I noticed that and pointed it out to my neighbor(we were watching channel 13 in his garage)..that eventho I had just seen channels 2 and 11 and the WC all saying it was now projected to hit east of Galv Bay...the channel 13 guy was still going on about a direct hit and showing the projected track as across Houston. none of us have watched ktrk since.
In defense of the local government, we just went through Katrina and all bets were off as to what Rita could do. Come on.. who wants to be the person who said ok dont worry when the storm does some damage, especially after Katrina. Yes, they're definitely overdoing and overhyping but who wouldnt when you're in their situtation. Katrina scared everyone and no one wants to take chances. Also, remember that the hurricane track was a lot worse a few days ago then today. If we knew it was making such an easterly turn a few days ago, then there wouldnt be the hysteria we have now. Give the government a break and the media a break and realize that its only been days since the worst hurricane (damage wise) in history and people are slightly jumpy.
I'll give the government a slight break because they didn't tell 1/2 of Houston to evacuate. Problem is, early this morning they jumped on the bandwagon when they congratulated the public for jumping the gun. I'm not jumping on all the media. The national media is garbage on this. Total trash. The local media gets a mixed grade. I'll give an A to Ch.2 & Ch.11. I give an F to KTRH Newsradio. Before Clear Channel bought them, they were the only radio station I ever listened to. Now that they've added talkradio, forget it. Before today, I still thought they were the best during a crisis. But reporting that Rita was still at 180 mph when Ch.11 said it was down to 150 mph is unforgiveable. When I told my wife what Ch.2 and Ch.11 were reporting, part of the reason she stayed on the road so long was KTRH was giving out contradictory information! I didn't say MayorBill or Eckels should have given the all clear. No way. Just give the facts and then say something like: "We are not mandating you leave town. Leave or stay at your own discretion." When the general public is "jumpy", that is when we need logical, rational leadership more than ever.
Local government did what it was supposed to do. It told everyone in low lying areas to leave. It said you can voluntarily leave. There is no guarantee this thing still won't hit us. As for now, if you aren't in an evacuation area or a flood zone, you should stay put.
Good luck to everyone of you who lives in the affected areas. Take good care of yourself and your family.
