Superdome Refugees Get Some Fresh Air

[deminks]

NEW ORLEANS - Desperate for fresh air, dozens of refugees from Hurricane Katrina slept on the walkway surrounding the Louisiana Superdome as conditions inside worsened and even more people were brought to the huge arena Tuesday.

National Guardsmen let some of the 10,000 people sheltering inside the arena take their bedding out onto the concourse, where it was cooler and the breeze was welcome.

"Oh God, fresh air, it's so wonderful. It's the first time I've wanted to breathe all day," said Robin Smith, 33. "When you think what we could've gone through, it's not too bad in there. But it's certainly not as wonderful as this."

"I know people want to leave, but they can't leave," he said. "There's 3 feet of water around the Superdome."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050830/ap_on_re_us/katrina_superdome

[rodeodance]

1. yes, I just saw the pics on Msnbc--the Dome is surrounded by water.

[rodeodance]

2. I do not think 'refuge' is the right word to use. I think it dilutes the

horrible oppression of those who flee their country or need to travel to camps within their own country because of political issues.

[aquart]

3. You're kidding, right?

[Wabbajack]

4. What the hell would you call them?

[Gormy Cuss]

5. Common usage vs. less common usage

My two cents.

You're getting negative feedback for this comment because you are sticking to the narrow and most common usage, that of refugee as someone who has fled from one country to another for political reasons. Victims of natural disasters like droughts and floods who go to neighboring countries usually are called refugees too.

In the broader definition, any one who has sought refuge can be called a refugee. I've thought about it and can't come up with a first choice substitute ('displaced persons' and 'evacuees' come to mind, but neither seems superior to refugee.)

[slackmaster]

6. I know two families who lost homes in the Northridge Earthquake

Their homes were condemned, so they could not go back inside even to get their stuff. They were certainly refugees when they came down to San Diego looking for a place to stay.

[newswolf56]

8. Probably a better term is "displaced persons" or "DPs":

This was the term used to describe people left permanently homeless by the damage done by World War II. If we start using it here, maybe the media will pick up the usage from us.

[Chovexani]

7. I heard the Gov. ordered the Dome closed

What is going to happen to these people, especially considering the water level is rising? They have nowhere to go. :cry: