I've received several emails today that express concerns about the New Orleans refugee situation here in Houston. I can't say whether these things are true or simply rumor, but reading between the lines, there is a definite concern, not for the well-being of the displaced Louisianians, but for the well-being of the local Texans. Without speaking to the truth of the email contents, there does seem to be a current of social and racial distrust running through them. After all, the refugees are, for the most part, poor and African American (if not in truth then certainly in perception), and certainly desperate.
THIS WAS SENT TO ME THIS MORNING…
A guy I know spoke this morning to his friend that works at the police department and he told him something that he said you probably won't see on the news - which you will figure out why when reading.
He informed him that everyone needs to be extremely careful right now and to tune in to what is really happening around you. He said that we need to remember that there are thousands of good people that are elderly, children and helpless being housed with people that are criminals and dope addicts going through withdrawals out of no choice.
He said that there has already been a rape in the dome of a woman by two men and they are writing graffiti on the walls and some are going through withdrawals and have been violent to innocent people. He said that these people cannot be contained to the dome and some are desperate and that desperate people do things that they might not ordinarily do.
He said to heighten your awareness and to put your intelligence ahead of your pity. He said to not drive with your doors unlocked because there has been some cases in Louisiana and one in Texas of carjacking. When you pump gas, lock the car doors till you get finished.
Don't open your doors for solicitation. No one from Red Cross or a reliable organization will go door to door. Do not open your window to speak to people that are on the side of the road. Some might be from the disaster but some may just be taking advantage of the situation and you and you might be in danger to open your window. He said to do your donations to the Red Cross or other reliable source.
Article comments
1 - John Bil
Where ever the crowds of survivors go, crime has risen sharply. The looting going on goes way beyond just surviving. Why would you need a color TV to survive? If somebody is trying to save you, why are you shooting at them?
The looters are a national disgrace that makes the whole world gasp and wonder "This is America?"
2 - Bradley Derby
I just thought I'd let you know that the displaced americans from New Orleans and area should not be referred to as refugees but instead as displaced americans or katrina survivors. Refugee refers to someone escaping invasion, oppression, or persecution, often to another country. In my opinion Hurricane Katrina did none of these things and I'd be more inclined to use words such as ravaged, battered, smashed or destroyed. Those people are victims not by terrorists, governments or a religious orginization but by mother nature. So please take this into consideration.
Thank You
3 - JEFF
let the military handle all these criminals. give them a free hand time has come for america to crack down on crime old fashion way marshal law untill future notice.