Hi folks...here are some more AOL Journals, AIM Blogs and other blogs
of people who've been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
(You can get more info in the AOL
News article.)
I've
tried to highlight folks who have been directly affected by the storm;
for more blogs about Katrina, try your own searches on AOL
Journals, Feedster
and Technorati.
Also,
here are links to the Network
for Good Katrina page and the American Red Cross main
page.
* AOL
News's Daily Pulse - Compiling Member Reports and
Comments
* Storms
Whisper and Oceans Scream - Worrying About Celia
*
Dancing
in the Rain - Dad and Panda in New Orleans
* Midlife
Matters - Welcome to Tulane
* My
Everyday Life - Helen Watches the News
* By
the Way - Scalzi's Links & Resources
* Happiness:
Yep, STILL a Choice - Report From Louisiana (While He Has
Power)
* Sports Bar
& Buffet - Lew Bundles Up Storm Dispatches
*
Our
Lives - Louise Posts Katrina Damage Photos
* Bert's
World - More Florida Aftereffects
* Southern
Comfort - Riding It Out in Biloxi
* Thoughts,
Advice & Frustration - Humbled in South
Florida
* Samsays
- Memories of a Typhoon
* Jen's
Journal - Updating on Battery Power
* Life
Is Always Interesting When Your Name Is Bond - High Water
Photos
* Just
Me - Mom & Dad in Alabama
Thanks -- Joe.
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70 comments:
Thank you for your heartwarming concern Joe. Much appreciated ~ Dianna~
h
I'm a 43 yr. old woman frm. CA. My prayers are with the victims of the catastrophe. My eyes have been glued to the T.V. and my ears burning with grief. There are no bad words to say. Only to the survivors God is with you and may he keep you encouraged to withstand the test. This is more than a battle of "Mother Nature". This was a test of the fittest. We must be ready in season and out of season. Ready for the "WHAT EVER". This is a statement to the "Looters". I've read that people are taking things like jerseys? Really!. If you need to take anything at all utilize products that can help you to sustain the woes of this situation. Things like food stuffs, possible dry goods, camping equipments. Most of all work together and humble yourselves. The Lord has demonstrated just how powerful he can be. Now, show him how you really are your brother's keeper. My parayers are with all the families and professionals that have covered the story as well as been a part of it. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. from South Los Angeles. We are praying.
On the subject of LOOTING . . . looting for necessity is one thing, but who needs T.V.s and jewlery to survive????? and then shooting the cop in the head who was trying to stop it !!!!! Marshal Law has been declared. Shoot looters taking something that's not a necessity and it would soon stop. They should suffer even more.
We were in Gulf Shores on Vacation when Katrina hit. I got a few photos until my camera got waterlogged. We retreated to Atlanta. We had flown into and spent a few days in New Orleans so I have a few pre-Katrina Photos. We were suppose to fly out of New Orleans and well..you know why that didn't happen. Gulf Shores seems to be in good shape. But now that we are safe we must turn our attention to those in need. Go and donate to the Red Cross. Money is best so they can do with it as they see fit. You can donate directly to the parishes and counties involved just google it and you can get there.
Best wishes and hugs to all!
Heather
http://journals.aol.com/wnsheather/SingleGalandtheBigBadWorld/
Hey there....
I think that it's a shame that there was massive destruction and all but remember, at one time there was Pangea....then the continents drifted apart. At one time the Himalayas were flat....can you imagine the devestation that occured when India slammed into Asia and formed the highest mountain range in the world?....Look, disasters have been happening since the big bang...unfortunately Fox News and CNN weren't brodcasting 24 hour coverage back then, and we couldn't blog about how the UK used to be at the equator and now it sits in the North Atlantic. Folks, natural disasters are going to happen quite frequently, so get used to it. Also, a word of advice if you were near the beach and somehow survived and have an internet connection and you can read this....if someone says that a large weather system with susstained winds of 175+ mph is headed in your general direction in a week or so....don't try to "ride it out". Your best bet is to get as far away as possible from the 175+ mph winds that might cause a little bit of destruction. I mean come on, people are you really so stupid that you can think you are going to just sit at home in your apartment building and hope that the 175+ mph winds aren't going to rip the apartment building apart? I mean I have an I.Q. of only 40 but if I look at the Satellite Image and see a giant mass of clouds moving toward my apartment complex with winds of 175+ mph, I would probably make arrangements to evacuate. Am I wrong? Holler back if you agree.
No one should care about the looters...they wont be taking it with them when they are evacuated...there are hundreds and hundreds of children, babies, elderly and sick people unable to get anywhere. I am watching people stranded for hours on highways. PEOPLE ARE DYING RIGHT NOW. WHERE ARE THE BUSSES, WHERE IS THE MILITARY AND THIER HELICOPTERS. It is incredible that FEMA was so unprepared to evacuate these people...forget that they stayed. I only hope that people remember this, and the government is held responsible for the lack of action.
I think the government could have activated military personnel immediatly and brought them in, shuttling people out once they arrive. This is a tragedy what is happening in New Orleans, and just as bad in Mississippi and Alabama.
LET THE PEOPLE EAT AND DRINK . THEY ARE IN NEED.PEOPLE NEED TO GET A GRIP ON WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE GULF COAST STATES THEY ARE HUNGRY AND IN NEED OF WATER.IT HAS BEEN DAYS SENCE THE STORM AND PEOPLE ARE AT THERE BREAKING POINTS. I FEEL FOR THEM. I HAVE BEEN THOUGH IT MYSELF WITH ALL THE STORMS WE HAD HERE IN FLORIDA LAST YEAR. I WAS AT MY BREAKING POINT AS WELL. YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HELL IS LIKE?TRY GOING WITH OUT POWER, GAS, FOOD AND WATER FOR ONE WEEK AND YOU WILL KNOW WHAT HELL IS....
