First, allow me to start by saying that my heart and prayers go out to the victims of these horrific acts of nature. Never am I pleased or proud to read, see or hear about tragic events. However it is very troubling when there is a clear disconnect in our society. When the hurricane struck the Gulf Coast more specifically Lousiania(LA) the victims were called (Refugees). Here in 2007 the fires blaze in California(LA) and the displaced victims are called (Evacuees). The same media that first reported on the events of Katrina had the audacity to use the language (Refugees). Yet the same media calls the fires victims (Evacuees). It is perplexing that editors and upper level management would allow American citizens to be called Refugees. As if Katrina victims didn't pay taxes, weren't gainfully employed or didn't possess some form of common decency. Let us look at the word and what it means to be a Refugee: a person who flees for refuge or safety, esp. to a foreign country, as in time of political upheaval, war, etc. Last time I checked Lousiania(LA) is apart of North America and the United States is a country. The victims of Katrina didn't flee to another country, they sought safety in various counties, municipalities, cities, and states. Unless I missed something there wasn't a huge exodus to Japan, Cayman Islands or Germany. No, these American citizens sought shelter in the good ole continental USA. Now, I pick up a paper or goto another media source and we have fire victims ooops excuse me Evacuees. Similiar circumstances in that both victims were the results of natural disasters yet the verbiage completely different. When will the playing fields be leveled and the human life valued the same. I think a very profound thinker and orator once said, " judge me not by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character".  


Photo's provided show Refugees inside the SuperDome in (LA) during Katrina vs. Evacuees inside Qualcomm Stadium during the fires. Do the math!