Heartbreaking
September 2nd, 2005Katrina’s aftermath has struck our house silent with emotion. With every news report and today’s posting of a heartbreaking radio interview with New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, it just seems to get worse. I’ve been afaid to post anything for fear of backlash about not saying something earlier or to ask why we haven’t pledged monetary support. Let me say it here: we’ll be donating whatever we can to the aid of residents and the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast and other areas hit by Katrina. It will likely span several charities and organizations and span months.
It’s all we can do from here for now. There is a big part of me that wants to fire up the truck and head down there to volunteer, but that is not possible or realistic on so many levels. Perhaps if we lived closer. I so want to help, but have no clue what to do in the short term. There is such a sense of hopelessness. If ever there was time for a strong, courageous leader in the White House, it is now.
The Bush response to this horrible disaster has been pathetic up to this point. I hope that he can find it within himself to get out of his bubble of cronies and roll up his sleeves. He has the power to affect great change. I hate to say this, but if we weren’t in Iraq, would we have the military resources to have devoted more people more quickly here at home? I can’t help but think about this as I watch people struggle to survive.
I fear that the death toll from Katrina will eclipse that of any other tragedy in my lifetime. What a horror. Such a paralyzing sight to see so many without any place to go, except where they are told. That constant vision from the television is almost as tragic as the storm itself.
We have a long way to go in this country. Such a long way to go. o
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:26 pm
The idea that it’s hard to believe this is happening in America is an easy feeling for all of us to fall into, simply because so many of us don’t realize the kind of poverty that exists HERE, here in our own country. I was listening to the radio today and a caller decided to get all high and mighty - he blamed the people stuck there for not evacuating when they were told to. What he didn’t see is that poor people can’t just get in their cars and drive to safety - they don’t have a car, and no money to support themseleves on the road. The fact is, third world poverty exists here. HERE. The human tragedy we’re seeing is so extreme because the differences between rich and poor are so extreme, particularly in that region. You can be hard-working, employed, surviving, and also DIRT POOR, and it doesn’t even take a catastrophe THIS enormous to send poor people off the edge. There’s no soft shoulder, there’s no wiggle room. Those of us lucky enough to be born above the poverty line have no way to even imagine the realities of a life with no buffer. The fact is we’d rather imagine that that kind of life has been eradicated in this country, but all that’s been eradicated is our awareness of it.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Nice post. I differ with you on one point. When you state “I fear that the death toll from Katrina will eclipse that of any other tragedy in my lifetime.” I understand why you say that but I think its a little overstated. While this event is tragic, let me be perfectly clear here that I do think this is a very tragic event, there are other unfortunate events happening in other parts of the world that make this seem small. Places where a dictator uses chemical weapons on MILLIONS of his own people to quell a rebellion. Places where thousands die every year due to starvation. Places where different people can’t live together and wage war for years and years that cost lives.
Don’t get me wrong, I feel similar to you. I am very sorry for all those who are affected with this. I encourage everyone to do anything they can to help those people. I have made donations and will continue to do so. I just think that sometimes we are insulated to world events and need to remember that other people suffer too.
P.S. I dont quite share the anti Bush feelings as others here but I do hope that he acts strongly and brings what ever relief he can to these people.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:28 pm
Thanks to you and Heather for making a point to say that donating is the thing to do in this time of need.
I’m from New Orleans and safe now in Houston, but I know the need that the other refugees have. I’ve seen them entering the Astrodome, tired, dirty, and nearly dead. People are driving up to the Astrodome with food and supplies and are being turned away by police. The Red Cross is absolutely the best way right now to help.
The pictures are horrible and I think we can all agree that the looting is uncalled for in the worst way, but that is only a small part of the New Orleans popluation. Most of the people that were stuck in the city were not looters, they are simply citizens not able to leave their homes in times of disaster. These are the people that will receive aid from the Red Cross and benefit from your donations.
Please help in any way that you can, every penny is appreciated.
I love my hometown, and miss it very much. Right now I’m happy that I have a roof over my head, but more than anything want to return to my home. Let’s all hope that Mayor Ray Nagin gets the support he needs to get us all home.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:31 pm
baltimore city is sending two cargo planes filled with water and food to the gulf tomorrow afternoon, and city residents have been encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at city firehouses tonight and early tomorrow. so once my husband jamie gets home from work i’m running over to target (well driving over…in a city where gas today is suddenly $4.97 a gallon) to grab several 15-pack boxes of powerbars.
