I was just watching this on CNN. They said people who weren't in the dome originally have swarmed the loading site now to get on buses for Houston.
The cops apparently have no communication, or leadership, based on the interviews, and were trying to help as much as possible, but it became chaos. I can't believe the criminals down there. The cops are quitting because it isn't safe anymore.
This is a bad idea. I am all for goodwill in terms of helping people. But you basically have 25,000 desperate people piling into Houston. This goes well beyond providing a cot in an air conditioned dome. I hope Houston knows what its getting itself into.
The chaos that's happening in New Orleans right now is pathetic, sad and awful. That being said..... The comfort being given to the displaced people from Louisiana at the intersection of Kirby and Loop 610 is in my opinion the greatest moment in the history of the Astrodome. Better than any Oiler or Astro win, better than any King-Riggs tennis match, Ali prizefight, or Selena concert at the Rodeo. To me, it's also one of the greatest moments in the history of the city of Houston. We, as Houstonians, should be very proud of how our city is stepping up to the plate for these people. It is absolutely awesome how this city opens it's heart.
Amen!! Very well said! The Astrodome is truly filling it purpose right now. In a way we were all too short-sighted to imagine. The images of the people lining the streets late last night with signs along Kirby saying, "Welcome friends and neighbors" were incredibly heart-warming. It will be a huge effort. But we have no choice. Everyone needs to help out. It appears my little church might become a shelter very soon. Shocked to see motels all the way out in Katy housing refugees at this point. Free lunches being provided...free dinners and entertainment. Basic needs being met. Houston at its finest hour, truly.
Apparently the military and police have lost control of the Superdome, especially the evacuation site. Shots were fired at the military helicopters rescuing "dome only" people, therefore they've suspended all evacuations. It is really ugly there I bet, non-superdome refugees are pissed off majorly that they cant come to Houston.. so they're lashing out. The military will have to organize and literally go in there and kill some people to get order back..
So, these people in the Astrodome, are they required to stay in the Dome? Can they leave and wander the streets of Houston and come back at night?
I'm not going to say it's a bad idea, but also have some concern over this. Don't get me wrong, I think its awesome how our city is stepping up to help these people. I just wonder what the long term plans are? Are we just going to bus these people back to Lousiana in a few months and say "Ok the water is gone, good luck." ?
I also wondered this. I doubt they would make them stay in the dome. It's not like they are prisoners or anything. I am curious what the policy is though...I'm sure there is some sort of curfew.
don't know yet. i know the mayor's office is working hard on job initiatives with the private sector. if you need work done around your house, now might be a good time. people need the work.
The only thing I know is that those staying there will be provided wristbands or ID cards that will allow them in and out privileges. I'm sure they will have to impose some kind of curfew.
They're not prisoners, so I'm sure they're free to do whatever it is they please. Edit: Damn you people are fast.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3334057 "The Astrodome's new residents will be issued passes that will allow them to leave and return as they please, something that wasn't permitted in New Orleans. Organizers also plan to find ways to help the refugees contact relatives."
I don't think that's a good idea. I am deepy saddened by their situation, but I don't think we need thousands of desperate refugees touring our city. They should be required to stay on the premise.
It truly is Houston's finest hour. Listening to reports from the Astrodome on the way into work today made me really proud that I was born and raised in Houston.
I don't think these people will do much wandering, they're broke, jobless, vehicleless, and few even have a change of clothes. Lets cross that bridge when we reach it.
and let's find them something to do. let's find them jobs. look, we're going to make sacrifices. but it's the right thing to do. people need a hand. families. you can't turn your back on that.
on a much lighter and somewhat unrelated note... do you think they'll move mardi gras back to galveston? how ironic that the party was moved to NO following the 1900 hurricane that leveled galvez... sorry. carry on.
