Houston mayor is a real hero in this.

[Zen Democrat]

Mayor Bill White has stepped up the plate big time. When the Astrodome filled up last night, White opened up the Reliant Center, Reliant Arena and the George R. Brown Convention Center. Said White:

"We want this exhibition hall open right now," the mayor said. "If it entails somebody suing us, OK, sue and explain to the American public where money is more important than lives," White said. "This is an emergency and the people of this region will respond in appropriate fashion."

Bill White said tonight that he wants every available apartment and hotel/motel room in America to be made available to the displaced people. It's a national emergency and people should not be expected to stay in shelters but be given any and all available housing and afforded the dignity they deserve.

No more talk about the evils of Houston. It's a generous and friendly BLUE city and has always been incredibly humanitarian. The shelters are stop-gap at this point and the best that can be done to accommodate thousands and thousands of desperate people looking for food, clothing and medical care.

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. I agree. He has been extremely generous with Houston's hospitality.

I don't even know what party he belongs to, but I respect him.

[Zen Democrat]

3. He's a Democrat. Was in the Clinton administration.

[greatauntoftriplets]

5. Well, I should have guessed.

:D

[dogday]

2. Houston won't miss those stadiums

we have so many it is not funny, might as well put them to a very good use. I am glad to see our Mayor stepping up to the plate.

[Zen Democrat]

8. The Astrodome, no. But George R. Brown and Reliant Center

have contracted conventions and conferences and they've cleaned the slate. That's what he meant about being sued.

[dogday]

14. I know but if you were one the companies canceled

would you sue because of Kristina and the victims of this storm? And if you do, you will no longer have a good reputation...

[Island Blue]

4. Good for the Mayor!

I have no idea if he's a Democrat or Republican. At this point the only thing that matters is that he sounds like he's a caring HUMAN with a clue about the dire situations these people are in.

[MuseRider]

6. Good for him.

This is what we should be hearing from every leader in this country. Thank you. I have always loved Houston, great memories from my visits there and I still have a few friends there who are the best people. YAY for Mayor Bill White. "afforded the dignity they deserve" YES!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. Houston Chronicle in 2001 predicted NO refugees coming to Houston

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/3335758

[slutticus]

11. Wow. Good find.

[moondust]

9. Hats off to Houston.

I've seen several CNN interviews with evacuees who say they are being welcomed to Houston with open arms.

BIG howdy and thank you to Houston!!

[I Have A Dream]

10. Wow - now this is a leader. n/t

[Gothmog]

12. He was also a trial attorney

Mayor White has offices on the same floor as my firm. Bill used to be at Susman Godfrey (a plaintiffs trial firm).

[Zen Democrat]

13. He's a Harvard grad and was Law Review at UT.

And Deputy Secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration.

[Spazito]

15. Thank you Houston and Mayor Bill White!

I think FEMA screwed up royally and the local officials had to take over and that is why things are actually working there now re the evacuees.

[in_cog_ni_to]

16. How nice! Some compassion! He MUST BE A DEMOCRAT.

Thank you Houston and Mayor White! :yourock:

[peekaloo]

17. That he is!

:D

[in_cog_ni_to]

19. Yay! I KNEW IT!

Isn't that sad? You know someone's political persuation by how compassionate they are? :( So sad.

[loudsue]

18. A funny side note: Two VERY right-wing cousins of mine live in Houston

:rofl: Their heads are exploding!!! :woohoo:

:hi: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! :bounce:

These two don't want no steeeenkin' refugees in their city!! They're both boosh fans...repukes to the core! :rofl:

:kick:

[Cascadian]

20. Thank you, Mr. Mayor!

For helping the people of New Orleans in their time of need. You wasted no time and you have shown what true compassion!


John