The devastation that Katrina left

I hope no MMers were located in the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina....and I'm mildly (??) surprised no one started a thread about this. New Orleans, Louisiana, areas in Mississippi are totally and completely devastated. If you need a point of reference, think about the areas hit by the tsunami last December. I was watching the news this morning, on several channels, and was practically in tears. God bless the US Navy and the Army Reserve, as they are swinging into action to assist in those areas. No word on if anyone else is lending a hand or not, which doesn't surprise me at all.

i was wondering who the Katrina was first, LOL, it's really sad for the people who are effected by this, one fine day and all is gone, it takes years to build a life and and then it's all gone gone, really sad.

Originally Posted by Debs

I hope no MMers were located in the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina....and I'm mildly (??) surprised no one started a thread about this. New Orleans, Louisiana, areas in Mississippi are totally and completely devastated. If you need a point of reference, think about the areas hit by the tsunami last December. I was watching the news this morning, on several channels, and was practically in tears. God bless the US Navy and the Army Reserve, as they are swinging into action to assist in those areas. No word on if anyone else is lending a hand or not, which doesn't surprise me at all.

Well a bunch of friends along with myself have already sent some materials needed to the disaster victims through our Christian Disaster Relief Fund organized by our Church. I think they work in conjuction with the Red Cross. I just cut a check for about $2500 wont go far but the least I could do. It's something I do on occasions like these. Of course I could have used it for a plane ticket to Milan!. Oh well too busy right now to consider any future "soccerpades".

Let's not forget the resiliency of humans. If anybody can get up and walk again it is the American Spirit. Nothing to gawk at either! It just takes time and will see the fine States of Lahweeana, Meeezzizipeee, and Aaaaylaabbayymaay come on back now... ya hear???

Well just went and took a look at the impact of the hurricane on the opening market on Wall Street and the financial markets are holding quite well. Again the resiliency of the investors are strong. This is a good sign as a panic is naturally what we dont need right now.

Short term outlook. Because of the bulk of petrol refineries located on the South Gulf coast of the US, look for a spike in gasoline prices. This is the root cause for gasoline prices being so high. Everyone is mislead to thinking it is because of the price of oil at $70/barrel. The culprit is not enough refineries to meet the demand of the SUV's everybody bought back in the late 1990's. Expect State govts to use their executive powers to implement a gas cap which wont help much but it's better than nothing... in lieu of this disaster.
Overall assesment is that this will not slow down the US economy which is despite the attitudes of some, showing high growth. Keep one's personal debt low and pay off any outstanding loans as such growth will lead to an increase of interest rates come early 2007.

Some banks and financial institutions here are taking donations to send for the relief. Check with your churches as well, as they are taking blankets, clothes, toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste soap etc.) and toys. These peoples lives have been destroyed. Let's all do what we can.

Originally Posted by Staci

Some banks and financial institutions here are taking donations to send for the relief. Check with your churches as well, as they are taking blankets, clothes, toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste soap etc.) and toys. These peoples lives have been destroyed. Let's all do what we can.

Private message for ya Staci

The kids in my school never cease to amaze me, they've already gone to the people in Campus Ministry asking about taking up collections and making donations. Just like with alot of recent diasters, these organizations are starting to say NO to material donations b/c of logistics of shipping into the stricken area among other reasons. What they want is our money and hey, Friday is payday and yes, our school is going to take up a collection all of next week.

Originally Posted by Debs

The kids in my school never cease to amaze me, they've already gone to the people in Campus Ministry asking about taking up collections and making donations. Just like with alot of recent diasters, these organizations are starting to say NO to material donations b/c of logistics of shipping into the stricken area among other reasons. What they want is our money and hey, Friday is payday and yes, our school is going to take up a collection all of next week.

So you see... the waters will recede and the Big Easy of the great State of Laweeana is going to recover. That goes too with Ole Miss and Crimson Tide.

Originally Posted by Debs

The kids in my school never cease to amaze me, they've already gone to the people in Campus Ministry asking about taking up collections and making donations. Just like with alot of recent diasters, these organizations are starting to say NO to material donations b/c of logistics of shipping into the stricken area among other reasons. What they want is our money and hey, Friday is payday and yes, our school is going to take up a collection all of next week.

The church around the corner from my house is asking for material donations.... is this pointless, are you saying they are definately restricting the shipping of these items ? I hope not

I'm only stating here what was in the email from the woman in CM who will be helping with the collection. I'm assuming she got this straight from Catholic Charities here in Erie and it's not the first time I've ever heard this said. During the first weeks of the tsunami disaster, this was brought up time and time again. I quote her email to the faculty:

"If students ask about gathering clothing or supplies for the victims, please tell them that most agencies are saying NO to that. Right now, the flood waters are still spilling into New Orleans, whole communities are under water, and there is simply no way to store or distribute any donated items. Money to buy food, water, medicine, and other supplies, in addition to cash to help with rebuilding and recovery needs is what is going to be the most help."

I see guys, that the only attenders and posters in this thread are northern americans... [except Khris]

Here is my point of view to this situation of political side.

Originally Posted by rae

IMO it's not a problem of resources, it's a problem of solidarity of human beings all over the world.

Everyone was yelling and screaming when tsunami struck - "Quickly, we/they need money, where is your solidarity, where is your humanity etc. If you have money you must donate it to them. And if you do not do that, God will cruise you, etc." Many foundations and charity funds where estabished, everything was enlighted by mass media. It was a big operation with everyone involved.

... and now what?! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I am disguisted with such an attitude of world. Of world which was so anxious and eager to help victims of elements of nature just a half a year before... now it is scilent...

Fvck them. Fvck them all!

Condolences to all families of the victims and RIP who died during this disaster.

i've been following since the manditory evacuation in new orleans. my goodness, i could never believe that such damage could happen-quite unbelievable and sad.

Yeah really do fell sorry for all those who have lost their homes and famlies. Life is very sweet and this is the worst possible way to lose it.

Originally Posted by rae

I see guys, that the only attenders and posters in this thread are northern americans... [except Khris]

In a sad way I expected this thread would only get comments from those of us in North America. I don't wish to start any sort of political discussion but people get on our butts about being "the policemen of the world", want our aid when their own country is stricken.....and I'd better stop there. We'll take care of our own and everyone else too, or so it always seems.