Hurricane Katrina..The Crisis continues...Disastrous damage and flooding

[binny]

did anyone see the news just a minute ago?

a man had written on his roof " Diabteic stranded need help NOW" an army helicopter rescued him and they said it looks like he will make it :)


Thats at least a little sunshine today. I know there have been many rescues and that they are all doing the best they can. I am grateful for the effort they are putting out to try to rescue the people who are left.

[totalia]

I haven't been watching the news much. I check online once in a while but every time I watch the news, I start to cry.

[sodaseller]

I just posted on a forum to see if I can locate old friends. I just pulled out my old yearbook---all the faces.....I remember a handful of people off the top of my head--then pulled out the yearbook and it increased tenfold at least of all the different people....my teachers.

I tried not to put a face on the tragedy--but those faces are all right there in my yearbook!

(I had moved away and didn't graduate so didn't keep up with friends....it was another school in the bunch at the time).
God Bless. I dodn't realize the personal nature of what you may be feeling

[Planogirl]

A small thing I know but I wonder what happened to the dolphins being housed in hotel pools and their handlers? That was in Gulfport if I'm not mistaken.

[CarolA]

Well the prison story seems to have been a rumor. They are discussion on TV how they are currently evacuating them....

Of course if it did get another IDIOT out of town then it accomplished something... (I am still shaking my head about this... what were they waiting on... a PERSONAL invitation to move????)

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This is where my familiy had our going away party when we were moving from New Orleans to Florida. My mom says they had the best wings anywhere!

This is across the street from the ferry dock on the west bank in algiers point. When you take the ferry directly across the river, you are at Canal Street and aquarium of the americas and the riverwalk area.

The part smashed in was the restuarant portion where our party was.

http://forms.belointeractive.com/sharedcontent/datafiles/1125489555989_LARGE_Katrina_036.jpg

The tagline on the web-site:
Dry Dock Cafe
By David Herzog
One of the favorite watering holes of Algierines survives.
Location: Algiers Point

Date: Tuesday, Aug 30th, 2005

[Planogirl]

Someone at WWL claimed that CNN is reporting a fire in a shoe shop at the corner of Bourbon and Canal. Does anyone know if this is true? If it is, this could be disastrous.

I wish that they'd get those troops in there FINALLY!

[MoniqueU]

Mayor says thousands may have been killed in New Orleans alone.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/hurricane_katrina;_ylt=AuJoXFKE.dddzjjSXDByJXSs0NU E;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

[ducklite]

Someone at WWL claimed that CNN is reporting a fire in a shoe shop at the corner of Bourbon and Canal. Does anyone know if this is true? If it is, this could be disastrous.

I wish that they'd get those troops in there FINALLY!

Yes, I just watched the video streaming on the news. :(

[Free4Life11]

President Bush set to speak any minute now...

[Free4Life11]

People in Gulfport very upset...there is on gasoline, people with cars have no way of getting around. These people are pretty much trapped it seems. On Fox, they showed a police offier who said even law enforcement is running out of fuel....

[Free4Life11]

The President is speaking...

[dturner]

People in Gulfport very upset...there is on gasoline, people with cars have no way of getting around. These people are pretty much trapped it seems. On Fox, they showed a police offier who said even law enforcement is running out of fuel....

This is so awful - I hope there is something the government can do.

[dturner]

The President is speaking...

can someone give the details of what President Bush is saying for those of us stuck at work, please????

[Free4Life11]

Essentially he is listing the various efforts and things being done by all departments of the government...he said it will take YEARS to recover from this. It's too much to list here but I suppose a list may be made available later...

[dturner]

Essentially he is listing the various efforts and things being done by all departments of the government...he said it will take YEARS to recover from this. It's too much to list here but I suppose a list may be made available later...

Thanks.

[Free4Life11]

He is urging people to contribute CASH to the Red Cross and charities. He said the devastation is unimaginable, the challenges on the ground are unprecedented.

Three priorities:
1. Saving lives
2. Sustaining lives
3. Recovery efforts

[Lisa loves Pooh]

can someone give the details of what President Bush is saying for those of us stuck at work, please????


The supplies they are giving--they are using "millions"......like 14 millon bottles of water--and that sort of thing.

[Free4Life11]

Yeah and he said this is only the beginning of supplies coming in.

[MoniqueU]

On fox right now I swear I see people in orange jumpsuits on the bridge. Could these be prisoners? Edit they are convicts being evacuated. I hope they keep a good eye on them.

[CarolA]

Could be. They are being escorted out by their guards and security .... they will have to walk part of they way.

[kaylajr]

On fox right now I swear I see people in orange jumpsuits on the bridge. Could these be prisoners?


One news report said they had to move prisoners onto the overpass
because the Jail was destryoed

[Free4Life11]

Fox News is showing hundreds of convicts in a bridge....what's scary is that it looks like they could overtake the police very easily...

[CarolA]

One news report said they had to move prisoners onto the overpass
because the Jail was destryoed


I swear I am beginning to think the news media is from the "sky is falling" school. Aren't thing bad enough....


MUCH earlier today I heard a news report that they were developing plans to move the prisioners out. The prisoners would be WALKED to pick up points. The jail like the rest of New Orleans had no water, no food, no power etc... so it was not a good place for either the prisoners OR the folks who have to guard them. From what folks are describing it sounds like the evacuation has begun.

Have they started hauling folks from the Dome yet???

[Free4Life11]

I have no idea! When is the bus caravan going to begin? I know that people are arriving by the hundreds near some highway where there is dry land. I suppose it will start there.

[CarolA]

Well one of the news stations (GMA?) said they saw the buses this morning.

The LA gov is doing a press conference. Boy is her back up now!!! LOL! I think she is running for office.....She sounds much more in control

[Free4Life11]

They really need to start getting food and water to the people in N.O. There are thousands without ANYTHING! If they can bus them out....WHY CANT THEY BUS ANY FOOD/WATER IN??? I'm feeling terrible while these people are hungry and thirsty.

[Free4Life11]

It was so sad....they showed people in Baton Rouge at a large center. So many have family members missing...obviously no communications, etc. I feel so bad for these people.

[CarolA]

They really need to start getting food and water to the people in N.O. There are thousands without ANYTHING! If they can bus them out....WHY CANT THEY BUS ANY FOOD/WATER IN??? I'm feeling terrible while these people are hungry and thirsty.


I know this is going to sound cruel and I don't mean it to be, but I don't think they should take things into anyplace in NO besides shelters. These folks have already proved that common sense is not breaking out all over by staying...Some of these are the type that would never leave if things don't get just DESPERATE.... I have met them up in the mts of Tennessee and I am sure they exist in LA.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well one of the news stations (GMA?) said they saw the buses this morning.

The LA gov is doing a press conference. Boy is her back up now!!! LOL! I think she is running for office.....She sounds much more in control

She probably had a pep talk with a counselor and her speech person.

I don't think she's slept since Friday. Glad to here she's sounding better.


Free4Life11....

They showed footage that some of the drop off points did have a salvation army truck giving people something to eat.

Routes are limited--and rescue is the main thing--getting people out. They are evacuating the entire city. For the most part bringing in that kind of stuff defeats the purpose--those at the dome got that service.

Those being rescued from roofs--can wait until they get to their final destination.

