Dim and dimmer: ignoring evacuation orders and wine research money

Published September 15, 2008 4:00am ET



Dim Bulbs: People living in the path of Hurricane Ike who refused to evacuate

  • What: Despite dire warnings from the National Weather Service that residents of low-lying areas faced “certain death” if they did not retreat to higher ground, thousands reportedly decided to stay put and weather out the giant storm. However, FEMA administrator David Paulison said that in doing so they not only put themselves and their families at great risk, they also jeopordize the safety of first responders.
  • Cure: Next time the authorities say “Get out,” get out

Daily Outrage: I’ll drink to that!

  • Who: Congress
  • What: According to Citizens Against Government Waste, Congress spent $7.5 million for grape and wine research last year.
  • Why it’s an outrage: The wine industry’s sales were $27.8 billion in 2006 – which generated more than enough profit for  oenophiles to pay for the research themselves.