When did safety become such an overriding national issue?
Mandatory evacuation orders in the name of safety are curious.
Apparently they don't mean you have to leave. Mayor Nagin has indicated
that afer a mandatory evacuation order if you stay, you must stay in
your home or face arrest if you come out on the streets.
Many property owners, pet owners, criminals, caretakers for the elderly
and infirm, stubborn people, and ignorant people all stay behind as a
matter of choice. The potential looters also stay behind for the
opportunity. First responders may be positioned in the city. The press
is granted some exemption to cover the event. Apparently in New Orleans
after Katrina many private rescuers were allowed to freely travel
around the city in boats and trucks.
The general population of the city was not allowed to return until
after September 26'th. However in the timeframe between August 29'th
and September 26th many people were in the city. Government officials
and functionaries, first responders, those who stayed, those who evaded
roadblocks to sneek in, workers brought in to restore access and
services.
When has it become:
- possible for the government to deny people access to their property
IMHO government has discharged its responsibility when it:
- advises of the threat
- secures the area after a disaster
- assists with rescue and evacuation if necessary
- restores access and infrastructure