Today San Antonio is to receive up to 30,000 refugees from New Orleans. I feel sorry for these people, but I admit I am not looking forward to these new residents' arrival. We have all read about the lawlessness in post-hurricane New Orleans: Looting, raping, murdering, fighting, rioting, hijacking, shooting at helicopters, ambulances, and boats...I do not welcome a possible onslaught of that kind of behavior in my city. I am the first person who would extend a hand of friendship if I thought that friendship was going to matter. The New Orleans I love is gone. I will forever be saddened, and will grieve the loss of a gracious, fun-loving city. But, sorry to say, I am not feeling charitable toward gangs of thugs. Thanks for letting me say this. My opinion may not be a popular or politically correct one, but it is honest. Worried, Diva

Hi Diva,

I am in whole-hearted agreement with you.  I keep wondering who would want someone who is raping and killing women and children in their neighborhood? I wonder who would want someone who is breaking into stores to steal non-essential goods like jewlery? I wonder who wants the people stealing drugs from the sick?  I wonder who wants someone who would set a town on fire?

People have been coming into my store and they say things like "just get the Blackhawks in there and shoot everyone of them" to "let them kill each other".

So, I don't think your concern is not valid and is not shared by many.  Political correctness should not preclude logic and reasoned concern.

Disclaimer:  All of this is not to say that people who are law-abiding citizens should not be given help.

 

 

(((Diva))) I just dare one of "them" to misbehave anywhere near you -- you are so centered and clear spoken, you'll just turn their life around!

I marvel at the Texas cities taking refugees. Well the whole week seems like fiction to me anyway. Stay safe. I will pray your new neighbors have manners and know how to be good guests. 

Take care,,,,,,,,  Jill

Hi Diva,

I didnt realize you were my neighbor!!!!  I already respected you tons...but well now...I have even more respect for you!

I am in Uvalde just out to your west and am a frequent visitor to San Antonio.  I certainly understand your concerns about the people coming into Texas.  I must admit to being very disturbed by the way the people there have reacted to this horrible disaster.  And I know I am not living it, but I just dont understand the behaviors.  I would have expected more banding together and helping each other rather that what I have seen on the news anyway.  I am expecting that we will see some refugees out this way too at some point.  

Thanks for posting your concerns, and I pray that all of us Texans extend the hospitality that we are so famous for to these people who so desperately need help.  I also pray that they receive it in the same gracious manner that it is offered.

David  

 

 

Thanks ditto, Jill, and David for your kind and understanding posts. I know I strayed from the topic of AlAnon with my post, but I feel at home enough here to do that once in a while. As this terrible drama unfolds, each of us must pray for help for all those who are suffering; and for those who would cause more suffering by their savage behavior, let's pray they are brought under control quickly now that the police and National Guard have arrived to see to them. And to everyone of the MIP "family"; I always keep each of you in my prayers. Thanks for being here. Diva

There's a**holes everywhere and with thousands of people on the streets they are bound to show up. One explanation I heard, which certainly can't be said for all ...was that people w/ mental disorders are w/o medication going on a week now. Granted, some of it is just pure greed but if you compare those actions to the thousands upon thousands of people that have been law abiding citizens I'm sure the ratio is small. I don't think I will sleep well until those people at the convention center and on the overpass are rescued. I just can't believe they are there starving and dying, been shown nation wide and our Govt. isn't embarrassed enough to drop them some food and water. Though I understand your concerns, I gotta say, I think "most" people are just grateful, decent people who have lost it all... and I have to say GOD BLESS TEXAS :) Due to Texas's lead, other states are following suit as far away as Arkansas. Christy

Dear Diva, It is unbelievable, isn't it? Here in UK, been following on BBC Online. Several young Brits in the Sports Dome. Here is the rub, journalists, from different newspapers, contacted their parents, to let them know kids safe. Journalists could get in and out? Why not others, at least earlier. Also, Brits phoned British Consul - under water, told to phone Alabama - answering machine, these people had cell phones, no chargers. Think we all losing sight of coping with our own crises. Thank goodness, help there now, but makes me realise, we are all too stretched with overseas commitments. Makes me mad, we pay taxes, lots of evidence Consulates live in comparative luxury, they are supposed to be doing a job. Here in UK, bit of strife over the numbers of immigrants - many do not really qualify, and, sadly, as we have seen, take advantage of freedom of speech, and feel nothing for this country. However, near neighbours recently come from Eastern Europe, husband wife, child and brother. The brother gets same bus as me. Always offers to carry my shopping! What? No-one done that for years! Old fashioned manners, decent family, have to take as we find. Saw a program on TV, trying to say if people white, rich, or both, response would be quicker, both black and white Americans denied this, response just bad planning. Am so glad that relief is there for these people. We know we would behave better, but, really, think some of TV coverage over the top. Saw tour of arty district on TV, nothing looted, why? cant eat canvas. Mixed bunch of people affected, must include druggies, psychos, paedophiles etc etc. They can wreak havoc in short term, but, surely, they must still be minority? Be proud of Texas. You have given sanctuary, and benefit of doubt. Think vast majority behave well when treated well. Lots of love, Flora xxxx