Okay, the news out of the Gulf area got me wondering about something that I know may be a difficult subject for some people, and maybe contentious, so I'm just gonna start it out here in the Dog House.

When there is a mandatory evacuation of an area, do you think it is the responsibility of residents to leave in a timely fashion if they are able? I understand disabled or elderly folks who cannot leave on their own, but what about the people who could have left and chose not to? Do they bear any responsibility for the expense and effort that goes into rescuing them when the time comes?

Just wondering what others think. There always seem to be those who say, "I 'toughed it out' when storm X came through, I'm not leaving!" but then end up having to be rescued from the rooftop when the area floods ...



No, I am not bitter and cynical and think they should be left to drown, but ... do they bear any responsibility at all?