From Someone Actually Here Dealing With This Chaos..UPDATE ON PAGE THREE

[NewOrleans]

This is going to be a long note. I know it before I even finish typing the first paragraph. I am going to try to be as articulate as I can, but I'm having a hard time tonight. I cannot seem to stop crying, and I am so frustrated by the laissez-faire attitude that I've perceived by so many people in the general public. (I shouldn't have watched an hour of CNN tonight.)

Honestly, have you watched the news? Have you seen the footage? I am beginning to believe that people who don't live here really don't understand how devastating this is. For those of us here who are reasonably intelligent and/or compassionate, we are sick to our stomachs, we are scared, and WE NEED HELP HERE NOW.

Things will NOT get up and running in a couple of months. It's not possible. Trust me: I know the geographic and the economic challenges. And it's obvious that we certainly can't rely on the federal government. Bush's sage advice of the day was "Don't buy gas if you don't need it." I also learned tonight that persons in the Bush administration criticized the media for sympathizing heavily with the victims of this disaster instead of the federal officials who have to sort it out now. I loved Lou Dobbs' response (and will try to paraphrase): "Hmm . . . We have people who haven't eaten in days, who have no water, who have no homes. We have bureaucrats in Washington. Sorry, I think I feel more sympathy for the victims. We'll worry about the bureaucrats later."

Here's a little tidbit to ponder from AOL news too:
Spending pressures from the war in Iraq, homeland security and Bush's tax cuts drained money from New Orleans flood-control projects."As these facts get out, and the American people learn that decisions were made not to fund improvements of the levees because of Iraq, they will not be happy," said Chris Kofinis, a Democratic consultant in Washington. It wasn't just Democrats taking jabs at Bush. The Manchester Union-Leader, a consistently conservative voice in New Hampshire, took the president to task for not reacting quickly enough to Katrina. The cool, confident, intuitive leadership Bush exhibited in his first term, particularly in the months immediately following Sept. 11, 2001, has vanished," said Wednesday's editorial. "In its place is a diffident detachment unsuitable for the leader of a nation facing war, natural disaster and economic uncertainty."

Then we have the excellent leadership of Dennis Hastert, who suggested New Orleans shouldn't be rebuilt. (Funny how no one ever suggests not rebuilding in California after earthquakes and mudslides or in Florida after hurricanes. Maybe it's easier to feel sorry for rich white people than for poor black ones.)

Sorry, but I am on a roll. (I think anger may be good for me right now. Please don't be offended. I either need to vent or to punch something, and I'd prefer venting.)

By the way, Biloxi and Gulfport, MS, are gone. Not damaged, not harmed--GONE. It's not just about Louisiana.

I learned today that the shelter at my church has been funded by my church, as the Red Cross is stretched too thin.

I am so tired of listening to callers from Pennsylvania and from Ohio and from Indiana calling Larry King to trash my governor and to offer pat (and patronizing) solutions. Why aren't they coming here to help us with this mass of humanity that has been displaced instead of throwing stones from their ivory towers? (I realize that many people are genuinely concerned, and to them, I give my sincere thanks. But the arrogant know-it-alls have earned my undying fury.) I understand that it's impossible to get into the greater NO area, but we are overwhelmed here in the northern part of the state too. We need help in the worst kind of way here in Ruston--and in lots of other small towns that are flooded with refugees. We need homes for these people; we need jobs for these people. Why don't some of the critics come do some of what I've been doing? There is plenty of vomit cleanup duty to go around, plenty of diapers to change, plenty of laundry to wash, plenty of meals to serve, plenty forms to complete, etc.

I don't think all the water in NO can be drained in two months---much less any rebuilding. This is more like Hiroshima or Berlin post-WWII than 9/11. The WTC disaster was horrible, but it was confined to a small area of a mostly business district. (And the district wasn't submerged in 20 feet of water in 95 degree heat. The threat of mosquitoes and disease is serious and will thwart restoration efforts.) In contrast, 80% of the city of New Orleans is under water, and 20-25% of the state's population is homeless. What are we going to do with all these people? It's not possible to return them to Orleans, St. Bernard, and other parishes for months and months. How are they going to live? How can we absorb them--when the state is so impoverished and unemployment is so high?

