Hurricane Katrina: America Is The Shelter From The Storm

Reports are bleak and a certain panic has set in - that's to be expected. Everything from the price of fuel to rampant looting and growing damage and loss of life accompanied by a long road to recovery with concerns for health issues and stresses on our National Guard are making their way into the coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

That's to be expected - it is the nature of the news. But it is not the nature of America.

From a turbulent founding, through a destructive civil war, on up through two World Wars and any number of International, as well as National conflicts and calamities - America has always and will always show her true heart, strength and compassion.

Just as she rose most recently from the ashes of 9/11 to take a commanding role within the world through the Global War on Terror - she will now care for, protect and mend her own ... She always has.

As is so often true of the individual and has always been true for America and Americans in general, it is always the worst of times that bring out our best. Not once in our history have the forces of light failed to outshine any force of darkness - and it will be no different this time. We, as Americans, must take heart in that and know its simple truth.

Sometimes disparaged for her arrogance, even sometimes rightfully so, perhaps - She has never failed to light the light of, not only freedom, but comfort from the storm for so many around the world over so many bleak tragedies, they are too many to number or fully recall. And She has always been capable of looking inward when needed to provide the same relief and solace for her own - time after time after time.

That will be the end of this, it is already assured. Yes, doubt, confusion, fear and a certain skepticism will undoubtedly surface along the way ... so, let it be. But let America simply be herself and she'll reach down and find whatever it is that's needed and also provide as much as She can of what is wanted - and in the end, lightness will prevail.

It's been that way for two-hundred and twenty-nine years - it will be that way now. Take stock, dig deep - whether with your hands, your money, or simply your hope - for we are Americans. As overly-bold as it may seem to say to some, or as premature to others, and albeit not immediately comforting to the many now suffering ... in the end, simply being ourselves will be enough.

It always has been. It always will be. Let the naysayers stand aside and watch ... and we will get it done. God Bless America.

   

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Comments

[ellewoods]

People, people, people-the president DID take measures beforehand. He had Louisiana and Mississippi already declared BEFORE the hurricane so that things could be set in ready mode. I am in Montgomery, Alabama. There were 160, count 'em, yes 160 tractor trailer rigs of supplies sitting here ready to go once they could get in. FEMA has temporary headquarters here since July and all the utility companies from all over were staged and ready to go. The FACT is, they can not do much until the water recedes/is drained. The City of New Orleans has been trying to ready itself for this for some time. They did a great job of getting people out. Those that stayed, stayed of their own accord. Unless you have personally sat through these hurricanes, please don't speak as you do not know what measures are taken ahead of time. I have witnessed 2 in the last 11 months so I know what happens.

The true fault lies in whoever decided to start a city there back in the 1700's.

And every single looter ought to be embarrassed for him/herself. I mean come on-stealing jewelry? Can you eat that??!! All that have to do is go to the Super Dome and get free food. The really funny things is to see them steal electonics. Uh-just how are they going to use those right now???

Sorry all-just have to get all this off my chest. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but don't cut down those who HAVE made efforts.

And BTW, the US Navy is on its way to New Orleans for those who don't know. Plus, they are bringing Navy Seals to help with rescue. And just where are all the "other" countries that always seem to expect our help?

God Bless all the victims of this terrible event.

[Cindy]

My heart goes out to the hurricane/flood victims.
My husband and I decided to donate $500. I am assuming that the Red Croos would be the best place to donate. Any thoughts on this or better places to donate?

[Dan]

Posted by Dave in another forum:

We're hoping to hear from Vern and Jill Edwards and their daughters Erika and Stacey, from Mandeville, LA. Hopefully they evacuated in time, but we have not been able to contact by phone or cell phone. Please let us know if you guys are safe.

[Cindy]

On the subject of looters:

I would use the video of the people looting and enlarge each looter's face and publish pictures of them, so everyone can see these thiefs and know them for what they really are.

Shame on them for taking advantage of the terrible disaster.

[coconuttree]

It is not surprising which citizens became looters. They are the American nightmare, the poor, living at the bottom of society. More efforts have to be done to distribute the wealth equally among all citizens.

If the USA can put a man on the moon (or was it a movie) why can't they deal in a better way with this catastrophy?. My heart goes out to the victims.

[usmcmom]

This is not about Politics? How so?

Distribution of manpower, money, response to emergencies, etc.
Essential forces tied up in a poorly planned military action?
President making a habit of being segregated from the citizens?

Sorry, but it's all politics.

