By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The decision to open the Morganza Spillway came only after much deliberation and study. The conscious decision to flood the property of thousands is not an easy one to make, but it was finally decided that the few would be made to sacrifice to save larger communities farther down the Mississippi River.

Accordingly, last week L’Observateur asked visitors to its website what they thought should be done to aid victims of flooding resulting from the opening of the Morganza.

More than half of those who responded thought those living in the path of spillway water knew what they were getting into when they chose to live there and should not receive any sort of special aid.

Of those who had a little more sympathy for the potential flood victims, relatively few believed food and clothing drives or statewide monetary funds were the way to go.

The option stating the state should apply for FEMA assistance on flood victims’ behalf garnered about twice as much support as those first two options.

The “all of the above” option was the most popular of those supporting Morganza flood victims. It garnered nearly one-quarter of the vote.

A full breakdown of responses follows:

• 8 percent of respondents chose “There should be food and clothing drives for them.”

• 5 percent of respondents chose “There should be a statewide fund set up to help them financially.”

• 14 percent of respondents chose “The state government should apply for FEMA assistance on their behalf.”

• 22 percent of respondents chose “All of the above.”

• 51 percent of respondents chose “Nothing. They knew the situation when they decided to live there.”