With Hurricane Florence bearing down on the homes of Steve’s parents and his cousin, we’ve been glued to the news for the past couple of days. Steve’s folks live on a barrier island near Morehead City. His cousin and his family live in New Bern. His folks eventually left to stay with friends in Raleigh, but their neighbors stayed, as did the New Bern cousins.

Here’s what Steve’s parent’s island looks like right now.

Why would people stay after all the news coverage told people to go, go, go? Some stayed because they think that being there will save their homes. Lockean “life, liberty, and property” is part of the American culture.

But I think that most people in North Carolina stayed, even after all the news and authorities told them to go, because they simply didn’t believe the news. Trump’s constant “fake news” taunts have undermined confidence in news, and his buffoonery has undermined confidence in leaders.

Alarmist media at it again. Overhyped Florence. Down two notches to Cat 2 already. Soon be Cat 1. They are still trying to hype it

— Rick Saccone (@RickSaccone4PA) September 13, 2018

And now rescue workers are putting their lives at risk to save these people.