But, but, but...

BUSH IS EVIL!

If our troops werent in Iraq, umm, uhhh, then uhhh, they could have pushed the city out of the way and rescued all of the swamp rats.

SWAMP RATS I TELL YOU!

Don't you know? It's all about the butterfly affect. The bombs going off early in the Iraqi war set in motion the air currents that caused this hurricane!

It truely IS Bush's fault!

Emergency search and rescue phone lines for those in distress: (225) 925-7708 | (225) 925-7709 | (225) 925-3511 | (225) 925-7412

To inquire about those in the area who did not evacuate: American Red Cross, (866) 438-4636.

from:
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWLBLOG.ac3fcea.html

Lots of good info there. God Bless!

Well said. It is indeed better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

Hang in there! Things may seem impossible, but I think we are all going to be amazed at the kind of support and help that is on the way.

I am in the midwest, above you, and am completely useless at this point. I did talk with my boss who will give me six months off, if I can find any way to be usefull. I am a network guy, so my time is in the future. (Have generator, will travel).

Someone needs to set up a clearing house of needs, skills and volunteers so they can be matched up. This is the kind of this blogs can help with I think.

I have to agree with you. I think so far a pretty darn good job is being done. However it is hard not to get sidetracked from the really important immediate goals sometimes. I popped over to Kos to see what happening with the whackos and almost immediately came to a post that said "Bush lied, New Orleans Died". I about puked and immediately got the H&## out of there. Truely amazing. I do not even pretend know some people think.

Another option in every disaster is give blood!

On a side note, Cindy could also use your help, she's traumatized by being ignored and abandoned down in Texas!

I think I would puke more over the fact that this President cut short an earlier vacation to try and save a dead woman. But when 1,000,000+ peoples lives are threatened and how many countless lives are lost he decides to stay the course of his current vacation instead of flying back to the White House to take charge of this catastrophe.

He truely is a shrub!

Yeah, right. And if he had gone back to DC you moonbats would have screamed that he was running away from it. He is obviously pissing his pants from being one state away from where the big scawy hurricane is going to hit.

If my memory serves me right, I seem to remember Bush being in Florida pretty much the day after the hurricanes rolled through last year.

Is it because Louisiana is a blue state?

Or that the security memo he got stated "NO State of emergency" when it should have read "N.O. State of emergency." Someone fire the White House typist!!!!!

SHRUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cut the bastard a break, he knows all those geniuses who climbed in their attics when the water started rising and drowned when they couldn't get out are all Democrats, and they probably just lost another blue state because of it.

thank you for telling it like it is.....it's discusting to hear the griping and moaning when people are dead,stranded and scarred for life by this natural national disaster.....
as for us here in South Florida.....were just getting over this thing and could care less about ourselves...seeing what it did here as a cat 1 it was scary to imagine what it was going to do as it approached others as a cat 5.our thoughts and prayers are with those on the gulf coast and just like us bloggers did after the tsunami...were snapping into action and ready to help others however possible.....even if it means piping down and getting out of the way.....i linked to your blog bro because your a mackdaddy pimp @ this thang......Miami is with you folks.God Bless
as for the peanut gallery....this is not about right and left you bastards it's about standing together as americans in the midst of tragedies........if anyone has a right to say jack squat it's those who know what the heck their talking about....those like us who made it through hurricane andrew and made it through this one...........lots of people are dead,other wish they were.... so show a lil human decency you assclowns.

Paul - Here's a link to BellSouth's vacation service. It will let you suspend your phone service (for a reduced fee) and will reserve your phone number. As a telecom geek, I'm sure that BellSouth will be waiving charges for those impacted by Katrina.

Best wishes - my thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected.

https://www.bellsouth.com/rnr/html/vacation.html?src=rql

cyouincourt007,

You are absoultely right, it is not about right or left. It discusts me to see the whackos politicizing this. I only am proud to know that there are a HUGE number of people who ignore all that crap and just do their job. God bless them all!

You impress me, Paul. Ok. We'll do our best to help out. No whining.

:o|

Hey, I did what Paul asked. But what disgusted me was the very first comment that politicized the topic. I don't see you saying your disgusted about that.

And quite frankly whats wrong with questioning where our president was during this crisis? Not like he didn't have the last five (-2 days) weeks off that he could have headed back to Washington on Monday.

"With all due respect guys and gals... Chill out."

Sorry, being from Michigan i've NEVER seen anything like this....and I could do without seeing it ever again.

I think you are right at this point-figure out how to help, and save the 20/20 hindsight for later.

At the moment people need the basics, not pundrity.

One positive thing that can be done by all bloggers to help out victims is to be part of Hurricane Katrina Blog Relief Day tomorrow. See details at:

http://www.truthlaidbear.com/topicpage.php?topic=Katrina

The Bastard,

Check the voting results. Louisiana is a red state.

As for truly helping contact your local Red Cross and ask them for details on how someone goes about applying for aid. Giving to the Red Cross is easy...getting from them is cumbersome but not hard---just not widely known how.

