Why Wait?

WARNING: Please evacuate the island immediately, as strong winds and rain can be devastating to you and your home. Loss of power and water are likely.

"But I love my home, and I can't leave my dog here alone," said the Galveston islander as Ike was preparing to strike. "I'm going to ride it out," another comments. "It might not be that bad anyway," is added. And lastly, "I don't have any money for gas, and I've got to work Monday."

So when the rains came down and the wind blew out all electricity and water use, the "Ike Waiters," as we'll name them, were stranded on their porches and roofs, without transportation to get out. So they looked to FEMA, the National Guard and other city, state and federal entitites for help and rescue. Workers risked their lives to recover thousands of others who did the same thing. Then they needed transportation to shelter, food, water and clothing to make it through the next couple of days, using public electricity and water.

These people were not "stranded," however. One third of the 60,000 residents of Galveston Island did not evacuate. Reports of people "not being able to leave" when their couch was floating or the TV becoming flooded by water are ridiculous. The evacuation plan was announced because of the likelihood of such events. The people actually stranded there now are suffering without electricity, water and proper sewage over the majority of the island causing a health crisis that mayor Lyda Ann Thomas is concerned about.

When the water has drained and the electricity is back on, they'll be making claims to insurance and to city, state and government agencies to be paid for the property destructed by the storm, time lost from work, and possibly disability for injuries suffered during Ike. And who will be paying for these gifts of rescue and living quarters for the Waiters? Why, it's you and me, of course. One Austin KLBJ radio commentator, Jeff Ward, today suggested that the Waiters be charged for their rescue. When are people in harm's way going to learn to listen?

Author's Note: My sympathies go out to those who did evacuate, and are now struggling to survive in shelters where help cannot get in quickly enough. Texas Governor Rick Perry praised rescue worker "heroes" who are doing their best to provide relief.