[Free4Life11]

No I am talking about the people that are making their way to the highway staging area and Superdome...clearly they realized their mistake and at least they know they have to get help now. Plus at this point you can't tell who decided to stay and didn't. I just feel bad that there people have nothing...at least the buses have started arriving. There seems to be no information on the bus information -- are we talking Greyhounds, school buses?? What exactly is the route in, or are they not disclosing it? They say 2 days....yet there is NO information as to what is going on. They really need to give an update on this.

Lisa -- I did see the Salvation Army truck. Glad they are there. Maybe the buses can make some stops along the way at some McDonalds or something.

This really is a nightmare. I have only heard around 8K Natl. Guard. I can't understand how this is enough....do we just not have enough Natl. Guard because they are all in Iraq? Can other states send in help??? That seems to be a lack of law and order in these areas as looters are starting to get mixed in with the original Superdome refugees and such.

I think this is going to be worse than 9/11 in terms of lives lost...

[palmtreegirl]

One news report said they had to move prisoners onto the overpass
because the Jail was destryoed

MSNBC or CNN showed a picture of that live, they were all sitting outside on what appeared to be an overpass, surrounded by armed guards.

[Free4Life11]

Well people are getting angry. NO ONE is being told ANYTHING in NOLA. They need to just fly over with those copters that have megaphones...nobody has any idea what is going on. People are getting frustarated that they are being left there...nobody knows anything. I know people need patience, but why isn't anything being told?? Doesn't the Natl. Guard know anything?? It sounds like pure chaos.

Where is the LA governor? Haven't heard from them lately...can't they fly over with megaphones giving people information?? Nobody knows anything.

[Free4Life11]

Just remember, these refugees don't even know the extent of the damage yet. One lady on Fox said, "I have a job to get back to." :( She has no idea...it's going to be heart-wrenching when they find out...

[Free4Life11]

I feel terrible....we know so much and these people know nothing.

[Free4Life11]

Question...the NO mayor keeps saying things....where is he at? If he is able to make these statements, why aren't any statements about the evacuation being made??

I do not wish to be critical, I just don't know how he is able to keep saying, "The death toll may be thousands," etc. but no info on the buses.

[Luv2Roam]

I haven't read through all these recent threads, so excuse me if I am repeating.

My understanding is the nNational Guard left the SuperDome because it was that unsafe.
And communication is so bad even the National Guard dio not know about the busses. And so people are leaving thinking no help is coming and having no idea where they are going. Not knowing that they could probably be bussed out tonight or tomorrow.
But from what little I have seen of the ONLY highway that does not look good either.
There just does not seem to be any organization or multiple projects in effect.
It is the worse case scenerio.

[diznygirl]

Free - I think you need to calm down. They shouldn't bus water in - they need to bus people OUT. They don't need to update us on the evacuation - they just need to do it. And considering the situation they are in - no electricty, almost impossible to get around on the ground - they are doing their best to get to the people that are left and get them out.

Now, take a deep breath, annnnnnnnnd let it out! Feel better?

[Free4Life11]

Yes I feel better...

I am just concerned for these people who are stuck there. I'm not trying to start anything, but there is a general feeling among many impoverished people that they are "forgotten" about by the great society, so I am sure that is leading to even more frustaration among many people that are there.

I meant to say they should try somehow to update the people on the ground...it could possibly help ease some of the unrest that seems to be stirring.

[Planogirl]

It's not just the stranded people. There are still a few areas that aren't flooded where lawlessness reigns supreme right now. I am really frustrated that more National Guard troops haven't been deployed more quickly. But I can easily guess the reason why. :mad:

[Luv2Roam]

I think this is a lesson to us all on many levels on any disaster. BE PREPARED. It may be DAYS (if ever) help comes for you and yours.
I think thousands of these people were expecting help from FEMA and other agencies immediately.
"Quickly as possible" to us and to the government are two different time frames.

[ducklite]

What bothers me is everyone KNEW this was coming! All the animal rescue organizations started to get it together on Friday, and by Saturday morning we were BUZZING getting things tentatively set up, even though we didn't have a where yet.

The rescue organizations were STAGED and READY just outside of the danger zone by SUNDAY night! WHY OH WHY could the federal government not have started to plan and mobilize like the animal shelters and rescues did? Isn't it better to be prepared and stand down if it turns into a non-event?

It's simply OBSCENE that for arguably the most industrialized, developed nation in the world, we didn't have the freaking FORETHOUGHT to deal with this in the appropriate manner.

"W" was too busy on his ranch, VACATIONING! It took him over 48 hours from the start of this disaster before he even showed LEADERSHIP. There has been a pitifully unacceptable lack of effective leadership shown in this situation. I hope everyone remembers this come election time.

Now I've got some more people to try to find...

Anne

[Free4Life11]

Oh Thank God! A military helicopter JUST LANDED and is unloading supplies in New Orleans!

[Planogirl]

I agree that none of the government officials prepared adequately. But let's face it, much of the affected states' National Guard forces are in Iraq right now. That just added to the confusion and lack of readiness. I believe that if a part of our home forces are going to be sent away by the government then the government needs to plan for every contingency at home too.

It's just SO maddening that so many of New Orleans' problems came in the aftermath of the storm. Everything looked so good for a while. If people could have received help in a timely fashion and if the levee breaks could have been repaired right away before they got out of hand, what help there is could have concentrated more on the trapped people and maybe also more on the victims in Mississippi and Alabama.

[Free4Life11]

I think I need to take a break from all this. I'm getting a little too worked up, I just hope they get everyone as quickly as possible.

[jellymanoffspring]

What bothers me is everyone KNEW this was coming! All the animal rescue organizations started to get it together on Friday, and by Saturday morning we were BUZZING getting things tentatively set up, even though we didn't have a where yet.

The rescue organizations were STAGED and READY just outside of the danger zone by SUNDAY night! WHY OH WHY could the federal government not have started to plan and mobilize like the animal shelters and rescues did? Isn't it better to be prepared and stand down if it turns into a non-event?

It's simply OBSCENE that for arguably the most industrialized, developed nation in the world, we didn't have the freaking FORETHOUGHT to deal with this in the appropriate manner.

"W" was too busy on his ranch, VACATIONING! It took him over 48 hours from the start of this disaster before he even showed LEADERSHIP. There has been a pitifully unacceptable lack of effective leadership shown in this situation. I hope everyone remembers this come election time.

Now I've got some more people to try to find...

Anne

I don't bash GWB about this (yet)
I am more upset with the state and local governments in NO and LA....as long as I can remember there has been talk of the Big One that may hit NO and what would happen if it did...the soup bowl effect etc...
Wouldn't it have been better to have a plan to get the people out before the storm...even using the Superdome was a lame plan!!!!!

But what was done is done.... lets hope the feds can get in there and rescue those folks still in harms way.........It is VERY upsetting to see those folks stranded.....no food/water and the children..... :sad2:
Thank God the Texas folks are stepping up and helping as much as they are!!!

[totalia]

Well people are getting angry. NO ONE is being told ANYTHING in NOLA. They need to just fly over with those copters that have megaphones...nobody has any idea what is going on. People are getting frustarated that they are being left there...nobody knows anything. I know people need patience, but why isn't anything being told?? Doesn't the Natl. Guard know anything?? It sounds like pure chaos.

Where is the LA governor? Haven't heard from them lately...can't they fly over with megaphones giving people information?? Nobody knows anything.
Megaphones won't do anything. The helicopter sounds would drown out any voice no matter how loud.

The reality is that they don't have a way to tell anything in NO anything because there is no form of mass communication without cable, internet, telephone, newspapers or anything. NO is effectively cut off from the rest of the world and even in some cases, from each other.

