Something else you people need to realize. Baton ROuge isnt exactly a crime-free city. Its one of the worst in the south. The gangs that are already here are a big part of the problem, as they are taking the oppurtunity presented by a distracted police department. The state has just suffered the worst natural disaster in our countries history. IF there is mass hysteria for a few days, its understandable. Just hang loose and everything will calm down when some of the police from new orleans and some national guard units can be placed out here.
Everyone of us shouldn't jump to conclusions about anything. I work downtown in BTR for the state and haven't seen anything today out of the ordinary except for a lot more traffic on the roads. The only confirmed reports are very isolated incidents and nothing too serious. This morning there were rumors rampant in my building. The parking garage locked up for all of about 10 minutes and the building locked its front doors for a while, but it was soon discovered that it was basically all rumors. There have been very few things actually confirmed by law enforcement. The parish government building a couple of blocks away was let out but as I understand it that was only because a few cars got broken into. I've been looking out my window today and haven't seen a mass of people walking around downtown. It just isn't happening. So all of you who aren't here, please don't buy into anything until it is proven true. And those of us in town, let's be careful and safe, but let's not believe everything we hear either. I woman I work with earlier was telling everyone that her husband just called her from LSU where he's in school, and several people had been stabbed and robbed. At first I wanted to believe her just because she's someone I know, but from what I now understand, that was all rumors. People were all scared to leave work today. Many people didn't leave the building to find lunch b/c they were scared. I went across the street at lunch and didn't see or hear anything abnormal. I didn't see anyone walking around except for others out for lunch. My point: these are not bad people. You who jump to conclusions and say things like we shouldn't help these people, and they're all thugs, and we should have left them, or should kick them out of Baton Rouge... please don't be like that. Most of these people have lost everything. Not just a lot, but everything. New Orleans and some surrounding areas don't exist right now and won't for months and months. There are no businesses, none of these people have jobs or any income, nothing. This isn't all poor people or minorities, this is everyone. Even most middle class families can't survive without any income for months. There are going to be a few bad apples in the bunch so to speak, and the frustrations and feelings of helplessness will likely make some people act in ways they normally wouldn't, but it's no reason not to help. We'll never understand what it's like to be in their shoes.
Agree, but when you combine a city with an above average crime rate with a city with the worse in the country, houston we have a problem. I am really considering getting out of here.
I am so sorry for all that you guys have and will continue to go through. I have come to look at all of you as family here on this board...as my extended Louisiana family. I live in Tallahassee, Florida and we are all just shocked. We went through 2 hurricanes last year, but extremly mild for us...just a couple of hours w/o power. The loss of New Orleans as we knew it and the crime spreading into my old hometown of Baton Rouge is hard to read about. I will continue to pray for the safety of you all and your families.
The problems are inevitable in fact a reality. My wife is a dr at BR General and has confirmed that most of the rumors are true and that media is spinning it to avoid a potential disaster
I had this discussion with my brother in BR earlier. He thinks that the media may be suppressing some info so as not to disturb the local populace... ...and also so they continue to welcome the displaced... ...some of whom will come with more baggage than will be apparent upon first glance... ...despite the welcoming arms of my hometown... Be vigiliant, my BR and South La friends.....
This really scares me. I have been volunteering in the River Center. Having to move some of these people really hurts to see, because many of them asked me if they would be moved and I told them no. Many of these people are incredibly genuine, wonderful people. Stubborn though they are, they really touched my heart. Again, I can see the people who the BR area would want removed.
