A historical footnote - derived from the LA Times - more than 60 of the 100 deaths attributed to Rita were connected to the evacuation, rather than the storm itself. While a lot of discomfort and disruption is reported, there are not that many fatalities (so far)

I also read that portions of the land in the Houston area is subsiding at more than 2 inches per year - they had better keep updating their topographic maps (Thank heavens for LIDAR). Those floodplains are on the move!

I think we have a situation where the correct answer to the question - Should we stay or should we go? is---

Neither of the above

Officials would catch flak regardless of their choice.