Let these people have whatever they want noone can use anything anyway just let them survive the only way they can. And where are the troops? Why are we not helping our country? These are our people why? why? Please, someone help these people they did not ask for this and they sure didn't take anything from any other country.
God Bless those whose lives have been affectd by the wrath of Katrina. I hope everyone reading this , reaches deep into thier pockets, to make monetary donations to the American Red Cross. These people are well versed in giving aid to people in need, their successes are well documented. If every family in these American states would give up one night of going out to dinner or to the movies, the benefits of donating that money , would be more than any of us could imagine.
Our fellow americans in the southern states need our HELP....Be generous. Remember, this could have happened to us too ! God will smile on you for your thoughtfulness.
I will be contacting the red cross to offer room in my home for up to 6 people...that's the room I have available since my children are grown and out of the house. There may be a family that needs to stay together, in comfort and with another family who is willing to help. No strings attatched, just a hand reaching out to offer a hand up not a hand out. If interested , contact the red cross, and tell them "High and Dry In Pa", has offered a helping hand. They will have my contact information.
God Bless you all !
"High and Dry in Pennsylvania"
Hey Mr. president. We have a DISASTER in our own country. Wake up and smell the coffee. How many times do you have to be reminded to clean up your own back yard before you tackle someone else's. Where's the aid from all the other countries that owe us tons of money? OUR PEOPLE need HELP!! AMERICANS. This is just the beginning, we'll have more distruction in this country from mother nature someday, but you'll be more interested in saving a damn country that is never gonna change. TAKE CARE OF THIS COUNTRY. Close the borders now! Get rid of these illegal aliens once and for all. Have some balls. USA should never have one person homeless, or hungry. It's out of control, and someone is just waiting to catch us in our most vulnerable moment and take away what this country was built on. So, while you're having your lunch prepared and your ass wiped, what if it was your family suffering. You're just as expendable as any one else. How about doing something for the country instead of yourself and your liasons. HOW ABOUT IT? GIVE US BACK OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!
We all need to pray for those people. I hope that they all will be all right. And can get the help help they need as soon as possible. The children are the ones who I feel for the most. They are so innocent and really don't understand what has happen to there world.
D.M.P.
Why can't news helicopters and others air drop food, water, lifevests, formula, and other things needed to victims on bridges, roofs, balconeys, and ground when they are flying around photographing the damage and victims? This was done by the Red Cross, Air Force, Navy, and other aircraft when the sunammi hit southeast Asia. Why can't we do it here. They can reach all the places buses, and other vehicles can't. This would give them hope that help is coming and keep them alive until they can be evacuated. Why aren't boats being used to rescue those stranded? These people are feeling hapless, helpless, and hopeless. They can't hear or see what is going on elsewhere, or what is being done to reach them.
Let's give them some hope while we continue to pray and send help and rescue.
This country makes me sick, we are supposed to be the richest most powerful country in the world,we help out other countries that have suffered a disaster within hours but cant help our people after 4 days.We knew the storm was coming,and the best thing they could do was tell the residents of New Orleans to evacuate to a F*cking Stadium/arena that they didnt even bother to prepare as a shelter, they told people to bring there own food and water for 5 days, do they relize most of these people are poor and live pay check to pay check and may not be able to come up with enough money at the drop of a dime to buy the bare essential to sustain them selves for at least 5 days,they might be on their last bit of food and money and about to receive their next pay check,then u tell them a hurrican is coming and they either evacuate the city,stay home and hope for the best or come to the Superdome which wasnt even prepared to be a makeshift shelter for thousands of people.They predicted that the city was going to flood, but they couldnt predict that the electricity,water, and other utilities would be out of order at the Superdome once the storm hit ,what kind of geniuses do we have in charge in this country.These people need help now, there are sick, elderly,infants and young children who probably have only hours if not minutes before they get totally dehydrated.And the media they are just looking for a story to tell so people will watch how about instead of standing around with a mic and a camera intyerveiwing theses people u load as many of em as u can and get them the hell out of there.
LauraR1218 isnt done talking yet.In the words of the very wealthy president Bush"i have zero tolerance for looters", who gives a crap that these people are out there taking stuff from stores,people are in survival mode, its every man for himself, if I was out there with my 15 month old son i'd be the first one to to do a smash and grab at wal mart, first i'd go for the bare essentials(diapers,water,food,clothing etc.) then I'd go for things that have some real value that i can sell once i get out of town ,who gives a a sh*t about the looters theses people have nothing, they are being treated worse than animals so they are going to act like animals.I'd die before I let my son go hungry.They dont care about these people, A majority of the people stuck in New Orleans are poor, people most of em black,.This country doesnt want to look bad to the rest of the world thats why they are always quick to help the rest of the world, bring back our troops so they can help their own first then worry about iraq.We need to help ourselves first.SOME ONE PLEASE SAVE THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS NOW!!!!
Black Power
Can someone please tell me where the Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow Push Coalition are? Or perhaps where the illustrious Rev. Al Sharption is and why neither one have held one press conference or one community meeting to garnish help from the African-American community to help the impoverished African-American refugees diluged by Katrina? Perhaps, I should wait, once again for the generosity of Americans to take hold and then for them to come out and ridicule and attack everything that has been done for my brothers and sisters, that they didn't do on their own.....
Constantly Amused
Why are most of the looters black?
Eric Collins, Bill Borges, Kenny Adams, Mark Roberts, Wanda Cadwallader, Hey guys its ME!! Barb from Evangel College; the girl you were gonna take to New Orleans on Spring break back in 1978? But I backed out at the last minute, remember Kenny? I regreted it from day one., and still do. I havent seen you in 25 years, I kept up with you in the newsletters. I got married, had 3 kids. But ya know when Hurricane Katrina hit and I read and saw what happened to New Orleans, all of you came to mind, and I cant stop thinking about you. My prayers all go out to you and your families, praying especially you are all safe! Wanda, I know you got married and have a different name. If your able at all to reach internet access or ANYONE that knows you, reading this PLEASE e-mail me at BLTTrox@aol.com and let me know you are allright!
so I posted a blog here and apparantly I stated too much of the truth because it has been removed. Typical politically correct liberal violation of the freedom of speech. Understood, this Country is going soft. Quite pathetic.
I am very pissed at the leaders in the country that was founded on God. Isn't in God we trust printed on all of the money. I am pissed most of all at the leaders because we are helping other countries, spending millions and billions of money and our own people are suffering. I believe in taking care of home first. If you can't take care of home first than you can't or don't need to take care of other countries. I am so glad I depend on God for my needs because if I or we depended on MEN we all would be in trouble. I do believe that we need to reach out and let these people in need know and regain trust in the human race. Whatever happened to love thy neighbor.
I'm positively sick over all those people suffering like they are. It disgusts me that we weren't more prepared to handle this happening in our Country. What happened to Homeland Security? After 9/11 you would think that they would be more prepared to mobilize help to any area of our Country that would be affected by natural or terrorist created disasters.
And, I haven't read or heard a single thing about other countries volunteering to help or even offer sympathy. We are the first to move into action to help other countries and yet there is no help for us, EVER! These people should be ashamed of their leaders and themselves.
I watch from my living room, well fed, a roof over my head
images of death, despair, and grief
wake up America
where are the troops? Irag? Afghanistan?
Bring our troops home, we need them
You can't change the channel and make it go away
This, is reality
Be humble everyone who can read this, for all those who can't. I am ashamed and and embarassed for the mean spiritedness of a nation, who in they're ready preparedness thinks our only enemy is terrorists from abroad. We have the "City of New Orleans" under seige. Hello, people with enough time to go to Texas to protest the president's overlooking One Dead Hero. This is a stand off for now. Take that time and and volunnter to save a hurricane victim trapped and dying in "America the Beautiful". The bush machine will be needing you, and so will America.
I am truely embarrassed that society has demonstated an ediology of terrorists right here, a brother kills his sister for a bag of ice, I am embarrassed. God help us!
I'VE BEEN READING THE BLOGS, HEARING ALL THE GRIPES AND COMPALINTS FROM THE MEDIA ABOUT WHO'S TO BLAME FOR THE LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO THOSE SUFFERING IN THE GULF STATES. PLEASE, STOP, GET THE PRIORITIES STRAIGHT, POINT THE FINGERS LATER. THOSE OF YOU PHYSICALLY CAPABLE, GO TO THE SALVATION ARMY, THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND VOLUNTEER YOURSELF TO GO TO THE PEOPLE WHO NEED YOU. GO TO YOUR CHURCH, OR OTHER CIVIC LEADERS AND HELP ORGANIZE A DRIVE TO GATHER FOOD, WATER, CLOTHING, BEDDING,THE BASICS THAT THESE POOR SOULS NEED. LET YOUR DISGUST BE KNOWN IN THE NEXT ELECTION, WRITE YOUR LETTERS LATER, GO TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO YOU FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS LACK OF SUPPORT LATER, GO OUT AND HELP THE PEOPLE WHO NEED YOUR HELP NOW. IT'S VERY EASY TO SIT BEHIND A KEYBOARD AND BITCH AND COMPLAIN, PUT ALL THAT ENERGY TO BETTER USE AND HELP RATHER THAN POINT A FINGER AND VOICE YOUR OPINION. THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME LATER TO CRITICISE. DON'T BE SWALLOWED UP IN THE MEDIA DISECTION OF GOVENRMENT FAILURE, DO SOMETHING POSITIVE ! DONATE AS MUCH AS YOUR FINANCIAL BUDGET WILL AFFORD. YES THE GOVERNMENT SCREWED UP , BUT SITTING IN YOUR COMFORTABLE HOMES ,COMPLAINING ISN'T HELPING .
THESE PEOPLE NEED YOUR HELP NOW.
I was reading how the tourists were stranded and feeling they were not very high on the priority list, guess what they shouldn't be. I can feel for the people who for some reason or another could not get out of the way of this horrible storm. But for tourists who should not have been there, if they have the money to be tourist and the means to be tourists what would be their reasoning for not getting out. I truely think if the city or government was going out of their way to help the tourists the residents and the world would be wanting to know WHY.
Does anyone know how to volunteer to help at the refugee center at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas? I live downtown and am here for the holiday weekend so would be glad to help in any way needed but have no idea who to call, where to go, etc.
These people are walking in water they cannot drink. Hasn't anyone thought of sending water filters to these people? How about bleach or hydrogen peroxide, with instructions on how to use them to sterilize the water? This is the Southern US. Has the sun dissappeared? Solar water sterilizers could be made for $20 each, that could make hundreds of gallons of drinking water a day, each. For every pound of water we are shipping in now, we could be shipping in material that could make a hundred gallons of drinking water. Are we stupid?
STOP THE RACE GAME. I LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND WONDER WHY THE ABLE BODY PEOPLE DONT GET UP AND HELP THEIR NEIGHBORS INSTEAD THEY SAT AROUND AND COMPLAIN. THEY COULD BE HELPING IN LOTS OF WAYS.
COMPLAIN THAT THEY HAVENT HAD A HOT MEAL. PLEASE. I FEEL REALLY SORRY FOR THE VICTIMS, BUT THEY COULD HAVE WALKED OUT OF THERE DAYS BEFOREIF THEY DID NOT HAVE TRANSPORTATION. I WOULD HAVE . THEY WERE WARNED DAYS BEFORE. THE MAYOR IS TRYING TO PUT BLAME ON EVERYONE ELSE EXCEPT HIMSELF. IF THEY HAD LEFT LIKE THEY WERE TOLD INSTEAD OF STAYING TO PROTECT THEIR STUFF THE POLICY COULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTING THEIR STUFF FROM THE STUPID LOOTERS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO RESCUE THEM. WAKE UP WHEN YOU ARE WARNED GET OUT.
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DONATE NOW !!!!!!
It makes me sick when I hear that cash donations from the US are way down.
This is OUR country, our people, our neighbors. We donated much, much more for the tsunami victims, which is great but now our (your) country needs help.
I think the people of the United States just assume the federal government with take care of the relief effort...WRONG!!!!! We are seeing how they are takeing care of it.
Billions and billions of dollars are going to be needed to rebuild, but right now MONEY is needed to help the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Don't just sit there saying "I wish there was something I could do", THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO!, go to your computer or phone and DONATE SOME MONEY. Send your family and friends an email encouraging them to donte some money.
Donate whatever you can $5, $25, $1000.
RED CROSS
http://www.redcross.org/
1-800-HELP-NOW
SALVATION ARMY
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf
1-800-SAL-ARMY
IF THEY RUN OUT OF ROOM AT THE DOMES,WHY CANT SOME OF THE PEOPLE BE SENT TO THESE MILITARYS BASES THAT HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN AT LEAST THERE IS HOUSING AND RUNNING WATER. AND ELECTRICITY. aND i KNOW THAT THE POPULATION IS MOSTLEY BLACK , BUT THERE IS POOR WHITES, WHY DOES THE BLACK LEADERS HAVE TO MAKE THIS A RACIAL ISSUE THEY ARE ALL SUFFERING, THEY ALL MADE A BAD CHOICE TO STAY FOR WHAT EVER REASON, BUT ITS DONE AND WE NEED TO HEELP THEM ALL GET BACK TO SOME NORMALSEE.I CRY EVERY TIME I WATCH ANY THING ON IT. AND I CRY FOR THE BLACKS ALONG WHITH THE WHITES OR ANY OTHER RACE, IT HURTS TO SEE THAT AND THINK IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OF US.
Hurrah! Other countries are offering to help the U.S. Finally, some decent people. I take back what I said in my earlier statement about noone offering to help and they should be ashamed. And, some of the poorest countries are offering. My faith in humanity has been restored.
We took up a collection at work for the Red Cross and it was taken right to our local chapter here to hopefully be used immediately for whatever is needed. We wish we could do more but all we can do at this point is pray for the people affected and hope that these people will be able to get back to some normalcy soon.
With all of our complaining about lack of action, it is easy to forget that there are emergency workers and doctors that rode out the storm with the rest of the people that were stranded there. Instead of abandoning their patients or their duties - these doctors, firemen, police officers, and other emergency workers stayed at their posts, when in fact they have families that are there also. They are still there working and suffering with everyone else. Thank you. If noone else says it, at least I will have.
We need to shift our focus on those people that are making the situation worse, like the looters (non necessities), rapists, snipers, and I am sure murderers. They have added to an already desperate situation and there is no excuse. I'm really glad the soliders there have shoot to kill orders. These people need to be dealt with severely.
I never thought I would see the total destruction of a U.S. city in my life, I've heard about the Great Chicago Fire, and the earthquake that destroyed San Francisco, but I though they where things of the past. I just wish I could help by actually being there, not just buy giving money, or some sort of other charity. I also believe that this shouldn't be a race issue, this is about Americans, our own countrymen forced to live in horrifying conditions. Set aside racial issue's and remember that these are our own people, help in anyway you can if you live close offer help to police, fire, and military officials, if you don't live close pray and donate what you can these are Americans, from a once proud city, treat them as so, becuase someday it may be your city.
We the residents of MS need a web site to talk to other folks who lived in Bay St Louis and Waveland, MS.
We are three families who lost everything, it would help to talk to others.
Many people can help and I am sure have and want to. But the many agencies for help are to large and you can not get help on a local levels. Phone numbers and web sites that lead you no were. We are in Arkansas, Little Rock. Just image yourself a middle class working family......... you have lost everything Shelter, Banking, Job again forgotten not rich, not poor.
ALl of this talk of racism by the NAACP, most notably Al Sharpton, is ridiculous. Most of the people in the New Orleans area ARE POOR. Which means that a bulk of those people are being supported by the government through welfare and other subsidies. They, for the most part, are not required to do much for themselves. They have been living off of government, and the working class', funds. Most of whom do not have to do much for themselves. So, now, after a catastrophe like this, they have no idea how to take care of themselves. Members of the NAACP, I would like to respond to a statement that was made early Sunday morning by Al Sharpton, and I qoute "This wouldn't have happened in Palm Springs". First of all, in Palm Springs, I'm pretty sure that the survivors would not have shot at the rescue workers. And secondly, regardless of how much money a person has, in Palm Springs or not, an intelligent person would have taken proper precautions and left the area. If you can't afford a flight, drive. If you don't have a car, take a bus. If the busses are full, then WALK. The people of New Orleans knew the risk, and yet a majority did not leave. Although I am saddened by this tragedy, I blame the people of New Orleans for not making the right decision. And now, the government is taking the heat for this. It's sad. We need to rethink the support we give to the poor. We must teach them how to take care of temselves, not JUST support them, or this is the end result.
Joeybags, have you ever heard of blaming the victim? That's what you're doing. Do you know how much it costs to take your kids and evacuate your home every time you get warning of an approaching storm? Have you ever tried to pack up and move a person with limited or no mobility? Do you know how scary it is to move someplace not knowing whether there will be a dialysis center available? It's not so simple as walking if you don't have access to a car or bus. Yes, some people chose not to leave when they were told to, but many, many more COULDN'T. And the outrage is that no one prepared for it and helped them get out. These people were left there, and then after the fact, they were told to go to the Superdome and convention center for shelter, where there was no food, no supplies, no medicine, and no transportation. There's no excuse for the lack of planning, no excuse for leaving those people in those conditions for almost a week. The govt has been spinning their wheels since before the storm hit. Don't tell me you can't see that.
Mayor Nagin - you are the "team leader".... what did you do to help YOUR constiuents? these are YOUR people, they TRUSTED YOU, they VOTED for YOU.
where were you when the news broke that a major hurricane was heading your way? why weren't you making arrangements to get the sick, the elderly and the poor to safer grounds? You had more than enough time to get the ball rolling and in the hours that i have spent watching this travesty, i have not heard one word from you. oh, excuse me, i lied...... i heard you badgering our government officials, in very explecitive language, demanding their immediate attention!!
i agree that much has gone wrong - and it will hopefully never happen again.
there are many issues that have been overlooked in the past years that definitely should have been addressed - like the levees - but more importantly what was your plan for a massive evacuation in your parrish? we have seen weak links in the government structure of your state and you need to step up to the plate and take your share of the blame. new orleans is your responsibility, the governor's responsibility is her state.
for all that has gone wrong, you need not fear. we, the american people, have stepped up to the plate to help YOU get YOUR city out of an embarrassing situation. we are doing our best to take care of them - all of them - the sick, the poor and the elderly. no race, no creed, no color - all human beings.
i refuse to take God out of my vocabulary - so, in closing, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU.
NavyJ, I don't think I'm blaming the victim here. I understand how difficult it is to pack up and leave, how scary it must be; but I also know how difficult and scary it is for these people now. You can't tell me that if they had known how bad it was going to be, AND THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD FOR 40 YEARS by our government, (and the Indians told the French 200 YEARS AGO not to build there because it floods). that these people wouldn't have FOUND A WAY TO LEAVE. You can't blame the government completely in this case. It didn't take them almost a week to get out there. After the serious flooding began, which was Tuesday, it took them less than 48 hours to get there. It's not that easy mobilizing troops (who HAVE jobs, and families that they had to leave), gathering supplies (Do you really believe we, as a government had 3.4 million lbs of ice, and over 1 million bottles of water sitting in a warehouse just waiting for this moment?), and travelling from out of state to get to New Orleans. And let's not forget the EXTRA precautions we have to take now because more than a few people out there ARE SHOOTING AT THE PEOPLE TRYING TO RESCUE THEM! And the worst part of this whole situation is that the government will forever take the blame for this. I don't recall the Constitution stating anywhere that if a person can't take care of himself, then the government should. And think about this; Those people went to the Superdome to be rescued, because they had nowhere else to go. What about the Coast Guard, the Police, the Doctors? They also lost family members, they also went without sleep, food and water. Where were THEY going to go to be rescued? The truth is that there are TOO MANY people out there who can't take care of themselves, even though they are physically capable, because they are depending on others to. And I'm quite sure that most of the people stranded out there fit that bill.
In the history of the world there has never been a perfect catastrophe.
Well, it does appear to be a race issue. The mayor of New Orleans (MSY) and the Governor of LA told the people to evacuate MSY and other low lying coastal areas. The people knew that the city was 10/20’ below sea level, that there was water on two sides that was at sea level and that the only thing keeping the city from flooding was a levee less than 20’ above sea level. The people were told that a major hurricane was headed in their direction with winds well above 100MPH and with a sea surge well above 20’ It was like standing on the tracks with a train barreling down on you. Some people are smart enough to get off the tracks, other just stand there.
Now, some had no way to escape; the young, old, sick, etc., relied on the healthy males and females in the family to take care of them when in reality those same care givers can’t take care of themselves. Just look at all the healthy black males/females looting, & raping. When it looked like authority was going to end their crime spree they shot at their rescuers. Granted, it may only have been a few but the majority chose not to intercede, they did nothing. When left to their own accord these people lack what it takes to run a government or to live in a civilized environment. Without strict supervision , as in uniformed men with guns, they revert back to the law of the jungle.
I feel deeply hurt for what happened to the young, old, sick, infirm, etc. History has shown what happens when various cultures are faced with a catastrophe. As a nation the black race lacks what it takes to solve important, life sustaining problems. Time will tell the true story of Katrina and the MSY tragedy
It’s being reported locally that gentlemen of the legal profession in Texas are soliciting clients for a class action suite against the city of New Orleans, The state of LA and the Federal Government for loss of property, pain and suffering: wrongful death will be added if they lost any family members.
The cities & states housing these people could also become defendants if they fell they have been mistreated.
Where in the world are you going to find an impartial jury to hear cases like this ? In all likely hood they will be successful and it will cost American taxpayers billions, that with a big B, to settle.
Joeybags (note that I'm only addressing you and ignoring the comments that followed), we may have to agree to disagree. Because while I agree that it takes time to prepare for a catastrophe such as this, my issue is that it should have been done beforehand. First of all, the waters receded Tuesday? Relief didn't start to arrive until FRIDAY. According to FEMA, they didn't even know about the conditions at the Superdome and convention center until Thursday, when you and I and everyone else knew about it days before. That's unacceptable. The shots fired at the helicopters trying to get to Charity Hospital and the Superdome were never confirmed. And even if it did happen, why is that reason to abandon thousands of people. This is their JOB. I don't care how difficult it is. I refuse to excuse the officials involved for not doing their job simply because it was hard. Reporters were walking in and out of the Superdome as early as Wednesday without trouble, and yet law enforcement claimed they were afraid to go in? And I also fault Mayor Nagin for this, for also being unprepared. In truth, this is not completely a race issue at all, but also a socioeconomic one. A lot of the people who suffered and died -- including those who refused to leave -- were white. The point is nearly all of them were poor, and for that, they were forgotten. I understand your frustration that the govt is expected to take care of these people, but I've never heard of anyone choosing poverty if given a choice.
WHERE IS DICK CHENEY???????????????????
More than 50 foreign countries have offer Katrina aid. France has offered to send over 200 of their most elegant Maître d’ s. 150 of their best trained and experienced Concierges, 10 Mimes trained in Paris at Troupe de Mime La Marceau and two impressionist schooled in watercolors at du Musée du Louvre La De Art.
Ray Nagin, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Ted Kopell have decreed that as an American citizen I’m no longer responsible for my well-being or, during times of diversity, my actions. That responsibility belongs solely to President George Bush and the U.S. Federal Government, a constitutional amendment will soon be announced. Boy, I’m sure relieved to know that someone else if now responsible for all that. Can hardly wait for the winter blizzards so all those people up North can become real patriots.
The Nagin/Blanco/Barbour conspiracy?
Realistically, if all those poor blacks & white had fled the city the end result would have been about the same; half a million plus poor, jobless and homeless people parked on the side of the road somewhere in LA or MS without money, food, water or gas. Taking care of all these people would have fallen squarely on the shoulders of the state government and media coverage would not have been as nearly as dramatic or as dire.
By allowing all these people to stay in the city that the local & state officials knew was doomed for disaster they were able to divert the responsibility and cost to the Federal Government and they also then has a scrape goat for their inadequacies. They blame Bush and the feds for their problems but refuse to relinquish control of the area to the military. Right now these politicians have the best of all worlds; they have managed to export a large segment of the poor and dependant population who will never return out of the state; they have put the cost of transporting & caring for all these people to the feds; the land where all these homes stood will be recovered and sold to more enterprising development as in casino’s and they have managed to place all the blame on President Bush.
Think about it and all the possible scenarios, The world turns on politics and who’s in power. Leaders plot and implement political assassinations every day, remember Caesar?
It is truly depressing, to read all these entries saying these people should have gotten out before hand, that the mayor should take responsibilty, that the government should have helped faster, or that it's a racial issue! HELLOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! These people now have NOTHING LEFT! Too many people to count DIED, and others suffered for A WEEK with very little to NOTHING!! I live about 170 miles from New Orleans. My city is housing numerous evacuees. If you could see these people, and talk to them, hear their horrific stories......Maybe, just MAYBE you would see that the REAL ISSUSE RIGHT NOW is to HELP THEM!!!!!! How would you feel if this was Your town we're all talking about? Or Your life that was completely ruined?? Wouldn't you be praying for some "generous" people to give you a helping hand? Wouldn't you be more concerned with where your next meal is going to come from, or where you're going to live??? PEOPLE, can we show a little sensitivity, a little compassion????????? After all your complaing, and blaming, TAKE your behind to the closest place offering help for these people and give them some of your precious time, your not busy NOW! Or a little bit of the money, that you at least still have, to help out! Or give some of your extra clothes, extra can goods, extra food, from YOUR house that you at least still HAVE!!!!! AND HELP THEM!!!!!!!!!! NO extra money, no extra clothes??? Go give blood!! The blood centers over here are running extremely low! And are having to ask other locations for some from their supplies! Or if nothing else, pray! Pray for these people to get the help they need to put their lives back together! Pray that this sort of thing never happens again to you or anyone else!!!!! I thank God every day that we were lucky enough not to have this kind of catastrophe happen where I live! AND YOU SHOULD TOO!