I'm as political as anybody, and a constant critic of Bush. But Jesus, you just read a post by a guy who's lost everything, asking you to put aside the politics for a minute and help. Why is it so hard to honor that request? Yes, there are plenty of questions to be asked. There's also about 10,000 blogs that are more appropriate places to ask them. Why does it have to be here, and on this thread? Have some sensitivity.

And I'm not addressing either the Right or the Left. In a just a few comments we've already had people from both sides make asses of themselves.

Paul,
for info on how to get help from FEMA:
www.fema.gov/about/process/
info on how to file for flood insurance claims:
www.fema.gov/nfip/infocon/.shtm
info on how to get help from red cross:
1-800-HELP-NOW
Sorry, I don't know how to make the links work here, but the web addresses might help.

Whoops! the flood insurance claims address is:
www.fema.gov/nfip/infocon.shtm
sorry about that typo

Does anyone really believe the president is EVER on v acation? He has cell phones, internet connections, officials all around him. ANd he is in Texas - which is pretty close to the affected areas. As for why he isn't "In the affected areass". .

YOU think those tryign to handle the disaster NEED the additional pressure of tryign to make sure the president stays safe while wandering around a disaster zone?

Don't turn this into a political issue. This is a humanity issue. DO every little bit you can personally do for those involved, try to get others to do the same, and _shut up_ about the political sniping.

SUrely you can take a five minute vacation?

More sanity...from a squirrel no less.
http://www.illwillpress.com/kat.html

I want to apologize for my previous post in this thread, not enough coffee and an excess of inanity brings out my baser side on occasion, sorry.

I have to wonder how many more of our "friends" in the blogoshere are impacted by this event. I'm perfectly willing to start posting links to New Orleans bloggers in a new post at my site, if anyone can spread the word to have them email me. (small blog, not a lot of traffic, so it might not be helpful anyway)

I think, if we put our minds to it, we could even wind up helping our blogger friends in need.

Hey guys!!!! I'll admit when I'm wrong. I went off on the first comment in this string and should have just ignored it. I took Pauls advice about using my blog to convey info almost right after he posted this letter. And it has met with favorable responses either through comments or the multiple e-mails I have recieved.

People from all over the country were standing next to me in the streets of NYC after 9/11 and this is no different!!!!

Again I'm sorry if I upset anyone, I am man enough to admit it! OK?

As with 9/11 the left is politicizing Katrina. President Bush signed papers designating Louisiana and Mississippi as disaster areas before Katrina even hit. Bush has and is doing all any president can, but the left can't be satisfied because their goal is political, not practical. The worse the situation gets the better the lefties like it.

Long term we need to ask how wise it is to build up a city that's mostly below sea level. If federal dollars are going to be used to re-build New Orleans, then the levee and pumping system needs to be improved to withstand a category 5 hurricane, even if that means covering up some of the city with huge levees. As a country, we also need to spread out the oil refinery industry and increase capacity. If that means getting a special bill through congress to circumvent endless environmental group lawsuits, then that's a job for the president. Bush should be judged by what he does to help the nation prepare for the next Katrina every bit as much as what he does to help the current recovery effort.

As for your cell phone:

When I moved to New Zealand for work a couple of years ago, AT&T wireless allowed me to suspend my cell phone account for up to 6 months. Check with your wireless service and see if they will allow you to do that.

Bill _/)_

Don't forget the pets people either abandoned or brought with them, only to get refused entry by hotel operators.

Katrina Help wikipedia page

You and my sister are survivors not victims. The victims died or are physically injured. We are here to help it will just take longer than 24 or 48 hours that have gone by. Good luck! and my prayers for now are with you, more to follow.

Laurence,

The humane society is trying to see what they can do for lost and wandering pets. I will certainly be helping out at the Astrodome here in Houston when the displaced get here. I may be taking a few animals home with me if they allow any on the buses. I'll keep them until they can get settled again.

Not to link whore here, but here is what I think is important to remember about this tragedy. WARNING! Religious content!!

Bastard and Bmoe,
It's retractions like both of yours that gives me hope we can help each other. As they said, this is not a right or left issue.

Thanks

As a proud Republican do you notice that all the looters have one thing in common - as a result of this I bet they are Dumbacrats.

They should all be shot and killed! no excuses no bleeding heart liberal excuses!

Given the hurricanes that hit Florida last year, there must be a lot of people who can give cogent answers to these questions. Thankfully, even though I'm a Tampa Bay resident, I haven't needed assistance. But I'm sure there are fellow Floridians out there who have, and who blog. Shout out!

What I think government and local officials are forgetting or not realizing is - no one can see or hear them in the areas they're talking about. They need to get a communication's plan in place PRONTO - and send people out in boats with information for the communities affected. People will panic more and more without access to a radio or information. And the looting will quickly turn to murder - I mean all the guns at Wal-Mart were looted - not good. I saw us drop radios for people during the tsunami - seems like we need to do the same thing and have an all information station to help the people in these areas.

If you brought the information with you, consider calling your home owners' insurance company. (If not, check for a number here) Yes, it might be your flood insurance that actually kicks in when it comes to paying, but your HO insurer has teams of people who spend most of the year responding to one disaster after another and who know the ins and outs of what you need to do.

From South FL: Broward County. The 800 FEMA telephone number is busy now. I don't think there are many internet connections either in N.O or Gulfport/Biloxi. There are trucks heading for both places from North Florida carrying people to set up tents, cook food, treat illnesses and contaminated water. They should arrive within a few hours and have lots of experience from living here last year and coping with hurricanes. Jeb Bush is sending two emergency management teams - I am assuming that they are bringing their own communications equipment and maybe some big machinery. Navy is on the way from Texas and from Norfolk with barges, large ships and other equipment to clear ports and deal with environmental damage.

Paul - get some sleep, grab hold of your patience (we Americans seem to have increasingly little of this). This won't be over in a week, a month or probably even a year. But you will be okay - we are all pulling with you and we in Florida won't forget in a couple days or a couple of months. It takes time to organize such massive efforts and at first just getting roads cleared and people fed and watered and treated takes some time. I say this now having A.C. and I know from last week that it's a lot easier having patience when you have air (or even fans...).

I've found some info on eyeglasses through LensCrafters and the Lions Clubs. I've posted it at http://www.livejournal.com/users/kyrillandra/2235.html

I'm new to blogging, and don't know alot about trackbacks and stuff. Hopefully leaving the link here is the right thing to do!

Guys and Gals, I am down here in South La. This is really bad. We will need y'all's help, prayers, and courage to pull through. These are fellow Americans and the scene is not good. We Louisiana folk are stout people, however, this one is gonna take alot of help. God Bless New Orleans.

Paul is right. Please bring to bear the power of the blogs.

Don't know if it helps or not, but CDC has a hurricane survival guide here (with info on stuff to do AFTER the hurricane):
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/recovery.asp
The only practical idea I've come up with is to call hotels in the surrounding areas and tell them you want to pay for a night or more of a hotel stay for refuggees from Katrina. But that doesn't help those who were too poor to evacuate.

I'm up here in Colorado Springs, so not much of a local help. I'm on my way tomorrow to Louisiana for a family reunion/doublecheck on the family to make sure all my kin (from Alexandria north) are ok. My uncle in Alex says they didn't even get any rain, so that's a good place to evacuate TO. I'm sure the La National Guard will be providing as much helpe as they can from Camp Buregard, in Pineville.

Paul, if you need extra blogging space, I'll gladly let you guest blog at my site, http://oldpatriot.blogspot.com. Just send me an email before 11PM today (mweather@citystar.com), as I'll be out of contact for a couple of days.

Just checked on the Town Talk (the Alexandria newspaper - http://www.thetowntalk.com/). Apparently they're trying to put together just that kind of information for people.

We'll also keep you and all the citizens of New Orleans, wherever they are, in our prayers.

Yes, you can have it both ways.

The problem was not Katrina as Hurricane Porn.

It was all the *others* presented in that manner, irrespective of the genuine risks. And especially the doubling down "this isn't over yet" ... "it could still turn around!" nature of much historical coverage.

How could anyone take the Katrina coverage this time around seriously, after the repeated crying wolf?

Personally, I blame Dan Rather, who invented foul/frightful weather = PORN = attention and career promotion in the news media business.

One more tip- this is so minor and the need is so big, but... our family went through our own minor personal disaster two years ago when in the midst of a cross country move we had a horrible car accident and hubby ended up in the hospital having surgery and we were stuck in a hotel.

I couldn't *think* in the midst of all that was going on. Somebody gave me a small memo pad and pen, and that was my lifeline. I wrote down all the personal information I could think of, because I was asked for it over and over, and would suddenly lock up over the most simple questions (names and birthdates of the kids- I coudln't remember. Our anniversary, I couldn't think. Hubby's ssn, I couldn't recall)- all of it, I wrote down and that was one less stressor.

I'd think a good tip for phones would be to transfer your home line to a cellular line for a short term.

The mention of Red Cross aid and how victims can request assistance struck a chord. My mom, Jackie Miller, happens to work for the Henry County (Ohio) Chapter of the American Red Cross, and was able to describe the basics of applying for Red Cross disaster aid money:

1) All Red Cross shelters and chapter offices, as well as most local, state and federal Emergency Management Agency shelters and offices should have Red Cross representatives on hand to help fill out applications for monetary aid. Those just now going to shelters will most likely be registered through a Red Cross Family Services interview, at which one can apply for aid. There will probably be some waiting involved, as the numbers are so overwhelming. I am working on a comprehensive list of locations and phone numbers in and around the affected area so those who are staying in hotels, with family, etc. can find a nearby office to apply for the aid. They will be posted at Along the Tracks. Stay tuned ....

2) The process will go more smoothly the more information the applicant can supply - forms of identification, household and family details, specific needs, etc. Obviously, many who have lost practically everything will have no way of providing any "documentation" - the Red Cross is experienced at dealing with such problems (if not on this large a scale) and CAN and WILL still help with emergency needs. Take a personal or family inventory, figure out what you have and what you do not have but truly need in the short term - clothing, shoes, medications, eyeglasses, etc. Write these items down and when you get a chance to speak with a Red Cross representative to apply for disaster aid, present the list. This will expedite the process.

A couple of things to keep in mind: The Red Cross supplies emergency aid; longer term financial needs may require other avenues of assistance. However, if you have an urgent need for help, please do talk to the representatives. They will either help you or guide you to those who may help.

Please be patient. The volunteers (mostly) who will be working with victims have the desire to help everyone, but the shere volume will make progress slow. Also, many Red Cross volunteers from "up North" like my area who are heading "down South" will not be immediately familiar with local procedures, geography and especially dialects. Let me apologize for these shortcomings up front. Still, I know some of the people preparing to leave for three-week missions and the reason they are doing so is to assist - they will be giving their all.

America always is strongest when Americans work together. Through the tragedy and tears, I'm sure the response to Hurricane Katrina will demonstrate the national character once again.

Also, folks you can call your local utility company and GENTLY remind them of the PR benefits of sending or at least allowing, thier crews to head to the Gulf coast.
I work for a large electric and gas company, and we are sending crews from Chicago and Philadelphia PA south, but we are expecting bad weather in Philly so cannot release as many crews as we'd like.
The sooner water, gas and electric are under control, the better, since everyone else can work faster and safer.

I just made a donation to the Red Cross on line and was advised that MBNA still charges 3 per cent for "handling". That is outrageous and any Bank that profits from any charitable donations should be boycotted.

Hopefully the following will be of help to someone:

Family and Friend Information
- 5:20 pm CDT
Posted by C. McNeill - WAVE 3 - Louisville, KY
We literally have hundreds of emails pouring into us asking for news of specific areas and specific family and friends. While this is tough task considering the current communication out of the Biloxi/Gulfport area, we hope to provide better information tomorrow. We have additional news crews and satellite phones in route to WLOX. They are due to arrive some time later tonight.

WLOX managers suggest the best way to find news of friends and family is through HAM radio operators. There is a HAM radio operator stationed at WLOX; call sign is WX5AAA.

You can find HAM radio operators in your local area by using The National Association of Amateur Radio website. Click Here ( http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubsearch.phtml ) to go to the search page.

We thank you for your patience.

The above was found at:
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=3782622
on 08/31/05 at 11:30AM PDT (you might need to scroll down if accessing much later)

I pray God provides what you need.

I went to FEMA's site, and ran through a PDF looking for nuggets which I posted, as well as some other hopefully helpful information in a number of different posts.

Just go to Tales of Tadeusz and scroll down.

Some is repeats of info on bigger blogs.

I tried to answer these two questions off Wizbang's list...

Somebody read their site {FEMA} and distill it for those of us who don't have time for red tape.
Flood insurance? I know the feds handle it. Who do I need to talk to? What do they pay?

I'll try to get some more stuff up for tommorrow at least, and perhaps tonight as well. Fare well.

The Salvation Army's Team Emergency Radio Network has been activated to help family members or friends locate and get information on family members who may have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

The SATERN request form is available by visiting http://qso.com/satern/emailfrm.htm .

Family members fill out a form and the network goes to work to try and get information on the family or friend's condition.

The above was found at:
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=3782912&nav=6DJHduh7
on 08/31/05 at 12:00AM PDT

A search for the term "satern" did not return any hits; I hope it's not duplicating info already known.

Visit http://www.nola.com/newslogs/hurricanehelp/

for info...they have help numbers for insurance carriers, fema instructions, missing person threads, what to do about power, etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay safe, Paul. We're praying for you guys down here in Florida.

FYI: www.nola.com had some good local information and some good practical information for getting in touch with FEMA and other agencies.

Hope that helps some.

I understand your frustration, as do many other bloggers. We feel it also. We are with you in spirit, and that is as much as many can do. Giving money, posting useful info, relaying traffic by way of Ham radio are all great; but in the grand scheme of this tragedy, the frustration is overwhelming.

Frustration grows, borne out of the constant attacks upon our country by our allies and countrymen.

Enduring the stabbing pain of watching helplessly as our fellow countrymen die. The heartbreaking reality sets in and anger rises like lava in a volcano. Frustration grows.

Relentlessly unabated the left wing attack dogs search for any ‘straw man’ to latch onto; so they can zealously club (metaphorically) those they hate. Refusing for one moment to actually care about something other than their selfish interests, they attack with the help of the MSM. Anger and resentment build.

Droning on, the talking heads with their inane and useless chatter driving ‘the story’ with their egos instead of news; leaves people unsated. Assaulting the viewer with their stupidity and the visuals of death and destruction, they present no hope nor do they give us any real news. Feelings of helplessness grow.

Awash in feelings of weakness, racked with guilt due to the inability to do anything other make token gestures; the anger boils over and drives posts that may have been better left to other times.

Desperately looking to ‘do something’ and relieve the pain, we sometimes make wrongheaded decisions. Posting in volcanic fashion, the words flow from anger and not from thought.

Are there some idiotic posts? yes. Do some on the left look like the usual collection of idiots? yes. Could some refocus to areas that are more useful? yes. Are there some politicizing this? yes. Are some just running their usual talking points without regard to the hurt they are causing? yes. Are some doing all they can? yes.

Driven not by hatred, but by Love; we search for ways to help. Sometimes we get angry, but anger is not our raison d'être. Don’t let a few days of posts destroy what good we have done, or will do.

Sending hope and love, for that's all I have that does not run out.

After reading Paul's post, I convinced the think tank I work for to take up the small challenge of collecting glasses and disposable contact lenses. (The info on the collection drive can be found here.)

If you'd like to mail us your used eyewear, please send it to:

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
Attn: Katrina Relief
2065 Half Day Road
Bannockburn, IL 60015

From the FEMA site:

Individuals in declared counties can register for disaster assistance with FEMA:

Register online on the FEMA Web site, www.fema.gov
Register via telephone toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Register using TTY 800-462-7585

I too, as many others, feel helpless to help, the bit of money seems so little; I stood in the shower and cried at my futility in the face of so much pain. Only one thing I can do to assuage this powerlessness of one poor human being, the me; it's nothing, but it's all I have left, and I will give it till I'm dead, kindness, a smile, a shared laugh, an offer to help others whom I might on a daily basis, this is the only currency I have. Bless all of you who do so much more.

I've tried to answer the FEMA question with some distilled information here.

Sort of like what Radioblogger and HH did with the Roberts' docs, I am hoping that individuals will share their expertise and their research skills by taking one of the questions and running the information down. Hope this helps a little.

I have worked as a Red Cross Volunteer in floods in the Midwest and have family who received FEMA funds after two earthquakes in CA.

I hope these comments can answer your questions:

1. RED CROSS aid. Call the Red Cross Help Lines and they will give you the number and location of the shelter in your area. If there hasn't been a shelter set up, ask them where the closest shelter is located.

When you enter, the shelter will ask for basic personal information and details surrounding your evaluation.

The shelter will have cots and food, as a minimum. The shelters are organized nationally through the regional and local Red Cross offices. SOME groups will put you up in a hotel, give you a basic 25-50 clothing allowance and allow you food money. Other shelters will give you a cot, blanket and have food at the shelter. They will arrange for showers and personal cleaning kits. The shelters are usually set up in schools, churches or community buildings that offer their services. In order to qualify for clothing and housing allowances, a special Red Cross volunteer will need to interview you. Amounts of money given will vary, depening on the circumstances.

2. The Salvation Army is the most responsive, in my view, emergency group. They will provide shelter, food and money assistance. They move faster than the Red Cross and the assistance is usually more comprehensive. They do not missionize or push their religion on people at the shelters. Call the national Salvation Army line to ask where their shelters are located.

3. This is a huge project for FEMA. They have funds but they must come out to your home to evaluate the damage. Usually, they can write reports up within a week, but this looks to be a job that will take six months to a year. If you can, (I do not mean to be cruel...I don't know where you are, so I want to assist however I can) take photos of the damage. If you are flooded or if you are unable to take photos now, DO NOT attempt to return. There are photos of your home on national security networks. They can look at your address from space photos to see the details of your home. The FEMA worker will appraise damage and you will need to do repairs which FEMA will reimburse you for. They do not just pay money, unless your home has been declared a total loss and you have been forbidden from rebuilding. You will then be paid market value before the storm. This process will take some time to do. Expect your reimbursement to take at least a year.

I will look up the emergency numbers and post them here.

My thoughts are with those in need!

I notice that even many of those who post compassionate comments can't help taking swipes at the left, all the while accusing the left of being critical. I'm not going to go back and forth on this, but one post did jump out at me:

"As a proud Republican do you notice that all the looters have one thing in common - as a result of this I bet they are Dumbacrats."

If I'm misinterpreting this I apologize, but this appears to be a blatantly racist post. I would hope this kind of sentiment would be disavowed by those on this board who keep complaining about how the "left" is politicizing this disaster. Look at the number of black faces among the poorest and most desperate victims of this disaster. Is it really necessary to pile on these poor people? And no, I'm not forgiving the looters, but when you have so many black people suffering from this, it's only logical that you'll see black people looting, as well. And I have seen white people among the looters, BTW.

For disaster assistance: Call FEMA 1-800-462-9029, for the hearing impaired 1-800-462-7585
To volunteer or make donations: Call FEMA 1-800-801-8092

The Social Security Administration provides benefits for retirement, disability, families, survivors and bereavement. For more information contact:

* Your local Social Security office
* The Social Security's toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
* Social Security online at www.ssa.gov

My office is collecting for the Red Cross. We discovered that Lowes (large hardware chain) will match donations dollar for dollar. I'm not "plugging" Lowes especially, I'm sure there are others. But it's a way to leverage your money.

