Post #112030 by cybertiki on Thu, Sep 2, 2004 12:35 PM

OK ... so now, we're whipped into a froth. Just got a call from my mother-in-law; she's having unspecified pains and wants to go to the hospital. Had to go four places this morning to find limes - what, hurricane coming, so there's a run on limes? Supermarkets are in total chaos. No gas anywhere in my area - completely sold out. All the ATMs are out of cash. Older lady in front of me in the supermarket is shaking and crying saying she doesn't know what to do. She's buying five loaves of bread and about 100 Oscar Mayer Wieners. It'd be laughable if it weren't so damned pitiful.

The media has a responsibility to warn the public - yes. However, you'd have to see the non-stop terrorizing that's going on the TV here with commercials for Publix and Home Depot well interspersed, to truly appreciate the difference between responsible public service and senseless and irresponsible reporting with the deliberate intent of inducing a panic. The media should report the news - not attempt to create news.

Again, I'm not in any way minimizing the danger - there is danger, and we need appropriate preparation. However, I think more people are likely to be injured or killed through the blind panic than any other single cause. I saw at least 4 nasty accidents while out trying to buy gas, and at least that many near misses by people in a rush to "get ready".

It still looks like it's going to be somewhere north of Fort Lauderdale, and I'm guessing we're going to have one hell of a tropical storm, but that we'll miss the worst of it. I'm wishing the best of luck to my friends up the coast, and if anyone needs help afterwards, don't hesitate to give me a call - my number is posted under "Occupation" in my profile.

Cheers!