A GIANT GHOST TOWN
Posted: Friday, September 23 at 02:04 pm CT by Bob Sullivan
A man walks a dog on a deserted downtown Houston street at what would normally be rush hour. (Andrew Locke / MSNBC.com)
HOUSTON -- Everyone, it seems, is gone. America's fourth-largest city appears to be the world's largest ghost town. We walk near City Hall and find almost no one.
At noon, the wind is already whistling through empty streets, an eerie noise, often the only noise that breaks the silence. It's a strong enough breeze to make you hold your hat, and gets stronger minute by minute, like a train approaching from a distance. How loud will it get?
Street signs are already flipped on their sides. Newspaper coin boxes are tipped over, lying on their backs like dead bodies -- to prevent them from being flopped later by the storm. Even before Rita hits, Houston looks like a city that has been hit by a storm.
A thin line of sandbags protects every bank and business office doorway, a token attempt to protect against light flooding. If Rita decides to hover around Houston for a while, they'll be useless.
We keep walking, and we find a few homeless stragglers wandering the streets. One sleeps silently outside City Hall. Another tells of his secret stash of food, hidden somewhere in the city in case shelters have nothing to offer in the next 36 hours.
Duke Judas, 47, sits alone on top of a garbage can -- he's half-watching news broadcasts on a big-screen TV that's still running in a bank window. He tells us he doesn't know where he plans to spend the night.
Houston, however, is not completely empty. Hidden in the ghost town are teeming mini-cities, like the hotel we're in, The Magnolia. It's just a few blocks from City Hall, right downtown.
It's a menagerie here; this is a high-class hotel with brass fixtures and big conference rooms, but today, it's the world's nicest dog pound. Elevators are crammed with pets sniffing each other,licking new friends, and tangling each other's leashes.
The hotel is well prepared -- in part because it's full of New Orleans evacuees. An entire group of JP Morgan employees who left New Orleans is now working in Houston, with the company footing the hotel bill, we're told.
There's a mandatory meeting for all guests in the hotel's ballroom this afternoon, which is where we'll be ordered to as soon as the storm strikes.
Outside, as the wind picks up, there's even some nervous levity. Colby Bissitt, from East Houston, tries his hand at hurricane graffitti. On windows covered with plywood, he's painting messages to the storm.
"Camp Rita," it says. And, "We love Margaritas."
Colby Bissitt, 20, of Houston paints Rita graphiti on the boarded up windows of a downtown Houston hotel. Bissitt is going to ride out the storm at home. "It's gonna be the storm of the century, man. I can't miss that." (Andrew Locke / MSNBC.com)
CHASED BY HURRICANES
TRACKBACKS
This is for Joe...
Dear Joe,
as a resident of one of the cities where evacuated residents of New Orleans have come, it is not as easy as snap yuour fingers bam...I have a job now. It is the governments job to help people in need, and people who have lost everything that they have due to a natural disaster have every right to get assistance. Finding work is definately something that they need to do. However as a business owner, I know that I am not going to hire somebody that walks into my office wearing ratty clothes and in desperate need of a shower. It is unfair to expect people with no home and no resources available to them to find work right away. Also, we are so quick to help people of other nations in their times of need and some of us whine and complain about helping our own people. I have volunteered in one of the shelters for New Orleans residents...and now I am preparing to help residents of the Texas coast. the conditions in these shelters are not glamerous and wonderful, they are full and uncomfortable. Also, many of the people needing assistance were gainfully employed, had homes and had lives...open your heart and think about the whole situation before you speak about someone getting off of their A$$ and finding work, you should get your head out of yours and think about our fellow Americans.
Roxy, Austin TX (Sent Sep 23, 2005 5:29:26 PM)
So, in evacuations the homeless get forgotten? Or, did they simply refuse the help?
As for another's comment about using the rail system, you would think that they could have been used.
Well whatever happens when the storm hits and its aftermath, we hope those that chose to stay behind will be safe, we hope EVERYONE will be safe. We Are ESPECIALLY happy to be able to share the news with our autistic son who worries about peoples pets, so can share this story with him that the hotel let people have their furry family companions.
To everyone and especially the news crew, getting into the thick of it all (Bob and Andrew-Be safe okay) Assalamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you)everyone, our prayers with you.