[Free4Life11]

What about those police helicopters I see in the movies where they have the booming voice "This is the police. Stop what you are doing!" They usually have bright searchlights on them...or is this just something made up in the movies. I really don't know.

[Luv2Roam]

Heck -- even dropping flyers around the SuperDome. What's a little more crap laying around?

[totalia]

Yes I feel better...

I am just concerned for these people who are stuck there. I'm not trying to start anything, but there is a general feeling among many impoverished people that they are "forgotten" about by the great society, so I am sure that is leading to even more frustaration among many people that are there.

I meant to say they should try somehow to update the people on the ground...it could possibly help ease some of the unrest that seems to be stirring.
I know they may feel that way but this is a major disaster area. Time is the only thing that will tell anything. And the helicopters are flying over picking people up. It should be rather obvious that they ARE doing something to help the poor people stuck in New Orleans.

The people are just scared. Completely understandably. But scared none the less.

[totalia]

Umm, thats a movie. Have you ever actually seen anyone do that in real life?

Why would they bother wasting funds by making fliers when they could be using that money to get people out and get them resources they need?

I just want them to get them out. If I could, I'd go down and help. Just get the people out and get them what they need to survive until things get straightened out. Everything else is secondary.

[Planogirl]

Again, what about the missing National Guard members? Doesn't anyone think that's made a difference?

[Luv2Roam]

Engineer being interviewed by CNN mentioned late breaking news of another leeve break. At this point how much does it even matter?

[Free4Life11]

Umm, thats a movie. Have you ever actually seen anyone do that in real life?

Why would they bother wasting funds by making fliers when they could be using that money to get people out and get them resources they need?

I just want them to get them out. If I could, I'd go down and help. Just get the people out and get them what they need to survive until things get straightened out. Everything else is secondary.

I understand. I was just tossing out some ideas...that's all. It just worries me that violence could break out...I even heard there was a shooting near the Superdome today. I will just pray they can get everyone out quick...

[JimB.]

"W" was too busy on his ranch, VACATIONING! It took him over 48 hours from the start of this disaster before he even showed LEADERSHIP. There has been a pitifully unacceptable lack of effective leadership shown in this situation. I hope everyone remembers this come election time.

Give me a freakin break.


From http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/katrina.html



Corps Prepares for Hurricane Katrina

In anticipation of Hurricane Katrina making landfall along the north-central Gulf Coast near New Orleans, the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, based in Vicksburg, Mississippi, began preparations Friday to support hurricane response operations.



And while still not knowing the exact path Katrina will settle on, MVD planners are not standing by and guessing what assets will be needed. The Corps has teams that are trained and ready to move into impacted areas with necessary support like ice, water, temporary power, housing and roofing, and debris removal. The division is posturing elements of the response plan from as far away as Hawaii so that it can most quickly react either to a strike on New Orleans or other parts of the Gulf Coast.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/08/mil-050829-arnews02.htm

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 29, 2005) – More than 5,000 National Guard troops have been activated in four states to assist with recovery operations as 140-mile-per-hour winds of Hurricane Katrina strike the Gulf Coast.

The Army Corps of Engineers is anticipating potential requirements to pump water out of New Orleans, much of which is below sea level and protected by a system of dikes, levees and and pumps. Corps officials said they have begun discussions with partners to preposition assets in southern Louisiana to help with the water removal.

First U.S. Army activated its 24-hour Crisis Action Team Aug. 28 and sent defense coordinating elements to three states. These elements help U.S. Northern Command coordinate DoD support to civil authorities as requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.




From MSNBC......................The Health and Human Services Department sent 38 doctors and nurses to Jackson, Miss., to be used where needed, and 30 pallets of medical supplies to the region, including first aid materials, sterile gloves and oxygen tanks.

I know you may be frustrated, but facts are facts. The federal government & the cabinet departments, have stepped up to the plate PRIOR to landfall, but things will not be cured instantaneously.

To expect otherwise is simply not realistic.

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think anyone is expecting a miracle cure.

[ducklite]

Give me a freakin break.


From http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/katrina.html







http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/08/mil-050829-arnews02.htm










From MSNBC......................

I know you may be frustrated, but facts are facts. The federal government & the cabinet departments, have stepped up to the plate PRIOR to landfall, but things will not be cured instantaneously.

To expect otherwise is simply not realistic.

Sorry, 5000 National Guard and 38 medical personel to handle the utter destruction of the homes of over a million people over a 3000 square mile are is simply not the tip of the iceburg.

I'm angry that Bush stayed at his ranch "on vacation" for more than two days after this all started. They knew it was coming, and he should have returned to Washington last weekend.

Anne

[Kitty 34]

Sorry, 5000 National Guard and 38 medical personel to handle the utter destruction of the homes of over a million people over a 3000 square mile are is simply not the tip of the iceburg.

I'm angry that Bush stayed at his ranch "on vacation" for more than two days after this all started. They knew it was coming, and he should have returned to Washington last weekend.

Anne


I'm with you Anne. If a reporter mentions how Bush CUT SHORT his vacation one more time I might have to break out my violin........ :charac2: :rolleyes:

[Planogirl]

I agree with Anne too. And since no one will answer my question about the missing National Guard members, I guess that others must agree that that's a problem too.

[JimB.]

I'm angry that Bush stayed at his ranch "on vacation" for more than two days after this all started. They knew it was coming, and he should have returned to Washington last weekend.

I'm not going to get in a pissing contest with you, but please tell what me the President did not do at his ranch that he would have done in Washington.

And do you know where this was coming ashore? The weather prognosticators were guessing up to a few hours before land fall.

If you put the STUFF in the wrong PLACE, it could be DESTROYED also.

Then where would you be??

It seems that you simply expected the President to wave a magic wand and make this go away.

No
One
Can.

And to bring too MANY resources in too FAST to the WRONG PLACE afterwards can be worse than not bringing efforts in at ALL.

And that's all I gotta' say about that...........................

[peachgirl]

Sorry, 5000 National Guard and 38 medical personel to handle the utter destruction of the homes of over a million people over a 3000 square mile are is simply not the tip of the iceburg.

I'm angry that Bush stayed at his ranch "on vacation" for more than two days after this all started. They knew it was coming, and he should have returned to Washington last weekend.

You couldn't be more right. It's a pitiful response.

I am so disgusted every time I see the photo op they're peddling to the media of Bu$h looking out the window of AF1 while flying over NO with a concerned look on his face.

The city, state and federal government are doing a pitiful job of responding to this.

Your point is well taken,Planogirl. With so many of the NG in Iraq, they are woefully short on personnel. Here's some disturbing numbers on the shortage of NG.

With thousands of their citizen-soldiers away fighting in Iraq, states hit hard by Hurricane Katrina scrambled to muster forces for rescue and security missions yesterday -- calling up Army bands and water-purification teams, among other units, and requesting help from distant states and the active-duty military....

"Missing the personnel is the big thing in this particular event. We need our people," said Lt. Andy Thaggard, a spokesman for the Mississippi National Guard, which has a brigade of more than 4,000 troops in central Iraq. Louisiana also has about 3,000 Guard troops in Baghdad.

Mississippi has about 40 percent of its Guard force deployed or preparing to deploy and has called up all remaining Guard units for hurricane relief, Thaggard said. Those include the Army band based in Jackson, Miss. "They are mustering transportation to move them south," he said. Soldiers who have lost their homes are exempt, he said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/30/AR2005083002162_pf.html


The city, state and federal government are doing a pitiful job of responding to this.

