It takes a special kind of jerk to want to profit from one of the worst national disasters in this country's history, especially as people are still wading through fetid flood water and entering their third or fourth day without food, water, and medicine.
Still, I was not surprised to see people using the hurricane as a selling point for their eBay auctions. (Note: some people are using eBay to raise money for relief efforts; this post is not a criticism of them, only of those seeking to line their own pockets while the area is still reeling from the effects of the storm.)
Take, for example, this "We Surived Hurricane Katrina" magnet. If you survived the hurricane, I'm sure the first thing you're thinking about as you survey your wrecked house is, "Gee, I really could use a magnet right now."
Bragging about one's survivor status is a common theme among items on eBay. Once victims put on some dry clothes, I'm sure they'll also want to use this "Hurricane Katrina Survivor 2005" embroidery pattern. No word on how survivors, most of whom lack basic electricity even if they have things like laptops and PDAs, are supposed to download the emailed file after paying the $5.99 "Buy It Now" price.
Also very sensitive is this "Evacuation Route" sign which does not have the words "New Orleans" or even "Louisiana" printed on it, although that did not stop the seller from listing the item as "Hurricane Katrina EVACUATION ROUTE Tiki Bar Decor." Because nothing livens up a rec room like a reminder of a storm that killed thousands of people.
Then there is this cryptically described auction: item destroyed by hurricane in new orleans. No picture or description is given, but the starting bid is fifteen dollars.
There are no doubt hundreds more, most of which have nothing to do with raising money for victims and relief effort. With all the looting going on it's probably only a matter of time before New Orleans street signs and pieces of cobblestone are offered for sale.
If you do buy something from eBay to support relief efforts, make sure you read the post carefully. Most legitimate posts are marked with ribbons and will have clear descriptions of and links to the charities they support.
Posted by Doug at September 1, 2005 11:59 AMAlong those lines, I noticed someone on Craig's List a "single male artist" from Florida, was looking to give a single woman an opportunity for a realtionship (a.k.a. a place to stay) until the Hurricane madness was over.
The guy is basically looking for a desparate, homeless woman who will sleep with him in exchange for shelter!
Argh!
So gross. I wouldn't be surprised if someone pretends to respond just to have the chance to slap the guy silly.
At least no one is selling an "I survived Hurricane Katrina and the only thing I own is this T-shirt (and whatever other clothes I am wearing)" shirt. They'll probably wait a week before breaking out that one, out of respect.
Posted by: Francis at September 1, 2005 11:50 PMI agree with you on the auctions on ebay...I have a couple of auctions listed - but - I am donating 100% of whatever each auction brings in to the American Red Cross. I believe SO STRONGLY in helping the people. I was a resident of the great State of Mississippi until earlier this year and I have been glued to CNN all week, literally crying at times! I have many family members and friends throughout MS and LA. I've heard from some; some I have been unable to get ahold of because phone lines are still down. To show you some of the desperation, in a large college town half-way between Jackson MS and Gulfport MS, one guy killed another guy...OVER A BAG OF ICE!!! I simply can't fathom what the people are going through and my heart goes out to them. PLEASE GIVE ANYTHING TO SOME REPUTABLE CHARITY!!! No amount is too small - not with the magnitude the effect Katrina has had, the lives she has destroyed...and changed forever. God Bless MS, LA & AL
Posted by: Cheri at September 3, 2005 10:40 PM