I don't understand why people were not evacuated from the city prior to Katrina hitting. We live on the Gulf coast and certainly were VERY aware of the intensity of this storm. We were aware of the mandatory evacuation so tell me why the Mayor of the city of New Orleans, (who by the way is charged with the safety of the people of his city) did not see to it that the thousands of people living in substandard housing projects got out. You cannot order the evacuation of people who have no means to get themselves out of town. Transportation should have been provided, decent accomodations should have been arranged. I don't understand why everyone is looking to the feds for help when the causes of this human tragedy begin at home in the fine city of New Orleans. They knew they had problems with levies, why was that not addressed. Why no plausible evacuation plan on the local level. Why were thousands of the cities most vulnerable left behind to fend for themselves??
i agree 1005 with user 8654 the mayor should have gotten the people out of there
New blog started about KATRINA CONSPIRACY
http://katrinaconspiracy.blogsource.com/
Okay well i agree with both sides on this issue. Yes i believe that all the people should have evacuated when they were given the warning. That would have saved many lives and there wouldnt have been as much pressure as there is right now... But due to the lack of not paying attention they decided to stay and take the risk and now expect the feds and the people to help them out...Now that is debatable but I say whatever happened. happened. So now all we can do is help the people who need help out. Its not bout whos state or city it is. Because if people decide to ignore dangerious warnings they will pay the consequences jus like katrina's damages. So instead let this be a lesson to future cirumstances and learn from our mistakes...and help the people out! Stop bein dickheads people. and get out there and help some of those victims...jus place urself in their shoes and see how hard it is for them now.
OK, let's expose this huge elephant we are looking at. The people who didn't evacuate are the ones who have been taught all their lives devoid of personal responsibility. i.e. Someone is supposed to take care of me, so I'll just sit here, because I'm not responsible for taking care of me. Major newspapers and networks debate who is at fault, but no one is asking WHY (besides being poor) most of these people didn't get out.
I watched people being interviewed as they stood in line to get into the Superdome. One after another said something like, "I have a car, but I didn't want to fight the traffic", or "I could get out of New Orleans, but I don't think the storm will be THAT bad".
I live in Houston, and have helped almost non-stop in one of the shelters, because regardless of WHY they didn't evacuate, we must help them. Without exception, EVERYONE I have spoken to have said that they could have gotten out of town, but chose not to.
There's PLENTY of blame to go around, but let's not forget that the government is not responsible for us. What happened to personal responsibility?
All in all, what it appears to be is the Government at all levels has been doing some bean counting. The way they handled it was the cheaper way. Remember only the strong survive.
If I were in the Army, I'd shoot my sergeant before I shot someone looting food in that nightmare that used to be New Orleans. In fact, after killing (or incapcitating) the Sgt, I'd actually force my platoon at gunpoint to help the looter get the food to their famillies. Then I'd go back to guarding the figgin' mall.
On the other hand... if I saw someone looting a VCR... I'd shoot him TWICE.
It's all about power and money, follow the money trail and see where it leads. Who will profit from all this, the people who take control of the land vacated??? In MSY this is major $$$$ as in casinos and high end homes, etc. Who in MSY will profit ???? Who in LA will profit ???? It's all there right in front of any one willing to use their heads and think big. Most of the people in this thread aren't any smarter than those who were run out of their homes - forever.
I feel sorry for those people, they lost everything. BUT, they all had at least a weeks notice and was told to evacuate. They chose to stay. Why do the rest of us have to feel guilty about donating (or not) when they chose to stay. Now they are coming to out towns and we have to pay for them to stay, eat and go to school. If someone told me that i needed to get that disaster was about to strick. I know for certain than in less than 4 hours i could have all my pictures, animals, kids, and a weeks worth of clothes packed and be on the raod to safety.
Sorry folks...God is sitting this one out. Actually he is sitting them all out. You want to see a god? Bush and his little band of friends are gods. When you can lie and not only get an entire nation to believe but support that lie That is Power. I am ashamed to live in a world where support is in the form of a yellow ribbon stuck to the back of a frickin car or a flag that isnt even made in the same country it stands for. Bush dosnt care about Katrina...He doesnt have too. I am once again going to say I am sorry. I am sorry if I have upset you in any way. This land was your land But now this land belongs to the same people we, fight?
Think about Sept. 11th the next time you go to fill up.
OK people.Stop bitching,stop complaining,ther's always a conspiracy somewhere.Not to help,why not help sooner,it's Bush,it's blacks it's the man in the moon.Please help these people who have been left with nothing.Pray.My husband and I went to Walmart and donated diapers,toilet paper,etc. because we can't help but help.They had warning,they weren't warned enough.These people are called HUMAN BEINGS.We come with the capacity for COMPASSION.Try it on,you might like it.Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of hurricane Katrina.
Is Bush stressed out ????
From the recent catastrophe events now unfolding it appears that Bush is suffering from excessive stress syndrome. The first campaign and election was stressful enough but the events of 9-11 made the condition almost unimaginable. Nonetheless, he did a magnificent job of pulling things together and going after those who would do us harm in our own country. The results were of star war stuff.
His reelection campaign was another stressful event with Ohio being his salvation. All this while trying to hold the coalition together.
Then, the situation bogged down into a quagmire with no final end or solution in sight, and all those American heroes coming home under the flag , each one his responsibility, who can take that without feeling remorseful. The people of Iraq appear unable to govern themselves in a democracy. The free world is dragging a screaming and defiant people who are still clinging to first century values of religion into the space age of the 21 century. It would be like us still living under the inquisition yet having HD plasma Tvs.
And then, just when you think things couldn’t get any worse, Katrina hits with the most destructive force even seen on this continent during modern times. The unraveling of politics and the destruction left in it’s wake is absolutely devastating to the stress already heaped upon the man in charge. From his personal appearances, speeches and posture it appears to me the man is stressed to the max. It wouldn’t surprise one iota to wake up one morning and learn that he passed during the night due to stroke or heart attack. Stress is a killer and most of us don’t know how much we can take until it’s too late. Very few of us could deal with his problems in a sane manner.
For his sake and the that of the American people I sincerely hope that the man hasn’t reached his maximum stress level.
god is in control. He sits high and he looks low. I don't much about the state but they have a pretty dumb mayor and governor that do not make decisions unless someone tells them to I guess they were worry about losing their jobs, now you have a city without people who are you going to govern now?
