RENEWED FAITH IN HUMANITY
Posted: Wednesday, September 28 at 02:15 pm CT by Bob Sullivan
Swamp boat driver Carlos Robicheaux didn't lose his home in Hurricane Rita. But 48 hours after landfall, he spent an entire day shuttling people out and back to Cameron, where Rita's wrath was worst. 
There were some signs of normalcy in the midst of the chaos that engulfed southwest Louisiana. On Monday, just a stone’s throw from flooded out homes south of sweet lake, a tugboat – ironically enough the St. Andrew, based out of the Port of New Orleans – pushes barges down the Intercoastal Waterway. (Bob Sullivan / MSNBC.com)
He felt a need to see things for himself. It's a spirit I'd wish for anyone. After Sept. 11, I felt a compulsive urge to visit Ground Zero as soon as possible, knowing TV cameras could never do justice to the scene. It was true; the destruction is so much more vast in person, so much more chilling, and well, so much more real.
In some ways, it’s even more true of the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, where the destruction spans hundreds of miles. We've tried to bring the pictures, tales, and stories to you. But those are tiny windows into this vast cataclysm. No one can really tell you how it feels to see household appliances and furniture floating for as far as the eye can see. How tilted the world looks when every tree left standing is pointing hard to the left or right. What the smell of death does to your thoughts, and to your heart. If there's any chance to do so without adding to the problems of the people in the area, I'd urge everyone who can to see the hurricane zone for themselves.
Just as it is good for the heart to see the world's most beautiful places, I think it is good for the soul to see what an angry Mother Nature can do, and how fragile our world really is. It is heavy, it is heartbreaking. But it is real. This way, you will know exactly why you're writing those checks to the Red Cross and other organizations.
And if you are in a position to go down there and help, my message stands doubled. There is much grace to be won by actually touching, seeing, and smelling what's down there and hugging the people for yourself. I think you’d be surprised at how inspiring the place is. Huey Mhire's stoic nobility in facing his destroyed home can only leave you with a "How can I complain about my life?" lesson. The miracle of Bill Harris, who was saved from drowning by his cat, is enough to save even the heaviest heart from despair. Tales like those are not a novelty on the Gulf Coast; they are the norm. As my colleague Brian Williams said, everyone here is a story. In the elevator, in the airport, at the gas station, the stories are everywhere. And many stories, I've found, are redeeming.
Being there changed me, like it will change everyone. I have an uneasy sense right now as I look at the forests of tall pine trees at home near Seattle. They all look like weapons to me, I've seen so many trees lying atop crushed homes. And, like Andrew, I suspect I will never let my gas tank go below 1/2 empty again.
But if you go, you will be taken care of. The incessant offers we received of food, water, shelter, even a gun if we needed it, speak to the incredible outpouring of caring and generosity to be found there. Why is it that people who have the least give the most? Andrew told me his two trips to the region actually renewed his faith in humanity.
As we leave, I'm sorry there are so many questions left -- questions I hope we can answer by both traditional reporting and blogging as we go forward. The most important: Why did people die in Katrina and its aftermath? Because the help was late, because the politics were jealous, because the gas ran dry, or because people wouldn't leave their pets at home, afraid they’d be turned away? A full accounting is required, that's the only way to ensure real change.
But there are other questions. Is it FEMA's job to provide gas to evacuating masses? Why are small towns begging for gas and diesel when the president's motorcade can drop in from the sky? Are we willing to invest in America's infrastructure -- better levees, reinforced bridges, and even mass transportation for cities around the country -- to prepare for the next Katrina before it happens?
Or, a few months from now, will we descend into political backbiting, tune back into Reality TV shows, and forget all about the reality facing the Huey Mhires of the region. That would not only be a tragedy for them; it would be a tragedy for us -- for our humanity, and ultimately for our own safety. Because the only guarantee that can be made today is that another Katrina will certainly come. Will we be ready?
POST 100: BLOG'S END OF THE ROAD
TRACKBACKS
I read a very disturbing blog entry today from an American living in Italy. Apparently in Europe they are looking at both these disasters here as a Black/White issue. That reminded me of what my grandfather used to say about families. Nobody knows what's going on inside someone's home. Just because you hear confusion going on inside doesn't mean they don't love one another. When you are on the outside looking in it's best to keep your mouth shut and observe. These disasters happened to OUR families. It's best that we come together and become better people because of this and prove all these naysayers wrong!
