Should residents still in New Orleans be forced out?

[cynatnite]

[mattclearing]

1. Not sure.

The health hazard and the risk of losing property seem to offset one another. However, you can always find another place to live, and you can't find another body. Also, if services are going to continue to be shut down, then staying will likely be incredibly unpleasant.

Ultimately, though, people should probably be able to choose to be miserable and/or risk their own lives. That's freedom, last I checked.

[hlthe2b]

2. Only if truly necessary for health/safety reasons AND only

if they accomodate their needs-- time to pack up at least a few belongings and THEIR PETS!

[Ravenseye]

3. Other: It's a matter of perspective.

What trumps what here? An individual's freedom to choose, essentially, to die, or a state's so called right to forcibly prevent someone from doing themselves harm.

The way I see it I can't vote No because I can't vote to kill someone, but I can't vote Yes either.

This country is supposed to be free. If there are people remaining who don't want to go, and are aware of the dangers and that they'll probably die...then let them. It's their choice. I'm like Bill Maher. I'm pro-death. It's someones life, it's theirs to do with as they please, as long as they are educated that they'll probably get cholera and die.

If I had to vote I'd say No, but I just don't see it as anywhere near my decision.

[pointblank]

14. I pretty much agree with you..

It should be their right to choose in most circumstances...

But I voted yes because I believe that in dire sircumstances, such as this, the govt should be able to make a choice for you as long as you are accomodated AND YOU PETS ARE TOO!!!!

The real trick though, is making sure that it IS a dire circumstance, and the govt isnt abusing their power...in other words, if it were Chimp making the decision, I'd be against it, but these people may not be in their right minds either...

Its a tough call...

[Ravenseye]

17. It should be like an organ donor

You should be able to register, or get a sticker for your license...

"do not evacuate"

That way you make that decision when you're of sound mind, and they have to listen to you. You're right though. The people there right now could very well be not right in the head and not know what they're doing, in which case the government needs to help them.

Tough call.

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. For now, I don't think there is much of a choice

But the water is going down quickly and once the bodies are removed and the power lines shut off and some main roads cleared, I think people should be allowed to go back.

What we need to fight for at this point is that people be allowed to return as soon as possible. And that no one is allowed to decided what to do with New Orleans except for the people that live there.

New Orleans belongs to New Orleans. It is up to them to rebuild it the way they wish and to hire whoever they want to do the job. Not BushCo and not FEMA.

[Guaranteed]

5. The people who would stay behind probably aren't making an

informed decision, with a few exceptions. They probably don't know what they're going up against.

I can imagine scenarios in which people would even be willing to take the risk, while understanding it. But I'd say that, basically, it's time for them to leave, willingly or not.

[castiron]

6. Hell no. This is fundamental.

Many of those left have blown the dust off their shotguns and hunkered down. As long as they are just protecting their property, we shouldn't Waco them off their land. The water can retreat while they play survivalist in their house. It's like abortion: it's about choice.

[DoYouEverWonder]

8. Most of the people of New Orleans have already been removed

Even more important at this point is to fight for them to be able to return as soon as possible.

Then they can decide what to do with their city.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

10. How Will They Get Clean Water And Food?

I won't get into a debate about about whether an adult can endanger his own life but I think it's beyond debate that the state can intervene when you are endangering the life of your children...

[katinmn]

11. I agree. There may be serious consequences for their

stubbornness, such as health hazards, but there is a certain dignity in choosing your own fate.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. I think, for health and safety reasons, they should be asked to leave.

I do not think they should be forced out. It's too late for that. If they wish to take their chances, so be it. But for the government to step in now "for their own good" is laughable.

[castiron]

9. Yes

[Tesibria]

12. Yes - with a broad interpretation this paragraph

Effective immediately, any public safety officer within the boundaries of the Parish of Orleans, including, without limitation, members of the New Orleans, including, without limitation, members of the New Orleans Police Department, the New Orleans Fire Department, the National Guard and any branch of the U.S. Military, is hereby instructed and authorized to compel the evacuation of all persons from the City of New Orleans, regardless of whether such persons are on private property or do not desire to leave, unless such persons are determined by such public safety officers to be specifically engaged by the City, the State or the U. S. Government in providing assistance in the remediation and recovery effort. See http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/

If they interpret that paragraph to mean that people doing constructive work* are "engaged in providing assistance in the remediation and recovery effort" - then I think it's ok.

*What do I mean by "people doing constructive work"? The people in the French Quarter who are sweeping the streets (and, coincidentally, manning Johnnie's Bar); the people in other neighborhoods who are cleaning up their block (or their own house), etc. The Interdictor and his crew (http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/); and others like that.

[Hubert Flottz]

13. Yes

That water is as dangerous as a "dirty bomb" would be!

They are going to kill off the fishing industry, on top of the disaster already witnessed. The Corps of Engineers are playing politics again.

[Alamom]

15. No, too many lies told,

How can we be sure it is necessary? How can they (the people) be sure?

There has been nothing but lies told so far.....

They can't get the truth about the condition of the city.

Are we sure it's as bad as they say or are they just trying to get everyone out to bulldoze it down and build the first of the
FEDERALVILLAS....

If they do it once, they will do it again.



edit:spelling

[all.of.me]

16. i voted other

i don't think anybody should be FORCED to do anything. i think it should be strongly recommended to them to leave and to be told WHY - disease, mainly. but if some people are not going to leave for a cat 5 hurricane, risking death, why should they want to leave in the event of disease? does this make sense? i just got up.

when you force people to do something, they immediately get defensive. if you deal with them humanely, they may do the sensible thing. but ultimately, i think it's up to them.

maybe if they stay behind, they should be put to work cleaning up. i don't know.