Katriana: can we list what went "right"

[DMRick]

I've always been told it takes a lot of energy to hate and blame someone, when energy may better be used to see what you can accomplish. We'll have to assume help could have gotten there faster, judging what so many say, and there are lots of people to blame (many need to take responsibility), but I wasn't there and I have no idea what happens when you believe an area was ok, then find out the next day, they aren't. I think there was a lot of confusion, that's for sure, and while sitting in my nice dry home, I sure had thought of lots of better ways to do it. Our friend still hasn't checked in, and I hope he and his family are safe.

However, rather than spend all my time seeing who should be blamed, I'm past that, and we've started to work. Besides our own money giving, we've been putting together kits for two days..items that shipped today to churches in the area (that are able to get mail..some will be driven) that have taken in people that have a need right now..for simple things beyond food. Toothbrushes, feminine products, diapers, bandaids, soap, etc. That will continue as people drop stuff off to myself and others. I've spent the morning sending out to all of our customers, emails, (several years worth) on how they can help, with items needed. Many. many have written back happy to have some small part in how to help. Many people in our area have already given much needed blood. I know of several homes that have been opened to complete strangers nearer to the tragedy. One set of tourists, who were able to get out, brought with them a large family to NC, by requesting those picking them up, at their drop off point, bring more cars..and offered them shelter indefinately.

These are some positive things. Blame can come later..it sure won't go away, but right now, these people need help with the normal everyday needs, besides food and water. This is taken from another list..just a small amount of positive items that have happened..please add yours:

A list of what went RIGHT!

The National Weather Service was able to give adequate warning to the Gulf Coast of the impending hurricane that many many lives were saved as people had time to evacuate.

Hospitals did an amazing job of taking care of their patients in increasingly difficult situations. Today it was reported that nurses were giving each other intravenous feedings as they were out of food and they wanted to keep going.

Most police officers stayed on the job and did a wonderful job of trying to protect as much as they could given the supplies and support they had.

The National Guard, Navy and Coast Guard worked tirelessly round the clock, plucking people off of roof tops and bringing them to safety.

One dear lady, showing great compassion for others....when the rescuers came to get her she told them to go get the mothers and children in the apartments next to her instead. She said she could hold out longer - this was on day 4.

One man kept leading people to dry land, and going back and back in the water, to save others.

The country has shown amazing support by sending money, supplies, food, support, opening their homes to evacuees, holding relief drives etc. We have proved as a nation what a caring and supportive country we are.

Texas has stepped up to the plate and offered shelter to many thousands in several cities to the evacuees. Similar offers are coming from other states.

Reporters who have seemed, at times, to dwell on the negatives have also gone out of their way to help some people, find more evacuees, bring them food and supplies and continue to do so.

Extraordinary efforts have been made by the Army Corp of Engineers to fill the levee breaches and aid in getting the city back to normal.

[wuv tigger]

we NEED THIS as a country ~ to hear the GOOD things that are happening.

[HayGan]

Here is another one:

More than 1 million people survived!

[Margie J]

The evacuation by car of thousands of people before Katrina struck went ahead without major fights, accidents, etc.

Jeb Bush did an outstanding job by keeping all FL residents informed. His calm, reassuring manner is to be commended.

[Microcell]

Well said, DM Rick! Watch Fox news, they are showing the evacuation effort and talking about what they need to have done. An organized effort is taking place now, help is happening now.

I understand it took awhile, but people from all over have started helping (lets face it, they started mobilizing on Tuesday, it just takes time for an effort this huge).

[bunny213]

THANK YOU DMRICK... :sunny: .
What a wonderful post...you are so right....we allneeded to hear the positives right now!! Thank you again! Barb in Texas

[DMRick]

I think I just caught on the news that 3 Carnival ships are being brought in for housing. I'm working, so I can't catch every word, but I think that's what they just said.

