I Wish You All the Best. (Off-topic)

[Anonymous]

Bump.

More fire, more chaos, suicides, and filth. I just don't see any hope, no matter how much money is pumped into it.

uspscsx

[Anonymous]

My best wishes to all the emergency services. They are saying that 70 have already died of drug withdrawals. That would explain some weird behavior. If a disaster like that where to happen in Australia, we wouldn't even have the troops here to help. Reminds me of the Tsunami
dd[:(][:(][:(]

[rexhea]

The people with the guns that are shooting are not the refugees that are hurting, frustrated, and even angry. Instead, they are the worthless slime of our society that continue to live off of the fear of others with impunity.
These gangs that are armed and terrorizing New Orleans are the same type of gangs that exist in every major city. Just imagine what would happen in New York, Miami, Detroit, Los Angeles, and others if all of a sudden there were no police to stop them from doing what they wanted.
I really liked what the La. Governor said about the first La. NG unit to go in, that they have just returned from Iraq and they are locked and loaded and they know and will do what is necessary to stop the gangs." Judging from that, I would say the gangs are short lived...literally. It's about time someone put a firm gripe on the situation. I think I will send the Guard a box of ammo.

REX

[cjcrescent]

Random thoughts on the situation;

CNN & Fox news have both announced that the guvmint, (southern pronounciation of government), is sending in 8 SEAL teams to assist in water rescues. I've never known of a SEAL unit going into anything unarmed. It will be interesting to see what develops if some of these thugs try to take a bead on one of these Teams.

But I can understand the frustration of many of the people there. Although there was a mandatory evacuation order to leave prior to the storm. If you have no car, no money, how do you leave? Walk? My wife and I lived in Mobile, Al. in 1979 when Hurricane Frederic hit. Mid Sept., high humidity, hot as hell, and my wife was 7 months pregnant. After Frederic it was four days before we had access to any ice or water. What ice we had, melted and the water was gone. You don't realize how much you need to drink in those conditions. Even with dry ice in the freezer, the food was beginning to go bad. Plus we didn't have to deal with any flooding but there was a great amount of damage in my neighborhood at the time, and gas was totally unavailable. I remember that I felt more stressed out then than at any other time I can think of.

I remember that after Hurricane Andrew that FEMA was criticized for its initial slow response, same as what is now happening in NO. Homestead and other devastated areas almost went thru what NO is going thru now. I remember seeing a story on the History Channel program, "The Wrath of God", about Andrew and one of the segments showed home and business owners in front of their properties with shotguns and rifles warding off looters and roving gangs. In one scene there was a ten year old armed with a shotgun guarding whats left of his home while his dad was out guarding his store.

[Anonymous]

I'm lost with it. If it was my family there, and we were all in good health with no injuries, we'd be walking and swimming out. I don't understand some of the attitudes. Especially the shooting at the rescurers. They need to find who was doing that, and just blast them. Either that, or just leave them behind.

[Anonymous]

Something tells me our forum buddy Todd Templeton is all right. He is in Orange Beach, AL. He has just listed items on eBay, and, unless they were scheduled to come on at this time, he has power, or a really good laptop with a good battery. But it's obvious that he has internet. Todd, you out there?

uspscsx

[trainfan1221]

As I said on another forum, it's one thing if they are stealing food for their families, but taking stuff just to take advantage of the situatuion is wrong. And there is no reason for the heavily armed gangs endangering desperate innocent people and those trying to help them.

[Anonymous]

"No country is more than three meals from a revolution" I don't remember who said that but I think New Orleans has missed three meals. People have to eat, they have to have shelter from the elements.

If I was trapped down there with my kids (16 & 12) or my step grand kids (5 & 6) we would be coming out and a 12 guage pump might be very handy. I doubt any parents out there could honestly say any different.

Sure stealing water soaked electronics when the power is out for good is stupid but the simple fact is things are getting desperate there. On CNN you can see helicopter after helicopter dropping tiny sacks of sand into the huge breach of the levy but the refugees at the Convention Center are scrounging the neighborhood for bottled water and snacks.

At least I am sure the government will spare no expense to get the refineries operating.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by uspscsx

With Andrew back in 1992, they actually brought up the possibility of barracading the area off and not letting anyone back in it for a long period of time. Probably hypothetical, but it seems like a good idea, if at all possible, for this situation. Dead bodies, animals, and chemicals in the water, or should I say sewage, really don't help. 80% of the city. Seems unreal to me, and people are actually setting fire to the buildings in the French Quarter! Burns me up. [V][censored]

uspscsx

Grande Man, I will pop you an email in a bit.

