All I can say to this is ... some people are just very insensitive, and nothing much can be done about that except educating them.

You don't know any hoarders...to be certain .. true hoarders have mental health issues. If you did personally know someone who is a hoarder, trust me, you would not be taking such an ignorant stance on the issue. It's not just about 'collecting stuff' everyone does this to a certain degree. In most cases, serious hoardering is a symptom of a greater problem. A virtual team of medical professionals, therapists, family members and cleaning services need be organized and work together to resolve the problem.

That this family received a fresh start is nice, but the real challange will be for the family to stick to a long term plan to stem the hoarding tendencies. So that in another 5 years they are not looking at digging out from under all the mess again.

I can't imagine the selfishness of a person to own 3,000 pairs of shoes and 3,000 purses.

Not sure how old you are but do you remember the fuss made about Amelda Marcos shoe extravagance. People were outraged at this evidence of greed. This happened in 1986. Now in 2007 it is starting to become acceptable because of people like Oprah with her shoe extravaganza. Not to mention Arnold Swartzenegger is so proud of his shoe collection, evidently, his wife nicknamed him Amelda Marcos.

What an example these two alone are making on society. I am disgusted by this self-obsorbed behavior. They are truly disconnected from reality. When will people realize this behavior of selfishness is truly mental illness do to egotism, selfisness and aquisitiveness.

I would really call this both mental and spiritual problem True wisdom and love does not manifest itself in pure egotism and selfishnes such as this.

I wish I could "suffer" with 3,000 pairs of shoes and 3,000 purses. It has been a while now since this show was taped and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that womans got a house full of crap again. Her husband should have taken away her ability to shop and spend. She shouldn't have access to credit cards or their banking accounts. I soppose the polite thing to do is say, "I hope she finds a way to overcome her "illness". But, I really want to say, "what a crock."

Don't speak too soon!
Maybe Oprah can do a spot-check. Has she ever done such a thing to those she has helped? I think it's really about accountability.

Not at all sister.

You are true on that.
FYI I too am from New Orleans and one of the fortunate ones that did not have to go trhough the storm. Pompeii is a exceptional way to describe it.

Who could ask for more then a normal life. I wish people would redirect their energies and passion toward things like this rather then beat up on someone who truly has a mental illness.