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 23, 2005 5:37:02 PM)
Well, we have wondered for several years how our country would handle a major crisis - now we know. People should know by now that they can't depend on anyone to help them. It's survival of the fittest and best prepared. If we are old, or have no money, or disabled, getting out of the way of a hurricane like Katrina or Rita is not assured. Simply getting out of town is a challenge. Our prayers are with the people of Texas.
Don Sebo, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Sep 23, 2005 5:47:29 PM)
To Joe:
Besides praying for my 5 cousins and heart-disabled aunt stranded in Houston by a broken down van and a large extended family too small to fit into a regular car..I shall pray for your bitter, disfigured soul. You may believe that you have all the answers, but I suspect that life is going to teach you some humility and manners before your time is up. Go with God.
Robin Smith (Sent Sep 23, 2005 6:19:54 PM)
i am just commenting in general about the situation that we as southern states are facing after hurricane katrina and now hurricane rita. i am from silver creek, ms which is in lawrence county. not far enough inland at all. i have family that are now displaced in our small community after losing their home to hurricane katrina. i have been overwhelmed myself with the financial strain it has placed on me after being without two weeks pay and electricity, but each time i think of the problems i face i think of those so much less fortunate. something i am concerned about is the lack of self blame that some people refuse to place on themselves. too many people are blurting out these terrible comments about the mayor of new orleans, the governor of louisiana, or even the forecasters. i think the we should all stop trying to place blame and just focus on making the best of an already terrible situation. we should concentrate on rebuilding our lives and develop plans to keep such a tragedy from occuring again. i won't say that i don't have my own opinions on who is at fault for what but at this moment in time it just not the most important thing.
margaret (Sent Sep 23, 2005 7:17:15 PM)
To the person who said the evacuees should get off their butts:
I feel sorry for you. I think you have less in your life than many of the people who have just lost everything.
Lora B., Lancaster, OH (Sent Sep 23, 2005 7:34:15 PM)
to joe: its sad to know that people who are well of and have been kept out of harm's way by the mercy of god have become so unthankful and merciless. we're sitting in our homes, peacefully, laughing and joking with friends and family and less fortunate people are running for their lives and breaking into fights over that gas that almost 3 dollars a liter! i really couldnt believe you would write something like that, but im sure you cant be all bad because you obviously had a reason for coming to this site, just like we all did. im a 14 year old girl. imagine if this was you. u were a poor homeless person who people wouldnt employ after one look at you. you knew that there was nothing you could do. so you decide to ride out the storm. now come along happy, righ ,well-off and out of danger people who, instead of even praying for you decide to tell you to " get up of ur dead ass and do it ur self" now that really helps doesnt it. mighty lotsa encouragement. uve been outmercied by a 14 year old. take it back and have mercy on them before you need mercy from others.
marya, toronto ON (Sent Sep 23, 2005 7:49:13 PM)
Joe, With what seems like all of us Americans pulling together in this history making disaster I just don't see where your comments came from. It almost made me cry to read it. How sad for you that you have no empathy for other people. I feel sorry for everyone who comes in contact with such a mean and horrible person. It hasn't even been a month yet and you wish them dead for not finding work yet. Shame on you and my condolences to your family.
Kathy Patterson Simi Valley CA (Sent Sep 23, 2005 7:58:38 PM)
While I do not expect people with nothing to take care of themselves I do expect Local and State Governments to do their share of taking care of things. It should be noted that blaming the Federal Government for not taking care of everything is not really very smart when you really think about it. The Federal Government (No matter who is in power) is not the first line of defense for local problems. Earthquakes in California are usually taken care of by California first - why? - because it's in California. It is a great thing when the Federal Government can help with an emergency of any kind - but to expect that Federal Employees are the first line of defence for a huricane is just stupid. The poor of any city should be helped by other people in that city first and foremost because they are already there. I just think anything the Federal Government can do to help in these times of need should be met with an air of "Thank You" not the constant bitching that has been going on for some time now. It would be nice if the local authorities would open up more roads OUT of an area - because they are the ones who know which roads lead OUT.
Bob O. (Sent Sep 23, 2005 8:27:25 PM)
Joe: "what you do comes back to you" is a true phrase that does not involve making YOUR decision based on anothers decision or lack thereof. No one can stereotype the diverse situations of anyone before or after any disaster. I am from Missouri but I am here in Japan now and it is driving me crazy I can not be in the states and being down TX or LA or MS to help! Instead I am sending moneys to established organizations. And I think you probably know that finding a job even when you are NOT stricken by a disaster can be hard enough. I pray you become one of the most used by God to help these people. Regardless of your current mindset.
Ann Dixson (Sent Sep 23, 2005 9:30:44 PM)
My entire family is in the area and a few of my husbands are as well they are scattered from Channelview to Houston and we just moved from Houston to Atlanta a few years back...I can only pray for Houston our family, friends and others.
Cynthia Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Sep 23, 2005 9:55:42 PM)
This is an eye opener. I was never into blogs but since Katrina I find them entertaining and informative. You kind of get a glimpse at how people really are. Most times I am encouraged, other times you see a side of people you don't really care for. I live in Florida and went thru Andrew in '92. This hurricane is no piece of cake. I pray those people stuck on the highways with little or no gas may make it to shelter soon, I pray those who chose to remain will find high ground, I will pray for God's mercy and everyone's safety.
carr, miami FL (Sent Sep 23, 2005 10:57:30 PM)
Confidential to Joe Canita:
I am sure glad you are not here with us, us being the Katrina evacuees,the Rita evacuees, and us Houston residents. What do you think $2000.00 will pay for? That's two months rent and some food. We are desperate to help our new neighbors from New Orleans with $, clothes, and food. Guess what? They rented a laptop. Joe, would you have thought of THAT, had you been in their place? They are resilient and resourceful and they don't NEED you, hardy har har har. Lack of compassion brings the swifted judgement of any sin. I just got a master's degree and they will surely find a job before I do.
Kathryn C.
Kathryn Chancey (Sent Sep 23, 2005 11:22:35 PM)
Chance favors the prepared mind my friends.Stay safe!
andrew,Toledo,Oh (Sent Sep 24, 2005 12:05:16 AM)
To all the people in Galveston, I wish you a safe recovery from that monstrous, thunderous being called a hurricane. I lived in areas where there were many hurricanes, and survived so you will too. Have strength and faith and the best will prevail. Your night would be over soon, and all will be well. God be with you.
Jennifer Noel (Sent Sep 24, 2005 12:32:45 AM)
That's the problem with hurricanes. You can never pinpoint where they'll make landfall. In this case, 80-90 miles east of the Houston area. The people from the immediate Houston area who weren't able to brave the traffic for 14+ hours or went back home because they ran out of gas are going to be just fine. The electricity will probably go out. That'll suck when the sun comes out again to make the days hot (I would've left for that reason alone), but it won't be a disaster for those folks. They aren't on the dirty side of the storm. It'll be nothing like Alicia (a weak category 3 that hit 20-25 miles west of Galveston).
Jack, Austin, TX (Sent Sep 24, 2005 1:38:08 AM)
I never used to be into politics, because it would not make a bit of difference what the american public wants done, the policitians are going to what they want to do no matter what. These days, I still believe the same thing, only my aggressive side shows a little more. I gave Mr. Bush the benefit of the doubt when 9-1-1 happen, however, he no longer is entitled to that. How sad is it that our country can't act like the way they portray ourselves to the rest of the nation.
I only wish that I would have been completed my EMT course, to be able to help those on the gulf coast. I wish that financially I would be able to contribute something. Instead, the only thing I'm left with is my voice. Not only do I blame all levels of government for the horrific scenes that came out of New Orleans, but they (all levels of government, including the President) could have done a hell of a lot more. Now Texans, not to take anything away from any of those people who are working tirelessly to get people to safety, must do a better job than what took place in New Orleans. (Of course, we can’t forget that Mr. Bush was the governor of this state.) While along the way saying that they have learned a lot from Katrina, not only does that make our government look even worse than it did before these two storms hit. It also shows how weak our country is. It saddens me to think that people like me, try to live day to day, but instead have to deal with all the stupidity in this world.