Other important things to consider: Louisiana is a very poor state, and NO is the major source of revenue for our tax base. This is an economic disaster as well as a human tragedy. In Florida, hurricanes can be disruptive, certainly, but your state has more than one major commercial center--and you do not have the topological nightmare that is NO's bowl-shaped geography with Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River snaking around.

It's impossible to buy gas in south Louisiana (or do banking or even make phone calls). Some evacuees ran out of gas, then abandoned their cars and set out on foot. She has seen them walking near her home. Tension is high, and people are scared. Charlotte's neighbors evacuated, just to be safe, and, when they returned home, they discovered that refugees had broken into their home and were camped out there. The population of Baton Rouge has doubled because of the onslaught, and everyone I've spoken to there is afraid of what's going to happen.

When people have lost everything--when they have nothing left--then they have nothing to lose. Does that make any sense? Throw in hunger, thirst, fear, heat, disease, poverty, and no electricity, and you get hell on earth.

Have you seen the busloads of people leaving the Superdome and the Convention Center? We're getting a load of them at La. Tech to be housed on campus. Can you not imagine how troubling it is to envision the security nightmare this is going to pose for our students and our campus?

Ruston is a small town, and we have over 600 refugees in shelters. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though, as many, many evacuees are camping in our parks, staying with friends, staying in hotels, staying in churches, etc. I don't think there's any way to tally official figures, but I would guess--based on trafffic and shortages--that we've experienced a 25% increase in population temporarily. We are not equipped for this long-term--and we are being told to register these evacuee kids in school, as they may be here for nine months or more. What are we going to do? We don't have the housing or the employment opportunities to manage this. We have gas stations here that were out of gas today. Our stores are running out of supplies. And we live 350 miles away from the scene of destruction! This feels like a powderkeg we're living in.

I am not kidding you: I am scared. I am having trouble sleeping, and I can't imagine going back to work next week. Life as we know it here is over for a LONG time--and things are going to get much worse before they get better. It feels Apocalyptic.

So, no, I cannot fathom how the rest of the world just keeps on functioning. Maybe it's easier for some people to think about it simply as something they saw on TV, like a bad Arnold Schwarzenneger movie. Maybe it's too ugly for them to process as real, so it's easier just to ignore it. I saw something online earlier about fun Labor Day ideas. Who in the hell cares about Labor Day weekend fun? How could that possibly be appropriate right now? This is going to go down as the worst natural disaster in U. S. history--and the body count is going to be greater than that of Pearl Harbor or 9/11 when it's all said and done, I truly believe. Our neighbor is a state policeman who was sent to NO, and he reported on Tuesday that there were thousands of dead bodies floating and bloating in the water and the heat.

And I am having trouble imagining ever feeling carefree or guilt-free again. I am dealing with a lot of guilt, as I have to take breaks from working at the shelter for my own sanity. I keep thinking about the refugees staying there, and I am ashamed of myself, as they cannot ever take a break from it. They don't have comfortable homes and plenty of clean clothes to return to, and I do. I cannot imagine sleeping on an air mattress in a room with over 300 other people. How much longer can those elderly people do it? And, yet, they were out, bright and early this morning, sweeping the sidewalks outside because they want to "earn their keep." This is breaking my heart, no lie. I try never to be anything but Miss Merry Sunshine when I'm there, as I KNOW they need smiles and hugs, but it takes all I have not to simply grab them and sob.

So spread the word to the outside world: This is, quite possibly, the only E-mail I've ever sent you that I don't mind if you copy and paste. Things are BAD here. I intend to keep doing what I've been doing, but I don't know if we're going to recover from this one, at least in my lifetime.

[WDWHound]

From here in Texas, its hard to imagine what you folks are going through. I know there is no way to truly understand the magnitude of it without being there.

Please know that you are in our prayers and that millions of people across the country are reaching out to help. May that help reach you soon and may God bless you for everything you are doing.

[snoopy]

I can't even imagine......I lived through 9/11 here in Washington, and I still can't even imagine......

My prayers are with you and all the other people living in the face of this terrible tragedy. :(

[luv2nascar]

I can not imagine what you are going through. I totally sympathize.

I have cried everyday watching the news. I see babies lethargic in their mothers arms and I know they are not sleeping peacefully in their mothers arms. They are dehydrated. They will die without water and food. The elderly people. I am crushed just listening and watching.

