what's a refugee?

i thought at first that people were just wrong. they kept saying that "these people (hurricane survivors) are not refugees. they are americans." and i kept thinking, yes they are. they're seeking refuge. but see, i was wrong.

ref·u·gee n
somebody who is seeking or taking refuge, especially from war or persecution, by going to a foreign country (often used before a noun)

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

but, to my credit
ref·uge n
1.a sheltered or protected state safe from something threatening, harmful, or unpleasant
2.a place, or sometimes a person, offering protection or safe shelter from something

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

so, "they" weren't wrong. they were just splitting hairs. these survivors are seeking refuge. the are transients. is that any better? hey, cuba offered help. so, maybe some will go there and actually be refugees.