UGH! I dislike them very much. I cannot believe these people, in the moment of tragedy. Local news here even caught them in the act...and they just didn't care. So sad.

Just had to vent a little, it's not fair!

By Vicki on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 06:40 pm:

It is a shame. I can honestly see how it would happen if your home was one of the ones that was flooded out and you could get out and get to a store and it was a matter of eating or not eating and feeding your family, but that doesn't appear to be the case. It is sooo wrong.

By Tink on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 06:42 pm:

To prey off others' misfortune is absolutely despicable. I think it is so wrong and truly immoral on so many levels. Yet another reason to pray for those still in the flooded areas.

By Jann on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 06:52 pm:

I absolutely LOVED the Gov of MS' comment this am on how they would deal with looters......"Quickly, with extreme force, they will be shot"

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 07:11 pm:

That makes me so mad... God will return the "favor"...that's my firm belief!! And, 10 times fold too!
It's just sick and wrong.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 09:25 pm:

I can almost see stealing food, but I saw a picture today, on the internet of a guy with a bucket full of beer! Excuse me, but beer is not an "essential!"

By Annie2 on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 09:49 pm:

Today there was a story of a man trying to "loot" a deli. I know it is awful to break into a store. However these people are desperate....for food, water, ice, a dry place to live. The food will rot in that store anyway.

I'm not saying that what these people are doing is the correct thing to do but they are hungry and thirsty.

Going after a wide screen tv is different than trying to get food for your family. Looting to make a profit is one one thing but breaking into a store which is demolished to take out food for your babies is another thing.

We were beside ourselves last fall with Ivan. I cannot even imagine going through Katrina without a dime to your name. Most people their are homeless, no money, no insurance, no place to go....we are still without power here, in the panhandle of FL.

It is going to take YEARS for the Katrina victims are back to normal.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:15 pm:

Didn't they receive fair warning? Did they not know the hurricane was coming?

By Ilovetom on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 10:32 pm:

Yeah- everyone pretty much *should* have known and had time to prepare. We knew during Ivan and we had no power for 8 days. We knew Friday we would get some of this storm and we lost power too.

No reason to loot and I feel - or I hope our government is doing all they can to help as many as they can.

By Mommmie on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 11:01 pm:

If I were trapped in New Orleans and hungry and thirsty, I'd steal food and water if I could find it. And probably whatever else I could find and felt like I needed to survive - transistor radio, batteries, medicine, dry clothes, diapers, shoes. In this situation you do what you have to do until help arrives.

By Amy~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 12:07 am:

To answer, many people in New Orleans are very poor. Many people could not get out of New Orleans prior to the hurricane b/c of no money, no transportation, or they were elderly or ill. I can't explain why they didn't seek shelter in the Superdome...

As for looting - it's a hard call, if my children were starving, I would probably steal food. However most of these looters are just robbing to get whatever they can.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 12:35 am:

They had a lady and her son on the news this morning. They are staying at the Superdome and had gone home with a news crew to see the damage done to their house. She is looking around at the damage when she realizes her STOVE is missing. They then exit through the hole in the wall in the kitchen and go to the front of the house to the living room, what do you know, the TV was missing too......... All the furniture was in the house so it wasn't like they floated away. Someone had broken into her house that had been under water (you could see the stuff on the walls where the water had stood) and stole a TV and stove. This wasn't someone going into her fridge and taking her food. Taking to feed their own. Which by the way I would steal to protect and feed my children. But I am talking a tent, a sleeping bag, food, water.... But a TV? a stove? from a poor woman??? It just makes me sick and brings back memories of the riots (Rodney King)... They were stealing from their own and burning down their own buildings out of ignorance. This is a prime example of what happens when the system gets a chink in it/fails. All hell breaks loose and good people become criminals in the blink of an eye..... This whole storm was heart breaking and I feel so much for the families who have lost and those that will be displaced but this looting is just BS.... And inexcusable. You take food, You go take what you need to survive.... the rest is just typical American GREED!!!!!!!!!