What can the average person say or do. I have donated money and I will be donating blood also. It is not enough. But what would be??? I feel your desparation.

Why was the water so long in coming?? Something is wrong. Today it seems the evacuation is at least speeding up and water and food is arriving. Not soon enough for me. Some big companies are donating supplies and money. But more need to. Come on America this is OUR people and they are dying and have lost everything.

I think the average person is trying to help but it is hard to be able to doing anything. I live in PA so I'm not close enough.

God bless all of you.

[SDFgirl]

God bless you. My heart goes out to all those who were displaced by Katrina. I am thinking and praying for everyone.

We have donated to the Red Cross and offered room and board to employees of my fiance's company - they have offices in NO and many are still missing.

Is there anything else we can do? Please, please, please - let us know what is needed and we will do whatever we can.

[dturner]

I've had a hard time working this week as I feel guilty sitting in an air conditioned office;

I've watched everything I can about what is going on as I'm crying;

I feel guilty eating my lunch everyday, in fact, I haven't really eaten that much this week, just doesn't seem right;

I've been thinking of all the things the United States as a whole could and need to do:

Grocery chains - come on guys, send trailers of food down to New Orleans - you can write it off your taxes;

Apartment complexes throughout the United States - if you have any vacancies, take in a couple of families, let them have free rent for 3-6 months until they can find new jobs and get back on their feet. I'm sure you could find somewhere on your taxes to write off the rent.

I've read that here in Texas all the arenas are full - ok, now move people to the next state and then the next and so on and on..................

All these people need to be relocated and it can be done but every state has to lend a hand.

Sorry for the rant!!!

[Planogirl]

We will do all we can. Most of us care a lot and want to help. It might just take some time to sort out exactly what we can do.

I pray for New Orleans and for the Mississippi and Alabama coastal areas. :(

[theSurlyMermaid]

I also would like to know how else I can help besides donating...is there anything else we can do? I feel so helpless and I want to help. If you are able to post again (although I would understand if you could not!) could you please let us know if there is anything else we can do? Thank you. :grouphug:

[phillybeth]

I'm in PA and you have all my sympathy. I would love to go down and help as you suggest, but please tell me HOW? No transportation, no housing, no food, no water- and that is for the survivors. How do you plan on taking care of all the volunteers? Organizations like the Red Cross have trained people and the resources to care for the carers. Individual volunteers with no skills, no training and no resources would only add to the burden.

[CRB#33]

We in safe places are aching for you, praying for you and many are contributing everything we can for you.

I feel horribly guilty about this not being anywhere near enough for you.

Please stay safe and God be with you.

[Towncrier]

If all of us from Ohio get in our cars and drive down to the Gulf coast in order to help, there will just be that many more mouths to feed and thirsts to quench. I know that you are frustrated, but can you give us some constructive way that we can help (other than through cash donations to charities that are putting 100% of the money dontated to use for disaster relief)? Please, tell us what we else can do to help.

[minniecarousel]

You bring up perspective that we (I) needed to hear.

Thank you for the work you're doing. From this far away, $$$ is what I can do. DH's company is matching 50 cents to every dollar the employees donate. So that's another way we'll donate to get more bang from our buck.

Hang in there.

[kejoda]

From the bottom of my heart I am so sorry that this has happened to you. Ya'll are in our prayers.

[MaryAnnDVC]

It is truly heartwrenching to see and hear what is going on in New Orleans and the other areas hit by Katrina. My thoughts and prayers are with them, constantly. There is little, it appears, that anyone from a distance can do besides donate money, and pray like crazy.

Are you a regular DISer here, who had to register under a different name because of computer problems? Are you the one who wrote the OP, or was it sent to you from someone else? I just wonder if you are someone who we're all familiar with here, or if you're new to the board.

{{{Hugs}}} to everyone suffering through this terrible tragedy.

[birdiesunshine]

I'm sick to my stomach for all of you affected by this tragedy. I've donated, I'm praying for all of you. Your post is a wonderful eye opener for those that "just don't get it". BTW expect some of the regulars on the DIS not to respond to your thread as they won't know what to say to you without defending their people in the government.

God bless!!!!!!

[arminnie]

New Orleans has been my second home for 40 years. I recently bought a condo there. I left on Wednesday before the storm because my dad had surgery here in Arkansas week.

