Of course everyone affected should have at least tried. But there are plenty of people out there who are struggling to hang on a day at a time. Or have personal problems so severe they didn't pay attention to warnings. Or couldn't believe it could happen out of fear or misjudgment. And who gets to decide who deserves help?
For example we could blame the woman who had her 2 boys swept away for being in harms way. No need, really. No matter what the circumstances were she'll find a way to blame herself for the rest of her days.
There will always be people who don't do what they should. But I wouldn't want to be the one deciding who deserves help and who doesn't.
Cathy
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Cathy, I hear what you're saying, and won't disagree with you, but I am curious about one thing; are you saying that these victims should not be expected to take any responsibility for their own safety? That's what I perceive from your comments.
Ed In Oregon
From: iPad@yahoogroups.com [mailto:iPad@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Devitt
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 11:41 AM
To: iPad@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [iPad] Re: OT Hurricane Sandy
Whether it is a personal or natural disaster, it's a sad fact that "blame the victim" becomes popular sport. Take Hurricane Katrina. We got the "they should have known better -- no one should live there" bit. Why is New Orleans where it is? Blame the Mississippi River. NO is one of the most important ports in the US. Somehow that little fact went unmentioned by the blamers. The city was built there for a reason. Is it in danger? Sure. But so is the SF Bay Area. I guess if a big earthquake comes it will be the victims fault for living there. Ditto for Seattle if Mt. Ranier blows.
On the personal side, take rape or mugging victims. What do we hear? "They should have locked up better, not walked there, been more alert to their surroundings, etc., etc.
I think blaming the victims makes the blamers feel more secure. i.e. "That won't happen to me because I won't be as dumb as they were" etc. etc.
As they say, "hindsight has 20/20 vision." Personally, I sent a donation to the Salvation Army which is involved in food relief. I'm thanking my lucky stars my family has been spared major disaster so far. My daughter just moved to the Bay Area a year ago (jobs for her and her husband.) She decided to cough up the extra $2000/yr. insurance premium for earthquake insurance. But housing is so insanely high in the area that many people just can't come up with the extra cash. So will it be their fault if (heaven forbid) a major quake hits the area and they lose everything?
Sure, some people made some very bad decisions during Sandy. But compassion for those in need is never a mistake.
Cathy
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