Theresa Mack, Germantown, MD (Sent Sep 28, 2005 2:24:46 PM)
"....tune into Reality shows." Indeed, we need to seriously reconsider what constitutes reality. In my staunch opinion, those television programs eluding to reality are nothing more than cheap, voyeuristic entertainment. Reality is outside your own door, folks. Try opening it and checking out what's out there. Better yet, go introduce yourself to your neighbor. You never know when you might need their help or they might need yours. It's a small world and a short life - open your eyes and hearts and witness it all. You'll not regret it.
Vicki Moyer, Frankfort, Indiana (Sent Sep 28, 2005 2:28:30 PM)
"RENEWED FAITH IN HAMANITY" SHOWS THE BETTER PART OF SOME OF OUR CITIZENS.
THE STORY LINE THAT PRECEEDS IT "CLINIC OFFERS FREE ABORTIONS" SHOWS THE HORRIED SIDE OF OUR SOCIETY.
GREG GUT CLEVELAND,OHIO (Sent Sep 28, 2005 2:41:26 PM)
I agree that these natural disasters have brought about the "best and the worst" in humanity.
I am, however, discouraged with the blame game that is going on. The media crucified the President for his lack of response to Katrina but now because he visits Rita ravaged areas three times he's given grief because he's wasting fuel.
I am by no means saying that the government and the President does not need to share in the responsibility for the tragic failure to assist those poor people in need but I am asking... Can the President win in this situation? Is he doomed if he does, doomed if he doesn't?
Where does the government's responsibility begin and end? These are questions that need to be asked now, and we if don't like the answer- work to change the laws. Don't expect the Federal Government to take care of everything- my 7th grade Civics class taught me that the citizens are the government. If you don't like the way it works change it.
I would like to believe that my government will do everything within it's power to protect those affected and help return their life to normal as soon as possible, but I don't hold them entirely responsible for that task. It is individuals and communities responsibility to reach out to each other during this period and help. We've seen this happening so much through the Red Cross, Church Organizations and even individuals who are taking it upon themselves to do what they can to help.
And on the subject of gas prices...if you don't like them...don't pay. Carpool, walk, ride your bike, (god know we all can use the exercise) only use your vehicle when you must. Sell your gas guzzler and buy a more fuel efficient automobile. Make oil companies compete for your business. Don't forget, consumers, not suppliers set prices.
Renee (Sent Sep 28, 2005 2:42:56 PM)
Faith in humanity?Not a chance.Faith that God delivers is more like it.It is God that motivates the heart of man to do what it normally wouldn't nessesarily be motivated to do, left to it own devices.I'm going to wait and see what happens 5 to 10 years from now before I get warm and fuzzy about results.It is refreshing to see people are being charitable again however....Thank God for those who are helping with a sincere heart to give unselfishly.Truely the world needs more kindness towards those in need.
Jennifer Paton,Anchorage,Alaska (Sent Sep 28, 2005 3:03:04 PM)
Thank you for your postings. I live in Mobile where our coastal and river communities also lost all they had, but as everyone else here, have friends and relatives living all along the coast. From August 29 I couldn't reach some of them, so as soon as power and internet came back here, I scoured your blog for references to their town or their neighborhoods, hoping by accident I would find their names and know they were okay. Thanks for writing the true stories of our people and their courage and for giving us all hope by sharing their spirit with us all.
teresa vance (Sent Sep 28, 2005 3:33:53 PM)
Bob, thank you so very much for this story, as well as the others you have written along with Andrew.
What a wonderful "real neighborly" man to do this for those folks. Again as we have said, it must be like entering a "Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits": A very bad dream from which no matter which way you roll over there the nightmare remains. Our prayers with all of the survivors, humans and their animal companions alike. Our tears of joy knowing the survivors have banded together in such a way as to help one another as an extended family, tears of sorrow for lives lost and our feeling of helplessness that we cannot be there physically to offer our hugs, our help in rebuilding and handing out supplies at shelters. All we can do is send supplies, pray, and grieve in our own way.
Also, this has built a more solid resolve in our home, with our neighbors and our families, to have an evacuation plan for one, emergency supplies and basic survival supplies for another (And this includes supplies for our pets) Hopefully EVERYONE with a pet such as a cat and/or dog SHOULD have some type of animal currier, cage, kennel that they have for transporting their pets to their vet, and especially in areas prone to such issues as flooding or for an evacuation.
Your words are so very true, "Is it FEMA's job to provide gas to evacuating masses? Why are small towns begging for gas and diesel when the president's motorcade can drop in from the sky? Are we willing to invest in America's infrastructure -- better levees, reinforced bridges, and even mass transportation for cities around the country -- to prepare for the next Katrina before it happens?
Or, a few months from now, will we descend into political backbiting, tune back into Reality TV shows, and forget all about the reality facing the Huey Mhires of the region. That would not only be a tragedy for them; it would be a tragedy for us -- for our humanity, and ultimately for our own safety. Because the only guarantee that can be made today is that another Katrina will certainly come. Will we be ready?" We cannot expect the government to cater to our every need, we as human beings need to PLAN for such emergencies ESPECIALLY in areas prone to flooding, tornadoes, etc. We know this ourselves as we live in San Diego California where an earthquake could strike at any moment. We have emergency supplies, water, canned food, food that is dehydrated that all you have to do is add water to (Yes we check the dates regularly so we are not with out of date food, supply of asthma medicine and other medicines (Yes we check the dates on these as well so the supply is not out of date). Please do not think for a minute that by saying such that we are not sensitive to the plight of those who have lost everything but their lives. We hope that for everyone that their neighbors worldwide will "Adopt-a-Family" in their own neighborhoods so that if catastophe stikes, or for when, people that are elderly, too young, too ill, physically and/or mentally challenged, no car and no money can be helped by their neighbors so they are not left behind to fend for themselves: that in essence they are adopted by the neighborhood as the entire neighborhood is like a big family. This was evidenced in those smaller towns where the smaller the town, even when there are those with nothing to spare would give the shirt off of their own backs to help a total stranger, where the last piece of bread would be shared, as the smaller town folk seemed to have the biggest hearts. They are an inspiration of how humanity can truly be if we all stop and think about what we have, what others have- and not compare but to share in such times. Thank you again for your reporting.
We love to help and we have already sent as much as we could finanically to both Red Cross and others such as Noah's Wish and other animal rescue agencies. We have also sent food, cat litter, shoes, socks, school supplies and some toys. We are planning our vacation and will help out then as this will be our vacation, helpibng those recover. I may help at the evacuation centers just to read to the children, as they are so precious and need to know that they are loved from near and far and in all of our prayers. We want them to have faith in humanity and to also give them a reason to hope for a better future for themselves with faith in humanity overall.
As for pets being rescued WITH their humans, here is a sight to sign a petition to help pass a bill that Congress will pass if enough people sign on...this site is:
For those of you concerned about pets/animals in future disasters (and there will be more), please go to the website below and sign the petition. If you can, include in the comment box that this bill needs to have some meat on it so it is not just "words" that can be by-passed when the need arises to save animals.
Wild Bill, my prayers are with you and your mom and Miss Kitty. I pray for your speedy recovery and reunion with Miss Kitty!
"A new bill has just been introduced to require federal evacuation plans to protect pets, and we need your signature on this petition to Congress today":
http://go.care2.com/e/gIA/bT/onkD
We can thank Carol of Birmingham Alabama for this posting of hers. Thank you Carol!
Thank you again for your reporting. To one and all, survivors, rescuers of both human and animal and caretakers thereof, you ALL our in our prayers. Godspeed to a good recovery and may the wind be always to your back and the sun shine upon you. Assalamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you).
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 28, 2005 3:34:15 PM)
I cried - Well said.
Dusty Durham, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Sep 28, 2005 3:34:37 PM)
Thank You for your reporting. I had two members of my family from Plaquemines Parish in Buras, LA who lost their homes in Katrina and three more from Cameron Parish in Holly Beach, LA who lost their homes in Rita. Your stories were some of the only news I could find of those remote areas. My family is close-knit and resourceful, so I know they'll be okay -- but even so your reporting humanized the area and encouraged my hope. To the people who write with great distress and concern about animals, I say get a grip. When all of your worldly possesions and your livelihood and your home is washed away by a natural disaster, animals take a back seat on the priority list -- which is as it should be.
Aaron Taliaferro, Falls Church, VA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 3:50:15 PM)
Having seen, first hand, the destruction that hurricanes can pack, my heart reaches out to those wounded (both physically and emotionally) by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I lived in Charleston, SC when Hurricane Hugo ravaged our town more than 15 years ago. But, my most vivid memories are not of fallen and twisted trees, not of the time without electricity, not of the loss of property. My memories are of those people who, despite their personal losses, rallied around those who required assistance. I remember those who offered helping hands to others long before thinking of their own need. I was inspired by the random acts of kindness. And, while, those same needs remain today, I hope that in six months we are not too reality show obsessed to forget that there is always need for random acts of kindness all around us.
Regina Simmons, West Liberty, WV (Sent Sep 28, 2005 4:03:45 PM)
It certainly would be a tragedy for people to get back to their busy lives and forget about those who will long still be suffering. I would love to see life SLOW DOWN, and for people to step back and take a look at the things(people) that matter most in life. But it seems like the rat race just gets more and more hectic. My questions are, why are we racing anyway? Is there a winner? What do we win? Are things really that much better due to "progress"? Is it worth it? Or are things just progressively getting worse? I fear for the future of my children and grandchildren. Have you ever thought that people talk about the "good old days" -as in THE PAST- because the present is NOT so good!? I pray that the people who can DO SOMETHING about it will acknowledge that there are many problems in America that need to be repaired before moving on full speed ahead. Wouldn't you take your car in to be repaired when the check engine light comes on - or would you just keep pushing the poor thing until you run it into the ground. It's time for a TUNE-UP!
L Brooks (Sent Sep 28, 2005 4:08:41 PM)
"But if you go, you will be taken care of. Why is it that people who have the least, give the most."
You have said it in a nutshell. Our humanity and survival depend on our ability to give of ourselves in whatever way we can: a hug, a tear, a donation of money, volunteering of time, a simple thank you.
All of you MSNBC Bloggers since Katrina/Rita (or Katrita as one person called it) have truly put faces on these tragic events. You have shown the everyday man and woman who have worked lifetimes to achieve a little worldly comfort and in a few hours, it is all gone. But to also see the resilience that still exists, the throwback to our adventurous and strong-willed ancestors...well, it just makes me proud to be a part of this great nation.
I'm tired of the blame game, tired of the rhetoric, tired of the "what-ifs". Our complete focus should be on getting these people back on their feet and then calmly deciding what can be done better or differently when disaster comes knocking again.
I thank you for taking your time (even though it is your "job" {smile}) to keep us informed in an objective manner on what is facing individuals, towns, cities and states as they begin to re-make their lives.
May you always be blessed with a full tank of gas!
Carol, Birmingham, AL (Sent Sep 28, 2005 4:42:57 PM)
I couldn't agree with you more. Politics got in the way of proactive risk mitigation - at every level.
I did go down there - had a vested interest as my Mom and Dad live in Gulfport. I grew up in the Katrina affected areas. I have personal ties, friends, and family from Mobile to New Orleans to Shreveport. Went to school with my wife at LSU. Her sororiety sisters, my friends, are from all over South Louisiana. My great-uncle, Peter, is from Buras, LA (He probably lost his house, everthing, but doesn't know for sure b/c he can't get down there to check). When I was 18, it was still legal to drink in LA, so I 'lived' over the weekends in Slidell and New Orleans. My future wife and I's first kiss was on a bar dance floor in the French Quarter... It goes on and on.
To see all the areas/people I knew and loved so devestated by this is heartbreaking. Then to watch my countries clueless leadership continuously repeat on TV that it was under control while my relatives are down there without federal help is mind-numbing.
I went down there to help for a week.
You are correct, the human spirit is amazing. People with nothing, helping others with even less. Doctor's running makeshift clinics at the local shelter's who'd lost their homes and belongings.
The main observation I made while I was down there was that it was the military units and regular people from all over the country down there helping (These were the same people being discouraged from venturing into the affected areas to help, b/c the government had it under control).
Red Cross was present, but from my point of view and many of the locals I spoke with, I honestly didn't see what they were bringing to the table...
A gentleman that is a member of a motorcycle club that I belong to, selflessly volunteered to come down to the coast with me to lend a hand in clean-up ~ A British Ex-pat - You know who you are, and we can't thank you enough for your help! I tagged along with him - he is an American Diabetes Association member/representative - and we went around to the makeshift clinics to distribute the diabetes test kits and supplies donated from the ADA office in Pensacola, FL (THX!) that he brought with him. hospital's and the makeshift clinics that we talked to had NO communications with FEMA up to that point, and we're talking day 5-6. There was only word of mouth communications between the doctors themselves, and this was sporadic at best. In this case, we were their source of information to some extent.
Lessons learned:
These are mostly the same lessons that have been learned in past disasters, but are they actually lessons if no mechanisms/controls are actually developed based on what was learned in previous failings?
Resiliant Low Powered Shortwave Emergency Communications bases MUST be installed around the country in potential disaster shelters, fire stations, police stations, and hospitals/clinics
Resiliant Low Powered Shortwave Emergency Communications bases MUST be installed around the country in potential disaster shelters, fire stations, police stations, and hospitals/clinics
FEMA's charter must be re-examined and may result in FEMA reorginization/realignment - prestaging of equipment and supplies needs to happen with every early warning type of event. IF FEMA CANNOT IMMEDIATELY/EFFECTIVELY DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS AND MAN-POWER TO WHERE IT IS NEEDED, IT MUST NOT HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO WITH-HOLD IT/CORRAL IT.
THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY ARE WILLING AND MORE CAPABLE OF HELPING, IN MOST CASES, THAN THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT MUST NOT IMPEDE THEIR ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS IN TIMES OF SEVERE CRISIS. This is aimed at FEMA and local authorities who 'stonewalled' citizens that were willing to use their own equipment (boats, trucks, ATVs) and skills to help rescue people from the affected areas. Yes it was dangerous in the affected areas, but these people cknew the dangers. (LA is called "The Sportsman's Paradise" - Native Louisianians grow up in the bayous with alligator's and snakes in their back yards) Those volunteers (Boaters volunteering for rescue duty in the first few days in New Orleans) actually had shallow draft boats that were more suited to flood conditions than the authorities equipment. They knew the risks. Make them sign a waiver if need be...
WE MUST HAVE LONG TERM PLANNING/DEVELOPMENT THAT IS MINDFULL OF THE LOCAL AND PLANETARY ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS - I'm not talking about 5-10 yrs out, ppl. I mean 50, 100, 1000 yrs, and applying actual SCIENTIFIC RIGOR and DATA to the decisions. These crazy people (scientists) that have lived in universities and have studied the environment for the last 20 years? LISTEN TO THEM. They study this stuff b/c they generally care. They aren't in 'it' to get rich, famous, and/or powerful...
I could write about what I saw and felt all day. Part of what I wrote was me venting, but the other is a message: LEARN FROM THIS. Encourage your representatives to take the long view and plan ahead. Americans are too short sighted when it comes growth, vulnerabilities, and our impact to the world at large (Environmentally and politically speaking).
Shawn Cartwright (Sent Sep 28, 2005 4:51:00 PM)
At times it seems like humanity is in a downward spiral. We cut each other off in traffic, have disposable relationships, bomb our neighbors, and in general, just treat each other horribly. In the wake of the tragedy of the last few weeks, the overwhelming response of people trying to help has given me renewed faith that there is something salvageable in our society.
I wish we didn’t have to have a nightmare in order for us to wake up and be human.
To all those who have helped in ways big and small, I’d like to say “Thanks”, my faith in humanity is returned.
Dawn (Sent Sep 28, 2005 4:54:53 PM)
Bob, you've given voice to all the questions I've had since Katrina hit last month. We saw it happen after 9/11: bipartisan unity; the country coming together to support one another. How long did that last? I don't remember exactly when that stopped and we slipped back to the way we were before. We can't afford to do that again!
Stephanie, Standish, ME (Sent Sep 28, 2005 5:21:51 PM)
These are moving words you have written, filled with the spirit of the Kingdom. May they be heard in the hearts of many and in the halls of power.
Bob Liddy (Sent Sep 28, 2005 6:14:03 PM)
Just as 9/11 forever changed the way I view an airplane and a skyscraper, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have forever changed the way I view water and wind. Our life is forever changing and we can never go back. We can only look towards the future through the lenses of the past.
We can only pray that the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas can rebuild their lives. It is an insurmountable task that I do not know if I would be up to.
Lisa, Hermiston, OR (Sent Sep 28, 2005 6:18:12 PM)
It is important to be reminded of the continued struggles the Hurricane victims face on a daily basis--even in obtaining just the basic life essentials such as food, water, and warmth. New Orleans' infrastructure should be completely reevaluated, especially the levees. Maybe let Old Miss runs its natural course? There is a danger in just shoring up what is there now and maintaining the status quo. I hope that won't be the case.
Jennifer (Sent Sep 28, 2005 6:24:27 PM)
Thank You! For your comments.
The first point I'm making is that, our nation as a global power is failing to properly educate ourselves on the mistakes of the past. The availaiblity of resources is taken for granted. There will always be those people in society that are incapible of helping themselves; that's the sad part. One of the hardest things to deal with are people with developmental disabilities. As a care provider i've experienced it personally.
The second point is that because of advertizing & marketing our nation has become materialistic. This is where a strong religious belief in a higher power is important. Because when we loose everything we can cast off our worries, finding comfort & hope. People need to realize the benifits of being organicly self suffient; and build on higher ground.
The bottom line is that these people chose to live below sea level. They were aware of the poor condition of the levees, and they chose to pursue livelyhoods there anyway. And if the economy is so bad there that people are impoverished, why didn't they get the heck out of there already?
As a former U.S. Coast Guardsman 4yrs & NAt'l Guardsman 10 yrs; I love my country, and the people of my country. I'm a Patriot, Sentinel, & Guardian, that has voluntarily endured hardship for those in need. Involved in Operations Dessert Storm & Fire Storm.
In closing I believe people relying on the government, and trusting that the government will take care of them are naive. But if that's how they think, then why haven't they taken the people's will to the government demanding reform. To redirect funding from pork barrel projects, & space exploration to providing services & opportunities for the econonically depressed.
We have the best intergallactic space travel vehical we could hope for called Earth. We should take care of it, and ourselves.
Andrew M. Goble (Sent Sep 28, 2005 7:00:46 PM)
Very moving. You are are right if you can visit and experience the damage you will be a changed individual. But if you visit as the leader of the free world you are wasting fuel. Another way to show the media leans left no matter what.
I pray that normalcy returns to the area as soon as possible and the donations reach the people that need it the most and the money doesn't get tied up in all the red tape.
Liz (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:26:25 PM)
Thank you Bob for posting this very important reply to the Blog here...We are so greatful to your stories as well as Andrews.
Sorry but we have to respond to the complete insensitive remarks made by one individual that has complete lack of understanding of the importance of how "pets" are to people, especially those with special needs...part of this non-animal lover-obviously-what they wrote: "to the people who write with great distress and concern about animals, I say get a grip. When all of your worldly possesions and your livelihood and your home is washed away by a natural disaster, animals take a back seat on the priority list -- which is as it should be."
???Hmm, very nice thing to say---NOT! People who have lost everything, and now you think their pets too! Come on and wake up and think about the emotional well-being of a child and their lost kitty or doggy. They have lost their room of stuff, their home, do not know how their friends are and now you expect them to just leave their pets behind? Sorry this is SO WRONG!
Well what about those who have no family living, or family but far away and the only "thing" as you may think that they do have that is living is their beloved pet, such as Miss Kitty and how she literally saved her Mr. Bill. There is an unseen bond that you miss out on, sorry if you had a bad experience as a child or were denied the love of a puppy or a kitty, but do not make such insensitive remarks about people and their "just animals" as these people and their "just animals" are family for them, and again some people and their "just animals" may have hearing impairments or are blind? Well? These “pets” are also essential to their well being.
What about a child, such as our son who suffers severe anxiety, Asberger’s Disorder and is VERY attached to the kitties? He does not care much for his television, nor his computer or anything for that matter, but just his kitties…ESPECIALLY if a natural disaster should occur. Sorry bud, but the fact remains that to MANY people these ”just animals” are essential to their emotional health. Losing everything and then just leaving what is left of many of these people’s lives behind, again sorry bud. Not right. Be a little sensitive with others who truly understand every aspect of “just pet” ownership as again, to so many these “just animals” are essential due to hearing, visual and other issues.