[ducklite]

I'm not going to get in a pissing contest with you, but please tell what me the President did not do at his ranch that he would have done in Washington.

Appearences are everything when it comes to leadership.

And do you know where this was coming ashore? The weather prognosticators were guessing up to a few hours before land fall.

They knew within a range of where it would be. They didn't even have Naval ships ready to leave port--those ships should have sailed as soon as this thing made landfall. That's the type of thing that's ridiculous about this situation.

Anne

[DopeyRN]

I am doing a checkin...another levee break would be HUGE!!! I live outside of New Orleans in Kenner and was told 2 hours ago that while damaged, my house was still standing. If a levee breaks near my house, it is now 10-20 feet under. So don't underplay it, it is grave. I don't think there has ever been a disaster that is as difficult to fix as this one. :(

[diznygirl]

Wow! Tensions are running high on this thread. I think a break is needed here - getting angry with each other and placing blame is not doing anyone any good. This thread was about providing information - not bashing each other and the politicians. Do you want the National Guard holding a press conference, or do you want them out there saving people?

The only people that really know what is going on out there are the people who are out there getting things done. It's a really really big job and they are doing the best under the circumstances. Have some patience and some faith......

[daisy_77]

Wow! Tensions are running high on this thread. I think a break is needed here - getting angry with each other and placing blame is not doing anyone any good. This thread was about providing information - not bashing each other and the politicians. Do you want the National Guard holding a press conference, or do you want them out there saving people?

The only people that really know what is going on out there are the people who are out there getting things done. It's a really really big job and they are doing the best under the circumstances. Have some patience and some faith......

My thoughts exactly.
I can't help but feel bad for those people that are victims of this horrible tragedy. I am looking outside where it is beautiful, the hint of fall in the air...I just feel guilty being here, where it is so beautiful, when so many are suffering. :sad1:

[LoraJ]

Engineer being interviewed by CNN mentioned late breaking news of another leeve break. At this point how much does it even matter?

It matters A LOT!
I was just looking at the Satelite pictures and some maps someone had at nola.com and so far my boyfriend's parent's house was in the clear. Ask them if it matters.

[Luv2Roam]

I think tempers among some can run high because we see how badly this was handled, and not by one official, and on many levels. Yes, a difficult situation to put it mildly. Well thought out? Not on your life. And for something "expected" eventually.
And we each know WE could be the next ones in a live or die situation, waiting for long overdue help.
I think it is because we do care so much, and every bit of news seems to be a tear jerker.

[izzy]

Well, I knew it wouldn't be long before people started bashing and blaming the President and the government in general. Give me a break! I'm sure he was vacationing at his ranch over weekend and was not paying one bit of attention to what was going on in the Gulf states, not being in touch with his people, FEMA or any other federal agencies or any of the local officials. He was on vacation after all - of course he couldn't be bothered. Heck, if he had been in NO, maybe he could have stopped the levee breaks. Better yet, may he could have stopped the hurricane.

Sorry, I'm just so angry that people (and I'm not talking about just the DIS) want to play the blame game for something that was a catastrophic act of Mother Nature. Stop blaming people and put your energies into looking for a way to help. Put your politics behind you and help your fellow man in his time of need!

[peachgirl]

It matters A LOT!
I was just looking at the Satelite pictures and some maps someone had at nola.com and so far my boyfriend's parent's house was in the clear. Ask them if it matters.

What is really awful, is that the flooding didn't have to be this bad.

They had plans to drop sand bags yesterday, but according to the mayor there was so much miscommunication the bags simply never arrived!! He had warned that there was a point of no return on being able to sand bag due to the breech growing larger and it clogging with debris.

It's no surprise that when they finally attempted to sandbag today it wasn't successful.

[jellymanoffspring]

It matters A LOT!
I was just looking at the Satelite pictures and some maps someone had at nola.com and so far my boyfriend's parent's house was in the clear. Ask them if it matters.

:grouphug:
Of course it matters....for you personally and the authorities trying to get a handle on this disaster sure don't need anything else added to the mix!!!

Prayers and good wishes that their home stay in the clear!!

(too many folks are posting REALLY insensitive things on the DIS today....forgetting that this is not just an event on TV that it is VERY PERSONAL!!)

[Luv2Roam]

Oh that's okay. I am ready to bash the president most any day of the week. ;)

[bsnyder]

What is really awful, is that the flooding didn't have to be this bad.

They had plans to drop sand bags yesterday, but according to the mayor there was so much miscommunication the bags simply never arrived!! He had warned that there was a point of no return on being able to sand bag due to the breech growing larger and it clogging with debris.

It's no surprise that when they finally attempted to sandbag today it wasn't successful.

Peachgirl, I saw an interview with the Army Corp official today and he said the problem wasn't the bags, it was the slings. They use slings to drop them from the helicopters, but they have to release the sling with the bag. And guess what? They didn't have enough damn slings. They've now "put in an order" for 250 more slings.

I just have no words for what I'm thinking or feeling right now. Or at least none that can be shared publicly on this board.

[Luv2Roam]

Anyone feel like it is the Three Stooges trying to find the Miracle Cure? ;)
I am sorry I had to laugh, even though it is TERRIBLE.
Only in this mess would this happen.
Were they prepared for anything more than a downpour?
It just gets more pathetic.
I think too I need to get away from this. It just breaks my heart even to think what these NO residents have and are going through.

[roger_ramjet]

You people playing the blame game are really starting to piss me off. It's a hurricane - a HURRICANE, we're not talking a few stray gusts and a few showers. What plans they may or may not have had in place go out the window once a place is deluged with so much water that getting in and out becomes almost impossible. The simple logistics of the problem they're dealing with are extremely difficult. People talking about fixing levees and how the President should have been elsewhere obviously are having a hard time getting a handle on the reality of the situation.

What the President can do about the situation is nothing, whether he's in DC or Baffin Island. Fixing Levees is not a matter of putting a plug in. Lay off the bloody finger pointing, for crying out loud. It's utter futility.

[ladycollector]

My local news just had an update on Mr. Jackson. (The man who's wife slipped away from him on top of the roof)

The temporary morgue was able to identify his wife's body by his description of her clothing. He didn't have a ride to go himself to identify her. He tried to walk, but he was injured during the hurricane.

His sister's house was also flooded to the roof, but there is some structure left, so that is where he and the kids are staying.

Our local anchor said that she gave his family her phone number (because there is no way to contact him), and Mr. Jackson called her 30 minutes ago, and told her all this.

She told him that the gulf coast wants to help him, and he said that he had almost give up hope, and now he has some.

Just an update.

[peachgirl]

Peachgirl, I saw an interview with the Army Corp official today and he said the problem wasn't the bags, it was the slings. They use slings to drop them from the helicopters, but they have to release the sling with the bag. And guess what? They didn't have enough damn slings. They've now "put in an order" for 250 more slings.

I just have no words for what I'm thinking or feeling right now. Or at least none that can be shared publicly on this board.

I was watching the online feed of WDSU in the middle of the night last night. They had the mayor of NO on. He was livid. His exact words..." there are too many chiefs here" in regards to the handling of the sand bag issue.

He said that the Corp was supposed to drop bags yesterday, but that the helicopter that was supposed to bring the bags in was diverted for other uses, calling it a miscommunication and blaming it on the fact that there were too many people giving orders.

[Free4Life11]

I think that it's just human nature to want someone to blame.

The good news is, the bussing HAS begun! Thank God!!!

[ducklite]

Anyone feel like it is the Three Stooges trying to find the Miracle Cure? ;)
I am sorry I had to laugh, even though it is TERRIBLE.
Only in this mess would this happen.
Were they prepared for anything more than a downpour?
It just gets more pathetic.
I think too I need to get away from this. It just breaks my heart even to think what these NO residents have and are going through.

SNAFU comes to mind...

Anne

[ducklite]

You people playing the blame game are really starting to piss me off. It's a hurricane - a HURRICANE, we're not talking a few stray gusts and a few showers. What plans they may or may not have had in place go out the window once a place is deluged with so much water that getting in and out becomes almost impossible. The simple logistics of the problem they're dealing with are extremely difficult. People talking about fixing levees and how the President should have been elsewhere obviously are having a hard time getting a handle on the reality of the situation.

What the President can do about the situation is nothing, whether he's in DC or Baffin Island. Fixing Levees is not a matter of putting a plug in. Lay off the bloody finger pointing, for crying out loud. It's utter futility.

Honey, I"ve been working on this beast since Friday. Trust me, I am WELL AWARE of the severity of the situation. I've been doing something to help. What have you done?

Like I said, appearences are everything in leadership.

Anne

[peachgirl]

Honey, I"ve been working on this beast since Friday. Trust me, I am WELL AWARE of the severity of the situation. I've been doing something to help. What have you done?

Like I said, appearences are everything in leadership.

Anne


DL... I just wanted to say how impressed I am with all that you're doing. I know when I've mis-judged someone and I definitely have mis-judged you in the past. I sincerely apologize.

You're an example of the kind of people we need more of and I think you've more than earned the right to speak up on this issue.

[Shutterbug]

WLBT in Mississippi has a 3rd copter trip up on their site.
They flew over Waveland, Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian.
Some of them looked like they have been wiped from the face of the earth :guilty:

http://www.wlbt.com/

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I feel terrible....we know so much and these people know nothing.

That is how it is after most hurricanes--this is just magnified to the zillionth degree.

The emergency crews are/were having trouble communicating with each other.

Also--these people are scattered all over New Orleans....they think they have 50K-100K to pick up (last I checked which has been awhile).

As great an idea the megaphone would be--it is really ineffective.

[MagicKingdom05]

I am just as frustrated that this is taking longer to get things done than I thought. However, it has only been 2.5 days since this happened and since then we have had levees break and water rise which probably set back the plans some. Also I don't think there plan was having to evacuate the superdome because of more flooding.

Part of me feels bad for all the families who lived there who know have nothing. However the other part of me is really ticket off at those people who could have left had the ability to, but didn't.

I don't know if anyone saw this, but someone was interview a group of people about there ordeal and all they wanted to do was complain about not having clean cloths, water, food etc which I could understand. However when asked did they think about leaving, they all mentioned that they had the means to leave, but because they didn't want to they decided to stay. This is why part of me feels bad, but the other part just wants to say hey you made the choice to stay, now you have to deal with what happens because of that decision.

Like we have all been talking about not everyone could leave, however as the time goes on, it seems that there were more and more people who could have left, but decided not to then what the officials originally thought.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wouldn't it have been better to have a plan to get the people out before the storm...even using the Superdome was a lame plan!!!!!



That lame plan saved these peoples lives---for now.

There would have been no way to evacuate 100,000 people who due to circumstance or choice--didn't leave.

It was a refuge--not a shelter!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What about those police helicopters I see in the movies where they have the booming voice "This is the police. Stop what you are doing!" They usually have bright searchlights on them...or is this just something made up in the movies. I really don't know.

It's the movies first off....so that sound may be magnified for television.

And I am sure if they had them---they are busy picking up people and don't have the time to fly all over the place and announce anything.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Heck -- even dropping flyers around the SuperDome. What's a little more crap laying around?

This made me laugh :blush:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Again, what about the missing National Guard members? Doesn't anyone think that's made a difference?


A war--justified or not didn't cause a hurricane.

I am sure it would have made a difference--but it is one of those arguments without a way to get an answer.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

I agree. The superdome was suppose to be a last resort type of thing.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Guys--can we move the BUSH debate to another thread!!!

This is rediculous and rather inappropriate at this time and for this thread.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Okay--some good news on this stinkin' thread that's about to visit Helena Handbasket since everyone's blowing a gasket.....;)


Went to Publix this evening.....ours at least....had flyers up and you could add any dollar amount to your grocery order. :goodvibes . The cash donations go to Red Cross of course.

[MoniqueU]

Fox news is reporting that the cops are sending in 1500 police to get control of the looting and civil unrest in New Orleans........ but that these cops are being called off of duty from saving lives. I don't even know what to think about that.

[roger_ramjet]

Honey, I"ve been working on this beast since Friday. Trust me, I am WELL AWARE of the severity of the situation. I've been doing something to help. What have you done?

Like I said, appearences are everything in leadership.

Anne

There is little I can do. I'm almost as destitute as some of the folks affected by this thing. If I had the means, I would be doing what I can. To be honest I don't know what you've been doing. I'm sure you're doing what you can, and that is appreciated by all.

Anyway, sorry about my outburst, but I am frustrated, because it seems like much of the commenting on here is premature - not to mention armchair warrior-ish. It's very easy to point fingers here when we are not down there in the midst of it all.

It's very unfortunate that you say 'appearances are everything'. That really does not tell the tale of what is REALLY going on - even though it is all we can go be. Perception is a very tenuous thing.

[ducklite]

Fox news is reporting that the cops are sending in 1500 police to get control of the looting and civil unrest in New Orleans........ but that these cops are being called off of duty from saving lives. I don't even know what to think about that.

Hopefully they will start shooting looters on sight, and the message will spread...quickly!

Anne

[bsnyder]

Okay--some good news on this stinkin' thread that's about to visit Helena Handbasket since everyone's blowing a gasket.....;)


Went to Publix this evening.....ours at least....had flyers up and you could add any dollar amount to your grocery order. :goodvibes . The cash donations go to Red Cross of course.

Our Publix stores are doing this too. I'll continue to make a donation every time I go.

[Allan]

I just talked to my son who is on a search and rescue team on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He has spent the last 2 days in Bay St. Louis looking for survivors.

He said they were the first guard unit into the area and the destruction is unimaginable. He has seen looting but these people have absolutely nothing-everything they have, everything they've worked their whole lives for is completely gone and they are just trying to stay alive (his words).

He says the stories of survival are horrifying, practically everyone he's talked to lived by clinging to a tree or a boat or debris of some kind. He says he's heard incredible tales of heroism--not just a few but many.

[va32h]

Re: lack of Nat'l Guard response, and poor federal response:

My husband is hopping up and down next to me, reading all these posts, and wants to jump in with his thoughts. So this is what he wants me to tell you (and while I love the man - he is a Republican, so bear that in mind when you read it - and please don't hold it against me).

Lousiana Nat'Guard - if they were there, they'd just need to be rescued, too. There were reserve units based in New Orleans, and they have no idea where those soliders are right now.

Re: federal response; in 1993, during the St. Louis floods, Clinton refused to mobilize reserve units, even though quartmaster (dh's unit), engineering and aviation units were right there in the city. The governors of Illinois and Missouri were begging for mobilization. So his unit sat there - watching Nat'l Guard infantry units march up and down the levees, with no useful equipment and nothing useful to do.