There's another area that tugs at my heart. The area hit tends to have a high proportion of servicemen. There must be hundreds of guys in Iraq (or other areas) serving our country that do not know what has happened to loved ones. Some may know, but are now helpless to aid their families.

Is there any way to assist there?

We've trackbacked to you, and since we have staff experienced with ARC's National Disaster Recovery Team (and more shortly), we've added a post to our blog describing what happens with the ARC and FEMA linking back to yours.

Hope this helps anyone who needs it!

The i66 News Blog Team

I hope the police get hold of looted guns so they don't do further harm.
It's irresponsible of these gun retailers prior to this forcasted hurricane not to secure these weapons in a responsible fashion. Anyone who reads history or news knows looters always come when tragedies occur enabling them to.
AK-47s and I'm sure many other horrible weapons out on the street, how sick.

Paul, once you get registered with FEMA, you will be surprised at how efficiently run that agency is. It will take a while to get through to them by phone, but keep trying. The important thing is to get registered early. During my experience, I kept hitting redial until I got a call through. It took about 30 minutes. The interview takes about 20 minutes, and they will assign you a number. Keep that number with you at all times - you'll need it. They will send someone to interview you at your damaged residence - but in your case, they may make other arrangements. Once you get registered, FEMA will pay for your hotel and living expenses. It's on a reimbursement basis, of course, but you'll be surprised at how quickly they reimburse you once you send in the form with your receipts. They have some really sharp employees. I expected the typical lazy, ignorant government worker I had become accustomed to encountering when dealing with government agencies. I dealt with a couple of dozen people at FEMA, and to the last one they were intelligent, helpful, sympathetic, knowledgeable, and mind-blowingly efficient. They know their stuff, and they're good at it.

I agree with Assistance Help's post about the Red Cross vs. the Salvation Army. After our flood, it was the Salvation Army who was in the neighborhoods day after day, delivering coffee, water, food, and Clorox. The Red Cross was nowhere to be found, but they sure were on television a lot proclaiming to be giving lots of assistance, including mattresses (and asking for donations, of course). When we finally did locate a Red Cross rep a couple of weeks later and asked for a mattress (we had been sleeping on concrete floors), the Red Cross denied that they were giving out mattresses. The Red Cross took in $40 million for the flood victims (our devastation pales in comparison to yours), but not a single one of us could find anyone the Red Cross actually helped. In fact, many times when we would find a Red Cross worker and ask for assistance, they would reply, "Oh, we don't do that - you'll have to call the 800 number or find the rep in your area." Yeah, right.

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army was quietly helping everyone. No television advertising, no public interviews, just helping. Clothing, food, shelter, glasses - if you need something, they'll get it for you. Call them.

Try not to worry about bills right now. The phone company will probably reduce your monthly bill if you have service. Our cable company eliminated all charges starting with the day of the flood. Others worked the same way. They'll ask for your FEMA number as proof that you were one of the victims. So, again, keep that number with you at all times.

Good luck, and be strong. The coming months are going to be frustrating and difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Think of the simple things- Thousands of people lost their glasses. Somebody set up a website where they can coordinate donations of (known) prescription glasses from people who no longer need them.

Actually, there is a group collecting used eyeglasses and (new) disposable contact lenses: The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. I read about it at Joe Carter's The Evangelical Outpost.

There's another area that tugs at my heart. The area hit tends to have a high proportion of servicemen. There must be hundreds of guys in Iraq (or other areas) serving our country that do not know what has happened to loved ones. Some may know, but are now helpless to aid their families.

Is there any way to assist there?

Yes there is Bill!

Souldier's Angels has set up a site for donation to help families in the Gulf area of servicemen who are overseas. Many of the Louisiana National Guard are due to be coming home in a few weeks. The quesion is...do they have anything to come hom to? Here's the link-

http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/Operation_Katrina_Soldiers_Relief_Fund.php

Dear Paul,

If you need work for that hammer, I have a job and a place for you. No kidding. DSL and your own Mac too. No snakes, though.

Wishing you better luck, Fred

Let's all do the job. Stay focused and use our genius to coordinate the effort. The internet is here and let it do its thing.
History will record this disaster by our unity, not by our negativism.
"Ask not what your country can do for you; Ask what you can do for your country."
John F. Kennedy

One addition to my post:
Get the Congress back in session tomorrow by noon. Get the topic to be Hurricane Katrina Relief. Get the world to focus on us and help. Stay focused like a surgeon. And pray like we needed it because we do.

Paul - there are a lot of people that want to make donations of material things to the hurricane victims but not only are we having a hard time getting through the monetary-donations only agencies, we are unsure of how/when/where to send items. You have enough to deal with and I'm computer stupid and blog ignorant but any information that would help get some relief through to the victims would be greatly appreciated. nemsde@aol.com. Thank you.