a small thing, those boxes of powerbars. but it is one thing i *can* do to not feel so fucking powerless and paralyzed by what’s going on only a few states away, so i’m doing it.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:34 pm
If you want a small, non-government way to help above and beyond the food and shelter issues check out:
http://tinyurl.com/9nc3b
One person on her own doing what she can. The post explains why she’s choosing this way to make a difference.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:40 pm
I agree with everything you’ve said. We’re in Southern California and feel so helpless watching the news. It’s hard not to ask the inevitable questions about why the National Guard weren’t on hand to help, why relief efforts have taken so long to get to these people.. I know that the hurricane itself couldn’t have been prevented but much of the loss of life due to starvation etc *could* have been. My husband works for Newscorp and they’re organising a drive for essential items as well as cash, so we’re putting together baby clothes, food, diapers and books.. As meager an offering as it is, it’s all we can do from so far away. We’re feeling horrifed, helpless and angry. Pretty much what you said. Thanks for your post.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:42 pm
like i said in my blog, it’s the pictures of the children, pets, and old people that really get me. it’s like a punch in the gut. i’m not saying that i don’t feel for the others, because man, i do. but it’s the truely helpless who just need water and some food and comfort that makes me cry for hours.
i, too, wish i could just go GO! and help, but i am in boston and i don’t own a car. i’ve donated to the humane society because i can’t stomach seeing all the pets (especially the pups) hungry and dying. they don’t have the voice to cry out for help, so i felt that i needed to give something to help them. i wish i could send all my clothes that i no longer use and food and water and blankets, too. i wish the president would have taken action sooner. i wish that he made me feel safe in my own country, but he doesn’t.
i wish for a lot these days.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:52 pm
Yes. Sick is essentially how I feel. And responsible. And heartbroken at the political polarization this has caused, and confusion as to why the government didn’t do more.
And pissed. Did I mention pissed? FURIOUS. At nothing and everything all at once.
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:53 pm
It hurts to the very bottom of my self to read stories of suffering, and it helps to heal my hurt when I read how people have helped one another. Not only in this disaster, but in any. Blondzila, I too am Canadian and it makes me proud that my government will pledge help, and it makes me happy to read your list of all of the other countries that have also pedged. It lets me know that we are a GLOBAL community and we can all help each other out. Politics aside, I have a beating heart like anyone else and I will help in everyway I can. I won’t hold a grudge, for percieved or not percieved injustices, and I hope others will too. I think that the internet and well written honest blogs like this and Dooce help to bring awareness of how we are a global community.
Thank you!
September 2nd, 2005 at 4:57 pm
Thank you for expressing so eloquently what many of us are feeling, thinking, and planning. I’m not able to express myself very well, especially when I feel so overwhelmed by the state of things. I just hope those suffering find relief and peace soon.
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:00 pm
Couple more thoughts. Elaine is so right about the extremes of poverty, third-world style, that exist in America that we all like to pretend doesn’t exist here…and, as far as looting walmarts for guns, well- if I were below the poverty line, in a lawless situation, with little protection from offical sources of help I might want a gun as well. My point was that the way this situation is being covered by the media is very, very skewed. And, quite possibly, racist. Almost like, well, look how ‘these people’ just get violent and go crazy, who can blame us for not rescuing them, it’s not our fault if we don’t evacuate hospitals and people die.
It’s hard for me to write that but I am suspicious indeed, especially considering the history of the region (which is also US history, I’m not trying to shirk the national blame here). After all, when NOLA flooded in the 1920s, poor black people were not only not rescued but actually *forced to remain in the city at gunpoint* and do the recovery work. No kidding. FORCED AT GUNPOINT by the white people in charge. Yeah, times have changed some, but still.
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:18 pm
I sat transfixed to the television just now for a good two hours, unable to tear myself away. What truly irks me is when I watched a 22 year old able bodied woman sit in a chair and complain about the lack of support and help. Obviously, this is a tragedy that I probably shouldn’t speak about because I myself have not lived through the absolute horror, but don’t sit there and whine about nothing getting done.
Maybe I am being harsh, but I feel our nation is rising to the occasion. Just by browsing blogs one can see all the donations being made.
That was a bit of a rant, but let it be known that I do understand what a tremendous trauma the people in the Gulf are facing, and they are in my prayers. I hope to God I never am faced with the same situation.
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:25 pm
I never thought I’d see myself defending this president, nor FEMA. I carry an unusual level of dislike for both. But I spent a lot of years as a State Flood Plain Administrator and Emergency Management Coordinator at State level. I can tell you this problem isn’t one with the Feds, not with the President. I truly can say I wish both were true.
I’ve been discussing this for several days on my blog. We’re in an absolute world of hurt, and we owe those Louisianans humanitarian aid the best we can give.
Too bad, but we can’t blame this president for what’s happening. We also can’t blame FEMA, nor the Corps of Engineers.
Jack
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:28 pm
thank you for saying what needed to be said … and not allowing spin to intrude on it. xoxo
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:30 pm
What disgusts me is the absolute chaos in New Orleans. People are looting, shooting; it is completely lawless. You would think in a time of tragedy people would bond togeter, like during 9/11. When I see people stealing televisions, I get livid. I can understand food or clothing, but a TELEVISION? What is the use? There is only one road out of New Orleans, and wouldn’t you think authorities would be slightly skeptical when you are leaving with ten TVs in the back of your car? The government needs to establish order. That is essentially its purpose anyway, is it not? I am also outraged that the police department took such little action against crime. It’s as if they took one look at the disaster, and bolted. Am I alone in my thoughts?
On the other hand, I believe that it is not a time to point fingers and assign blame. This is a natural disaster, and everyone is doing the best they can. Let’s instead do our part, however small, to help those affected.
September 2nd, 2005 at 5:32 pm
I too feel terribly for all the people who have been not only displaced, but also without even basic necessities for days. However, I do agree that the people who are the most responsible for the poor planning are the officials of the cities along the gulf coast. There has been plenty of warning as well as discussion in the media for years that New Orleans is incapable of surviving a direct hit from a major hurricane. Where was their disaster plan? Why were there not stockpiles of supplies in the Superdome ahead of imminent danger? Why no plan to help evacuate the indigent, physically infirm, and people who had no means to leave the city of their own accord?
And DON’T EVEN get me started on the people that had the means to evacuate the city and instead chose to “ride it out” for insignifigant reasons, then needed rescuing off of their roofs. (My husband’s coworker’s sister was one of those… she was afraid of looters getting into their nice house so they stayed and ended up needing rescuing.)
By the way, I lived in Mobile, Alabama for 5 years and went through multiple hurricanes while there- including a couple of Catagory 3s. My apartment was only a couple of miles from the flooding and shipyards, so I know the importance of evacuation when told. We have several friends who lost everything in MS during Katrina. So I do feel the same loss everyone has echoed here. However, I don’t think the entire blame should be placed on the Federal government for their response… proper preparation would have been so much better.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:25 pm
I have read the previous comments and have no idea if anyone will actually read this. Unlike the vast majority of you, I am here in the South. I am in Baton Rouge, a once relatively quiet city that overnight became the largest city in the state of Louisiana. My church has opened a shelter in our gym. I have spent the last three days listening to the heart-breaking stories of these people. This tragedy has happened in my backyard and there is so little that I can do. I held a woman’s hand today as she told me about sleeping on the Interstate and being rescued by a helicopter. She told me about shootings, dead bodies and people jumping off the sides of bridges to escape the death they knew would inevitably come. Never in my life did I think this would happen in the United States of America. It feels like the world is coming to an end and I have no control. Please, those of you who do pray, pray for these people, pray for New Orleans and pray for those of us in Baton Rouge who are dealing with this horrible crisis.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:25 pm
While I have much to say about the federal govt’s handling of this situation, I think plenty is being said already. But I would like to express admiration for Mayor Nagin … I appreciate his vocal outrage at the lack of assistance, and his public demands of our government, while so many other politicians continue thanking eachother for all the great work that HASN’T been done quickly enough.
I don’t claim to know exactly what his part is or isn’t in the lack of preparation leading up to this nightmare, but right now, he’s fighting for his city as if they were his own immediate family– something the rest of these contrived officials could learn from in working for their constituents.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:27 pm
From what I understand, there was really no way to totally prepare for this devastation, save people evacuating when they were warned. The convoys of supplies had to stay a great distance away in order to not become part of the catastrophe. Then, when the storm died down, the relief needed to traverse many obstacles to make it to the people in need. This situation is much more complex than many are acknowledging. Still, my prayers are with those who are suffering. My speculations are just that…and of no real good to those in need at this time.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:28 pm
Thank you Jon (and Heather). As usual, your eloquence speaks my mind for me.
Ditto, Elaine. Good points all.
We lived in NYC during 9/11. My husband worked on the recovery as an ironworker from mid-September through October. To this day, he has not told me the details of what he saw there. I caught a few glimpses from a relief boat and that was enough. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the devastation was minor compared to New Orleans. I cannot begin to fathom the atrocious conditions in New Orleans.
What worries me even as I make a monetary donation is how will New Orleans handle this? Itís citizens are blind with hunger, thirst and the most basic human desperations. Will the political officials handle the money appropriately? Will the relief get to the people who need it most? If the last few days are any indication, I would say, no.
New York and LMDC officials are still bickering about how to spend all the money they ended up receiving. Yet, there are poor uninsured workers who are developing long-term illnesses. There is still no place for families to mourn.
Letís hope that as resources FINALLY start arriving, that the government, every level of government, can prioritize accordingly.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:30 pm
The thing that strikes me the most about this disaster is how much we need to be working every day to get people out of poverty. The people most affected are the poorest of the poor. Of course they are desperate, angry, and in some cases violent. If I lost everything, I could pick up the pieces and rebuild. I might lose things sentimental to me, but I would have an extended family to reach out to, some money in savings, an insurance plan. Some of these people couldn’t leave because they didn’t have cars, gas money, transportation… We have failed these people long before the storm even hit.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:37 pm
I have been walking around with a lump in my throat, alternating between horror, sadness and anger. You’ve said it beautifully here.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:40 pm
Jon (and Heather) - you’ve said it well, as usual.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:47 pm
thank you for your eloquence, and composure, and intelligence, and compassion.
September 2nd, 2005 at 6:48 pm
Nordin7, i’m right here with you. our city has changed for a long time - i see the refugees here and i see the sadness in their eyes…. i’m so sick of seeing this sh*t. God bless us all.