Wondering about Drince88

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I just spoke with a friend who has a lot of family in central Mississippi. They have been told that they will have no power or water for at least 1-3 months. The effects of this storm cover a huge area.

I also never got to visit NO and I am horribly saddened by this fact. It was always on my must see list for the wonderful food and jazz, and just for the wonderful history. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that I will never see the French Quarter the way it was.

I'm not sure any of us can really comprehend the long term implications that this destruction will have. It's just horrific.

[wendybeth]

It's only been two days and already it's getting out of control in New Orleans. It's frightening how fast our civilized society breaks down in such a situation. How incredibly frustrating and very frightening this is for all involved. I've read a few reports on the world response, such as it is, and it's largely predictable. The Islamic wingnuts have made Katrina an official member of the Jihad, and are rejoicing per usual. Citizens from Switzerland have been extremely kind, and are asking where they can donate to help the relief. There are other countries doing the same, which makes me feel a bit more kindly disposed towrd them, but some of the comments coming out of places like Holland are unnecessary and innappropriate. ("We know how to build these things- what's wrong with those Americans?") Still, it's nice to know that some countries see this for the tragedy it is, and instead of laying blame or gloating, are offering a helping hand.

[SacTown Chronic]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

The Islamic wingnuts have made Katrina an official member of the Jihad, and are rejoicing per usual.

Silly jihadists. Everyone knows that Pat Robertson, with an assist from He Who Can Kick Allah's Ass, controls the natural disasters in this country.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by SacTown Chronic

Silly jihadists. Everyone knows that Pat Robertson, with an assist from He Who Can Kick Allah's Ass, controls the natural disasters in this country.

Apparently the gods were angered by all the celebratin'...

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

The Islamic wingnuts have made Katrina an official member of the Jihad, and are rejoicing per usual.

Speaking of wingnuts...

Link

(New Orleans, Louisiana) An evangelical Christian group that regularly demonstrates at LGBT events is blaming gays for hurricane Katrina.

Repent America says that God "destroyed" New Orleans because of Southern Decadence, the gay festival that was to have taken place in the city over the Labor Day weekend.

"Southern Decadence" has a history of filling the French Quarters section of the city with drunken homosexuals engaging in sex acts in the public streets and bars" Repent America director Michael Marcavage said in a statement Wednesday.

"Although the loss of lives is deeply saddening, this act of God destroyed a wicked city." Marcavage said. "From ‘Girls Gone Wild’ to ‘Southern Decadence’, New Orleans was a city that had its doors wide open to the public celebration of sin. May it never be the same."

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

It's frightening how fast our civilized society breaks down in such a situation.

While initially I was really pissed off about the looting going on, I realized that this is only a small part of our society. While I am saddened by the loss of life, property and basic neccessities of life that so many people are having to deal with, I am also reminded of what a great country we live in. The outpouring of help from all around this country in the form of money, food, supplies, anything has been just tremendous. When we face a crisis, we are able to rally and support our fellow man.

Sure there are opportunists who are taking advantage of the situation (we received a junk fax today made to look like a "Notice to all Employees - in regards to Hurricane Katrina" - it was a solicitation to sell discounted trips to the Bahamas!), overall, we as a people are stepping up and doing everything that we can as individuals and groups.

Don't let the small stuff get you down. Let people deal with their own Karma. Focus on the positive things people are doing and do what you can to help the people in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi who need it!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

While initially I was really pissed off about the looting going on, I realized that this is only a small part of our society.

Unfortunately, it doesn't take a particularly large percentage to cause chaos. Witness the continuing evacuation efforts at the Superdome. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9156612/

The evacuation of the Superdome was disrupted Thursday after at least one shot was reported fired at a military helicopter and arson fires broke out outside the arena. No injuries were immediately reported.
An air ambulance service official said helicopter transfers of the sick and injured were suspended.

Medics were calling him and crying for help because they were so scared of people with guns at the Superdome, he added.

Having seen the new War of the Worlds, the description and images from this are eerily reminscent of the scene where they have the car taken away from them. It's on the verge of complete chaos.

And in many ways you can't blame people, it's out of complete, and justified, desparation. The city's infrastructure is so devestated that the sad fact is, they can't get everyone what they need: namely food, water, medical care, and a way out. Yeah it's great that there are so many people trying to help, but for a while at least, that help is not going to be able to reach a lot of people and it's going to be ugly.

[Not Afraid]

(New Orleans, Louisiana) An evangelical Christian group that regularly demonstrates at LGBT events is blaming gays for hurricane Katrina.

Repent America says that God "destroyed" New Orleans because of Southern Decadence, the gay festival that was to have taken place in the city over the Labor Day weekend.

"Southern Decadence" has a history of filling the French Quarters section of the city with drunken homosexuals engaging in sex acts in the public streets and bars" Repent America director Michael Marcavage said in a statement Wednesday.

Yeah, because the Catholics celebrating Mardi Gras are so boring and staid.

[Mousey Girl]

One of the new reports I saw yesterday (or the day before) showed 2 policewomen pushing a shopping cart through Walmart. They were taking shoes off the shelf. For some reason it struck me as odd. Had this footage been shown at a different time you would think they were shopping on their breaks.

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by Mousey Girl

One of the new reports I saw yesterday (or the day before) showed 2 policewomen pushing a shopping cart through Walmart. They were taking shoes off the shelf. For some reason it struck me as odd. Had this footage been shown at a different time you would think they were shopping on their breaks.

There was one article (that I can't find now in the 50 gazillion hurricane stories) that noted that Walmart did have a standing arrangement with police, medical, and other public health and safety personnel that they were permitted to take whatever they wanted/needed to help survivors and to just make a list and settle accounts later.

I suspect shoes are a big need. If you're trapped in rising water you'd take 'em off lest they slow you down. But once you're on land again, the hazards underfoot are pretty extreme.

Areas of Mississippi were also hard hit, but New Orleans stands out. It's such an iconic city. Or at least it was. It's the city we emulate every year in the leadup to lent. Bourbon, beads, and beignets. Vodoo and religion. How many movies and novels drew upon the big E for plot development -- or even as a full-fleged character? I just watched "Live and Let Die" the other weekend. Heck, even Disney World has the Port Orleans complex themed for that area (albeit in sanitized form.) It was a place like nowhere else with a history like nowhere else, terrifying and intriguing and charming all at the same time.

And the levees that protected it through the years likely sealed it's final fate.

I wonder if they will ever rebuild? And if so, will they try to capture the spirit of the original or will it become just another city?