[gradtchr]

DMRick-I am pretty sure you heard right. I had heard a few days ago that they were working on getting this done and were working with Carnival.

Another thing that went right is that I heard 80% of New Orleans had evacuated, that's a huge accomplishment!

[MagicKingdom05]

Thank You DMRick for posting this.

[Microcell]

They are getting people out of the convention center, and are prioritizing those who are sick- they are getting airlifted out, and they are bussing the rest. Fascinating to watch!

Kicking butt and taking names I call it!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[lulu71]

As someone who is near and dear to the situation, I can say that insurance companies have been amazingly fast at working with homeowners to get things moving on claims and cash in accounts without a bunch of red tape.

[Microcell]

Seriously, even if you are not a fan of FOX news, just turn to it, and see how hard the police are working at the convention center! It is heartwarming!

[MagicKingdom05]

I'm watching Fox now and it is amazing to see this going on. While it might not have been going right to start, it sure looks like it's going right now.

[C.Ann]

By all means, do whatever you can to help - collectively or individually.. However, there is also a need to multi-task.. Once the "pressure" is off, government assistance will slow to a crawl.. Criticism and outrage has finally resulted in positive action - don't let that action stop..

[Microcell]

By all means, do whatever you can to help - collectively or individually.. However, there is also a need to multi-task.. Once the "pressure" is off, government assistance will slow to a crawl.. Criticism and outrage has finally resulted in positive action - don't let that action stop..


Can we please keep this a positive thread?

[MagicKingdom05]

C.Ann,

I agree. The help doesn't stop once everyone is out. The help continues until they all have temporary housing and food for all three meals.

[MICKEY_MOUSE]

heard on the news today, that people around the states are opening there homes to the victims of Katriana,(craigslist) people are finally pulling together and not letting the thugs take over!

[MsEeyore]

Let's not forget the good people of Texas whose compassion has provided shelter for so many.

[Val]

My MIL is 83, senile, can't walk or hear, but has suddenly decided she wants to start driving here in Illinois. Problem is, she needs to get a license. We really don't think she'd pass the test, but the Good Lord has put an obstacle in her way that even WE couldn't come up with- she was born in New Orleans. She must get a copy of her birth certificate from the government offices in New Orleans. The office holding her records is "closed due to inclement weather" (now if THAT isn't an understatment)! Hey- its a very small silver lining that at least might make someone let out a small giggle!

Our relatives are safe and well, new "things" can be bought, and our family has received a slap up the side of the head reminding us of the gigantic proportion of riches we have for which to be thankful. God bless the people of LA, MS and AL. May help arrive swiftly and plentifully, and may we keep up the efforts through the long haul.

[DMRick]

Title of post. "Katriana: can we list what went "right""

Maybe you can start a post about what the government needs to do after..but I'd like this one to be about good things people have seen and heard right now. Thanks.

PS of course you post whatever you wish, but we have soooo many posts already on the bad things the government did, how to be critical, etc., I think it's good to share "good" things, don't you?

By all means, do whatever you can to help - collectively or individually.. However, there is also a need to multi-task.. Once the "pressure" is off, government assistance will slow to a crawl.. Criticism and outrage has finally resulted in positive action - don't let that action stop..

[HayGan]

As someone who is near and dear to the situation, I can say that insurance companies have been amazingly fast at working with homeowners to get things moving on claims and cash in accounts without a bunch of red tape.

I'm so glad to hear that! My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family! :hug:

[DMRick]

Thats great news. I just got an email that a packed car will be going to NO from here on Wednesday..filled with items for those who need them.

[arminnie]

While way too many have died, I don't think it will be anywhere near the 40-50,000 that they say COULD have died. That's a big positive.

I have a friend with CP who lives in a group home. He and all of the other men with him were safely evacuated to an alternate home on Saturday and are all being well cared for. I'm so grateful for that.