Dh is leaving on Monday - the unit he is currently with is medical logistics and they are calling in all their members and getting vehicles ready right now.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I posted this on the DVC boards in response to someone's question, which I have quoted below. Since Ducklite is urging blood donations (and rightly so) I thought it might be a good idea to post it here too. I am a teacher for NY Blood Center, one of the Nations' largest blood banks, that's why I am familiar with the "rules" for donating. BTW NY Blood Center, as well as many other blood banks, are teaming up to send much needed blood to New Orleans. But we need your help to ensure an adequate supply.

Originally Posted by lizanne
"Does anyone know if a diabetic can donate blood. I'm in good health otherwise and would really like to do something to help (besides donation)."


Diabetics can absolutely donate blood. One of the main things I teach at the NY Blood Center is called "Criteria for an Acceptable Donation". If you are on insulin you should eat prior to donating, and your sugar should be stable. If your diabetes is controlled with oral meds or diet there are no qualifications whatsoever, you are eliglble to donate as long as you meet all our other criteria.

Who cannot donate (and this is not all inclusive):

Anyone who has had a tattoo in the past year.
Anyone who has had a body piercing in the past year, unless it was done with sterile single use equipment, then it's OK.
Anyone who has traveled to a malarious area in the past year (Europe is not malarious, most of south america is, some of mexico is--you'll have to tell them where you traveled when you go to donate, and they will determine if the area has malaria or not).
People who have visited certain European Countries--mostly the UK but there are others- during certain years for certain lengths of time(due to mad cow). Again, you'll have to tell the blood drive people where and when you went to determine if you're eligible
Anyone who has taken money or drugs for sex since 1977, even once.
Anyone who has used illegal drugs with a needle, even once.
People who have Aids, or are HIV postitive.
People who have had hepatitis after age 11.
Anyone currently taking anti-biotics for an infection.
Anyone currently pregnant or who had a baby or who had a pregnancy that ended past the third trimester in the past six weeks.

People who CAN donate, even though you may think you're not eligible (Besides the obvious people who are healthy and don't fall under any of the categories above):

Anyone taking high blood pressure meds.
Anyone taking cholesterol meds.
Anyone taking allergies meds, as long as you're feeling well.
17 year old minimum (some states it's 16, so ask), 76th birthday maximum.
You must weigh 110 lbs or more.

If you have been told you are "anemic" I would still try, we take your hemoglobin and if it's not high enough we'll let you know and defer you from donating. I have had more then one person tell me they were anemic who's hemoglobin turned out fine and they were able to donate.

[bsnyder]

For a small bit of good news, it appears that some colleges and universities around the country are stepping up to help the displaced Tulane and Loyola students for their fall semester. For instance, Rice University is going to waive tuition so Houston-area undergraduates enrolled at Tulane University will have the opportunity to take fall semester classes at Rice.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Rock on Rice! That's wonderful.

I do know that Xavier University up somewhere---is offering help with classes to students at Xavier in NOLA. (there might be a slight name difference, but I don't remember what it is).

[totalia]

I just talked to my fiance. He found his friends. Both of them are in Jackson Florida. They managed to text message him.

Apparently the one (his room mate and best man for our wedding) was in their apartment when the roof was ripped off. The neighbour saved the day and drove them both out of town just before the hurricane really hit hard. The apartment building has been litterally flattened. Its totally gone. So is his roommates brand new car.

So everything is gone.

His other friend has had his house torn to pieces. Litterally.

So, for all of them, everything they had is all gone. Even their places of business.

My fiance is going to look for a job in Tennessee.

Apparently he's actually thinking of coming to Canada. No matter where he goes, it will be completely starting over because he just lost everything he had.

I wish I could help them all. Help him.

I'm crying so hard right now I can barely see the screen. I just wish I could hug him. He and I both need it.

[bsnyder]

Rock on Rice! That's wonderful.

I do know that Xavier University up somewhere---is offering help with classes to students at Xavier in NOLA. (there might be a slight name difference, but I don't remember what it is).

Not sure, but I think it's in Ohio.

Yeah, I got pretty excited when I heard about this. I guess I've naturally identified with those students/families, because my sons are in college away from home, and one of them almost went to Tulane last year. And our neighbor's daugher is at Loyola (she's safe, and arriving home tomorrow)

I've been thinking how disruptive and heartbreaking (but in perspective) it is for these students, especially the freshmen. It would be a shame if most of them ended up stuck for a semester or two, and I really think this is an idea that could avoid that. And it's relatively easy to accomodate.

[bsnyder]

I just talked to my fiance. He found his friends. Both of them are in Jackson Florida. They managed to text message him.

Apparently the one (his room mate and best man for our wedding) was in their apartment when the roof was ripped off. The neighbour saved the day and drove them both out of town just before the hurricane really hit hard. The apartment building has been litterally flattened. Its totally gone. So is his roommates brand new car.

So everything is gone.

His other friend has had his house torn to pieces. Litterally.

So, for all of them, everything they had is all gone. Even their places of business.

My fiance is going to look for a job in Tennessee.

Apparently he's actually thinking of coming to Canada. No matter where he goes, it will be completely starting over because he just lost everything he had.

I wish I could help them all. Help him.

I'm crying so hard right now I can barely see the screen. I just wish I could hug him. He and I both need it.

I'm so, so sorry!!!

[palmtreegirl]

My local news just had an update on Mr. Jackson. (The man who's wife slipped away from him on top of the roof)

The temporary morgue was able to identify his wife's body by his description of her clothing.

Awww I was hoping that against all odds she somehow survived. :sad2:

[CourtasanSatine]

The problems with gas are getting scary, if the prices stay this bad I may have to forgo spring term of tech school or take online classes

[Free4Life11]

Sadly, there are reports that the hospitals in NO are in crisis. Some nurses have apparently made calls on cell phones to send help, as some are, literally, in danger from gangs and looters. Please say a prayer for them, so many nurses and doctors give so selflessly in times like this.

[totalia]

Funny how the high price of gas just doesn't seem to bother me in comparison to the number of people who died, lost their loved ones, their homes, everything they owned and their livelihoods.

[totalia]

Sadly, there are reports that the hospitals in NO are in crisis. Some nurses have apparently made calls on cell phones to send help, as some are, literally, in danger from gangs and looters. Please say a prayer for them, so many nurses and doctors give so selflessly in times like this.
Gods, the gvt needs to call in marshall law and be willing to use force. Its way out of hand.

[Free4Life11]

The Astrodome is ONLY for the refugees from NOLA/Superdome. They have already turned some away. Refugees in Houston who are not from NOLA/Superdome should call 211 -- the Red Cross has 19 shelters open and the ability to open more.

[ducklite]

For a small bit of good news, it appears that some colleges and universities around the country are stepping up to help the displaced Tulane and Loyola students for their fall semester. For instance, Rice University is going to waive tuition so Houston-area undergraduates enrolled at Tulane University will have the opportunity to take fall semester classes at Rice.

I had hread that yesterday, the way I understand it, the parents of the incoming Freshmen class petitioned the Rice administration to accept these 90 some local students. One mom of an incoming frosh said "It's just the right thing to do."

Anne

[ducklite]

There is little I can do. I'm almost as destitute as some of the folks affected by this thing. If I had the means, I would be doing what I can. To be honest I don't know what you've been doing. I'm sure you're doing what you can, and that is appreciated by all.

YOU CAN VOLUNTEER! Call your local Red Cross, food pantry, Salvation Army, any religious org (Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, etc.) and help.

I coordinate moving supplies and volunteers as well as relocation of animals for various animal welfare groups. I also work with a system of ham operators and others who have stayed on the scene do do health and welfare checks for people who can't find their loved ones. For health reasons, I am unable to go to the scene of disasters, but you bet if I could I would. If I did I'd end up being a casualty myself, so I'm best doing what I do...

Anne

[CheshireVal]

YOU CAN VOLUNTEER! Call your local Red Cross, food pantry, Salvation Army, any religious org (Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, etc.) and help.

I coordinate moving supplies and volunteers as well as relocation of animals for various animal welfare groups. I also work with a system of ham operators and others who have stayed on the scene do do health and welfare checks for people who can't find their loved ones. For health reasons, I am unable to go to the scene of disasters, but you bet if I could I would. If I did I'd end up being a casualty myself, so I'm best doing what I do...

Anne


Sorry, I just don't think it's anyone's business what anyone else is or is not doing for the hurricane victims. I don't think anyone needs to justify themselves if they can't help out; conversely, I don't think anyone should have to publicly proclaim it if they do.

There's a thread on here called "I donated-- did you?" or something like that. Why?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I've been thinking how disruptive and heartbreaking (but in perspective) it is for these students, especially the freshmen. It would be a shame if most of them ended up stuck for a semester or two, and I really think this is an idea that could avoid that. And it's relatively easy to accomodate.

I think colleges across the country will be opening their doors to displaced students. I mean lets be realistic. It is very likely these campuses could be nonfunctioning their entire college career. I know it is tough for the freshman--but can you image the students that were finishing their dissertations--students where were in that last semester or two. Common college protocol is you can only transfer so many credits.

I hope some colleges will be understanding and welcoming and very leniant on their transfer policies.

[sodaseller]

I think colleges across the country will be opening their doors to displaced students. I mean lets be realistic. It is very likely these campuses could be nonfunctioning their entire college career. I know it is tough for the freshman--but can you image the students that were finishing their dissertations--students where were in that last semester or two. Common college protocol is you can only transfer so many credits.

I hope some colleges will be understanding and welcoming and very leniant on their transfer policies.
Carzy idea that might not work, but how about mobilizing them for extended relief help for a semester - some form of AmeriCorps. What an education! In return, we could give some break in the student loans, etc

[cheyita]

There's a thread on here called "I donated-- did you?" or something like that. Why?

I thought the same thing when I read that. However, maybe the OP of that thread was trying good ol' fashioned peer pressure as a tool to get more people to help those unfortunate people in crisis.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

There's a thread on here called "I donated-- did you?" or something like that. Why?


That riles me--and then people jump on you when you ask why. They just say--well if it gets someone to donate such a such. Well save it. The important thing is to donate--there is no checklist of humanity. Ruffles my feathers. Even more disappointing are those who share dollar amounts.


(and when someone says they can do nothing--then I don't have a problem with saying there is something you can do--here's what. Which is all I think ducklite was doing.)

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Carzy idea that might not work, but how about mobilizing them for extended relief help for a semester - some form of AmeriCorps. What an education! In return, we could give some break in the student loans, etc


There is a college in houston that is giving houston resident Tulane students a free semester--it is a start.

Rules are getting bent all over the place.

The problem is that transcript file and documentation of what you have already done--which I can accept would be a logistical nightmare.

[mickeyfan2]

What is really awful, is that the flooding didn't have to be this bad.

Sorry but you are very misinformed. I am an engineer and know about levees. If they block the levee in one spot, it will put more pressure on another spot and the weakest link will give way next. If they plugged one levee and pumped out the water, when the water level dropped and the equilibrium on a levee went away, the levee could break again. From an engineering point of view the city should not be rebuilt until all the water is allowed to flow where it will naturally and then move the city to safer ground.

[bsnyder]

There is a college in houston that is giving houston resident Tulane students a free semester--it is a start.

Rules are getting bent all over the place.

The problem is that transcript file and documentation of what you have already done--which I can accept would be a logistical nightmare.

I would have to think most, if not all, of the institutions, would have backup documentation (on back up servers?) to be able to eventually provide their students, until then....wing it. :)

Our neighbor from Loyola arrived home in the early morning hours. She's got a days worth of clothes, and that's it, but she's safe. My husband's going to help get the ball rolling at his employer (the University of Tampa) and I am confident they'll be generous and welcoming to area students.

but how about mobilizing them for extended relief help for a semester - some form of AmeriCorps. What an education! In return, we could give some break in the student loans, etc

I had this idea as well, but on a bigger scale - many college students (not just those at the effectef ones) might want to take some time off to help with the relief. My older son is in his senior year, but I can see this as something he definitely might want to do, and he'd be good at it, too.

[ducklite]

Sorry, I just don't think it's anyone's business what anyone else is or is not doing for the hurricane victims. I don't think anyone needs to justify themselves if they can't help out; conversely, I don't think anyone should have to publicly proclaim it if they do.

There's a thread on here called "I donated-- did you?" or something like that. Why?

I was responding to a poster who was saying they couldn't help for lack of finances. Volunteering doesn't cost anything!

Anne

[ducklite]

(and when someone says they can do nothing--then I don't have a problem with saying there is something you can do--here's what. Which is all I think ducklite was doing.)

Thanks, that was exactly my point to that poster.

Anne

[peachgirl]

Sorry but you are very misinformed. I am an engineer and know about levees.

I'm simply going on what the mayor of New Orleans said. Perhaps the attempt would have failed no matter when they tried it, but the Corp was who suggested the sand bagging attempts. They just didn't deliver according to the mayor.

Ducklite had said that the problem was that they didn't have enough of the slings. Who knows what the problem actually was since there doesn't seem to be a consistent source of information, but either way, the Corp of Engineers wanted to sand bag.

[ducklite]

Ducklite had said that the problem was that they didn't have enough of the slings. Who knows what the problem actually was since there doesn't seem to be a consistent source of information, but either way, the Corp of Engineers wanted to sand bag.

To give credit where due, I don't think it was I that said that--although I've heard it from several sources and do believe it's true.

Anne

[peachgirl]

To give credit where due, I don't think it was I that said that--although I've heard it from several sources and do believe it's true.

Anne

Sorry, you're right, it was Bsnyder who posted that she had heard that was the problem they were having.

[palmtreegirl]

Ashley Marcuson, the women CNN showed crying searching for her husband holding the picture of her family- she found him!

She was the blonde women with the 3 daughters, she and the girls evacuated and he stayed behind in their mobile home. He said he was just lost, when the water went down he said everything was so different & he was just lost the last few days! She said they saw eachother and she cried, he cried, the kids ran up to him, she said Daddy's home and that's all that matters.

Yay, a happy ending!

[LoraJ]

i was so upset this morning when I was listening to CNN and they were talking to Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff. They were askign if there were any efforts to put together a registration site for people missing and found. He said they were just starting. But then when asked about if they were keeping track of who all was at the shelters, especially the Superdome, he said no, they didn't have time. Didn't have time? They're sitting there for 2 -3 days and you never had time to have them registered? I am supposed to feel safe and protected by a security team that can't even think outside of the box?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

LoraJ--I think they are busy keeping people safe, caring for the sick and feeding them.

Sure someone could go around and do a list. But I think it is more important to keep people safe and alive and worry about the paperwork later.

