Posted on 09/03/2005 6:40:34 AM PDT by A. Pole
HOUSTON -- NEWSCHANNEL 5 crews were in Houston as some desperate refugees arrived in a stolen bus.
HOUSTON -- Thousands of refugees of Hurricane Katrina were transported to the Astrodome in Houston this week. In an extreme act of looting, one group actually stole a bus to escape ravaged areas in Louisiana.
About 100 people packed into the stolen bus. They were the first to enter the Houston Astrodome, but they weren't exactly welcomed.
The big yellow school bus wasn't expected or approved to pass through the stadium's gates. Randy Nathan, who was on the bus, said they were desperate to get out of town.
"If it werent for him right there," he said, "we'd still be in New Orleans underwater. He got the bus for us."
Eighteen-year-old Jabbor Gibson jumped aboard the bus as it sat abandoned on a street in New Orleans and took control.
"I just took the bus and drove all the way here...seven hours straight,' Gibson admitted. "I hadn't ever drove a bus."
The teen packed it full of complete strangers and drove to Houston. He beat thousands of evacuees slated to arrive there.
"I t's better than being in New Orleans," said fellow passenger Albert McClaud, "we want to be somewhere where we're safe."
During a long and impatient delay, children popped their heads out of bus windows and mothers clutched their babies.
One 8-day-old infant spent the first days of his life surrounded by chaos. He's one of the many who are homeless and hungry.
Authorities eventually allowed the renegade passengers inside the dome. But the 18-year-old who ensured their safety could find himself in a world of trouble for stealing the school bus.
"I dont care if I get blamed for it ," Gibson said, "as long as I saved my people."
Sixty legally chartered buses were expected to arrive in Houston throughout the night. Thousands of people will be calling the Astrodome "home," at least for now.
Bump
Jabbor for Mayor!
At this point, I'd be happier contributing to this guy's defense fund than I am contributing to New Orleans. (Yes, yes...I contributed. I'm just not happy about it).
I'd contribute to his defense fund.
The guy has a head on his shoulder and he is level-headed.
Is there a minimum age to be mayor of N O's?
This young man as mayor would not have left those 100's of school buses to get flooded.
He would have gotten drivers and used them to pick up people to leave.
Bet they would have a hell of a time finding a jury who would convict him. It also would be the death of a career for a prosecutor to take this one on.
A man who steals a school bus to save the lives of a busload of people, even if he could get indicted (not bloody likely) would have a built-in defense. You wouldn't need to resort to jury nullification.
Finally, even if there weren't legal issues with a prosecution of this kid, and even if we assume that it would be just to prosecute this kid, the simple fact of the matter is that the New Orleans District Attorney's office has its hands full with really bad criminals. A kid who stole a bus in order to get people out of a dying city is just not going to be a high priority for prosecution.
Precisely.That 18 yr.old kid showed more brains and initiative than that whining mayor.
Gibson's age keeps changing in every article about this kid. First he was 17, then 20 and now 18.
I think the kid should run for Mayor.
"In an extreme act of looting, one group actually stole a bus to escape ravaged areas in Louisiana."
I don't call it looting since Gibson was acting to ensure the safety of others. He can't be compared to the selfish thugs running around stealing TVs and stereos.
Thanks for the info. I don't think he has a thing to worry about.
There was no crime committed. He should be praised. Screw a defensive fund. Give him a job!
That's a survivor! Right on Jabbor!
This young man has shown more courage and initiative than the NO's racist mayor and the worthless governor have during this mess.
He didn't really steal the bus. A couple of N O's cops told him to take the bus. Instead leaving by himself or loading it with looters and rapers, he loaded with others in need to get out.
They pooled their money to buy gas, diapers and probably water. God Bless him and those who raised him to be what he is.
bttt
Normally, I would say he is a thief, and technically he is. However, he reacted in an extreme and desperate situation to save lives. he didn't steal the bus for a thrill, to sell the parts, to support a drug habit, or for any other negative reason. he stole it to save lives. I'll give him a pass on this one.
This 18-year old had a better plan than those elected in Louisiana who's job it was to lead the evacuation of their constituents.
Pass, hell. I'll buy him a beer.
I saw the interview of this kid and his initiative was amazing. Someone needs to get down there and give this man a job.
Actually, I'm hoping someone from the military snatches him up quick, because we need that kind of quick thinking in our military.
Eighteen-year-old Jabbor Gibson jumped aboard the bus as it sat abandoned on a street in New Orleans and took control.
"I just took the bus and drove all the way here...seven hours straight,' Gibson admitted. "I hadn't ever drove a bus."
.....
He didn't steal a bus, he saved lives when the Mayor of N.O. and the Gov. didn't bother utilizing all those wasted buses to save many other lives.
The kid didn't seem too educated but he sure is smart - the kind of smart you can't learn in school. Nobody is going to lay a finger on him.
As far as I'm concerned, he's a saint, and I'm sure those he brought on the bus agree with him.
He gets my hero vote!
If this fine young man is even look at crossways by some prosecutor I will take time off from work and go and picket wherever. He should be honored.
Defense Fund? Count me in!!!!!!!
Damn Straight!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the first time I've seen an article call him a looter. The guy only did what the city should have been doing. He's no thief.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.