4 in repairs. Of course they didn't do it.
It's events like this that I wish I could find the right opportunity to relocate my life to a less resource intensive area. At least that way my life wouldn't depend so much on things that I have to wait for the government to fix and I wouldn't have to deal with high density populations.
A lot of modern problems could be solved if population density wasn't so high in certain areas.
This sounds like my brothers neighbor - a tea party patriot who proudly tells anyone who will listen "my second amendment rights will ensure that I can take what I want for my own survival." These people have no place in a civilized society.
Nothing can be worst than the reagan yrs
And that my friends, is an argument in favor of prohibiting average Joe from packing heat in public. Number of potential gun deaths from road rage can potentially far outnumber deaths caused by career criminals using their weapons. If people want to own guns they should only be permitted keep them at home (or business) and for use at the range, human nature being what it is.
The bush and chaney years were the WORST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Basil Romeo,
Guns ARE prohibited in NYC. Didn't really stop this guy....
Basil Romeo - The only problem with your argument is this: if the "average Joe" is prohibited from carrying, then his means of protecting himself and his family has been taken from him. Because the "bad guys" will ignore laws and prohibitions. That's why they're bad guys. I carry openly everywhere I go, because I'm fortunate enough to live in a state that allows me to. If I draw my gun on another person (which I never have), it's because I believe my wife or myself is in IMMINENT danger of death or serious injury. Not because somebody cuts me off in line or on the highway, not because somebody gives me the finger or calls me an @!$%#.
That being said, as far as the clown who pulled a gun on the gas line - throw the book at him. If you want to carry a deadly weapon, you should know; not only how to use it, but WHEN to use it.
Cutting in line?
Illegals from south of the border started this trends of cutting lines.
Where will it end?
@model railroad man: The bush and chaney years were the WORST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post offtopic much?
@Pedestrian-in-SF: This sounds like my brothers neighbor - a tea party patriot who proudly tells anyone who will listen "my second amendment rights will ensure that I can take what I want for my own survival." These people have no place in a civilized society.
That's not a tea party patriot, that's a criminal. And criminals don't give a damn about the Second Amendment, either.
Scubasteve: True. Now imagine the carnage if carrying a concealed weapon in public were legalized in New York.
@Basil Romeo: So... legal ownership of firearms increases carnage? Huh?
StoneCold: Then I assume that you are in favor of the "Stand Your Ground" law in Florida where the same debate is currently raging. Zimmerman also believed that he was at imminent risk of death. The jury is still out on that one. You are probably one of the more rational and level-headed people out there and likely not to respond to provocation with impulsive violence. But you are not the type of person I'm worried about. Fortunately the family of the victim in this case did not need to attend his/her funeral but others might not be so fortunate. In that case "throwing the book" at the perp won't help the victim's family much.
your right Basil Rome, THINK...
would A$$-hat #1 pull a gun if he thought its very likely that the other person has a gun too?
better yet, would he have cut in line in the first place if he thought that EVERYONE he just cut in front of might have a gun?
but no, your right, ALL of us law-abiding citizens SHOULD just live in fear of criminals with guns...
Basil Romeo - IF ( and the operative word here is "IF"),Zimmerman was in fear of his life, then he was justified. I personally don't think he was justified, but I wasn't there; that's for the courts to decide. The generally accepted criteria is: Were the shooter's actions commensurate with how a REASONABLE PERSON would react.
Understand, if you pull the trigger on somebody (no matter how justified), you're in for a @!$%#load of trouble. The best gunfight is one you can avoid. BUT - if it comes down to you (figuratively) or me, and only one of us is going to walk away, I'm going to do my best to make sure it's me. Same thing if I'm out hiking and I run into a bobcat/mountain lion/rattler, I'll turn and walk away. But if he wants to push it, then I'll push back as hard as I can. A predator is a predator.
Mark: I didn't say I'm against legal ownership of guns, just against legalizing the carrying of a concealed weapon IN PUBLIC, which should be left to Law Enforcement. I have a permit to own a gun in a state that prohibits carrying a concealed weapon except to and from a range and for the purpose of hunting (though I do not hunt).
Scubasteve: Gun ownership is NOT categorically prohibited in New York City or in the rest of the State. Carrying a concealed weapon in public, however, is prohibited in all of New York State unless the nature of your business necessitates doing so. In New York State (not NYC) you can own a gun for hunting and target practice.
To all those who want a return to the days of the Wild West, please vote for Anyoneelse for President. I guarantee that justice will be swift (if not fair). Hey, perhaps it will have the added benefit of lowering unemployment - more deaths and business for the mortitians and coffin makers.
RKB555...nothing worse than the Reagan years? Are you serious? Maybe you've suffered from a traumatic brain injury?
He was the best president we have had in many years. His list of accomplishments is pretty long. Saved us from Carter's failed economy policies, Carters failed Foreign policies and helped end the cold war for starters.
@Basil: Mark: I didn't say I'm against legal ownership of guns, just against legalizing the carrying of a concealed weapon IN PUBLIC,
One cannot legally carry (concealed or not) an illegal gun. Therefore, it's just another restriction on legal ownership.
BTW, In New York State the gun must be kept in a locked case in the trunk while transporting it to the range or hunting grounds.
Basil, you sound like a 6 year old little drama queen. Make a rational point and then stop, once you keep going, you just are a whiney little ..... girl.
Mark: "One cannot legally carry (concealed or not) an illegal gun."
Disagree with your parenthetical remark, which negates the rest of your argument. While it can be illegal to carry a CONCEALED weapon IN PUBLIC, it can be legal to own a gun for specific purposes, which is the case in New York, and my point. As I noted above, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon in New York State (not NYC) except to and from a range and for hunting (though you need a separate license for the latter). In either case, the weapon must be in a locked case and in the trunk of your car.
Tracy: I haven't seen a cogent remark from you on the topic, just criticism of those attempting an honest debate on the issues. I guess that makes you a bitch.
...and an ignorant one at that.
A few years back, there was a story that came out about a man who's house caught on fire. Having not paid his monthly city fees, the fire department stood by and watched as his home as it burned to the ground. This is what we have in store for us as for-profit everything is implemented.
