"Rescue Ticket"

[NVMojo]

Rescue 'ticket'

Posted: 6:24 p.m. ET
CNN's Drew Griffin in New Orleans, Louisiana

I am stunned by an interview I conducted with New Orleans Detective Lawrence Dupree. He told me they were trying to rescue people with a helicopter and the people were so poor they were afraid it would cost too much to get a ride and they had no money for a "ticket." Dupree was shaken telling us the story. He just couldn't believe these people were afraid they'd be charged for a rescue.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/05/scene.blog/index.html

[Skittles]

1. they've been stiffed by the system their entire lives

it's really not a wonder

[NVMojo]

4. I hope that is all this is about and not that other "rescue vehicles"

actually did charge ...

[woodsprite]

2. Alot of times, ambulances charge for their services if you're

not a member of the fire company or haven't made a $50 + donation in the current year. Maybe so of the NO fire companies work that way. If so, I can see them thinking that.

[babylonsister]

3. I read about this on DU earlier; never heard it on CNN.

If they had the damn money to get outa town, does anyone doubt they would have? I've typed 'the mind boggles' a few times, but it's boggling again. :(

[Julius Civitatus]

5. Nothing in America is free

They have been screwed by the system all their lives. Something as simple as a visit to the doctor or calling an ambulance results in large bills they can't barely afford.

Why would they think they would mobilize helicopters just to save them "for free"?

This is extremely sad, and very telling of the realities of the system. This is how the top, most industrialized country lets down its own citizens.

:cry:

[KingFlorez]

6. People looking for handout? I think not

These people actually think they have to pay to be rescued, that they would think is sad.

[imaginary girl]

7. Are we sure they won't be? n/t

[LibDemAlways]

8. Makes perfect sense.

What's free in the USA? Nothing. Why should a rescue be any different?