As I watched the ServiceNation Presidential Forum last night, I heard a lot about personal responsibility and serving a cause greater than self.  While I know that both the moderators – Judy Woodruff of PBS and Rick Stengel, managing editor of Time magazine – and the candidates – Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R) – were talking about service and volunteering.

I want to see the government apply personal responsibility and a cause greater than self to evacuation orders.  With devastation almost certain for Galveston Island, people have refused to evacuate as required by their government.  When the government issues a mandatory evacuation, citizens should follow the evacuation.  There is a cause greater than self to do what the law requires.  There is a cause greater than self to remove one’s self prior to needing to be rescued.

Residents of Galveston Island have to leave behind their homes.  This is a hard thing to do.  Residents of Galveston Island need to drive long distances to get far enough away from this huge storm.  I do not take either of these tasks lightly.  I do, though, above these inconveniences, value human life.  That is both the human life of those who ignore the evacuation requirements and those who put their own lives in harm’s way trying to rescue the former.

Be personally responsible.  Listen to and heed warnings that involve the weather.  Do not put your own life in danger.  Do not put the lives of first responders that may be called on to rescue those who do not listen and heed in danger.