Think about how health care has turned out. Insurance companies decide what care you can have (or not), and the rich get the best care in the world while everyone else deals with insurance company death panels.
Imaging that kind of system when it comes to disaster recovery... Mr. and Ms. Jones, you only have our Basic disaster coverage. Your coverage is limited to a tent and MREs for two weeks. Your neighborhood is on a long list for recovery. Of course, Mr. and Ms. Rich has the Platinum plan and they will be provided with a temporary luxury home with power and running water while they put their neighborhood on a priority list for repairs.
My hearts and prayers to the people who lost loved ones. People are too tied up with possessions though. And this idiot is a glimps of what is wrong with our nation. Entitlement. He thinks he is entitled to be in the front of the line and get what he wants. People need to wake up, because the more we put possessions over what truly matter, the worst it will get. People seem to be blind to former great empires that lived for themselves and crumbled. we as USA are not above this outcome.
@Basil: While it can be illegal to carry a CONCEALED weapon IN PUBLIC, it can be legal to own a gun for specific purposes, which is the case in New York, and my point. As I noted above, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon in New York State (not NYC) except to and from a range and for hunting (though you need a separate license for the latter). In either case, the weapon must be in a locked case and in the trunk of your car.
Okay, third time now: these laws curtail legal firearms ownership and the rights of citizens. They make you less, not more safe. They certainly don't "decrease the carnage".
No one gets this David, but they will won't they <wink> because it is inevitable. Soon the haliburton's will control all of the now civil run necessities and it will be even worse than what you just stated.
There will be over charges, sir charges, bs taxes, etc etc etc added to each bill. They will rip you off like Comcast, AT&T, banks, Verizon, Dish... does.
Then there will be the straight out fraud to rip off tax payers for billions. Yes, it is coming. The sheeple are blind.
For all the destruction of life and property in Japan after their triple disaster within 24 hours, there was not one documented case of uncivility. There were thousands of cases documented where the Japanese people gave up what little they had in the way of clothing, food, shelter to help another.
@ MIke-680333
He also granted amnesty to all illegal aliens without a criminal record.
Basil Romeo
1. How would I protect my self and family when in danger in the city with a gun locked in a case at home?
2. Do you know why I carry a gun? Because a cop is to heavy!!!!!
3. If people don't need to carry guns to protect themselves because there are cops to do that, then why are so many unarmed people Killed, raped, assaulted, etc in the US?
Though carrying a concealed weapon (like I do all the time) might give some of you country folks a sense of security, in big towns like NY, LA, Chicago and many others, you would get a stab or shot even before you get the chance to draw. Not much security-index here, not even for cops and veterans.
One thing about the article that you NEVER do is drawing your gun even a legal one (unless you need to use it) just for intimidation. If you want to fight, use your (natural) weapons, don't pull your gun.
JJsee/ Tough guy/Stereo typer
"Though carrying a concealed weapon (like I do
all the time) might give some of you country folks a sense of security"Then why do you carry all the time if you don't
get a sense of security from it?
Sorry, I don't live in NYC but just because
people live in Texas does not make them "COUNTRY" Dallas 3rd largest city in the
USA, Houston 4th, San Antonio 7th and Austin 13th.
The facts are that no one in any city or in the
"Country" have ever defended themselves with a gun they left locked in a box at
home. My point is I would rather have it and not need (or have time to draw)
then to have it and its locked up at home.Why Have it at all?
Would you go on a cruse and tell them leave the
life boats on the dock because some people might not have a chance to get
in?
Lastly my 120 pound wife may not be able to fist
fight a 220 pound crack head or I might not be able to fight off 4 guys when out
with my grandson, But could use a gun to deter a fight I have no hope of
winning!
It's illegal to carry in NYC. That has not stopped anybody and it hasn't stopped daily shootings. It's not indicative of the supposed resilience of New Yorkers, it's indicative of the selfish arrogance of New Yorkers.
Ex. Staten Islanders are complaining because FEMA, American Red Cross, first responders and utilities from across the country have not gotten them their new houses yet. It's as if they're the only ones that got devastated. During an interview, one woman said, "Yeah, first responders are still looking for bodies and are pumping out water, but no one is here helping us. It's been four days and I don't have a home to go to." Woman, guess what? Hundreds of thousands in several states are in the same situation.
And when there is no harbor to dock a tankard, when the refinery is closed and no trucks available (or tunnels) to carry gas, there's going to be a lack of gasoline. DUH!
New Yorkers: Get your heads out of your asses, help your neighbors, and QUIT BITCHIN'. It's not going to make anything move any faster. We're not hearing people from other states complaining near as much as New Yorkers do.
BTW: I know of which I speak.
@Tired in Tx-533625
"Tough guy"??
I didn't mention you and I don't know who you are and you don't know anything about me either. Don't embarrass yourself with characterizations.
When I said "like I do all the time" I meant because of my job. But I do believe in self defense and the right to carry, as long as you are a proven law abiding citizen. It sure is necessary to protect your life and that of your family.
On the other hand it is illegal to carry in NYC unless for very limited and extraordinary reasons. It is illegal EVERYWHERE to flaunt a gun for intimidation or even as a joke.
plenty of gasoline out there if you know where too look !......? in the flooded totalled out wrecked cars tanks,you just got to know how to get it out,most is fine as modern cars fuel tanks are sealed so water is not the issue,its a matter of keeping your generators going in a disaster zone,why let it go to waste and fight over fuel
It ends in paranoia with an old, gray, pot bellied white haired man, clutching a 30-06 while wearing a flak jacket, sitting on the porch scanning for illegal trespassers onto his property so that he can shoot them.
The anti gun bunch, just please, PLEASE don't call a cop when you are in trouble. I was not put on this earth to defend you or your families. As to the free gas, I said the other day this was going to be trouble. Just bring the gas and sell it at market price. Free gas is vote buying. There will be blood on the hands of whatever politician is behind this irresponsible act. In less than 4 years, we have cultivated a culture of entitlement. The anti gun folks are basically asking for a form of welfare, at the expense of responsible hard working law abiding folks. Tomorrow will tell whether America recovers, or follows so many other nations down the tubes.
Another one of the "I am more important" or "My time is more important than yours" crowd. I see them all the time out here in Arizona going 55 in school zones and cutting in and out of traffic causing potential accidents by forcing the cars around them to make way.
It is also like the people on SI. Sure they need some help however they have to realize that there are places just as badly damaged as their community was. Also the fact that they live on an island that has not been accessible until recently also plays a part in how fast crews could get there.
There are certain protocols that have to be followed and at times like these you have to go based on a two layered system, the needy first but within that a sub-set of first come first serve as well as rationing in order for there to be enough resources to help everyone.
Reminds me of that short film from years ago about when gas gets too expensive to afford so people cut in line and get into fights to find the cheapest prices or just steal it from each other. The lead character griped any time he had to drive anywhere, had his stash of gas stolen from his garage, and finally ended up in the hospital after getting in a fight at a gas station line. It was an illustration of what could happen when we finally start to run out and how quickly we can descend into violence and theft.
This isn't third world, it's us. And don't forget a great many of us have guns. It will get very ugly when that time comes if we haven't switched to something else by then.
This guy thought he was so tough brandishing a gun, but it only made him a pussy.
I spent 40 years dealing with Staten Islanders. I'll take Arizona any day.
Not to minimize what these people are going through, but Staten Islanders are the WORST when it omes to driving. Not only do they run red lights, but they blow their horn to let you know it.
Want to know what Staten Islanders are like? Just watch "Jersey Shore."
But they don't deserve this; not the hurricane nor the treatment they're getting. If I recall correctly, Staten Island was solidly against Bloomberg in the last election. Least they got something right.
I bet these people waiting in line for gas wish they bought a Chevy Volt!
@Makessense: They'd be charging that... where?
Sounds pretty polite to me... they at least let you know :)
I have a saying for those kinda folks...
"You obviously don't know who I think I am."
Very nicely said GEOWIL
I have to agree Geo. Unless the people on SI don't have TV, Radio, or Newspapers, they must have had some idea the this storm was a one-of-a-kind. Maybe a little preparation would have been in order. Help will come and all will be well soon. Meanwhile, tonight I'll donate a hundred to the cause believe that fellow Americans need help and we can do a little bit.
RVGrandpa: Thanks. Done.
RVGrandpa: Yes, New Yorkers (not just SI) know better than their local government (that's another board) and better than nature. But being pigheaded didn't keep some people from losing everything. May your donation start a waterfall of donations to get everyone to a working level soon...very soon.
@StoneCold363654 ,you got that part right about the drivers! i had to save a few who just drove into 4-5 feet of rising seawater like it never was there or they thought they were above the rules! i pulled out motorist who didn't see it from the sidestreets ,but the IDIOTS who went around our road closures ,cones and flares ,i just let them sink and refuse to fish them out,most where either guidos or arrogant snobs ,ALL of the cars were high end Lexus,benz,BMW,acrua &infiniti ,there was even a 5 car pileup in 5 feet of water and i watched a E350 benz sink like a brick when its trunk got peeled open like a tin can,all these idiots ignored our road blockade
and people come together....
ok enough already, you were warned about this for a week and weren't smart enough to fill up? hope its a nice long line and a hot day. perhaps you will learn something, but frankly if you were that stupid to begin with, i don't hold out much hope for it.
And pull a gun? really? in a gas station? in case he or anyone else for that matter dont know... gas and bullets don't get along real well.
Einstein, everyone did fill up. The gas is for the generators that have helped heat the homes (we are in the Northeast after all) along with refrigerators. We were told to have enough food and water for 5 days. Count them: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. People are running out of supplies and FEMA just arrived yesterday to some locations.
This was one man who pulled a gun in a stressful situation. If he lives on the edge to begin with, one has to expect that a few unbalanced people will not be able to stand the stress.
I.A., I don't hold much hope for you. Your lack of compassion and understanding are astonishing.
no i simply dont need to be told to be prepared, let alone for how long. nor do i hold out much hope for anyone who does. this was indeed one incident, so far. wonder when the gougeing will begin.or has it already? anyone from there know?
no i simply dont need to be told to be prepared, let alone for how long. nor do i hold out much hope for anyone who does. this was indeed one incident, so far. wonder when the gougeing will begin.or has it already? anyone from there know?
sorry for the studder post folks......it happens....
I think people underestimated the extent of the damage. If you haven't experienced it before, and who has, it's very human to not think that far ahead. You think you're prepared, but when when the power's out for more than the few days you expected, suddenly you realize what a mistake you've made. Multiply that my millions and it's a disaster.
It's easy to quarterback now, but if you weren't right next to the coast, you probably thought this would be nothing more than a bad storm.
(And if you were right next to the coast and you're looking for gas now, you're an idiot. You should have evacuated.)
Who's the Einstein, as scootertramp stated, people were given plenty of ADVANCED notice, they should have prepared properly, i,e buy enough supplies prior to the event. I don't know about you but people I know prepare for 3 or 4 days longer than government estimates given their poor responses in previous disasters.
Also, why would anybody have compassion and understqanding for an idiot who pulls a gun let alone cuts in line as if his needs are any more than others!
A similar situation actually happened in the Northwest around Seattle in 2008. There was a major snow storm (far larger than we normally get) and some places had no power for 2 weeks. They actually made a law afterwards that all gas stations had to have an emergency power generator. It proved very smart. I know the northeast is hurting because so many gas stations don't have power now.
precisely my point ag its been 3-4 day's what happens this weekend,or... shudder.. way down the road ...as in next week?
Scooter
Spot on! "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." I believe it was Ben Franklin that first stated that.
ScooterTramp
If you weren't such an egocentric, opinionated dork, people may take your criticisms easier. But you are and no one cares about how much better prepared you are for anything life may throw at you.
hmmm, if you put up food for a month or so to prepare for a disaster like this, then you are labeled a dreaded "prepper" which will put you on the terrorist list. This is not a joke.
piglizard...? a person who writes and i qoute here;
Has the audacity to play the insult game? i generaly never respond to people who fling insults rather then points or facts .....but that's just down right comical.
oh and did you see the today show, people lined up with a 3 gallon gas can? i wonder how many actually need it and how many decided, hum maybe i should go get some gas just in case....which is what they should have thought in the first place.
Oh and one more thing before i close...what happened to those strick gun laws? didnt this guy read the "gun free zone" signs ?....thats suppose to stop them...isnt it?
Yeah bagdadjoe, cuz they're watching how much food you buy vs. how much you consume and how much you store.
And if you store too much food, they're putting you on the terrorist list.
I think you better adjust your tin foil hat.
"oh and did you see the today show, people lined up with a 3 gallon gas can? "
Yeah tramp, they're lining up for hours with a 3 gallon gas can just because they feel like standing outside in the cold for hours for fun.
Good thing we have you here to determine everyone else's motives and needs.
I was living in New Orleans when Katrina hit. I evacuated like most, expecting it to be three or four days. It was three weeks before I got back in. Fortunately the wife insisted we empty the fridge and turn it off before leaving. We were one of only a few that had a working, non stunk up fridge.
Thank you, Hank! You took to EXACT words right out of my brains. I was just about to comment on that, but fell out lol when I saw you beat me to it!
Have a good one, dude! You're reply was too funny, and we were on the same page with that.
Apparently, bagdadjoe thinks he's in IRAQ or something.
Scooter might be a little bit gruff but he has a point. Everyone knew this was coming. They were calling it a potential major disaster many days ahead of time. If you knew anything about this history of hurricanes hitting this area, you should have known that it had the potential of being the worst storm in your lifetime.
When the remants of Ike tore through my area, it was 5 days before power was restored. I never ran out of gas, never ran out of food or water. If you look in my cupboard right now, I have several days of water stored and enough non-perishable food for almost a week. There's 3 gallons of Coleman fuel and 6 quarts of propane canisters stored to cook with or purify water. I always have flashlights with good batteries available and a battery powered radio. Combined with 2 other major weather events in my area that year, I was without power over 15 days and never ran out of food or water during any of those events.
I'm no survival nut either, I don't have backpacks of freezed dried food you hear advertised on conservative radio. It's just canned or dry food that keeps for years and I cycle through it and replace it as needed. I buy gallons of water for under $1 and keep them a year at a time. It just seems like good sense to have enough available to get through an emergency situation without panic.
Price gouging has already begun from gas to batteries to food and supplies especially generators. Many retailers are purposely limiting the cheaper models so that only the more expensive ones are available.
"Yeah bagdadjoe, cuz they're watching how much food you buy vs. how much you consume and how much you store.
And if you store too much food, they're putting you on the terrorist list.
I think you better adjust your tin foil hat."
Sorry Hank, but bagdadjoe is right. Google "preppers as terrorists" and you can see for yourself. No tinfoil hats involved here.
Little bit of fact checking:
Residents were told to prepare for as many 11 days, not 5, without power and services as early as a week before the storm.
Everything we know about the "Preppers" issue supposedly comes from a high ranking National Guard official referred to as Soldier X. Nobody has been able to confirm Soldier X's identity, the validity of the recorded phone call, or the existence of a Terrorist Prepper List. This all stemmed from a book named "How to Survive 2012" in which the author claims if Obama is re-elected, the very next day the National Guard will go door to door at every house in the nation and take your guns. Coincidentally anonymous Soldier X came forward about the same time the book was released. Form your own opinions.
This whole arguement about "The government told us only five days", and people are yelling at the guy who is laughing at you for NOT being prepared. YOU ARE SHEEPLE.
Straight up you haven't a clue. If you knew about this in advance and you don't have suppplies for a month you are a phucking moron. If you don't have at least two weeks of supplies for your family year round you win the "darwin award".
I'm betting the people with generators were sitting on their couches running lights, tv, frig full on all day. No candles, no lanterns, etc. Just fools.
Pathetic how people lash out when the stark truth smacks them in the face. Funny how they blame everyone else around them. Let this be a lesson to use common sense. Have the supplies for at least two weeks, have an escape plan, a meeting place outside the city, a relative or hotel you can go stay at/with and a bugout bag ready to go for each family member. You had better have a handgun for all those psychopath's that will come out of the woodwork like this guy in the story. It's common sense.
Hannibal... I believe you'll find that "common sense" is the most un-common thing about America (if not the entire planet).
"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age 18. Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." Albert Einstein
I have no sympathy for those who didn't bother to prepare or go to shelters As if anyone needed proof that God does not protect children and fools. But you also have to take into consideration that New York has been told so many times for so many years to always be prepared and have a 'go bag' in case of emergency, that it eventually turns into white noise and is ignored.
A few interesting points- Notice how people are starting to get despirate 3-4 days after a disaster? Notice how FEMA and the Red Cross are not doing amazingly better jobs than during Kitrina? Notice that non-union electrical trucks entering to help NJ are being turned away due to their non-affiliations? Notice that NYC's Mayor spent his time in the last two days writing an Op-Ed endorsement for President Obama and is pushing to hold the NYC Marathon while his own city is suffering.
Reality- This just goes to show that the government may not all be in it for you. Kudos to Governor Christie for side stepping politics and pushing to help his people. This also clearly points out that you shouuld be prepared to live alone for a week- food, water, shelter, fuel, etc. Feel free to mock "preppers" but I'm betting about now there are a bunch of people in NJ, NY, MD, DC, WVA, VA, CT, and PA whom are quietly living just fine without power and without centralized government handing them what they need to survive.
Worst case I heard were people in southern NYC whom didn't do anything to prepare for the storm and were moaning that they didn't have any power, food, or water one day after the storm. They have a baby too. Guess what- I'm sorry that everything is a door away in NYC, but you've got to take control of your own lives and be ready for problems like this!
good job joe, the govt is very, very, very, rarely the answer to any problem or intelligent question.
oh and i loved your slapping F.R. around yesterday BTW.
I live here and am not familiar with the 'non union' trucks being turned away. What I did observe, however, were multiple convoys up and down the turnpike that were from FEMA, North Carolina power supply company, Georgia power supply company, people who handle the fallen trees, cleaning specialists (laundry), etc. Yesterday was the second day without the bad weather. No help could be soon enough, especially when considering that many families are homeless with only the clothes on their backs.
That being said, most did have 5 days of supplies as directed by the government. We always see the exceptions on the news and the people who lost everything. You are right, many are living without the generosity of others as it has not risen to that point for them. However, when your house is shredded or sitting on top of another home, what are your alternatives? Starve your children?
Everyone is an authority yet most do not even live close to this disaster. It is not as simple as being described. The population by far exceeds that of the Katrina victims yet we have far less casualties. That did not just happen, it was the result of good planning.
It is going to be a long and painful road for the citizens of Jersey Strong...but we will do it as will the citizens of NYC...it is how we are made.
So you say...I can't find news on that anywhere. Sounds like typical rightwing/Fox News BS to me.
It strikes me that people who comment in the cynical manner you just did have no concept of the magnitude of this disaster.
Joe, STFU!!!! Absolutely no one wants to read your trash. It belongs in the garbage along with you. Didn't your mother teach you that if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all?
http ://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/11/02/New-Jersey-Turns-Away-Nonunion-Relief-Crews
opps post's 5.2 -3 & 4 , looks like 5.5 done slapped ya..............
Breitbart is your source of info?
My crews are working with many non-union workers here from out of state to get things back on track.
Breitbart is full of crap.
Why would someone quote breitbart's website and expect anyone to believe anything on there? Seems folks forget the Sherrod incident, ACORN, and the anchor woman he/that site tried to smear.
Either way, the google crisis map actually showed quite a few food and water drop offs from the red cross and fema.
The lack of common sense and the rush to "victimhood" is rampant among many of those complaining the loudest in NY and NJ. For example, why are so many waiting in line for three hours for gas when you could drive further away and get anything you need? There are many parts of NJ where the power is on. The stores are well stocked and there is plenty of gasoline. I understand that some do not have a vehicle or otherwise cannot reach the highway. A one hour drive in each direction is still better than sitting in line for two or three hours. Gas is not being rationed in Philly or South Jersey. Why aren't these "victims" getting together and pooling their efforts?
I bought batteries, shelf stable food and extra bottled water. I was prepared to get by for three to four days without power. My daughter asked me why I was doing all this because she thought the storm "might not happen". I told her it was coming, the question was if our power would go out. While it didn't in my home, many of our relatives had no electricity for three or more days. We need to stop thinking that disasters only happen to other people on tv...
Also the federal government is helping in other ways. The USS San Antonio is coming to help with supplies and medical care. People seem to forget the DOD is part of the federal gov.
It's good to see there are people still willing to politicize this disaster.
Here's the original WAFF story: http://www.waff.com/story/19981857/some-nonunion-ala-crews-turned-away-from-sandy-recovery
The Breitbart story seems to imply that Obama was behind this, but the WAFF story says, "Derrick Moore, one of the Decatur workers, said they were told by crews in New Jersey that they can't do any work there since they're not union employees." (Emphasis added) Regardless of who's behind this, it's despicable. I'm sure Long Islanders won't mind the extra help as a result.
There are non-union crews from within state, out-of state working all over NJ.
This story is bullcrap.
yep ...the good part............
I lived in Florida several years ago. We had 2 hurricanes 3 weeks apart, and landfall very near the same place each time. I was lucky-I lost power for only 12 days, got it back on the 13th day, only to have it snatched away 5 days later, for another 4-5 days. I had filled my bathtub with water ahead of the first storm. Do you know why? So I could flush my toilet. Our local water treatment plant lost power so we were told there wouldn't be any pressure for a day or so. When the bathtub water ran out, my brother (who was visiting from California and just HAD to see a hurricane) and I took a plastic tub out to the street which was flooded, and filled that up with water. He was brilliant, coming up with that idea. We just skimmed the leaves out and we were fine. When the water came back on, I was still fine. It was early-mid September, so I really didn't need a HOT shower, just something to cool me off.
My only question is this. Why do people see a huge storm coming straight at them, and do nothing to prepare for it? It's a hurricane people! It just doesn't take that much effort to set aside some extra bottled water and non-perishable food to get you by for a few days or longer. If you are able, try to become more self sufficient. When I was stationed in Puerto Rico in the late 80's, one of the first things they tell newcomers is to prepare a hurricane basket or two, or three or whatever. Stock it with whatever you can, and rotate or replace things every few months. We also had a large freezer. We would fill up empty milk jugs with water and freeze them. They went a long way in keeping my refridgerator cold longer.
Instead of waiting for someone to help you, help yourself first. I don't mean this for the people who lost their homes and very nearly their lives. I can't imagine losing my home like that. I'm saying this for the people who live in high rises or other safer places. It just burns my britches when people demand that the government supply them with the very same things they should have gotten for themselves.
@culheath -
New Jersey town to Ala. volunteer utility crew: Don’t help with Sandy unless you’re unionized
dailycaller.com
Utility crews from several states East of the Mississippi River hit the road this week to volunteer their time and talents in Northeastern states hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.
culheath - please go to other non-liberal websites to get your information. People you only listen to will not cover this story.
What a shame that in times of need people can not work together. Very typical of the division in this country. And then people like you just spew more disgust and hatred.
http://www.waff.com/story/19981857/some-nonunion-ala-crews-turned-away-from-sandy-recovery
I've seen reports around on the union issue. Hey, maybe I'm wrong and maybe it's very localized. I would hope that I'm wrong to be frank.
I'm not saying that people aren't good, I'm quite sure that a lot of people are helping out their neighbors (we did). I'm also sure that there were people whom were prepared but lost their homes and are now fully dependent on their neighbors. What I'm saying is that you shouldn't depend on the government for your survival, which I think many people do. I'm very happy that the National Guard is there, that the DOD is helping out, and that many churches, community groups, etc. are stepping up. I'm not impressed with the priorities of some politicians whom are either misguided or are exploiting the moment for themselves.
I have 30 crews working on the problems in NJ. None are union.
They are working with and around crews from all over the country - union and non-union. The stories are BS.
Let's just wait a few months and see what the Port Authority does in NYC. There might be or might not be localized Union stupidity but institutionalized stupidity will show it's ugly head.
Do any of you realize how over populated we are? How on earth do you think any government is going to be able to respond and help THAT MANY PEOPLE if the average delivery truck who does it every day can't?
These 47% must think the government is going to borrow Santa's flying sled and drop help down the chimney I guess.
Pathetic.
I've read several articles about the non-union workers being turned away. However, there wasn't any corroboration in any of the articles. Even if it were true, then the crews could have gone to SI or LI
How typical of people from NY and NJ. Instead of waiting another two days for your precious gallon of gas, pull out a gun and threaten someone. Too bad Sandy didn't thin the ranks of these losers a bit more.
How typical of two dimensional thinkers who never spend any time in New York and New Jersey to post stupid and incorrect comments.
Really? Were you thinking that as you drank your moonshine? What is the basis for your statement? It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. We have not doubts about your foolishness DeadDriver.
I've spent time in NYC and western NY too.
My general impression of NYC was most people were friendly and helpful. I wasn't there as a tourist either. I was there looking for my brother in law who was homeless at the time. By some small miracle, we found him in 48 hours in mid-Febuary.
I also have in-laws in Rochester. Pretty much the same impression when I go there also.
In fact, I have pretty much the same impression of people all over the country. Most are decent, hard working people who are in general friendly and would sooner greet you with a smile than a frown. Democrat, Republican, Atheist, Evangelical, Black, White, Hispanic, I don't see much difference among them other than their local accent.
It takes pundits with their individual agendas or cable TV trying to capitalize on reality programming to point out the divisions between us.
Deaddiver, You sound like the gun wielding azzhole's cousin. There are psychopath's everywhere, and according to what I've read lately that pool is growing. DIdn't you see how long that line was? 99% of them were not cutting or pulling out guns.
Psycho's don't plan or stock up for disasters. They know they will be shooting/killing and taking whatever they want or need.
Actually, whether or not DeadDriver spent any time here or not, he's pretty accurate. Well, he omitted how arrogant and short sighted New Yorkers are.
We've passed the 3 day mark. At some point survival instinct starts to bubble up and people aren't thinking they are better than others, just that they know what they need and they are going to do what they have to to get it for themselves and family. We saw some of it after the deracho this June/July. Everyone starts out trying to be civilized and polite, but after a while you get tired, it wears on you, and it just does things to people. Hopefully there won't be too many reaching for a gun, hopefully people will just stick to words as a weapon.
Just something to keep in mind.
Oh please...you are talking about THREE days....how desperate do you need to be to pull out a gun because you need GAS??? Stop justifying the behavior of these scumbags.
It is a documented fact that three days is a threshold. Try living without power, water, communication, and HEAT for 3 days and see what it does to you, and your family, and your kids.
I absolutely was not condoning pulling a gun. Read the second half of the post idiot.
DeadDriver---again stop, no need to let people know about your lack of an I.Q.
This is an extraordinary situation, no one knows what each person brings to the table as far as experiences. He may have lost everything, he may have always been a person that could not handle stress. We do not know. It was one event in the midst of millions positive events everyday. Let it go.
Nice try - pull out some unproven "facts" to make your case. Fact is that this guy was a scumbag, and its too bad he wasn't taken down by the police.
deaddriver
while i understand your wanting to "put him down" do you think its wise to have the NYPD start shooting at a gas station? they haven't exactly had a stellar record hitting there intended target as of late ya know.............
Well apparently some of us do believe in summary executions on the side of the road!
http://www.thomasbopedersen.org/VCexecution.jpg
They did have warning, so they should have at least made sure they had water. Otherwise, have you never been wilderness camping or hiking?
John 1289364 said some very nice words: "I've spent time in NYC and western NY too.
My general impression of NYC was most people were friendly and helpful. I wasn't there as a tourist either. I was there looking for my brother in law who was homeless at the time. By some small miracle, we found him in 48 hours in mid-Febuary.
I also have in-laws in Rochester. Pretty much the same impression when I go there also.
In fact, I have pretty much the same impression of people all over the country. Most are decent, hard working people who are in general friendly and would sooner greet you with a smile than a frown. Democrat, Republican, Atheist, Evangelical, Black, White, Hispanic, I don't see much difference among them other than their local accent.
It takes pundits with their individual agendas or cable TV trying to capitalize on reality programming to point out the divisions between us. 4 #6.3
Thanks, John, from many of us who agree. People are people.
DeadDriver: This isn't a summer camping trip for most of these people. It's currently 46 degrees out and getting colder. Many people, for whatever reason are not in shelters. Some are in cold homes, some in the elements. You go 5 days shivering in the same underwear with water and/or sludge surrounding you and you're told "just a few more days" over and over again.
Things could get much worse. A city can not survive without a steady supply system for food, fuel and electric power. What happens after the inevitable economic collapse of the Democratic Party Agenda?
or when the R's realize there is no way Romney can fulfill the 12 million jobs he promised to bring unemployment to 0%. How inevitable is that!!!
As someone who lives on the gulf coast and goes through this every other year or so, NY/NJ is trying way to soon to get back to normal from the storm. Bloomberg's idiot plan to run the marathon 6 days after the region was shut down is unbelievably dumb. Until all the basic services have been restored (lights, water, etc...), events like that should be cancelled. Fuel trucks can't even get into the region but, 10,000 runners are going to be fine running along debris stricken roads? This is going to take a lot of time and for some people it will be years before the affects of the storm are gone. Take a step back and remember under no circumstances is pulling a weapon going to get you through the process any faster.
Hey Bloomie, What happened to your gun control?
Criminals aren't stupid, they know that the "Gun Control" laws ensure they're the only one on the scene with a firearm.
good question ed
guess that whole "gun free zone" signs idea don't work all that well...perhaps they should add the words ..."or else" .....that ought to scare em into compliance......
nice shovel BTW .......S&S..?
It's an S&S air filter and probably carb. Not only that, it's a freaking photo of an engine.
What makes it 'nice'?
You jump to conclusions about damned near anything , don't ya ?
It's just a pic of a H-D Shovelhead engine.
Like the one in my '76 FLH.
Why didn't Obama save these people?
dinsmo: looking for someone else to do something you can be doing? get off your behind and look around you. getting deFoxed?
What have you done to save them?
Actually, Romney just sent his truck to the site of the next Ohio rally as a prop.
You can't drag people out of their homes and force them to evacuate. That would make us a fascist society. The mayors, governors, city council members, and the president can urge people to leave and warn them of all the risks but if people don't go, you can't put first responders lives at risk because some people decided to be stubborn. The forecasters were accurate on this storm 5 days out, manditory evacuations were issued 3 days out.
At this point FEMA and the red cross are handing out food and water all over and they're working to check all basements but there's really not much else to do. This isn't anything like Katrina. They didn't care about getting the homeless or low income out or NOLA or the surrounding areas. In NY there were shelters with 3000+ beds that only had 300 people. Everyone had somewhere to go and ways to get there.
I have tried to call my President to task.
4 MORE DAYS! 4 MORE DAYS! 4 MORE DAYS!
dinsmo: You didn't take your meds again, naughty. Now you're playing with the Warden's computer? Back to the cell for you, buddy.
earthchick: obviously if I was a prisoner I would want to keep the current idiot in chief, prisoners like the whole Robin Hood schtick
People like this are going to have a problem when somebody responds with a gun pointed back at them.
Looks like there were some "shovel ready jobs" after all. Isn't New York one of the states that outsourced the repair, and building of some of its bridges to a Chinese government subsidized corporation?
Just goes to show us how badly we have ignored our infrastructure needs. Trouble is that those who voted the people into office that had the power to address them are the ones who are suffering!
The infrastructure wasn't designed to handle a storm of this magnitude.
Even if it was 100% in shape, the results would have been pretty much the same. Get informed.
And what party has fought infrastructure spending for years ?
And what idiots have advocated bringing in more and more people to stress that infrastructure, knowing that it has not been expanded or upgraded?
mimi, do you mean the idiots that are allowing the population to grow ?
Are you advocating limiting the number of children people can have ?
Just WTF are you talking about ?
I'm talking about unlimited illegals and an open border policy for them. And I'm talking about unfettered immigration policies that are unsustainable.
New York already exports most of its human waste because its treatment plants can't handle the volume. It's being used as fertilizer on the crops grown for human consumption.
OH yeah, it's immigration policies that put too much pressure on the northeast infrastructure and caused this.
People like you crack me up.
Do you blame illegal aliens when you stub your toe also ?
Only when one trips me.
I didn't say illegal aliens, specifically, caused "this." I said it is illogical to add more people to an already stressed infrastructure that everyone knows has not been expanded, upgraded or repaired, and that was built to accommodate a specific number of people that the numbers exceeded well over half a century ago.
Does your reading comprehension allow for the logic of that?
Every city in this country is in the same shape, especially the major ones. Do you think New York is the only city where treatment plants shut down and open the gates to allow raw sewage to run into the rivers during any minor storm, let alone a moderate or major one? Do you think New York is the only city where raw sewage rises and runs in the ditches and streets during a heavy rain?
Like every other American and citizen of a "civilized" country, you think nothing of what happens when get off the toilet and flush. Out of sight out of mind, it disappears... it's magic!
Depends on which Bloomberg term you're talking about. Who was against infrastructure spending when he was a Republican...Democrat...Independent?
There have been countless Apocalypse "what if" programs airing for years on exactly this scenario, complete with simulations showing NYC flooded. The aftermath is just like they said. Make fun of "Preppers" all you want.
Spam and powdered eggs on a coleman stove can taste pretty good.
On the contrary - these are the smart people. It is those that make NO preparations, or have faith that the government will bail them out for losing their house that fell off the cliff in a hurricane. THESE people deserve no sympathy.
Check the new stories - some guy was afraid to leave his house when ordered to evacuate because he was worried someone would loot it. The result??? His daughter is dead and wife is critical condition. I bet he wishes now that he had evacuated.
You are so correct. It doesn't take much to buy extra crackers or powdered eggs or potato flakes each time you go shopping. Buy an extra can of tuna or green beans and put it aside. Build up your supplies and rotate them regularly. Get that camping stove or make sure you have propane for gas grill. Buy a generator instead of taking that extra day or two on vacation. It isn't about the collapse of society, it is simply being prepared for anything. Remember those extreme snowstorms that crippled the Northeast a couple years back? How about that massive blackout that affected a huge part of this country? It doesn't hurt to be prepared, because these things are going to happen...
Yeah, and a composting toilet. Just in case Sh*t happens.
they usually make fun of the preppers for having 50 guns and a room full of ammo. they are right in those cases to do so.
@ HATR_HURTER... unlike your 50 cases of Twinkies - just makes you a bigger target DF
NB820: New Yorkers have been told for years how to prepare for emergencies.
It's a story about one person.
I live in North NJ and haven't had power since Monday late afternoon - what I mostly see is neighbors looking out for each other, people in gas lines talking and being cordial and people understand that their neighbor (whether immediate or towns away) could have it well worse than they do.
I, at least, got a cord of wood delivered a few weeks ago and we made sure to have some food and filtered water prepared. Luckily, our gas stove is working and we're able to heat food and cook.
Only if you let him. While I agree that a gallon of gas isn't worth dying for, there are occasions when an unarmed man or woman will gladly sacrifice themselves for the welfare of the many.
Thus are heroes born.
if they don't already then they should make crimes like this during disasters carry extra time. he could have caused a major panic with all the people in the area and someone could have gotten seriously hurt simply trying to get away from him.
Scenes of things to come if the current administration carries on another term
Romney/Ryan 2012
better than these states having to fend for themselves under romney's "the states should handle their own disasters" plan. IF that is still his plan, who knows, it's been a while so he may have flip flopped by now.
Shut up, ProFreedom. I knew some idiot would make an irrelevant political comment.
So much for President Obama's staged photo opportunity, promise for more gas and cutting government red tape. I guess he's missing in action once again.
"Staged photo opportunity", Boiler83? You mean like the one of Lyin' Ryan "washing pans" at the homeless shelter and Rob-me holding up bags of "groceries" for the hurricane victims?
Being from the southern gulf states and having witnessed firsthand many hurricanes I was wondering if the northeast would learn humility in the face of such disasters as we have had to do. Apparently they have a long way to go. Or at least some of them. These are times when everyone needs to pull together and put their "me first, I'm more important than you" issues to the side.
So, you're saying there were absolutely no problems with looting or with actual law enforcement officers shooting at people just trying to get to safety or anything like that in the gulf states during Katrina?
I guess you don't pay attention much. I'll sum it up for you - there are going to be people ripping off others during any disaster - be it looting, stealing, robbing, whatever...it's not a northern or southern or eastern or western thing.
Stop being dumb.
sleepinsadie -
You are being deliberately obtuse or are painfully ignorant of the lesson in the remark.
There have been no end to the hateful remarks about the people and the situation following Katrina. It continues to this day. Several posters kept saying that those spewing the hate should be careful because "what goes around, comes around."
Well, here she comes.... all over the country, apparently.
Well screminmim - it seems the first remark was about the northeast learning humility, like the northeast hasn't had weather issues before. The northeast most likely wasn't the only portion of the USA that commented on Katrina or the people or what happened.
My point is - there will be people who rip off others during disasters no matter where they are - it's not a northern, southern, eastern, western thing and to think it is is obtuse and ignorant.
You are right, it is not a regional issue. I guess I made that comment because I was in the Northeast when Katrina hit and there was no end to the comments such as "those dumb n____rs didn't have enough sense to leave, anyone stupid enough to live below sea level deserves it, etc. etc. etc" So I guess I felt that the northeast had a lessen in humility coming their way. Excuuuuuze me if I ruffled some feathers.
I live in the Northeast. You are correct about the callous and ignorant comments regarding the Katrina survivors. Yet these same smug buttholes lost their minds when they got 3 feet of snow twice about a week apart. I didn't read too many comments from Southerners asking why those "city folks" didn't buy snow blowers or generators...
people on the coast will have ignorant comments thrown their way about living below sea level and not leaving. people in california will have them thrown their way for being in the center of earthquake land. people in the middle of the country will for being in tornado alley. basically, all areas have a-holes. try not to be one yourself should be the lesson.
I live in the Northeast now but lived in California during Katrina - there were people all over making callous/smug/ignorant comments...and there always will be. Just as there will be everywhere else if California suffers a significant earthquake or something.
It's not only one locale or one type of people doing things like that - there are ignorant people everywhere who will do things like that when others are going through a crisis.
And you know, it's stuff like that which continues to keep Americans divided and not realizing we are all in this together, whether we like it or not.
I've been to New Orleans and Mississippi twice since Katrina and dig both places and will continue to visit - maybe I'm the exception that sees us all as brothers and sisters.
I'm from Florida and I suspect most of these people, just like us, will begin to share. Those with electricity will offer showers, meals, and support to those without. Gas is always a problem and hopefully a short lived one.
One person pulling does not make a riot. The news maybe but so far there is not a major problem.
When the power is off for two weeks tempers will get short. When a house is gone forever the spirit gets low. I just a good ole southern boy but these yanks will be OK. They'll pull together. Necessity is the mother of invention.
It seems if most people there simply did not even attempt to prepare. If your not going to evacuate atleast prepare you and family with supplies to last for 7 or more days. I am surprised that not many people had gas, the very first thing you do is fill your gas tank if you hear of a hurricane coming no matter what catagory it is, even here in NC after our last hurricane gas spiked at almost $6 a gallon. Fill propane tanks for your grill or get charcoal, get batteries, candles, matches or lighters,bottled water, gallons and singles, canned food & can opener, ice, coolers, fill your bathtub with water to flush your toilet, baby supplies, wet wipes to wash with. Your best bet is just get out, grab important papers, phone chargers,some clothing, important pictures, medicine and go....your possessions can be replaced, your life can not. Praying for all those affected by this storm
Yep you have fights over gas, and probably food too. Looters out taking what they can, Scam artists in the neighborhoods looking to swindle people with construction & tree work, and 1000 officers or more plus how ever many more public works workers can be spared for a marathon.
You all elected these idiots into office, you somewhat deserve how they treat you. You will really have a treat if Mit gets into office. You all will be looked at as needy victims. Remember lack of aid NOLA got from Bush after Katrina! Mit and Bush are two peas in a pod. It could only be worse if his last name was Bush, lol
There's always a few who think they are entitled to everything first, and will not stop to think they are not the only victim. It's not just New York, either. The difference between the USA and the rest of the world, however, is that we are Americans and will pull together to get through every disaster that befalls us. Yes, it will take time. No, it will not be pleasant. It is still far better than much of the rest of the world where there is NO HOPE for recovery or prosperity, ever. Those who still think our own government was to blame for the hurricane and that HAARP is somehow responsible, please pack up and move to some other country where you can know for certain that the government is trying to destroy the population. I hear there's a bus leaving for Syria or Iran this afternoon. Otherwise, shut up with the conspiracy theories.
How do you know HAARP didn't have something to do with this? Events like this keep people under control. The government is about keeping people under control - as really, our government is not made up of 'people' anymore, but moreso of the corporations that put and keep those 'people' in power.
And you are ridiculous to be so high-horsed to say - 'the difference between the USA and the rest of the world, however, is that we are Americans and will pull together...' - people in the rest of the world have gone through disasters and pulled together also, to think that is something only American is utterly ridiculous and that thought is exactly why a lot of the rest of the world laughs at our obnoxiousness.
Another thing - this country was built by dissenters, who are the very people you think are un-American now. In case you forgot, the forefathers of this country were looked down upon by the people of their governing country - just like you are doing to dissenters now. Hell, you're less American then the dissenters and don't even know it.
Gives a whole new meaning to "be prepared". In this idiot's case it means have enough bullets to bully your way into the front of a line. Hope they throw the book at this mental midget.
I empathize and feel very sad for the people who lost everything including relatives and friends, whose homes were flooded, and cars destroyed, I am very grateful that I was not directly affected by Sandy.
Having said that, to point a gun at someone to cut into a gas line is deplorable. Supposedly we live in a civilized country. I guess not. I want something; I'll take it, to hell with everyone else. 15 years is too little and he probably won't even serve a day. Sentencing him to 1000 hours of helping those with loses due to SAndy would be more meaningful.
Yeah. I can relate. Next time a storm comes, I think a lot of people will think different. It only takes one storm to blow your mind (Wilma). And when they say "it's gonna be bad". Listen to them and take heed of the situation. Nobody wants to but you have to.