First of all, let me make it clear that I am immensely grateful that Hurricane Gustav wasn’t as bad as predicted. Having lived through a few myself, I know that hurricanes are not to be taken lightly … which is precisely the reason for this post.

Some numbskulls who left on mandatory evacuation orders [for once] for Gustav, only to find out later that the storm would lose oomph before making landfall, are going to scoff at the next hurricane and stay behind stubbornly. We’ll be back in the we’re-all-victims-oh-save-us Katrina mentality.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all for helping my fellow citizens and women & children first, blah, blah. But if you’re told to evacuate and choose to stay behind, then it isn’t the president’s fault — nor FEMA’s, nor the governor’s, nor the Red Cross’, nor mine — if you’re stuck on your roof for two days.

Hope for the best; prepare for the worst; never cease praying. If you can’t deal with it, then perhaps you should consider moving to higher ground. There are some lovely places along the Gulf and many logical reasons for wanting to live there … I’m just saying that you must know your circumstances and be prepared. Don’t expect the rest of the country to come running every time the thunder claps.

While I’m on a rant, could someone please point out to the newscasters that New Orleans is NOT the only city on the Gulf of Mexico? For crying out loud! I have family & friends in several coastal towns, and for once, I’d like to hear how their areas are faring.