While Kenner, LA (home of the N.O. airport) had major (90%) flooding, they were able to keep the pumps running and got it emptied back out right away. They even have some power back and are clearing the streets with bulldozers and backhoes already.

Residents of Jefferson Parish (home of Kenner - next to Orleans parish) will be able to get back in this week to pick up some of their belongings.

People who stayed in their homes in Jefferson County were kept supplied with water and ice.

[Florida_Mom]

Can I just say that the Coast Guard rocks!!!! I was watching ABC news last night and they were doing their person of the week, and they showed the amazing rescue people flying into the flooded areas getting people off their rooftops with cable. They said they were used to doing this is open seas and rough water, and this was the hardest thing they had ever done because of all of the power lines, the peaks of the roofs, etc. They were just amazing!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Oh, and, they were taking the family pets, too. Gotta love them!!!

[C.Ann]

Title of post. "Katriana: can we list what went "right""

Maybe you can start a post about what the government needs to do after..but I'd like this one to be about good things people have seen and heard right now. Thanks.
--------------------

Again you have misunderstood what I said.. The work you are doing is wonderful - keep it up! However my remarks about keeping the "pressure on" was not in regards to "after" - it's in regards to now.. Multi-tasking is never a bad thing - especially when the outcome can only be good.. Government assistance is still needed now - at this very minute..

"After" is an entirely different issue and we can discuss that later..

[C.Ann]

Forgot to add my voice to what is "right".. My new neighbors brother and many of his fellow line workers from LI left several days ago to offer their help wherever it is needed in the south..

The general public response has been outstanding.. :flower:

[MagicKingdom05]

C.Ann,

I agree that the general public response has been great along with the response from Canada and other countries.

[DMRick]

Again you have misunderstood what I said.. The work you are doing is wonderful - keep it up!

I didn't misunderstand anything (and I don't understand the "again", since my response is about this thread, nor do I wish to get into it with you, please..lots of other posts for what you posted). I would just like this to be about positive stuff that is happening, not criticism. Period.

[What the Heck]

Can I just say that the Coast Guard rocks!!!! I was watching ABC news last night and they were doing their person of the week, and they showed the amazing rescue people flying into the flooded areas getting people off their rooftops with cable. They said they were used to doing this is open seas and rough water, and this was the hardest thing they had ever done because of all of the power lines, the peaks of the roofs, etc. They were just amazing!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

Oh, and, they were taking the family pets, too. Gotta love them!!!Well said.

[DMRick]

The people doing these rescue missions, are just tops in my book. I've been watching them off and on all day. One person a bit ago, asked that another neighbor be taken first, as they had more need.

[MoniqueU]

We get to see our military in heros roles right in front of our eyes. It is great to see the men and women of our armed forces so bravely serve and do their duties with such honor. Thanks!!

[Robinrs]

From a personal view, it has united people in a way I haven't seen since 9/11.

I see in myself AND my sister, especially, how we now totally respect what we are blessed with and how much we have and HOW MUCH we can give to those who truly need it.

My chef knows a realty investment group who is opening up two of their investment homes to some misplaced families. They faxed my company household goods and things they will need and they move in this weekend! It's right down the block from my job and we can meet and help the families personally. This will be a true blessing!

The Adamsville Rec Center took in over 100 people yesterday. It is very near my job also and was JAMMED with people giving donations yesterday. It is amazing how just seeing the misplaced people can change your priorities and perspectives.

I agree, let's keep this thread full of the good, and try to put aside the personal. This situation can bring out the best and the worst in people, let's concentrate on the best! :earsgirl:

[Planogirl]

I'm personally proud of my state for pitching in quickly and often. I don't normally even care for our governor but I think that he and other government officials have done an outstanding job of getting their act together and helping.

Also, the French Quarter and the Garden District survived. Not only will this give New Orleans a place to start earning money but years of history haven't been wiped out as so many feared.

[lmhall2000]

Kudos again to the COAST GUARD>>>>

Here are some stats....they've rescued 10,000 folks since Monday...that was an average of 100 per hour!!! Can YOU imagine rescuing 2 people in an hour from that catastrophe...let alone 100??? They're working hard and we need to celebrate their successes!!! :)

Tara

[Florida_Mom]

Kudos again to the COAST GUARD>>>>

Here are some stats....they've rescued 10,000 folks since Monday...that was an average of 100 per hour!!! Can YOU imagine rescuing 2 people in an hour from that catastrophe...let alone 100??? They're working hard and we need to celebrate their successes!!! :)

Tara

I second that!!! :cheer2:

[M:SteveO]

Thank you so much for starting this post. As always in America (i.e. war in Iraq, Afghanistan) we focus so much on the negative, not the postive. As Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security said, this is the biggest set of disasters in our country's history. Watching the armada of helicopters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard, one after another (only in detail on Fox of course, no other station is covering it nearly as well) carrying people out is amazing. What alot of people don't realize is that it takes a little while to coordinate this massive effort. In Houston, people are forming human chains to transport supplies to the refugees in the Astrodome. Why aren't we focusing on these types of things? Let's stop the blame game.

[DMRick]

Wow!! Thanks for the statistics. So many trying to do their best!

[shelby_36]

Did anyone else see the large group of vietnamese at the dome 9or maybe the convention center) calmly waiting off to the side and said they will be the last to evacuate b/c they don't want to get in the way. Supposedly they have calmed people down..kept very positive..


The French Quarters history seems to have been for the most part unharmed.

Houston businesses are waving admission fees to many attractions in the city for the evacuees...museums, zoos, theaters, etc.


The kids at our friday football game raised almost $10,000 for relief.

[arminnie]

Oschner's Hospital has POWER! That's a really good thing.

[Florida_Mom]

Did anyone else see the large group of vietnamese at the dome 9or maybe the convention center) calmly waiting off to the side and said they will be the last to evacuate b/c they don't want to get in the way. Supposedly they have calmed people down..kept very positive..


The French Quarters history seems to have been for the most part unharmed.

Houston businesses are waving admission fees to many attractions in the city for the evacuees...museums, zoos, theaters, etc.


The kids at our friday football game raised almost $10,000 for relief.

Shelby, that is awesome!! What did they do for the fundraiser?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Also, the French Quarter and the Garden District survived. Not only will this give New Orleans a place to start earning money but years of history haven't been wiped out as so many feared.

:goodvibes


And I am adding...call it a coincidence--but the President and citizens and refugees are outraged on Thursday---and 2 days later..the Superdome and Covention Center are finally empty! And rescues continue throughout the area.

The government is reclaiming the city!

[Pugdog007]

1. I'm proud to be an Alabamian this week! Our state and local authorities acted professionally and efficiently in the face of this disaster. Our National Guard was in "ready" on our borders with MS, realizing they would be hit harder than we were. Every day this week as I was going to and returning from work, I saw LONG convoys of utility and military trucks headed South. Likewise, I've seen LA and MS car tags on our roads all week. Thank you to Gov. Riley and all of our local officials!

2. The calvary going into the Warehouse District today to get the people out of the Convention Center! WOW! I've never seen so many helicopters in one place before! Our military is awesome.

[luvthatduke]

Ok, I'll admit my anger hasn't diminished,
but this is a great thread, and needed.
In no particular order:

1)All medical personnel that stayed on the job,
carrying patients up/down several floors,
trying desperately to keep them alive.

2)The 14 year old boy who got out his boat
and saved, I believe, over 80 people.

3)The people inside and outside of the Superdome
and the Convention Center, who swept their areas
in an attempt at sanitation and sanity.

4)Many of the news anchors, specifically the ones
who were so overwhelmed on I-10 that they just
started telling their interstate intersection "address"
to anyone in the country who had the will and the means
to come help the people.

5)Anyone who shared their water and MRE's with those
who could not make it out and into the lines.

6)Anyone who protected the defenseless,
particuarly the children and the elderly/infirm.

[Pugdog007]

I have another:

The group of Vietnamese refugees at the convention center that stayed seated today while everyone else was in line for a helicopter or bus. They volunteered to go last. Incredible.

[Kitty 34]

Even tho I've been one to slam the media ( :blush: ) I must say the emotional reporting of Shep and Geraldo definetly helped bring what REALLY was happening to the eyes of those that could help and they finally did.

[wvrevy]

I've got one...I think the response from other states - and I'm very proud to include my home sweet home of West Virginia - in recognizing the sheer magnitude of the refugee problem and stepping up in offering shelter has just been out-friggin'-standing ! Even though we are, thankfully, far removed from the location of the disaster, we've already taken in some refugee's, and more are on the way...The cooperation at the state level has been remarkable, with particularly outstanding contributions by surround states like Texas and Tennessee !

[Southern4sure]

Great thread! Thanks DMRick.

[arminnie]

If you haven't signed up for Freecycle http://freecycle.org/ it's a great place to find out what is needed in your area for evacuees.

We have over 20,000 evacuees in Arkansas. My sister wanted to do a benefit and made a couple of phone calls and the support in the community has been GREAT. It will take place 9/11 - Brave New Benefit which will take place at Brave New Restaurant. No one is charging anything for their goods or services. Everything is being donated and NO ONE has turned them down.

Our free cycle group is keeping track of the families that are going into apartments and have requested "Bags of Blessings" for these families. There's a list of basic necessities. We all probably have extra stuff that these families could use.

Some homes in Jefferson Parish (think N.O. airport) may be available for residents to come back NEXT THURSDAY. Residents will get to go Mon-Wed to get their belongings. If that works out okay and the power and water is backup some of them can start going home.

They are actively working on power for the 6th District in New Orleans - it's probably sooner than later. This is where the street car travels. It would be great for transportation if the streetcars were back up.

[DMRick]

AOL had a video on earlier, about a pregnant women who walked in the flood for a long time, while having contractions, trying to find help for her 5 yr old athmatic son. They got separated, and she was taken to the hospital to have her baby. They interviewed her, and my heart hurt hearing her pain, not knowing where her "other" baby was.
She was released from the hospital to a church, where a surprise awaited her. They had located her son and brought him there.

More good news!

[arminnie]

West Jefferson Hospital did not lose a SINGLE patient in spite of being without water and power for days.

Best news I've heard today.

[luvthatduke]

West Jefferson Hospital did not lose a SINGLE patient in spite of being without water and power for days.

Best news I've heard today.

You know, there are such things as miracles!
Including all the reunions, too :cool1:

[mickeyfan2]

I saw this on Geraldo - A elderly black gentleman walked many blocks away from the Convention Center and brought a shopping cart back with baby supplies - diapers, wipes, pedialyte, formula and baby food - that he was handing out to all with babies and kids.

DH told me about a teenage boy who got a school bus and brought about 100 people to the superdome before the hurricane.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

AOL had a video on earlier, about a pregnant women who walked in the flood for a long time, while having contractions, trying to find help for her 5 yr old athmatic son. They got separated, and she was taken to the hospital to have her baby. They interviewed her, and my heart hurt hearing her pain, not knowing where her "other" baby was.
She was released from the hospital to a church, where a surprise awaited her. They had located her son and brought him there.

More good news!

This deserves a triple:
:goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

[arminnie]

340,000 homes out of over 800,000 in LA have been turned back on for power. they are working actively in CBD (central business district).

The convention center has power!!

[arminnie]

And the Superdome has power too!

17th Street Canal Breech has been fixed.

[arminnie]

Me again. Can you tell I am obsessed by this?

There are some beautiful sights on TV right now - huge amounts of water being pumped out of New Orleans at the 17th street canal.