To everyone, the websight to sign your name for pet rescue/evacuation going through Congress is here:
"A new bill has just been introduced to require federal evacuation plans to protect pets, and we need your signature on this petition to Congress today":
http://go.care2.com/e/gIA/bT/onkD
We can thank Carol of Birmingham Alabama for this posting of hers. Thank you Carol!
Again Bob, thank you for posting this. I sure wish that people, if they have nothing nice to say will practice that Golden Rule and say nothing. I truly do hope you post this as somebody out there needs to realize that pets are truly essential for so many, especially the children and those with special needs. Thank you and to everyone, even the non-animal lover God Bless you and may you always have success in all of your endeavors. Assalamu Alaykum (means: peace be upon you).
The Harlow's, San Diego, California (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:31:04 PM)
There is a fundamental problem with government-funded social programs. Although I whole-heartedly believe that the government should have SOME social programs like welfare, unemployment, etc... but I believe these should function as a safety net to ensure people don't slip into the throes of utter poverty and homelessness. But really they should be a trampoline, bouncing people back into the workforce where they can earn their own living. (people who are truly physically and/or mentally incapable of working should be taken care of though).
Andrew M. Goble, Moses Lake, WA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 8:57:57 PM)
I know that many feel that it's time to move on to other news. But, those many do not have to live with the present. I just hope that real news continues to emerge. The average American's memory is very short. Please try to keep us informed. We MUST change the way we administer disaster aid. I for one would like to have a refund on any of my taxes that paid for FEMA. I've done some money contributions and will continue to do so, but to the charities I feel are doing a good job, this incudes pets.
Phyllis, Sacramento, CA (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:06:53 PM)
The following comment is copied from a forum and unfortunately, I don't know the author's name to give credit. We were so "together" after 9/11 but we have lost that. I feel bewildered many times over what our country has become - it is not possible for everyone to be right and for everyone's views and opinions and beliefs be catered to. But I do have faith that our lack of concern can be overcome. It's not about you, it's not about me - it's about us!
Anyway, here is the quote:
"Lately when I read this column, I'm not looking at who's wrong or right or whose view I agree with. When I read, I'm seeing a nation at war with itself, not on two fronts but on hundreds of fronts. We are shattered in our ideals, united on nothing. The unity we experienced after 9/11 was brief and forgotten. As a nation, we have no will, no resolve, only hatred for each other.
No one wants to admit it but at this very minute the United States, the greatest nation the world has ever known, is in real, imminent danger of collapse and the enemy is us. As a member of the Armed Forces, I am saddened to see that I have spent my life defending the nation against enemies foreign while we've made ourselves into enemies domestic and that our end may be nearer than anyone realizes."
Take care of yourselves and others.
Carol, Birmingham, AL (Sent Sep 28, 2005 10:44:32 PM)
The families in the disaster areas and the way they acted in the face of Rita and Katrina -- either with that kind of nobility that sets the comfort and safety of other human beings and animals before one's own on the one hand, or that kind of ill behavior that has them abandoning animals, old, poor and disabled people to the merciless elements and then turn to finger-pointing -- is but the microcosmos mirrored in the macrocosmos of the elected government. When we complain about the actions and inactions of our government, about its corruption and falacies -- then we must realize that such government exists and continues to exist by the will of the people. In fact such government is nothing but the EXACT MIRROR IMAGE OF THE SOCIETY AT LARGE, at whose will it exists. Hence, if we are disastified with the status quo, let us see the government as the image that is truly us and turn around to step onto the worthwhile path by which all society will change. Such path dictates that a wise person does not damage his or her environment and that kindness and consideration and goodwill towards all living creatures is the only true religion -- to be lived in every breath we take. Truly, our society, like our government, is but a reflection of our innermost selves. Let us follow diligently the example of Carlos Robicheaux and countless others: if you do something good, enjoy it, repeat it, allow it to become a way of life. Soon society as a whole will change, but it is up to each one of us to make a difference.
Vera (Sent Sep 28, 2005 11:25:09 PM)
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