To all you people who have the great comment of - they were warned they had time to pack a weeks worth of cloths, animals, food ect... Walk a day in the shoes of people who did not have the money or means of transportation to get out in the so called 4 hour time. Look into the eyes of these people and listen to the stories and tell me that they had the financing to just up and take a sweet little week vacation in the northern states. Please think before you speak..... Some people live paycheck to paycheck and don't have that kind of means.. Have a heart and just donate to these people. This was an act of God not of President Bush or any other goverment leader. Just think God is spelled G O D not B U S H.. Think about it? Do the right thing do what God would want you to do and help other people. Don't sit and talk them down show some compassion give a little in this world be possitive, trust me you will get alot further in life than those who are negitive.
It doesn't matter if the people evacuated or not...some who stayed lived to tell...some didn't and I hate that more than anything...but why are sme people harping on the fact that these people had been warned and they stayed anyway??..My family and I left for the storm and when we came home, we had to face the damage...so what I am trying to say is...the hurricane didn't only devastate the people who stayed behind even after being warned to leave...it devastated us that left too....so the need for food and water and clothing and housing is still there...so what's the difference??...We were blessed compared to many...we already have our power back on (obviously) and we have our water back on and we still have our home! Thank God!!!
None of these people chose to stay....they couldnt afford to leave....they hardley have money enough to buy themselves a car let alone just get up and just leave. Where were they suppose to go? For those ignorant people that feel like those people in New Orleans stayed because they chose to, they had no choice. Get out of your sheltered lives and learn about your country and it's cultures. Do something for those helpless people, STOP complaining!
My heart goes to the hurriance victims. I cannot fathom the disasters I read on the news daily. They deserve a paradise to live on. Think how they suffered the storm and its aftermath. Y'all, give them blessings they need much right now! Government, give them the bus to paradise!
Can you please listen to the Internet Song of Hope "We Will Rise." It's at www.singwewillrise.org. We want 500,000 people singing it.We want to honor the victims, and offer a ray of hope and healing,across every socioeconomic barrier.
My brother in law is a volunteer firefighter in Connecticut.He was offered the oppertunity to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.Some of his fellow firefighters went down,leaving their families and jobs behind for a week or whatever time they could spare(not all bosses are understanding people go figure)When they came home they were pissed off.Guess where they ended up?Re routed to Texas and Florida to help Fema agencies to do paper work and were told their help wasn't needed anywhere else but ther doing paper work.What's wrong with this picture?????These areas are DEVASTED they are GONE.HELLO PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!I can't be the only person that thinks this is F***KED up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If your house is on fire, who do you call FIRST?
The President of the United States RIGHT?!? He will come to your house and put the fire out. Right??
Of course not!!
The local authorities diplayed gross stupidness in fullfilling their jobs.
Of course, the Governor and the Mayor are both Democrats.
That tell the whole story of this debockle!
Who cares weather they were rich or poor,black or white.They are HUMAN!!They lost husbands,wives,children,brothers,sisters,mothers,fathers,aunts and uncles.
Some may have lost their whole family.They lost their homes,their jobs.There's
nothing left.Who is suppost to help them!!IT'S US THE WHOLE COUNTRY WHO WAS
LUCKY ENOUGH THAT IT WASN'T US!!DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY COULD GET OUT THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE SAME!!They would still have no where to go
no homes and no jobs.Stop complaining and think of what you would do if it were your family.YOU WOULD HELP THEM WOULDN'T YOU.DONATE,PRAY,HELP ANYWAY
YOU CAN!!BUT HELP THEY'VE BEEN HURT ENOUGH!!
People are coming to my area in Pa miles from New Orleans and I am doing my part by getting the word out.
Compassionate/Pa/Help
Katrina was a NATURAL disaster...........no one is to blame. The people (black, white, rich, or poor) should have left when they were warned. If my job as a policeman were to go in to rescue people and there were people shooting at me I would not do it either. Police don't get paid enough to loose their lives when people were told to leave. The state of LA should have had buses ready to get everyone out who wanted to leave. It is a free country and if someone wanted to stay knowing that a hurricane was heading straight for them then it is no fault of President Bush's. What was he suppossed to do... go in and personally get them out. NOT!!!!!!!!!!! Wake up and take care of yourself. I understand that many of these people are poor and we should help them get on there feet but there should be no law suits as this is a NATURAL disaster and there is nothing anyone could do to stop it. Get real........we let people get buy with suing tobacco companies which is a joke!!!!!!! A gun wasn't put to their heads to make them smoke it was their choice, after all this is a free country.
Liz
Comment from ewhite9132 - 9/21/05 10:04 AM
ok, ok,
We are just about done with this Katrina thing. It's been 3 weeks and the effect of all the damage and carnage and shock and outrage has faded. But now we are faced with Rita. SO, please...I'm begging you...do what ever you have to do to get out of the coastal areas of Louisiana and Texas. I do not want to see your lifeless body floating down a river of sewage on CNN. So, please, evacuate now. You have plenty of time. This time there is no excuse. I don't care if you are black, white, brown, green, blue or orange. Get the HELL out. But, if you do choose to stay, the authorities are requesting that you write your social security number on your arm so you can be identified. At least have the courtesy to do that so it will ease the placement of bodies in the body bags. This really speeds up the process of disposing of your dead body.
Thanks
Where are all the other countries standing in sending $ to the relief fund? Seems the US always helps out but what about the rest of the world helping out the USA?
Just wondering...
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