I believe at the Astrodome, everyone is getting registered--but someone can correct me if I am wrong.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ashley Marcuson, the women CNN showed crying searching for her husband holding the picture of her family- she found him!

She was the blonde women with the 3 daughters, she and the girls evacuated and he stayed behind in their mobile home. He said he was just lost, when the water went down he said everything was so different & he was just lost the last few days! She said they saw eachother and she cried, he cried, the kids ran up to him, she said Daddy's home and that's all that matters.

Yay, a happy ending!


:goodvibes :goodvibes

[monty]

"The rampant lawlessness distracted from frantic efforts to evacuate the city, where New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin took hundreds of exhausted police off search and rescue duties to fight the looting gangs.
A National Guardsman was shot outside the city's Superdome Stadium, which had housed up to 20,000 survivors in squalid, sweltering conditions before laborious evacuation operations began.
A shot was also fired at a Chinook helicopter taking part in the operation to move refugees out of the stadium to other cities, officials said."
If it wasn't so dreadfully tragic.... America would be the laughing stock of the rest of the world.What is wrong with these people?I'm reading the news with tears in my eyes.My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you effected by this terrible disaster....as if things are not bad enough, now you have to contend with these morons of society as well.

[bengalbelle]

"The rampant lawlessness distracted from frantic efforts to evacuate the city, where New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin took hundreds of exhausted police off search and rescue duties to fight the looting gangs.
A National Guardsman was shot outside the city's Superdome Stadium, which had housed up to 20,000 survivors in squalid, sweltering conditions before laborious evacuation operations began.
A shot was also fired at a Chinook helicopter taking part in the operation to move refugees out of the stadium to other cities, officials said."
If it wasn't so dreadfully tragic.... America would be the laughing stock of the rest of the world.What is wrong with these people?I'm reading the news with tears in my eyes.My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you effected by this terrible disaster....as if things are not bad enough, now you have to contend with these morons of society as well.
They are gangs with assault rifles who are more well armed than the police. National Guardsmen from Arkansas have arrived in NO locked and loaded (to quote our governor) with instructions to use excessive force as needed (and it is expected, to quote our governor again).

[ANTSS2001]

They are gangs with assault rifles who are more well armed than the police. National Guardsmen from Arkansas have arrived in NO locked and loaded (to quote our governor) with instructions to use excessive force as needed (and it is expected, to quote our governor again).
:hourglass http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=899808
I have been watching for your post,good to see you here!

[bengalbelle]

:hourglass http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=899808
I have been watching for your post,good to see you here!
Thank you.

[CourtasanSatine]

Glad you're ok BengalBelle, we Lostaways(aka the various Lost threads) have missed our ringleader

[miss missy]

Sorry, I just don't think it's anyone's business what anyone else is or is not doing for the hurricane victims. I don't think anyone needs to justify themselves if they can't help out; conversely, I don't think anyone should have to publicly proclaim it if they do.

There's a thread on here called "I donated-- did you?" or something like that. Why?

I think because they are just trying to get the word out of what is needed and what other CAN do, I do not think anyone meant it for any other reason.
Almost a running list of ideas is what I see here.

Noone cares to know anyones personal amount.... just ideas of what way we can help. I think we all feel so helpless watching this go on that we need to feel we are doing SOMETHING... ANYTHING!

[PolyAddict]

I survived Katrina.

We left metro N.O last Sunday morning, drove about 6 hours away and now I am 14 hours away in Indiana!!!

Just wanted to check in with you guys.

We are exhausted, disoriented, numb just to name a few.

The sad thing and good thing is our house weathered the storm, but we can't return home yet.

[jellymanoffspring]

I survived Katrina.

We left metro N.O last Sunday morning, drove about 6 hours away and now I am 14 hours away in Indiana!!!

Just wanted to check in with you guys.

We are exhausted, disoriented, numb just to name a few.

The sad thing and good thing is our house weathered the storm, but we can't return home yet.

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:
So glad you are safe..... Hope you know how much we are all thinking of you and everyone in your region!!

[PolyAddict]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:
So glad you are safe..... Hope you know how much we are all thinking of you and everyone in your region!!


Thanks, we appreciate it. Indy has done soooo much for us already and we just arrived today. Things are sooo messed up right now, that we are not sure that we ever want to return. Good time to start fresh.

[peacefulgirl]

Thanks, we appreciate it. Indy has done soooo much for us already and we just arrived today. Things are sooo messed up right now, that we are not sure that we ever want to return. Good time to start fresh.

I am so glad yu are safe!! If there is anything I can do, let me know. I wish I could hug all you survivors in person!! :hug:

[jellymanoffspring]

Thanks, we appreciate it. Indy has done soooo much for us already and we just arrived today. Things are sooo messed up right now, that we are not sure that we ever want to return. Good time to start fresh.

New Jersey is a nice state...if you want to come east and start over you will be welcome!
I heard the mayor of N. O. and he believes that it will be rebuilt as a shining example....I am sure it will be also!
Just hard to see it at the moment........
I wish you strentgh and courage in the coming days....months...
PLease post if we can do anything to help!
:grouphug:

[bengalbelle]

I survived Katrina.

We left metro N.O last Sunday morning, drove about 6 hours away and now I am 14 hours away in Indiana!!!

Just wanted to check in with you guys.

We are exhausted, disoriented, numb just to name a few.

The sad thing and good thing is our house weathered the storm, but we can't return home yet.
I'm so happy to hear you're safe. I was wondering about you.

[totalia]

I survived Katrina.

We left metro N.O last Sunday morning, drove about 6 hours away and now I am 14 hours away in Indiana!!!

Just wanted to check in with you guys.

We are exhausted, disoriented, numb just to name a few.

The sad thing and good thing is our house weathered the storm, but we can't return home yet.
*hugs* I'm so sorry PolyAddict. I hope things get as close to normal as soon as possible for you.

[PolyAddict]

Thanks for all of the support.

We are so grateful for all the help.

[jlbower79]

:wave2: Goodness me... just wanted you guys to know that I got the internet sometime this afternoon and here I am.. first let me say that I live 45 minutes from New Orleans and 45 minutes from the Gulfcoast... I actually sat on my mommas porch during the whole storm, watched the trees all around her house come down (in the south the pinetrees touch the sky, it's magical so we're talking TALL trees) and thankfully none of them landed ON her house... my apartment is ok too, some mold but hopefully when things claim down they'll fix that. Some of the apartments lost their roofs, not mine. I think the hardest was trying to do NOTHING in heat that was sooo unbreathable. I had to go to the hospital one day because my ear canals split open and I was in soooooooooooo much pain. The MASH unit was GREAT. My town was very lucky, but I felt like I was in a twight zone for a long time, even though it was just 2 weeks. My mom just got electricty on Friday, I got mine a week earlier. I did go to the coast this weekend (my dad lives down there) and i did cry, it's just awful... I mean, there is NOTHING there. I took some pictures, I'm posting one of the beach, it's suppost to be nothing but sand and water.

http://www.PictureCrate.com/uploads/4eb52bc572.jpg (http://www.PictureCrate.com/image.php?image=4eb52bc572.jpg)

I did get my disney visa card when the mail started back up, I wasn't going to go but I think maybe it was a sign that I should still go...

Thanks to everyone who cares :grouphug:
Jaime

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Good to hear from you!!!

Glad all is well for the most part with your home.

[Planogirl]

I'm so glad that you have your Internet back and that things don't look quite so bad for you. If you take that trip, have a fun and relaxing time!