Posted by: clintcarter | Aug 31, 2005 11:51:48 AM

Clint,
Love the fact that the first thing you have to post about is the "waving American flag"

The second is the politics of the disaster. Ever hear about "personal responsibility", the responsibility to heed the warnings of EVERY news service to get out of the path of the hurricane. You wanna make it political, that "distribution of mannpower, money, response to emergencies, etc"... that's a flipping STATE's issue... Since you keep forgeting that it is the President's job to protect the country from "outside forces", it's the States job to care for it's own people... But don't worry Clint... FEMA is activated, Navy is on the way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, etc, etc. help is on the way... sorry it's doesn't meet your expectations... but as every powerline, cell-tower, land-line, and electrical grid has either been destroyed or is compromised I guess you and *flo* expect the President and his team to get out their communicators and tri-corders and have everyone assemble at the transporter room for emergency evacuation...Geesh

[Tanya]

God bless the USA. We are all praying for you.

[Gloria]

Great article and so patriotic......just love it. BUT one thing I do want to comment on and that is these gas prices....what is going on here? Do we continually have to support those big buck folks on WallStreet? Traders, brokers and last but not least the hedge funds. What is with these people do they not have any pride or dignity for the working folks. I don't begrudge anyone anything but let us live our lives and not have to keep making all those folks rich. Such a sad day for America. Making money off this horrific tragedy.

[Amy]

More efforts have to be done to distribute the wealth equally among all citizens.

Posted by: coconuttree | Aug 31, 2005 12:49:49 PM

I think that's been tried before. They called it communism.

[DennisAOK]

clintcarter,

Tell me again how you are not a liberal.

usmcmom or others in AL,

What is the situation in the Birmingham area or norhtern AL? Flooding? Power?

[usmcmom]

Posted by: DennisAOK | Aug 31, 2005 1:50:28 PM

We're doing ok. Power outages around the area, 240,000 w/o power as of yesterday. I did not hear of any floodingm, just wind damage. Trees down, lines down that kind of thing. In my area, winds were stronger than Ivan or Dennis, it reminded me more of Opal. The wind turned some shingles into an oragami project on my roof, some neighbors trees downs, but electricty was only out 3 hrs during the storm. Thank you Alabama Power & BellSouth!!

[galloway/mojo]

Hi everyone -

Please consider stopping at your nearest blood bank and donating blood. The hospitals attempting to remain open in New Orleans are in desperate need because all blood bank facilities are no longer in operation. In the next two days, we will receive 20,000+ refugees here in Houston and though we have the World's Finest Medical Center rushing to assist, these welcome guests will also place a strain on our supplies. We will undoubtedly depend on supplies from across the country.

Giving blood is a little something that cost nothing.... and it is nothing short of heroic. Please consider it.

[petunia]

People--this bickering about poltics may have its place in another forum, but not in this one. I believe Dan's beautifully expressed piece was merely meant as a tribute to the great and strong qualities that have carried the country through in the past and will do so again.

[petunia]

People--this bickering about poltics may have its place in another forum, but not in this one. I believe Dan's beautifully expressed piece was merely meant as a tribute to the great and strong qualities that have carried the country through in the past and will do so again.

[ellewoods]

Dennis-

I haven't heard too much about north Alabama. I know of one small town in northwest Alabama that had flooded streets. There were several hundred thousand people across the state without power. I do know that Mobile is without power and streets were flooded downtown. Point Clear, which is across the bay from Mobile, had streets underwater. Saw some pictures of men walking in the street and the water came above their knees.

There are people here with family in Mississippi that they cannot reach. They want to drive there but do not know if they can even get through the roads or be allowed to. I have heard of people travelling with chainsaws in their trunks to cut trees as the traveled to west or south Alabama.

It is all a very slow process. Pensacola is still trying to rebuild since Ivan last year. Unfortunately, our country is getting experienced in dealing with these situations and know what to do. It just unfolds slowly and the situation in New Orleans with the flood makes it all the more difficult. The number one thing they are taking in to people are water and food. I just heard that they are taking in a big cargo plane full of supplies to New Orleans.

[k.jeanne]

Thank you, Dan. Very well said, very touching...makes one see red, white and blue!

[*flo*]

but as every powerline, cell-tower, land-line, and electrical grid has either been destroyed or is compromised I guess you and *flo* expect the President and his team to get out their communicators and tri-corders and have everyone assemble at the transporter room for emergency evacuation...Geesh

Posted by: usmcmom | Aug 31, 2005 1:02:29 PM

No usmsmom, this is not sci-fi. Last I heard, States are govern together as one Nation. Considering the many years spent in US military, experiences of other cultural pandemic. YES, I expect BETTER from Americans.

[petunia]

For those of us who live in other parts of the country--any ideas on how to donate clothes, furniture items, etc., to be sent to flood victims?

[DeeDee]

Thanks Dan, well written piece.

usmcmom: Kudo's, amen, you go girl!

These people in New Orleans were told to leave two days prior to this disaster. They should be in a shelter in Baton Rouge or elsewhere, not looting the stores in downtown GNO. I agree with the Gov of Al.....harse punishment. These will be the same folks who be causing problems in Fema established tent cities and mobile home communities as things begin to level out. They refuse to work, refuse to obey legal authority over them and are the first to want to file a law suit if it gets too hot on the bus ride out of town. The Mayor of GNO had buses running free for two days for people to get to the Superdome. They could have but chose to wait till 50mph winds to start robbing from their neighbors. You cannot help someone by handing everything to them and they never learn to "earn" anything in life. Joran VDS is the perfect example of such exagerated privledged behavior causing one to rail over on other people's rights. NO fear of consequence. Also, in the tsunami in Asia; I watched as it took days for the people to begin to mobilize and send help their way. Arm chair quarterbacks...back off! If you can't add to the solution then don't be part of the problem. I have family and assets in this area and my heart breaks watching this on MSM but everyone needs to quit finding fault and nit picking over the least little thing on this board. For God sake, do something positive and say something positive or shut up. If I sound like an old granny myself right now fussing at her kids, thats what I am and thats the way I feel. Said , in love and prayers for all, especially the victims.

[DennisAOK]

Thank you, ellewoods.

We had a hurricane here in the DC area a couple of years ago, and people were inconvenienced, but nothing compared to this.

[DennisAOK]

petunia,

For the short term, anyway, cash donations are the most helpful. I gave to the American Red Cross.

[ellewoods]

well spoken Dee.

One thing that many may not be aware of if you don't live in hurricane areas is how hard it is to "get in" after a storm. Many roads are blocked by trees (not just one or two) and powerlines (which you are not sure are live or not) and some roads are just no longer there. Look at I-10. Once again, it can be found in the Gulf of Mexico.

[minnesota dad]

The one thing that cracks me up...is that all of our allies are nowhere to be found.

Remember the Europeans ridiculing us for not providing enough money to the Tsunami victims? We were there both in financial support and military support.

Its time for Europe to load up some C-130's with some Euro's and send it over. Its time for OPEC to sell us some discounted oil to help stabilize for a few months.

They won't....this has nothing to do with Iraq (or the bribes the Euro's and Kofi were receiving). This has to do with envy. "Why help them? They have money."

Step up as a kind gesture Europe and others....

[*flo*]

For those of us who live in other parts of the country--any ideas on how to donate clothes, furniture items, etc., to be sent to flood victims?

Posted by: petunia | Aug 31, 2005 2:10:54 PM

Hope this will help, posted under "Web Blogs"

http://instapundit.com/index.php

[AkekoaHoAlethia]

Dan,

I could hardly add to all the compliments and appreciation expressed above for your contribution here. You truly are working tirelessly to do all you can in the causes against the small minority of dissident voices who detract from seeing any good in any thing.

But, you have not only seen the GOOD but expressed it in a grand way that sent tingles up my spine with the good attitude you have encouraged.

"Forces of light failed to outshine any force of darkness." This I think touches on a large issue here. We are a nation of light bearers even among those who blow out their own candles! and thus ensure their own demise....

And on TV as even on here we see the truth from all sides: the good, the bad and the ugly.

I stand with your prayer, "May God Bless America."

And for those that question the further, just click on my name and follow the links.

[DennisAOK]

Thanks for the update, usmcmom.

Flo,

Coroporate America's catastrophe plans's? Get real. There is only so much that one can do in the face of nature's wrath. The clean up and rebuilding will take time.

[Carol]

just in case anyone is wondering about the Covington and Mandeville areas...I just heard from my two brothers that stayed....all seems to be o.k. except for some roof repairs and facia (sp?) boards... no water where they were (they are just a little north of the Covington Wal-mart), they are scrambling to get generators....to try to keep some food in the house.. they can call out every now and then, we just can't seem to be able to call them

[*flo*]

The clean up and rebuilding will take time.

Posted by: DennisAOK | Aug 31, 2005 2:42:06 PM

Very Real here;) its no opinion, just stating facts

[want to help]

The magnitude of people that are displaced due to the hurricane will, undoubtedly, create a problem in the immediate area schools, shelters, medical facilities, etc. I do not live in the path of Katrina, and would like to suggest other areas in the country be sought for temporary placement until New Orleans and other flooded Gulf communities can finish pumping the water out. Once the pumping is done, people can return to rebuild their communities. I am concerned about the availability of health care, consumeables, the interruption of the childrens education, along with many other things.
Many members of my community are willing to offer a room in their home for the victims of Katrina.
Who do you contact to offer this?
Thank you, Dan for your exceptional work.

[curiositykillsme]

If evacuation was MANDATORY why were so many still there? What efforts were truly taken to get people out of these extremely poor areas? Uneducated, poverty sticken people don't usually have the resources or know how to help themselves in this type of situation. Could they have been more aggresive at demanding evacuation? Maybe.

[Glenn]

Why the flags, Dan? What does this have to do with patriotism? Why politicize this when people of all ilks are rallying to help those in need.

I am a proud liberal. I don't like Bush. I admit it. But I am not an "America hater" either. True, I am not a patriot, as I agree with Samuel Johnson's assessment of it being the "last refuge of a scoundrel." But as an American citizen, I recognize that this is the best framework in which I have to work, so do whatever I can to make America a better place.

My Republican brother and I went to church together on Sunday. We have both been praying for the victims in New Orleans. We have both given money to the Red Cross. Instead of using this to bash the "naysayers", which you probably think I am, you could have used this to celebrate the fact that people of all persuasions are rallying in a great humanitarian effort to help those in spite of their differences.

[Hydrangea]

FOX News headline:

Mayor: Thousands may be dead.

Oh this is so bad, every headline worse than the one before.

[DennisAOK]

Uneducated, poverty sticken people don't usually have the resources or know how to help themselves in this type of situation. Could they have been more aggresive at demanding evacuation? Maybe.

Posted by: curiositykillsme | Aug 31, 2005 3:13:10 PM

Of course, it's always the government's fault. Evceryone was told what to do way ahead of time. Shelter was provided for those who couldn't leave. But that is not enough. What would you suggest - soldiers rounding people up? Your ACLU friends would have a big problem with that.

Glenn,

The fact that you view flying the flag as an injection of politics says quite a bit about you. I think the spirit of Dan's essay was that the country has endured hardships before and been able to shrug them off and move ahead, and we will do it again. I didn't see any attempt to politicize anything. That began with the anti-Bush comments. As your fellow liberal clintcarter says, it's always about politics. BTW, I voted Libertarian in the last election.

[janie]

It is very bad, Hydrangea. I was just watching Shep Smith broadcasting on the bridge in New Orleans..all those people stranded there in that blistering sun with no shelter, no food, no water. It is so horrific, so bleak. Little baies with no formula..no fluids. Looking at it through the TV camera lens, it looked so desperate to me..and I know it is..but I realized there are heroic actions going on in those crowds. Lives are being saved, comfort is being provided. There are many brave souls working very hard and doing miraculous things. God bless them all!

[usmcmom]

Why the flags, Dan? What does this have to do with patriotism? Why politicize this when people of all ilks are rallying to help those in need.

Posted by: Glenn | Aug 31, 2005 3:28:22 PM

Why the flag... because it is the symbol to remind us of who we are, where we have come from, and most importantly... how we stand together as a people, as you say "of all ilks".. I like that sentiment. At this most precious time in our country's life.. we must all stand together and serve those in need. Remember from school the story... Red stands for hardiness and valor; White stands for our purity and innocence; Blue stands for vigilance, perserverance and justice; Stars are the symbols of the heavens and the divine good to which man has aspired from time immemorial; and the Stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun. That is why the flag, I kinda like it.

[Hydrangea]

Akeko,

We are a nation of light bearers even among those who blow out their own candles!

You have managed to put into words something very profound IMHO. I wish I had only 1/4 of the eloquence that Dan and so many posters have!! Even as I write this I think geesh I wish I could say this better!!!!

Thank you.

[janie]

We are a nation of light bearers even among those who blow out their own candles!
Posted by: Hydrangea

It could not be said better.

[betsi]

I belong to this yahoo group in which one of the members is in LA right now helping out with a shelter. She emailed our group the other day and asked for everyone to send ANYTHING. I have managed to get so much stuff together from family, friends, my local freecycle, just about anywhere i could think of that people would help out. I called my daughters school to see if they could help me do a bake sale to send this stuff to these people and they told me they couldnt do it, that they had to focus on other things right now. I called the red cross, the salvation army, and the postal service, and nothing there too... they ALL told me they only want MONEY... So in the mean time all these people can STARVE and have nothing but the clothes on thier backs IF THEY EVEN GOT OUT WITH THOSE and no one wants to help. If I could rent a uhaul and it was possible I WOULD DRIVE this stuff there myself. I am so sad that these organizations dont want things people have they just want MONEY in which ALOT of people DONT have to spare. I am a single mother of 5 children and have a whole lot of NOTHING myself including MONEY to spare but I am gonna find a way to ship this stuff to these people and I dont care what it takes. It could be months before FEMA or RED CROSS get to these people and what are these organizations going to do???? COLLECT MONEY that alot of us dont have instead of the thing speople do have....I AM OUTRAGED. the lady from red cross told me that the reason they are not accepting donations is because its not financially a good idea to send these things they would rather have the money to buy these things themselves. HOW CARING IS THAT??

If anyone knows any way that I can get these items to the victims of KATRINA, I would very much appreciate the information. Thank you.

[Hydrangea]

Janie,

Akeko said this not me.

Wish I had the ability to write like Akeko, Dan and some of the others here.

[Cindi in PA]

Betsi, not sure if this will help or not, Dan has this thread Calcasieu Parish Needs Food For Evacuees in the top right corner of the recent posts. It is understandable right now that they need money, for food and medication, housing. All the rest at this point is secondary to survival. Your desire and willingness to reach out should be commended. Don't be offended if the major organizations don't want the things you are offering. They have been in this function for a very long time, and they know what is best needed at the moment.

[Cindi in PA]

Betsi, not sure if this will help or not, Dan has this thread Calcasieu Parish Needs Food For Evacuees in the top right corner of the recent posts. It is understandable right now that they need money, for food and medication, housing. All the rest at this point is secondary to survival. Your desire and willingness to reach out should be commended. Don't be offended if the major organizations don't want the things you are offering. They have been in this function for a very long time, and they know what is best needed at the moment.

[Cindi in PA]

Why the flags, Dan? What does this have to do with patriotism? Why politicize this when people of all ilks are rallying to help those in need.

Posted by: Glenn | Aug 31, 2005 3:28:22 PM

You really have to ask why? Sad if you believe waving our nations flag makes things political.
Sure we appreciate the help from the outside world. However, regardless of those coming forward to help, America, under the stars and stripes, would make sure all are taken care of, to beht best of our ability. If you find offense in flag waving, I suggest you move on. Do you stand and bitch as much when "our" flag is burned for the world to see?

Where are those baskets of tomatoes when you really need them?

[Cindi in PA]

President Bush on National Telivision at 5PM EST.

Glenn and Clint, you two can watch Romper ROOM.

[Anne]

I live in a SW Houston suburb. Our WalMart was full of people with Louisiana license plates. They were buying food and water. This is the same all around Houston. Our hotels are full of evacuees running out of money to stay in them. They are sending 23,000 people from the superdome to the Astrodome.

Where is Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church??

It is the largest church in the country. They just remodeled an entire basketball arena into a 10,000 seat church. He makes millions of dollars from donations. I haven't heard of him offering any help.

He needs to show us his best life now!

[anchor]

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Just for you Glenn.

[Tanya]

Where are those baskets of tomatoes when you really need them?

Posted by: Cindi in PA | Aug 31, 2005 4:43:38 PM

i will help toss them too even if not american. Wish we had that patriotism here in canada. We use to in the 70's

[CancunGirl]

Hey guys:
I have an aunt that is stranded in her apartment on Bourbon Street. I've called the police in LA and have given them her info but she has not been rescued. She's 73 years old and she's alone and scared. What else could I do??? :(

[coconuttree]

Another thing that I notice, but that must be 'unspeakable' in the US is the skin colour of the looters, did I see that correctly ??

Posted by: Tante Bet

The collapse of Enron, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, led to thousands of employees losing their life savings. You have all kinds of looters. What were the skin colour of the Enron looters.

[mark]

Cancun girl,

Does your 73 yo aunt really live on Bourbon Street? It doesn't seem like a place for her. Maybe she lives in the French Quarter? Then she must also have some money. She should have evacuated on Saturday before the storm. If you are from cancun you know that hurricanes are dangerous. She would know that New Orleans is below sea level.

[usmcmom]

If anyone knows any way that I can get these items to the victims of KATRINA, I would very much appreciate the information. Thank you.

Posted by: betsi | Aug 31, 2005 4:13:10 PM

Betsi,
Don't be upset or discouraged, you've done a great job. It's just that the Red Cross/Sal Army can't handle the storage or sorting of items when these huge disaster situations occur. It's best, if you have a local Goodwill or Sal Army store, to donate the items to them. That way they will be able to use the items for your local folks in need. Also, another reason the Red Cross/Sal Army want basically only money, is that they can order exactly what they need per area/situation. Alot of times if they can, they also use local distributors/suppliers/workers to keep the local economy going.