I have a RANT as a military Veteran.

I'm looking for someone to post up my thoughts. Please excuse me as I've been having a hard time over the past few days. I blew my lid today after watching the events that have taken place.

I was in the United States Air Force up until last May. I will tell you know that I was involved in Aerial Delivery with Air Force Special Operations. I can tell you all the ways
in which this administration has completely failed
our country.

We have American's rotting in the sun while I will give you clear proof we did not use and STILL have YET TO USE OUR FULL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN THIS HORRIBLE TIME.
BUSH DID NOT EVEN CALL UPON ACTIVE DUTY YET WE HAD THE RESOURCES, THE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONS ONLY TWO STATES AWAY!!!!!
HE STILL HAS YET TO CALL ON THEM!!!! THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG GOING ON HERE NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE.

I worked in a field where "simulated" humanitarian efforts are what we wasted tax payers money on, playing
war games, "simulating" the types of drops that
we have the full capability to be using effectively AT THIS VERY MOMENT, if not IMMEDIATELY after THEY knew the wide spread
destruction on the Gulf Coast

Right now I am only a disgusted Veteran but I am also a disgusted American watching my fellow American's die while I know exactly what types of resources we have for situations like this sitting not two states away at an active duty base. YET OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF AND AMERICAN PRESIDENT NEVER GAVE THEM THE WORD TO STEP IN?
HE NEVER CALLED FOR ACTIVE DUTY WHO HAVE CAREER FIELDS SETUP FOR ISSUES SO SPECIFIC TO THIS??

Please give me a forum so that people will listen to what I have to say.

I need people to listen to this, it was an area I worked in and am familiar with. I hold no loyalties to this administration, they have failed us time and time again. I served during this war time and I am fed up beyond belief. This is my final breaking point, the pain I feel for these people is so great yet I feel like I'm watching them starve knowing full well the capabilities we have to have saved so many thousands of people right from the start. Yet our President and Rumsfeld never called upon them and just let all the resources we need sit two states away.

Please give me an outlet to express what I need to say to the American public. I will give specifics about how we are not handling this properly and tell you exactly how Bush and Rumsfeld purposely did not call out to Active Duty military to help those who dying in front of us now.

I AM HORRIFIED THERE ARE NO WORDS BUT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO POST SOME THINGS I SAID EARLIER ON ANOTHER FORUM, PLEASE HEAR ME AND POST WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.I have a RANT as a military Veteran.

I'm looking for someone to post up my thoughts. Please excuse me as I've been having a hard time over the past few days. I blew my lid today after watching the events that have taken place.

I was in the United States Air Force up until last May. I will tell you know that I was involved in Aerial Delivery with Air Force Special Operations. I can tell you all the ways
in which this administration has completely failed
our country.

We have American's rotting in the sun while I will give you clear proof we did not use and STILL have YET TO USE OUR FULL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN THIS HORRIBLE TIME.
BUSH DID NOT EVEN CALL UPON ACTIVE DUTY YET WE HAD THE RESOURCES, THE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONS ONLY TWO STATES AWAY!!!!!
HE STILL HAS YET TO CALL ON THEM!!!! THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG GOING ON HERE NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE.

I worked in a field where "simulated" humanitarian efforts are what we wasted tax payers money on, playing
war games, "simulating" the types of drops that
we have the full capability to be using effectively AT THIS VERY MOMENT, if not IMMEDIATELY after THEY knew the wide spread
destruction on the Gulf Coast

Right now I am only a disgusted Veteran but I am also a disgusted American watching my fellow American's die while I know exactly what types of resources we have for situations like this sitting not two states away at an active duty base. YET OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF AND AMERICAN PRESIDENT NEVER GAVE THEM THE WORD TO STEP IN?
HE NEVER CALLED FOR ACTIVE DUTY WHO HAVE CAREER FIELDS SETUP FOR ISSUES SO SPECIFIC TO THIS??

Please give me a forum so that people will listen to what I have to say.

I need people to listen to this, it was an area I worked in and am familiar with. I hold no loyalties to this administration, they have failed us time and time again. I served during this war time and I am fed up beyond belief. This is my final breaking point, the pain I feel for these people is so great yet I feel like I'm watching them starve knowing full well the capabilities we have to have saved so many thousands of people right from the start. Yet our President and Rumsfeld never called upon them and just let all the resources we need sit two states away.

Please give me an outlet to express what I need to say to the American public. I will give specifics about how we are not handling this properly and tell you exactly how Bush and Rumsfeld purposely did not call out to Active Duty military to help those who dying in front of us now.

I AM HORRIFIED THERE ARE NO WORDS BUT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO POST SOME THINGS I SAID EARLIER ON ANOTHER FORUM, PLEASE HEAR ME AND POST WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.

I'm so sorry I double posted it was an accident.