As I spend my days at the hospital with my dad I can't help but think of those in the hospitals in Louisiana. I've been worried sick about my 84 year old father but thank goodness I don't have to worry about the care he is getting or whether there will even be water for him.

I have hundreds of friends in New Orleans from all walks of life. I've heard from maybe 10-15 people. I sincerely hope that most are okay but can't help but fear that some (especially the less advantaged) are in terrible circumstances or even dead.

We have one person here with us who has nothing. But she's one of the lucky ones. She does have a roof over her head and food to eat. There are many in Arkansas in private homes, shelters and camp grounds.

The nurses at the hospital have said they are ready to accept 50 patients. Another hospital thought they were getting 50 patients but they got diverted to some place closer. We are about 450 miles North of N.O.

[grinningghost]

Believe me, you people are in our hearts and minds. I think about you just about every minute. I've donated cash, our community is sending down 5 tractor trailers loaded with food, water and personal supplies. Every grocery store, fast food place, everywhere - they're all collecting money.

I know it's not soon enough, but everyone is working on it, be assured. :grouphug:

[bunny213]

I have been in tears for days...and cannot imagine the dispair.
You wrote a very moving email...and I'm so thankful that you did. We watch the tv and are so sad...but you have put a personal touch to a very very sad situation. I'm wishing I could be there to help some how...right now like someone said - money is needed....but You have pointed out so many other things that are truly needed also. Love, support, hugs, understanding and patience. I cannot imagine the dispair...I cannot imagine the fear...but I truly hurt for those who must experience all these things.....I wish I could give you all a hug....I wish I could take it all away. Please keep us updated...please keep posting.....you are important to us and we care... Barb in Texas

[WANNABE@WDW]

I live in Denham Springs, La. (just to the east of Baton Rouge). I don't know if I have the words to express all the emotions I am feeling now. We survived the storm with minimal damage. Most of the people in our area now have power. The power companies are wonderful! They have come from so many places and have worked so hard. The water in many of our areas are not potable due to contamination. We have tens of thousands of refugess in our area. Our metro area has become the largest in the state overnight. Our metro area had so many problems before Katrina, and now it is just beyond belief what we are now facing. This event is not a short term problem. It has changed the economics of our state (and the gulf coast) Forever!!! All the businesses that were effected employed so many people, where will people work? Will the business leave our state forever? The people you see on TV are just a small portion of the people of southeast La. and the Gulf Coast. What about the people that did heed the warnings and left for higher ground. Those people are living with friends, staying in hotels, and other refuges. Who is helping them. Not everyone is in shelters. What about the people that have emptied bank accounts and maxed out credit cards to live for the last week? Our region is made up of people of all economic levels and they are all effected. Please don't forget about our regions' plight in a few days or weeks. There are so many heroes that you don't see on the TV. Our governor has made me so proud! FEMA is trying, this disaster could never have been prepared for. How could FEMA have known how many didn't leave? How could our government force it's citizens to leave there homes. The problem is overwhelming, but things are getting better. It is just a huge task and there are new issues that develope everyday. No one has ever had to deal with a disater of this scale. Now is not the time to pick our leaders apart! Use your time and resources to think up positive solutions. We need all the positive energy we can find! We will survive and "the South will rise again" but it will be a long time comming. Please keep us in your prayers.
Kim Thomason

[mom2boys]

You are all in my thoughts and prayers and have been since the news borke that Kartina was headed for the Gulf Coast. I can't imagine the burden on the neighboring communities & states. I would love to do more than sit & watch the tv coverage & send a check. It breaks my heart to see the poeple - especially the babies - obviously dehydrated.

Our lives are going on but they are changed.

[Talking Hands]

I am not minimizing the devastation in NOLA, Miss and Ala but those in Miami-Dade County affected by hurricane Katrina are getting absolutely no help at all from the federal government. Nothing! There are still people without electricity and there are homes that are destroyed or badly damaged from just a cat 1 storm and to them this is just as devastating. Yet our students at the high school I am at are collecting donation but money and goods for those in areas with more damage, even those who lost their homes. Sorry but we need to help our own neighbors first and then help those in other areas.

[arminnie]

I am not minimizing the devastation in NOLA, Miss and Ala but those in Miami-Dade County affected by hurricane Katrina are getting absolutely no help at all from the federal government. Nothing! There are still people without electricity and there are homes that are destroyed or badly damaged from just a cat 1 storm and to them this is just as devastating. Yet our students at the high school I am at are collecting donation but money and goods for those in areas with more damage, even those who lost their homes. Sorry but we need to help our own neighbors first and then help those in other areas.

I understand - even though I have a home in New Orleans I am doing more to help evacuees here in Arkansas.

New Orleans is a major city that is a DISASTER but we shouldn't forget about the other people in Mississippi, Florida and other parts of LA.

[N.Bailey]

You're certainly in the hearts and prayers of many here in PA. We too have sent money and we give blood all the time, and will give again when we get the call that they're asking for it. We plan on sending a donation each week in the coming weeks as well. Besides prayers, money, and blood, I don't know what else to do. If you've got ideas however, please share, as many of us would love to do more.

[pmcpmc]

From here in Texas, its hard to imagine what you folks are going through. I know there is no way to truly understand the magnitude of it without being there.

Please know that you are in our prayers and that millions of people across the country are reaching out to help. May that help reach you soon and may God bless you for everything you are doing.
May we add to these sentiments from all Irish people

[Dan Murphy]

......Are you a regular DISer here, who had to register under a different name because of computer problems? Are you the one who wrote the OP, or was it sent to you from someone else? I just wonder if you are someone who we're all familiar with here, or if you're new to the board.

{{{Hugs}}} to everyone suffering through this terrible tragedy.
Good wishes and :hug:'s Welcome to the DIS.

[Kitty 34]

:grouphug:

[totalia]

I've felt just sick watching all of it. I'm Canadian. My fiance is from New Orleans and was living there when it hit. He got out just in time and is staying with family in Tennessee. Gods, I wish I could help. I wish I could do something. I so so badly want to go down there and help.

But what can I do? I'm 2000 miles away, only have $100 in my bank, and not enough food to feed myself for the next month. Without my own family, I'd be screwed. I need to start my new job. Because now, he has to come here. I was going to move down there. Now its all gone.

New Orleans and its people was my second home. Very dear to my heart.

Its like the whole world just exploded for me. This is worse than 9/11. This is terrible.

Gods, I want to help. The best that I can say is that there is help coming. Canada is sending aid down as soon as possible. So is France.

It will get better. Just try to hold on in the meantime. I honestly wish it was me instead of you. If I could take it all away I would.

I really hope the world listens. I so sincerely do. And I wish I could do something to help you.

[6_Time_Momma]

I don't quite know how to say this without getting flamed (I suspect I will), but I will try to put it in a good way.

I have seen the devastation on the news. I cannot believe this is going on in our country. That people are not getting the help from the government that they need. I have said numerous prayers, cried numerous times, and have given money to RC.

Now, that being said.... how on earth is it going to benefit LA and MS for you to try and make us feel guilty for continuing to live our lives? I feel like you are trying to lay a guilt trip on those of us not directly affected by this. Should we stop living and remain glued to our tv's for 24/7 so that we can feel as horrible as you?

I honestly don't see why you are condemning us for going on with our lives. Suggesting that people come there rather than send money or supplies via a legitimate charity is pretty insane, don't you think?

You have our prayers. You have whatever supplies, money, resources we can spare, please accept that stuff with a simple thanks and smile that people are able and willing to help however they can, rather than condemning them for not giving up their lives.

I'm sorry if I come off as uncaring, because believe me, I am not, and I will help and have helped in whatever ways I am able, but I don't plan on stopping living.

If I misunderstood your post, I am truly sorry. I can only imagine the frustration you are feeling and hope and assume it is frustration and desparation talking rather than it being something you truly believe.

You all will be in my continued prayers.

[NHAnn]

I'm so sorry for the pain, heartache, tragedy, and frustration.
:grouphug:

[ANTSS2001]

I agree it is one task/puzzle that will take time to be solve. I am hoping that what are being donated and extended to the various agency trully/really get to all those who needs it. I don't know what else I can do. We have donated to Red Cross, Have collected waters to drop off to the Coast Guard and I truly wish I can go physically and help but my resources are also limited. But if you can give us something to work on we can start from there. From clothes to monetary fund, and I know waiting can be maddening but till they find a way to settle everybody that's all we can do. I know telling you to keep the faith, hangin' there, things are going to get better etc. are easy said than done and if for consolation there's alot of people here on the board that would want to help.

[SideshowBob]

..... thoughts and prayers are with you, my great friend...

[Figment22]

I am not minimizing the devastation in NOLA, Miss and Ala but those in Miami-Dade County affected by hurricane Katrina are getting absolutely no help at all from the federal government. Nothing! There are still people without electricity and there are homes that are destroyed or badly damaged from just a cat 1 storm and to them this is just as devastating. Yet our students at the high school I am at are collecting donation but money and goods for those in areas with more damage, even those who lost their homes. Sorry but we need to help our own neighbors first and then help those in other areas.
I'm glad you posted this. I have been wondering what, if any, kind of assistance those in So. Florida who had been hit by Katrina's first landfall were receiving. I suspected that they had been abandoned but was hoping that was not the case. I know that many feel "Oh, it was just a Cat 1" but when it's your house that has been leveled and your life that has been forever changed it doesn't matter the size of the storm. Are there any charities that will allow us to earmark funds for Southern Florida? Or, are there local charities that will keep donations in the So. FL area?

The scary thought is that we have just entered the peak weeks of the hurricane season. It is almost certain that other storms will affect the US in the next couple of weeks. How will those areas obtain assistance? As a resident of coastal South Carolina, I have to admit, this is a question that has never been far from the back of my mind.

Also, and I don't mean to sound calloused to those in New Orleans, but does it seem to anyone else that Mississippi is being treated like the forgotten stepchild? The devastation in Gulfport, Biloxi and the other coastal towns is just too much to bear.

My heart goes out to those in all areas who have had their lives permanently changed by this terrible tragedy.

[pw2pp]

So, no, I cannot fathom how the rest of the world just keeps on functioning. Maybe it's easier for some people to think about it simply as something they saw on TV, like a bad Arnold Schwarzenneger movie. Maybe it's too ugly for them to process as real, so it's easier just to ignore it. I saw something online earlier about fun Labor Day ideas. Who in the hell cares about Labor Day weekend fun? How could that possibly be appropriate right now? This is going to go down as the worst natural disaster in U. S. History.
My heart goes out to the author of this letter. :hug:
Although we are far away from this tragedy and are comfortable in our homes, our hearts are breaking for the people who are going through this.
My family and I are NOT having "fun" this Holiday weekend..... we were originally going to spend the weekend at Cedar Point, but instead we are staying home and are donating the cost of the weekend trip (tickets for 4 people and Hotel cost for 2 nights and any extras that we would normally be spending) to the victims of this horrible disaster. I know that this seems like such a small gesture in the wake of all of this..... but it is a little something.
It just wouldn't feel right to be taking a "fun" trip when all of this is going on.
There is barely a moment that goes by that I don't think of the sadness and devastation that is going on right now. I lay in bed at night thinking about it and immediately think of it when I wake up. Most of the day (while working, at home, wherever) I am thinking about it, talking about it, or watching it on TV, or reading about it on the Internet. I feel SO helpless right now. I wish there were more I could do. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. :guilty:

[LoraJ]

I can't imagine what you must be going through. :grouphug:

I felt a lot like you did after 9/11. Didn't think my life would ever be normal again. It takes time to recover, and you will as will New Orleans. Hang in there. We're here for you.

[KrnB]

Just wanted to add that the Gulf Coast has been in my thoughts and prayers too, and that we'll support the effort as best we can.

I'm glad that you and other people have mentioned Biloxi, Gulfport, and all the other affected towns in the entire region, including the portions of FL that got hit first. I too have been alarmed that these areas don't seem to be getting the coverage that they deserve. The situation in NO has obviously gotten a whole lot worse in the past couple days after the storm, but that doesn't minimize the utter devastation that the entire region has suffered. These areas will be suffering for a long time to come.

[luvthatduke]

I am weeping as I read the OP.
I'm so sorry you and countless others
are going through this living hellish nightmare.
All I can do right now is donate and pray,
I wish I could do so much more!

eta: Forgot to mention I agree with
the "holiday" weekend mentality.
We didn't party after 9/11,
and knowing babies are dying and the
situation is so horrible, I wish our newscasts
wouldn't play up the weekend, either.

[Mermaid02]

We will get together with our family this weekend, as we do every year- we will share a meal and hold each other a little closer. I see nothing wrong with that.

God Bless the people suffering from hurricane Katrina.

[pattyT]

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Katrina...

but honestly getting in cars and going down to help is NOT an option - Police teams going to try help have been turned away as there was 'nowhere to keep them' and they were completely self sufficieant teams with tents, water, everything they needed)

"(Funny how no one ever suggests not rebuilding in California after earthquakes and mudslides or in Florida after hurricanes. Maybe it's easier to feel sorry for rich white people than for poor black ones.)"

I am sorry that you feel that way -
Obvioulsy NO' safety has been an ignored issue for YEARS and I don't the it is comparible ot the others - it is not a race issue - it is a geographic location...
It is comments like that which are 'harddeningy my heart'

[s&k'smom]

I just don't know what to say accept that I am heartsick over what is happening and pray that you all survive. I am overwhelmed but what can I really do besides donate money. I can't give blood (long story) but I offer my prayers and love.

[NewOrleans]

Thank you very much for all written.

I'm still frustrated and tired, but I think it's really important that people who are watching this tragedy unfold on TV understand something. The gruesome and graphic images from New Orleans are unbelievably alarming. The result is that many people are too scared to do the right thing. Therefore, I want to state for the record that every evacuee with whom I have worked (in the hundreds now) has been unfailingly cooperative, gracious, and grateful. They are displaced, but their spirits are not broken.

The people being housed here are appalled by what they're seeing on television, and they are afraid that the negative images will make other people hesitate to help. One woman said today that the lawlessness was "giving us all a bad name"--which is unfair and undeserved. The evacuees here are making the best of an uncomfortable situation, and, to be perfectly honest, often seem to be handling this emotionally better than I am. (I have to go home and cry occasionally.) They are inspiring, and I only wish I could do more to help them.

So, despite every negative scene you've watched on TV, please know that some positive things are happening too. Certainly, a tragedy can bring out the worst in people--and we've seen evidence of that--but it can also bring out the very best as well. And when people help other people, that's a good and noble thing.

[FroggyinArk]

to the op, we are just a stones throw north east of you guys, in se ark, we have over 400 families housed around our town with many others in the area , yesterady, our armoury was converted to a shelter, and the refugies helped with the conversion. these people are ready to help them selves, and are trying. i'm in the construction business and i'm not going to rush my crew to mississippi, or la, now. i may take a crew south after the initial rush is over and a steady repair system is in place, but right now, i am doing what i can for the people here that made thier way out. we donated materials to help set up temporary rv parks in two locations here. the people in our area ( locals) have donated the use of rvs to house those that are comingin. we know that the south will rise again, slowly, and we will do all we can to help.

[pattyT]

Thank You

I think right now I needed to hear that you ...
you are right... th coverage is horendous

[wvrevy]

Please tell those people not to worry about that in the least. Most of us understand that the vast majority of the "unrest" is just caused by the frustration and anger that even those of us not in the area are feeling, if to a much lesser extent. People are desperate, and desperate people sometimes do things that they'd never consider under normal circumstance.

Just take care of yourselves, and know that all of our thoughts are with you guys down there, and that we're doing what we can for you, even from as far away as most of us are.

[Marseeya]

Regarding the news coverage, you're so right about how it's being portrayed to us. There are a few journalists who are making a point of saying how wonderful the people are being where they are, but it doesn't seem like very many of them are focusing on that aspect.

[arminnie]

Froggy - I knew you were in the midst of this. I've read about how your town was helping refugees.

We have a lot up further north in Arkansas. My sister took our evacuee around to apply for jobs yesterday. She was barely getting by in N.O. and when she heard someone might be paying $10 an hour she was thrilled. She doesn't have a/c at home (can't afford it) so her standard of living has improved.

My sister is one of the planners for a fundraiser that is going to happen on 9/11. They hope to raise $20,000 which will go to the evacuees here in Arkansas.

My doorbell rang late last night - an 80 year old man brought me a bunch of supplies for the evacuees.

There are so many more good people out there than the bad ones.

[BavarianPrincess]

Thank you OP for taking the time to write. I hope that all of us will find the strength and compassion to do whatever we can, just as you have. :grouphug:

[N.Bailey]

Let all those people know that they are in the hearts and prayers of the entire nation. The country will come together to make sure they have the funds that they need.

God bless each and every one of you.

If you know of anything specific we can send you there, please post what you need and an address to send it to. :grouphug: