That is an interesting interpretation of your dad's allegory. I think it means that if you are feeling sorry for the sheep by shearing it, not shearing it only means we will not benefit from its wool and the briars are going to take the wool anyway -- so it is better for us to take it rather than for to go to waste in the briar patch.
Actually, this was a massive storm even by Buffalo's standards. Buffalo is well equipped to deal with snow, but this was a massive storm, and if people can't be bothered to stay home when these storms hit. They will get trapped in their cars a die. The national guard can not protect every store, apprehend very criminal, and ensure that every citizen stays home with sufficient provisions.
Yeah, pretty much, or you can live in China where they can easily force your monkey a-s to stay off the streets. 😉