As for the burning, I wondered when this would start. It must almost feel like Armegedeon/End of Times down there to some folks. [V][V][V]

[Anonymous]

With Andrew back in 1992, they actually brought up the possibility of barracading the area off and not letting anyone back in it for a long period of time. Probably hypothetical, but it seems like a good idea, if at all possible, for this situation. Dead bodies, animals, and chemicals in the water, or should I say sewage, really don't help. 80% of the city. Seems unreal to me, and people are actually setting fire to the buildings in the French Quarter! Burns me up. [V][censored]

uspscsx

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dthurman


I agree, AND A VERY GOOD POINT. I think this weekend the girlfriend and I need to sit down and make aemergency pack and be prepared. I can see a new industry springing up from this, sort of like the H-bomb days.

Hi David. I'm certainly no expert, but if you need any help I have spent a few bucks in this area...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by grande man

Guys, just a a side note, it pays to be prepared. You don't have to be a "survivalist freak" to have a portable water filter, some MREs, a radio, extra clothes, etc. In today's world, it would be smart to have some preps in advance. Also, a way to defend your family from predators would seem to be in order as well. Just a thought.

I agree, AND A VERY GOOD POINT. I think this weekend the girlfriend and I need to sit down and make aemergency pack and be prepared. I can see a new industry springing up from this, sort of like the H-bomb days.

[grandeman]

Guys, just a a side note, it pays to be prepared. You don't have to be a "survivalist freak" to have a portable water filter, some MREs, a radio, extra clothes, etc. In today's world, it would be smart to have some preps in advance. Also, a way to defend your family from predators would seem to be in order as well. Just a thought.

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dthurman


I didn't hear that one [V], I did hear that FEMA and maybe the Red Cross pulled out of some areas because of shooting, I think it had something to do with food deliveries, I mean what is wrong with some of these people, I understand the desperation, but I think some have crossed over to the dark side, this almost sounds like "BlackHawk Down" in the beginning of the movie, or worse yet, some really bad scary movie... It's only a matter of time and we will be hearing about Nat. Guard units getting into some scrapes, and if these are any of the returning Iraq troops, I feel sorry for the looters [:D]

Sorry for digressing, just amazes me when people are in a bad spot how some will take advantage of the situation.

I truly feel for the folks who heeded the warnings and left but now have no homes/jobs/etc. Same for those that couldn't leave such as the sick and elderly. My thoughts and prayers go out for them. As for the dregs of society that are left, shooting at the rescuers, looting merchandise and whipping each other into a frenzy with their victim mentality, they should be left on their own. They make me sick.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

I have no doubt drugs are involved.

How long can they have a supply of their drug of choice, I mean our relief people can't get around, how is the user going to get his drug supply renewed? Though I am sure the pharmacies are well cleaned out now.

[SpaceMouse]

I have no doubt drugs are involved.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by verse2damax

They'er some ‘sad’ folks (the gunmen). I'm not going to wish death on them, I just wi***hey would get caught.

I think if they want to live by the sword, they should die by the sword. Do you think they wouldn't shot you or me if they saw a gain in it? I think the animal instinct is coming out in some of these looters. It is anarchy day for them. They feel rules and laws are not applied to them. Arrest them? I can see it now, some attorney will use a defense of temp insanity or some other worthless defense and turn the blame back on us. Sorry but this is were we start to see some people (looters) for who they truly are.

[Anonymous]

They'er some ‘sad’ folks (the gunmen). I'm not going to wish death on them, I just wi***hey would get caught.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by randyaj

I heard a commentary today on a local radio station (Des Moines), where the commentator called these folks "terrorists". His reasoning was that the only way that these people could keep their power (looting and such) was to keep others in fear of them. I would have to agree with him. If one ever wonders if there is a dark side to the human equation, this would remove the doubt. To shoot at helicopters that are there for humanitarian relief, rescuing people, delivering food and water is evil. Are people desperate, hungry, dirty, some without hope, sure but that is no justification for shooting at the rescuers. I know that it is easy to sit at a computer with power, food to eat and water to drink, and a dry bed to sleep in, but this is how I see it.
just my two cents
Randy Johnson

I agree with you Randy. It is terrible that the relief workers, our troops, and the truly needing are in harms way. I wasn't aware of some of the sick things these people are now doing. I for one say materialistic looter, should be shot on site. A women takes diapers, I say she has a first class ticket out for her and her child, but TV's and such. Drop them where they stand. Let's hope that a gator or snake will start getting some of the bad ones. Bad thing to think, but sometimes mothernature helps also even things out. I am worried that these people shoting may start attacking those trying to survive by taking their water/food/clothing for them selves. I am sure these types are already selling any food type items to the needy. This is almost like waterworld the movie [V]

[randyaj]

I heard a commentary today on a local radio station (Des Moines), where the commentator called these folks "terrorists". His reasoning was that the only way that these people could keep their power (looting and such) was to keep others in fear of them. I would have to agree with him. If one ever wonders if there is a dark side to the human equation, this would remove the doubt. To shoot at helicopters that are there for humanitarian relief, rescuing people, delivering food and water is evil. Are people desperate, hungry, dirty, some without hope, sure but that is no justification for shooting at the rescuers. I know that it is easy to sit at a computer with power, food to eat and water to drink, and a dry bed to sleep in, but this is how I see it.
just my two cents
Randy Johnson

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dthurman

QUOTE: Originally posted by uspscsx

I heard that people were shooting at helicopters trying to transport people out of the Superdome. Amazing how idiotic some people are.

uspscsx

I didn't hear that one [V], I did hear that FEMA and maybe the Red Cross pulled out of some areas because of shooting, I think it had something to do with food deliveries, I mean what is wrong with some of these people, I understand the desperation, but I think some have crossed over to the dark side, this almost sounds like "BlackHawk Down" in the beginning of the movie, or worse yet, some really bad scary movie... It's only a matter of time and we will be hearing about Nat. Guard units getting into some scrapes, and if these are any of the returning Iraq troops, I feel sorry for the looters [:D]

Sorry for digressing, just amazes me when people are in a bad spot how some will take advantage of the situation.

It has come close. One guy opened fire on the National Guard as they were trying get to the Convention Center and they were ready to return fire but could not get a bead on the guy. When they got inside, people were shooting through the windows. It's just a matter of time.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by uspscsx

I heard that people were shooting at helicopters trying to transport people out of the Superdome. Amazing how idiotic some people are.

uspscsx

I didn't hear that one [V], I did hear that FEMA and maybe the Red Cross pulled out of some areas because of shooting, I think it had something to do with food deliveries, I mean what is wrong with some of these people, I understand the desperation, but I think some have crossed over to the dark side, this almost sounds like "BlackHawk Down" in the beginning of the movie, or worse yet, some really bad scary movie... It's only a matter of time and we will be hearing about Nat. Guard units getting into some scrapes, and if these are any of the returning Iraq troops, I feel sorry for the looters [:D]

Sorry for digressing, just amazes me when people are in a bad spot how some will take advantage of the situation.

[Anonymous]

I heard that people were shooting at helicopters trying to transport people out of the Superdome. Amazing how idiotic some people are.

uspscsx

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bukwrm

My brother in law was injured Monday night helping his emergency response team pack up to head to the Gulf coast. He fell off a packing crate and may need knee surgery but I know he is more upset that he will not be going with his unit.

On September 12, 2001 they flew to New York and stayed until after Thanksgiving and they went back a month later when the airplane crashed in New Jersey. You never heard them mentioned on any news broadcast but you may have seen them working in the background.

I am proud of him and his unit, they are doing a needed job that I never could. Here is a link to the groups web page. http://www.dmort.org/. My brother-in law is pictured several times on the site but I am not joint to single him out, the how group deserves thanks.

[wow], I could never do a job as hard as that, he must have a pretty strong resolve to be able to face what he sees on assignments like that, dealing with the families etc. [wow][wow][wow][angel][bow]

[Anonymous]

My brother in law was injured Monday night helping his emergency response team pack up to head to the Gulf coast. He fell off a packing crate and may need knee surgery but I know he is more upset that he will not be going with his unit.

On September 12, 2001 they flew to New York and stayed until after Thanksgiving and they went back a month later when the airplane crashed in New Jersey. You never heard them mentioned on any news broadcast but you may have seen them working in the background.

I am proud of him and his unit, they are doing a needed job that I never could. Here is a link to the groups web page. http://www.dmort.org/. My brother-in law is pictured several times on the site but I am not joint to single him out, the whole group deserves thanks.

[Anonymous]

I saw a site to make donations for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, and wanted to pass this along.
Over on Fark.com, one of the regular members has a website up to collect Paypal donations for Americares Domestic Relief fund. Every cent goes to this relief fund and Americares has stated that everything from this site will be going to the Huricane Katrina relief effort. They raised over $9000 for the tsunami relief fund.
If you want to donate, that's great. If you don't want to, that's fine.

http://writerscafe.net/donations.html

If you want to read the comments about this site, go to Fark's page
http://forums.fark.com/cgi/fark/comments.pl?IDLink=1645834

Kevin

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

On a simi-related topic--not to downplay the devistation--but gas prices at my corner gas station were $2.49 on Sunday, $2.61 on Tuesday, and $2.91 this morning. CNN market analysts expect this to be a short term trend that our rising encomomy can weather.

Chip

Our local talk radio show stated 2.94, I saw a 30¢ jump yesterday morning, I left at 8 Am to take some train pictures figuring I would gas up after taking shots, and on my return to the same gas station it went from 2.53 to 2.85, in a matter of 40 minutes :( I was a little miffed at myself for not fueling up then.

[grandeman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rexhea

Screw political correctness: Lets all pray for those that have suffered so greatly.

Well said, Rex. I'll second that.

Glad to hear your home wasn't damaged. We came thru ok, just strewn debris and power outage.

Hopefully the folks in the costal towns can put their lives back together once again. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

[SpaceMouse]

On a simi-related topic--not to downplay the devistation--but gas prices at my corner gas station were $2.49 on Sunday, $2.61 on Tuesday, and $2.91 this morning. CNN market analysts expect this to be a short term trend that our rising encomomy can weather.