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 12:47 am:

On that same note, the fire and police are (admittedly) looting for supplies for the rescue effort, but they are "keeping track". I think stealing stuff like food is one thing, but agree that the TVs and such is sick! There was a Rueters picture of a guy carrying away a bunch of beer that he had looted. Is it REALLY the time to be thinking of alcohol when you are waist deep in flood water?!

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 02:00 am:

Crystal, I saw that same picture and couldn't believe it. Stealing food, formula, diapers, water? That I can understand!

By Kim on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 07:08 am:

Saying people had fair warning isn't fair. How many people do you know that live paycheck to paycheck? If it weren't for my parents I wouldn't be able to evacuate at all! I couldn't afford a hotel, gas, food and travel expenses and I don't have any other family or friends here.


Yes, looting is sad business. I also do not begrudge people needing food and drink! But shoes? Electronics? I feel so sad because I cam empathize with these people. I wish I could go help. But who is going to offer to go help when police are being shot at and riots are breaking out?

By Ilovetom on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 07:40 am:

I am so sorry if I gave the impression that I thought these people had fair warning- even though they were warned- they could have never, ever been prepared for what has happened to them. I certainly would not want to be where they are right now and I cannot imagine losing everything like they have.

These people need all the help they can get and so I think my efforts will go to a fund raiser at my church rather than trying to prove what kind of person I am on here.

By Eve on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 07:53 am:

It's sad, but I don't know how I would react if I were put in an extreme situation. I do understand the stealing of food and water. I would do anything to feed my children too. Unfortunately, I think it's going to get worse before it gets better.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 07:56 am:

The looting makes me ill, but if it was a choice between my kids eating or not, I'd get food for them any way I could.

HOWEVER - these people are stealing EVERYTHING in sight - and that is sickening and they should be held accountable. The are breaking into jewelry stores, clothing stores, sporting goods stores and stealing guns and ammo.

And I ditto Kim - if you've never had to do this, you may not *really* know what it feels like, and what the financial implications are. And also Amy - if you don't have the money or means to evacuate, *WHAT* are you supposed to do???

We just found out yesterday that DH won't be getting his paycheck this week - in fact, NONE of the stores/DM's will! We don't have a savings account, fortunately we are living off a credit card while in Memphis. This is going to cost us well over $1000 - likely more like $2000 by the time it's over - food, supplies, motel, gas and all the food in the fridge and freezer at home that we have lost.

To say that people had fair warning is a blanket statement and not fair or accurate, but if you aren't familiar with the N.O. area in general, I can see how you'd think that. True, the looters you are seeing on TV are the scum of the earth, but please don't judge ALL of the people by those greedy, dishonest souls.

By Beth on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:01 am:

Where do these people even think they are going to put the tv's???They have no homes. I can see looting food ect.. But crap that is worthless to them at this point in just down right ignorant. I guess they may be able to sell some of it. But I would not be able to live with my self if I was on tv for all the world to see my stealing nonsense stuff. Protect your family but have some deceny about it.

By Feona on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:06 am:

We had looting in New York during the blackouts . Neighborhood looter wrecked some businesses in their area. So people lost their jobs because the businesses closed. I think the same thing happened in LA. It was terrible.

I saw people sleeping in the dome on TV. They looked poor or elderly. Very sad.

By Kim on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:09 am:

I am not judging anyone on this board. I am just trying to give you a glimpse from the other side.

By Ilovetom on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:14 am:

I have been on the other side myself. During Opal, Ivan and Dennis and it was not fun.

Have a great day.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:24 am:

Beth, they are *probably* hoping to sell it.

There is a certain element of society who prey on others at their very lowest moments.

We are sitting high and dry in Memphis, almost everyone in this motel is from the New Orleans general area - and for the past 2 nights, someone has been breaking into the cars in the motel parking lot, here and the other motels/hotels along the interstates here in Memphis.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 09:48 am:

Sell it to whom??? They going to strap it to their back and carry it out?? Who is going to buy the stuff? The people that have money have no clue how long it will have to last and from what am seeing the houses in the areas they are showing us where looting is occurring are completely gone. I doubt when they come in with vehicles to clear the the survivors out they will be allowing them to load up the 32 inch tv (they stole from Walmart)... Just senseless..... Ignorant actions by people that apparently aren't taking the time to think past the next five minutes. Steal shoes, steal shelter, steal food.... But electronics?? We aren't talking power tools and a battery operated radio.. we are talking TV's VCRS Stereos.. Things that due to the lack of shelter and electricity are useless..... Things only being stolen because they can be. And the thing is, those that don't steal will be stole from because unfortunately that is the way it goes.. And the stealing in Memphis is terrible too.. Things like this really make you realize the type of society we like to pretend we don't live in. Be safe Karen....

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 10:06 am:

Bobbie, the people who are doing it are the lowest of the low - who knows what goes through their minds.........

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 02:41 pm:

I haven't read all of the posts, but ditto Jann bigtime IMO. Unless they're stealing food to feed themselves or family, it's a crime like any other.

By Rayanne on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 02:46 pm:

I agree. I saw a clip on TV last night with people at a Wal-Mart and this one lady had a Leap-Pad in her buggy. COME ON!!!!!! Food and water is one thing, but electronics and stuff you don't need.

By Vicki on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 02:52 pm:

Can I ask a silly question... Does the Red Cross or any other group like that go into an area BEFORE the hurricane comes after evacuation orders are given to set up places for people to go? If not, I wonder why not. I do agree that these people had fair warning to get out, but if you have no where to go, why isn't something made available to them? Or is that was the Superdome was??

By Nanaoie on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 03:07 pm:

Its just a sick mind that would do this.I think alot of the looters don't leave for this very reason!They know there will be things to steal.I don't understand ,just sick mean people.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 03:50 pm:

Vicki, yes, they head that way, they try to set up shelters, etc. But the problem is predicting exactly *where* the storm will hit. Every Parish in Louisiana has evacuation shelters and contingency plans for these events. But the problems are many - the shelters have limited space, can accept limited numbers of people. They don't accept pets. There are special needs shelters for those with medical problems, but you have to call in advance to see if there is space for you, and normally only one family member is allowed in with you. You normally have to bring your own food to those shelters. Another problem is, when a storm of this magnitude hits the area, the places that are under mandatory evacuation are the low-lying places that are expected to flood, etc., so setting up shelters there is not feasible. The Red Cross hops into action very well AFTER the event and normally does a very good job. But in this case, you are talking about 1.5 million people in the greater N.O. area and all of those in the immediate coastal areas of MS and AL and even the FL panhandle. The MS and AL residents were not expecting what they got, and predicting where these things hit is not an exact science.

OK, so there are limited shelters, many people have become complacent, the New Orleans area has dodged so many of these major storms in the last 10 or 20 years. Yes, the Superdome was *the shelter of last resort*. Only the roof has holes in it now, there's no drinking water, the plumbing is backed up, it's over 100 degrees in there, and it's now surrounded by water. I never thought the Superdome was a good idea, simply for those reasons, but at least Mayor Nagin tried to do something for those who absolutely were stuck. Then, there are people who are determined to stay behind and protect their property - their home or business, which is all they have. Is it a good idea when faced with a storm of that magnitude?? NO, but maybe when faced with losing everything, some people just CAN'T see past the immediate danger. I feel sure that *MOST* of the people who were able to evacuate did so, even if they did it late in the game.

I wasn't going to post any of this on the board, but here goes.........

And before anyone reads any further, please know I am NOT condoning the looting and theft and gun-point holdups and downright disrespect for everyone and everything around them that some of these *animals* are showing, nor the deliberate destruction of what is left of public and private property that some of those same animals are doing *just because they can*. My point concerns the average citizen and it goes way past the looting issue, it's mainly directed at the evacuation issue, but it needs to be said, because so many people aren't getting a clear picture.

I get so furious with people saying *everyone knew about the storm so everyone SHOULD have evacuated*.

Knowing about it and having the means to get out of the city, drive 200 or 400 or even 600 miles away, spend 12 to 24 hours on the road or longer, fill up your gas tank 2 or 3 or 4 times, find a motel - forget about even finding one you can afford, find one with a vacancy at all - feed your family while you are gone, are totally different scenarios. Many people, myself included, have to wait until their employers give them the OK to leave work!!! Many other people, myself included, HAVE to have Rx meds, and you cannot imagine what the lines at the pharmacies are like when an evacuation is ordered.

I suppose when you aren't affected, and you have never found yourself in this type situation and never had to evacuate, it's easy to just not *get* it. True, I am having it easier than many, I have a credit card, and I have a 2nd mortgage line of credit that will enable me to pay my bills for a month if absolutely necessary - it will all be more debt for me, but at least it's available to me, but this is still a hardship on me and *I* am someone who has some finances or at least credit, and a reliable vehicle at their disposal.

What about the people with an older vehicle? Or those with 4 or 5 young kids at home? Those who are disabled, those with no jobs, or no credit, no cash at their disposal? No vehicle at all? Those who are caring for an elderly, ill or disabled family member?

It's real easy to say that everyone knew, everyone should have gone, but it's just NOT realistic!!!!!!!!!!

True, *some* of the people who did not evacuate COULD have, so yes, they SHOULD have. And unfortunately, thanks to the media, the rest of the country is seeing some of the WORST residents of the city of New Orleans - those who take advantage at every turn, of getting *something for nothing*, and in return, they take and take and steal and destroy and do nothing but make it harder on others. THEY are the dregs of society.

I am just so •••• frustrated right now. I *think* my own house is OK, but there is no way to be sure. If it is OK, it may be looted. OK, I have flood insurance and I have homeowner's insurance, but that is small comfort right now. I could probably get to it tomorrow, but there is no food, gas, water, power, sewage, etc. so why go there? Not to whine about it, but *I* have health issues, and I'm sorry, but sitting in a house in 100+ temps, no water or food, will NOT work for me, so I choose to stay where I am for now, even though it's costing me considerably. Another HUGE problem everyone in the affected evacuation areas has had to deal with is no phone service - and that was BEFORE the storm hit. The exchanges were all busy, and many people spent many hours trying to reach their immediate family. Getting in touch with them now is impossible, as you all know from my posts about not knowing if my son was safe.

Some people seem to be so incredibly small minded - some of them are obviously better off financially than a lot of others, and they probably would have had the means to take off, well in advance of this storm hitting, and make a vacation of it for their families. That's what my boss and his family did, they had friends who welcomed them into their home in extreme northern Louisiana early on, they left very early, avoided traffic, and they are living it up, having the time of their lives. *MOST* of us aren't in that position. And those who are judging the ones who were left behind based on the scum of the earth that was shown on Fox and CNN and MSNBC will just never understand.

I want to thank Pamt and Kim and Conni and Amy and Claire and a few others, who have offered up their places to me and my DH. You will never know how much that means to me. And I won't say it's not tempting - but I am in a dry, cool place with water and food, and my dog is OK here, and DH has been working with his boss here so we will stay put.

By Pamt on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 04:21 pm:

I would just like to underscore what Karen said so eloquently. Yes, people were told to evacuate in advance. However, typically there are several days of evacuation. This storm blew up so big, so fast that really people didn't start trickling out until Saturday (when the threat suddenly became real---it had been heading for AL until then) and really evacuating until Sunday. You basically have I-10, I-12, and I-55 heading out of New Orleans. All of the interstates were made "contra-flow" which means you could only go west or north...EVERY LANE. Even with that, there is no easy way to evacuate over 1,000,000 people on 3 interstates. It is just logistically impossible. And before they left, people had to try to secure their property as best they could, take care of pets, buy supplies, get meds, etc. You can't just hop in your car and leave. And if you did...you'll be stuck in total gridlock. Some people tried to evacuate and gave up and came home thinking better to be in a house than in a car when a hurricane comes.

Yes, some people were idiots and tried to ride it out. That doesn't mean that they don't need food, shelter, love, and support any less than anyone else. I think we've all made some dumb decisions before. However, many of the people who are left didn't have 2 dimes to rub together, no transportation, and had significant health issues. There were also a SIGNIFICANT amount of tourists left behind who couldn't leave because flights were cancelled. So they were stranded in a strange city and/or country, as well.

Yes, there are looters. Some of those are people like the rest of us who have shifted into "fight or flight" mode and are just trying to get drinkable water and food for their families. Most of them are probably the lowest opportunists trying to get a freebie or make a buck. Looters are the least of the problem right now. They are just adding to an already catastrophic mess and those caught will be punished. There was a riot at an Orleans parish prison yesterday and all of those prisoners have already been relocated. Unfortnately, situations of this magnitude bring out the worst in some people. On the other hand, as I have watched my city welcome half a million displaced people with open arms and rush to meet their physical and emotional needs, I have seen the better side of human kindness.

By Vicki on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:00 pm:

Karen, I hope you weren't offended by my question. The reason I asked was because I Do understand that there are some people that don't have the means to leave and I wondered if the Red Cross or some other organization set up something in advance for those people. I am so sorry if I offended you. I was asking the question out of ignorance about how the whole thing works, not passing judgement.

By Pamt on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:13 pm:

Vicki, I'm not Karen, but being in the situation as I am, I doubt she was offended by your post. You were asking an innocent question about shelters. Yes, that's what the superdome was. There were some emergency shelters set up in surrounding areas, but not really in New Orleans because they were trying to encourage people to get out. The superdome was shelter of last resort primarily for people with medical problems and/or people who had no transportation. So...the Red Cross has made some preparations, but it's a catch-22. If there are too many shelters, then people stay there and don't evacuate. If there aren't any, some people literally have no place to go. Based on what I have at least experience in BR, I am very proud of what the Red Cross is doing and would have NO hesitation sending money their way.

By Vicki on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:17 pm:

Oh good.. The last thing I would want to do is offend someone with my ignorance. I too believe in the Red Cross and we made a donation last night. Just wish I could do more.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:18 pm:

Vicki, NO, I wasn't offended at all!!! I was just trying to explain, and I guess the stress and frustration of the total situation just came boiling over. I really do think so many people just don't grasp the reality of it. I didn't think you were passing judgment. When dealing with something as big as this, nothing will ever be enough, it's just unavoidable.

I want to add too, the people where we are staying in Memphis have been WONDERFUL! This motel is full of evacuees, they have allowed us to bring our pets and it's not normally a pet-friendly motel. Everyone's done everything they can to make this stressful time a little easier for us.

We have a full buffet breakfast (eggs, sausage, biscuits, bagels, waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, etc.) every morning included with our room rate, and coffee and juice available at no charge all day long.

We were told a local restaurant was going to be supplying dinner for everyone here tonight, but DH just told me the sign was removed, so that's unclear.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 05:43 pm:

Karen, it just sounds like a difficult situation, all the way around. In WI, we have have never had to evacuate for anything, and when our basement flooded 7 years ago, we just went to a friend's house for one night. We had the electricity turned off, just to be on the safe side and needed to have the furnace and water heater looked at.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 06:33 pm:

Many have had, and do have, it a lot worse that I do. Kim, Annie2, Dana, Yvonne - all the other FL moms had it bad last year with several evacuations.

We've evacuated a number of times in the past, but it was nothing like this - because the storms always turned.

As bad as it feels right now, I know that what I'm going through is minor compared to LA residents in areas most affected, and for MS and AL coastal residents.,

By Missmudd on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 06:56 pm:

Sure if you are hungry, thirsty, or need clothing, I dont have a problem with you taking it. It is obvious from what I am hearing on the news that as much as the agencies are trying to get in there and get water and food to people it just isnt happening fast enough. The deal with the looters that makes me so mad is this. They show these animals breaking out store windows, stealing jewelry, electronics and whatever they can get there paws on. It puts all of the survivors in a very bad light. I worry that because they show looters who dont give a hoot about their neighbors trashing stores that people will be less likely to help them because N.O. is full of theives anyway. (not that this is the truth, but that is the image portrayed). And the survivors need that like they need a hole in the head.

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 07:14 pm:

Kris, that is indeed the image that is portrayed, and as I said before, there IS that element of society. And the ones looting the WalMarts and the sporting goods, jewelry, electronics, clothing stores are trashy thieves, plain and simple.

There is no way the NOPD can control that situation at this point, unfortunately, due to no radio contact for backup and the flooding, etc. I suppose they have to choose between their life and stopping these animals, at some point, which further angers me. It shouldn't be that way!!!!!!

I wish the National Guard would get on the ground there and take control and put a stop to it, if they can. It's maddening. The city of N.O. has enough of a bad rep due to the unemployment rate, the crime rate, the job market, etc. In a time when people should be pulling together, there are those bad apples who are just making the situation worse for those IN the city and suffering, and also by further damaging the image the rest of the country is getting of N.O.

By Annie2 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 08:27 pm:

Our power was turned back on this afternoon about 4:00 and the kids are returning to school tomorrow. Our power was knocked out and we live two hundred miles away from NO.

It's hard for anyone that has not been through an evacuation or a hurricane to truly understand how the events take place. Because there is always a chance that the storm will turn away from a city, which it has for NO for many storms, it's hard to judge when to leave or to leave.

Then you have to have a vehicle and money to do so. Then if you have pets; what to do with them. We weren't in the brunt of this storm and it cost us $150. To gather water, food and gas for the vehicles and to run the generator.

When Ivan hit us last year we woke to house damage, no power, limited cell phone use, ice was low and no generator at the time. YOu can't go anywhere because power lines are down, trees are blocking roadways. Then a couple days later you start venturing out to find all stores closed, or if they are open, it is dark and everything is cash only because atms and card machines don't work.

Slowly you start to hear news on the radio where shelters are still open or places are open as drop off sites for ice, mre's and water. It seems like a slow process but it does eventually get better everyday.

However, we didn't have to deal with any floods. That of course worsens the process for NO. It slows down the search and rescue process while at the same time speeds up the contamination process.

Not to mention Slidell was hit hard, Biloxi, Gulf Port, Mobile...and all the towns in between.

I saw a water moccasion snake in our yard today. I can only imagine what is floating around in the flooded areas to our west. Icky and very dangerous.

This is our Tsunami. I haven't heard any mention from any other countries with words of support, volunteers, etc...maybe Hollywood will come around.

By Ilovetom on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 10:43 pm:

Premature babies- you forget they need electricity to breath too.

By Crystal915 on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 10:54 pm:

I wish we could send our Army soldiers in. I know it's the Guard's job, but they are deploying overseas as much as any other soldiers, and we could just as easily send a few thousand of the troops here to LA and MS. Heck, troops from Ft. Riley are at JRTC at Polk right now.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 09:41 am:

What I find truly frightening and maddening is reports on the news this morning of looters hijacking a bus intended to evacuate nursing home residents, hijacking a truck loaded with medical supplies, and, as I was pulling into the parking lot, that evacuation of the Superdome is temporarily halted because someone fired at a military helicopter helping with the evacuation!

By Feona on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 10:04 am:

• The Red Cross says it has collected $21 million, nearly $15 million of that from individual donations through its Web site. Some people offer up their homes as temporary shelters, listing information on the Internet.

http://www.wwltv.com/sharedcontent/nationworld/katrina/stories/090105ccjrmajordevelopments.143c012e.html


That is a good start. Not that much really but a start. The redcross.org website was alittle slow so people must be donating.

Nice that so many regular people are helping. I read fisherman from 200 miles away were helping rescue people off the top of their homes. And of course people like Mr. Mudd are volunteering and PamT's church is helping the victims.

