Should Houston Have Accepted Katrina Refugees?

There was another one of those unscientific polls on one of the major amplitude modulation stations here in Houston that asked the question; Should Houston have accepted Hurricane Katrina evacuees? Of course the no vote outnumbered the yea vote by a wide margin. I did not participate in the poll but had I, my answer would have been a resounding yes. The people of New Orleans and surrounding areas are Americans and we as a people owe it to our countrymen to assist in a time of disaster. Yes, even if that means at great monetary cost and inconvenience. Now any one who is familiar with New Orleans prior to the storm must have realized that, outside of the areas that tourists are likely to go, it was little better than a large third world city. All those that took in refugees should have known that there was a very large criminal and poverty stricken underclass that inhabited the city. It is certainly understandable that people would not want an influx of those folk in their local environment. All areas that took in evacuees in significant number probably noticed there was an increase in the crime rate. That does not mean however that our backs should have been turned on those in that fair city. It would have been wrong.  Now I have a special place in my heart for New Orleans and the state (and region) in general. I am after all a Southeastern Conference man. That being said, I could point out that I have lost nothing in New York City, but if those folks ever need another helping hand then you can count me in. Might not be able to get up there and help but would find some way to contribute to a relief effort. The same goes for L.A., San Francisco, Miami, Florida, Miami Oklahoma, Portland, Maine, Portland, OR. or anywhere else in this great land. We are a compassionate people and our compassion should be directed toward our fellow countrymen first and foremost. Anything less would be Un-American.