PLEASE GIVE ME A FORUM TO SAY WHAT I NEED TO SAY

of all the superb coverage of this terrible
heartbreaking tradgedy, only CNN DECIDED to make their usual left slant coverage by critisizing
all efforts by the republican govenor and the
federal government(Bush) in the huge recovery and rescue effort ongoing. they even continued to
interupt the govenor during a interview 9/1/05.

Paul,
I compiled a list for my best friend from NO, of 20 DRO's - Disaster Recovery Organizations - that you might avail yourself as well. I'm not done with the list but there it has the who, how, where, and about, covered for almost each organization.

I hope this helps a bit. I'll add more as time permits, I'm currently in DC helping my firm relocate affected employees (including my best friend).

I've been where you are, I empathize completely, my prayers are with you.

It is irresponsible to not discuss the long term viability of the city of New Orleans. Here are some salient facts.
1) 30% of the Mississippi flow is diverting to the Gulf of Mexico via the Atchafalaya River.
2) This a geological process known as "delta shifting" and cannot be stopped, only delayed.
3) To delay this diversion the Army Corps of Engineers has spent millions to build control structures at the confluence of the Mississippi,Red, and Atchafalaya Rivers north of New Orleans but, by federal law 30% of the Mississippi bypasses New Orleans.
4) This diversion causes a 30% loss of the silt that is necessary to maintain the delta and wet lands south of New Orleans because without this silt the delta sinks.
5) As the delta is lost, the rate at which the city sinks will increase and eventually New Orleans will be much lower than sea level and have no buffer against the sea.

An honest assessment of this situation without sentiment and political posturing is required.
We already have created an endless "money pit" with slight possibility of long term success.

Bruce Thomas
Arlington Heights, Il
Ref. http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/oldriver.htm

I was just thinking to myself about Bush being a "man of God", is he thinking that Katrina is payback from God for "shock and awe"-ing Baghdad? Just think, Iraq was probably the same as New Orleans when we bombed it right?

Bruce, can you not read? It is "irresponsible" to be wasting time and bandwidth on bullshit questions like the long term viablility of New Orleans while people are still dying in its streets!

The time for that discussion is 6 months away. Right now, it's time to get off your ass and do something positive for the survival of those people.

You are exactly the type of person Paul is complaining about in this post.

Another Paul

Feel free to compile your own list but you might like to know that it has already been done. :) Many communities have a directory listing of that information (nonprofit human services contact info and what they do). It's called Information and Referral and they answer questions, and link people with social services at no charge. It's totally free, and it is basically the very same information you are referring to, like who do you call for help in a disaster, in a crisis, or just needing info about any social service and the agencies who provide them. It's completely free. In Texas (the first large state to fully implement) and many other states and major metropolitan areas, you can call one number 2-1-1 and get hooked up. Congress has designated this as the national number for social services. Here's where it has been implemented thus far:
http://www.211.org/status.html

Speaking of Iraq -

Iraqi Soldiers Send Donation for Katrina Victims

These are the people some people want to abandon to the terrorists. Its always amazing that people who have little to give, give their all. I am stunned into silence.

MERCY AND COMFORT,THOU WHO HAS PITY UPON ALL MEN,MAKE ME FEEL THY PRESENCE EVEN AS I PRAY. AND O HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO COME TO THE SHELTER OF THY LOVE IN PRAYER,DEAR FATHER FOR I DO NOT NEED TO TELL THEE HOW SAD AND LONELY I HAVE BEEN, FOR I AM SURE THOU MUST KNOW IT ALL. YET EVEN IN MY MISERY,DEAR FATHER, I HAVE KNOWN THAT MY COMFORT AND CHEER WOULD BE TO CONIFIED IN THEE THROUGH PRAYER. I THANK THEE FOR THE PRIVILIGE,DEAR FATHER,AND I AM ONLY SORRY THAT I HAVE SO OFTEN NEGLECTED TO TAKE ADVANGE OF IT. PLEASE,LOVING FATHER,HELP ME TO OVERCOME MY SORROW AND SADNESS.HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT ONLY IN THEE IS TRUE HAPPINESS TO BE FOUND. STRENGTHEN MY FAITH,DEAR FATHER, SO THAT I MAY REJOYICE IN YOUR LOVE. TEACH ME THAT SORROW IS ONLY FOR A MINUTE BUT THY JOY IS FOREVER. TEACH ME TO TURN TO THE COMFORT ODF DAILY TASKS THAT TIME MAY HEAL MY TROUBLES. HELP ME TO SHARES THE SADNESS OF OTHERS THAT MY OWN SADNESS MAY BE SHARED AND LIGHTENED. EVEN THIS LITTLE PRAYER HAS MADE ME MORE CHEERFUL,DEAR FATHER.I FEEL I HAVE COME CLOSER TO THEE THAN I HAVE IN SUCH A LONG TIME-AND FOR THE FRIST TIME I TRULY BEGIN TO SEE A LITTLE OF THE LIGHT OF HAPPINES ONCE MORE AMEN