[nerdgirl]

What did astonish me was the outright anger about not being given more, not being evacuated faster, etc - with the "thank yous" seeming to be far and few between. And I mostly watched Fox... you do wonder how quickly the Astrodome will become a cesspool, and how quickly crime will rise in Houston. I'm hoping it doesn't, of course! But if it doesn't, that will be more due to the power of those Texans to keep things in line, the whole "don't mess with Texas" thing and all :)

Although I suppose thank yous and good behavior aren't all that sensational, so I do wonder if the networks didn't seek out those elements a bit, so we got the impression that's nearly ALL that was happening. I noticed they finally pulled poor Shep after he went ballistic a night or 2 ago - that guy was just driven to the edge.

[aardvark1]

One thing all of us need to keep in mind is that the news media, including Fox, are trying to find the most outrageous situations and paint the whole situation with these extreme circumstances. I'm sure there are many people who are doing all they can for themselves, their families, and their neighbors that we don't hear about because it's not "riveting."

OTOH, I too have been disappointed, even sickened, by those who have taken these extreme measures that the news media seem to find. I hope and pray that I would behave more honorably if in the same situation.

[ExTexasRedhead]

Some Texans have called into talk shows and said that the "crime" has already started to rise.

[brytlea]

Although I suppose thank yous and good behavior aren't all that sensational, so I do wonder if the networks didn't seek out those elements a bit, so we got the impression that's nearly ALL that was happening. I noticed they finally pulled poor Shep after he went ballistic a night or 2 ago - that guy was just driven to the edge.

I finally had to quit watching even Fox, when their *reporters* (I use that word only because I lack a better one) seemed to ask everyone leading questions ("Aren't you angry that it took so long?!") and appeared to try and bait people into angery answers. I think the media was looking for sensation, not trying to cover a disaster. I suspect there were many grateful people. They just don't make good copy in the minds of the media.

susie

[usmom]

you do wonder how quickly the Astrodome will become a cesspool, and how quickly crime will rise in Houston.

This will be the next big story of the disaster. All these cities that have risen to the occasion to provide humanitarian relief will get a fine thank you for their efforts- tens of thousands more added to their welfare rolls, burdening their already taxed public schools and more crime. How long do think these people will be happy to sit in domes and shelters day after day, week after week knowing they have nothing and have no home to even go to. They will start to yell that they are not being treated well enough, the food isn't good enough, they haven't gotten their checks, etc... And above all, where are they all going to GO without any means or skills to assimilate back into their communities? I'm telling you, it's going to get ugly- FAST.

[andyk]

I noticed they finally pulled poor Shep after he went ballistic a night or 2 ago

Ooooh, boy. "Bitter? No, Geraldo, I'm not bitter."