Gustav runs up the Gulf

With the news that Hurricane Gustav and may reach category 5 status, my heart goes out to the people of New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf. I hope and pray that it diminishes before it hits land.

The mayor has ordered an evacuation of New Orleans and most people have packed up and gone. To those who have stayed behind to provide emergency services, Godspeed to you and your families. To those who are staying behind to protect your homes, I say Don't be so bloody stupid!

I used to work in emergency services. Thankfully hurricanes don't hit the Canadian plains, so I have yet to experience the wrath of one of those storms. But I have worked floods, forest fires, train derailments and other natural and man-made disasters. I have heard stories of emergency personnel who have risked life and limb to save some bozo who figured he would be safe, and if it wasn't he wanted to be at home to protect his belongings from looters.

Perhaps if you stay behind and you get saved, you should also be responsible for all the costs associated with your rescue?

And more about New Orleans - perhaps Dubya should move the headquarters for FEMA to the Gulf. Maybe then they'd get more attention. Then again, maybe if they were rich, white and Republican they'd get more attention...