I have a few ideas for our wonderful levels of government. I've heard many media outlets talk about the government officials saying that they should put Id bracelets on children, their social security number should be written on them. ID bracelets for the younger children are probably a good thing. However, SS#, there are a lot of stupid people out there, who's to say that some criminal would not take advantage of those that will die in Rita and use their SS# to create identity thefts. Also, how about something as simple as, announce to the local communities, before they leave their home, taking a specific color of spray paint and putting some kind of identification on the home, so that Rescuers know WHAT HOUSES NOT TO GO TO. This would help the safety of those that are risking their own lives to help those that choose to stay behind. It would also help rescue those in need a hell of a lot faster. It seams like those who are paid the big bucks and may very well be an intelligent person, don't use very much common sense. Something as simple as marking your house to show the rescuer that they don't need to waste their time on this home and instead save lives of those who stayed behind. In addition, something occurred to me earlier. Why don't electric and gas companies shut off power and gas lines. This seems very simple, instead of seeing house's burn to the ground. Fire and rescuer's risking their lives to put these fire's out could have easily been prevented if the electric and gas were turned off. Again, smart people don't always have common sense!
Christy, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Sep 24, 2005 2:18:42 AM)
I'm like many others that don't agree at all with Joe and think he's very heartless for saying that. I've been tracking Rita since Monday because i had a gut feeling she was coming straight toward my hometown Houston, which i just moved out of a couple of months ago.However my whole family, including relatives, friends, basically my whole life revolves around Houston, that's why i'm still awake at 2 am, because i'm worried about my city! It's not easy trying to get somewhere that's usually 2 hours away however because of this incident your having to drive 14 hours to get there!Joe ur very cruel for saying things, because God knows what's going to happen after this hurricane's over with. It's not easy changing ur lifestyle after u've gotten used to living it for over 20 yrs. My prayer is with everyone in that region, may god bless you and my he give u the everlasting strength you need to get through with such a horrific storm.
Reyna Zaveri, Atlanta GA (Sent Sep 24, 2005 2:26:18 AM)
Don't listen to Joe, he is full of nonsense and doesn't deserve anyones serious attention. There are always people like Joe, they either don't know what they are talking about or never think about what they say. Either way they are fools. I am Australian and Aussies don't see Joe as representative of Americans. We are watching this terrible storm on the TV and our hearts go out to you . Good luck and try to stay safe from everyone down here.
Plato From Australia (Sent Sep 24, 2005 2:40:37 AM)
Roxy, well said, don't believe Joe thought it through.
This not the time to be critical of our follow man but to give encouragement so they may one day get back to a normal-like life. This experience will change people forever, trauma just does that to the
human spirit. The hand we offer them today just may be the one that keeps them sane enough to step back up to the plate and swing again.
Debbie Reeves (Sent Sep 24, 2005 2:54:10 AM)
margaret,
What a beautiful voice you have in a sea of bitterness and insanity. I am humbled that even in the midst of your pain that your valor is so strong. I pray that your attitude is contagious and that all of us in the midst of this tragedy (and all tragedies to come) will look forward to healing instead of behind us with the pain of unforgiveness. May God's mercy and grace abound in your life.
Kevin (Sent Sep 24, 2005 3:27:45 AM)
To anyone posting about Joe's comments dont, one day his eyes/mind will be opened to the harshness that he so bodly throws around, Joe, I am truly sorry for you. Born in New Orleans, moved to Dallas, while my family moved to Houston. My heart goes out to everyone that is caught up in some of the most covered natural disasters of my time. Please say a prayer for everyone that is involved in these tragic events. Do what you feel you can do, for those who truely need it in this time of need.
Chris (Sent Sep 24, 2005 3:58:10 AM)
Glenn Morshower: is your family safe in all this hurricane stuff? I sure hope so!!!
Liz Mansour (Sent Sep 25, 2005 12:29:29 AM)
wishing u well from iowa hope everyone is safe and ok from another onf natures wrath god bless
jerry
jerr rous fort dodge iowa (Sent Sep 25, 2005 12:36:48 AM)
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
My heart bleeds for you all Katrina and Rita evacuees. My heart felt prayer is that the Good Lord sees you all through this painfull experience. As for Jeo Canita who spoke as if blood does not flow in his veins, I am really sorry for a fellow like you who can not see indepth what your fellow humanbeings have been through. I know that some day you will get to learn the hard way and may God help you for such insensitivity. My brothers and sisters that have been through Hurricane Katrina and Rita, Just keep hope alive. It will not be too long before you get yourselves together again. God will surely make a way for you all.God Bless u all.
Vickie Jacobs, Lagos, Nigeria (Sent Sep 26, 2005 8:28:39 AM)
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