Train Wreck Tourism

Was a bit disturbed -- ok, a whole lot disturbed -- last week when Weather Channel metorologist Mike Bettes spoke emotionally in his Open Mike opinion segment about Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau offering an informational and directional map of the city giving not only directions, but the best routes, through the areas hardest hit by the May 22 tornado.

Bettes said it was like putting the still-suffering residents of Joplin on display as they are still trying to sift through the remains of their lives and rebuild, like they were animals in a zoo to be gawked at and photographed. Bettes was angry and emotional and has a right to be. His crew had been out filming on special assignment about the tornado season, and arrived in Joplin just 10 minutes after the tornado tore the city apart. He tried to report on what he was seeing as people searched for loved ones and entire neighborhoods were flattened. He had to stop reporting because he became so emotional.

He said the CVB reps said it was not to promote tourism, but simply information provided in response to the many groups and individuals seeking information about the city because they are planning trips there to help rebuild. That may be true, but such a publication will also aid the morbidly curious.

The last thing the residents of Joplin, or other areas devastated by disaster, natural or otherwise, need is to be the object of curious tourists who drive through their neighborhoods staring and taking videos and photographs. Bettes said in areas like many of the Wards in New Orleans, tour buses actually slowly rolled through.

Anyone that interested in devastation should not just come to town and stay at a hotel so they can have a good vantage point from which to gawk. They should take a vacation from work, pack cleaning supplies and pitch in to help.

During Bettes' segment on May 22, he pleaded with people in the neighboring counties to send firefighers and doctors and nurses, and people who could bring in and run heavy equipment.

Joplin needs people willing to pitch in and get their hands dirty in the rebuilding effort. Spectators need not apply..