The tradegy is worse that 9/11 so hopefully there will be the same support for the victims and families.

The red cross is really amazing. My husband's family house burned down when they were little. Fire was from propane tank - the heat broke in buffallo new york and it was the only way to heat the house. No insurance - family lost everything. Father was sick recoverying from bladder cancer. Mom was store clerk. The red cross paid for their motel and gave them food vouchers and I think somehow got them clothes to wear untill they could find an apartment and get their lives back.

By Vicki on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 10:19 am:

I too was appauled at the firing of the helicopter. NO reason for that at all. They need to gain control of that city and fast.

By Children03 on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 04:40 pm:

I read all of the above messages and all, but I really just don't have any words to say. I just feel awful for everyone living in these areas and it is just so sad to see all of the devastation. Every time I look at pictures, my eyes fill up with tears because there is soooooooo much devastation and I can't even imagine how these places will ever be normal again. I feel so sad for all of the people that have lost their loved ones and their homes. I've never been through any kind of tragedy like this and I haven't known anyone personally that has, so I certainly cannot say how I would act in this type of situation.

There are a lot of pictures on FoxNews.com if you're interested in looking.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 06:25 pm:

Some thoughts on looters. My son said "maybe Mad Max is the future" - horrifying thought.

But you know - those looters are in NO, and when the National Guard comes in, they are going to be trying to hide and will probably get caught. If they try to get out on any buses or trucks, they won't be able to take their loot with them. If they try to drive out, I suspect that there will soon be state police stops checking all vehicles. So maybe what goes around will come around.

It is horrifying to hear stories of what may be happening in the Superdome, and at the hospitals. I don't understand why the National Guard and state-side military weren't being moved in as soon as the storm stopped.

By Pamt on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 07:27 pm:

I don't understand why the National Guard and state-side military weren't being moved in as soon as the storm stopped.

Ginny, I just got finished listening to the mayor of N.O. on the radio. I have tremendous respect for this man and the way he has handled this disaster in the same way I respect Guiliani and his handling of 9/11. He has been calm, organized, and efficient. However, on the radio just now he's at his breaking point. I don't use profanity at all and don't like to hear other people use it, however, I was cheering him on in the car. he's beyond the point of political correctness and was going on and on about the *gd* politicians holding press conferences every few minutes and not doing anything. N.O. has received next to no outside help in the form of Nat'l Guard or other military support. People are stranded in Charity Hospital, Oschner Hospital, the Superdome, the convention center with NO food, NO water, NO sanitation, and temperatures upward of 100 degrees. We need Nat'l Guard, we need police, we need helicopters. It is a totally desparate situation and we need national help and it's not coming. The donations are flowing in, but we need machinery and vehicles to get it to the people stranded in N.O. while also getting them out ASAP. People in shelters are now being raped and brutalized. The mayor suggested that all that we as citizens can do right now is pray and write senators, the governor, and the president begging for help NOW. Mayor Nagin mentioned that Iraq didn't ask for help, the tsunami victims didn't ask for help but we rushed in and gave it. Now New Orleans is begging and no help is coming. the problems are starting to trickle into Baton Rouge. We are now the largest city in Louisiana and don't have the police forces to deal with that. Right now everything's okay, but that was a small riot at one shelter down town and the handful of schools back in session today were put under lockdown and/or released early and cancelled tomorrow due to "civil unrest."

So please email your state and national officials begging them to send military support ASAP. I think New Orleans is under martial law (not sure though), but there is not enough manpower to enforce it anyway. desparate people are doing desparate things---it's also hampering rescue efforts and people are dying by the day. they can't go too much longer without food and water.

I am a rare bird in that I'm not from LA nor is my DH's family. ALmost everyone I work with, live near, or go to church with has family and friends in the metro N.O. area who have lost EVERYTHING and have only the clothes on their back. It has touched everyone hear in some way.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 08:00 pm:

Pam, I've said it multiple times, and I'll say it again. There are able-bodied soldiers here in KS, as well as Ft. Hood, TX with the equipment to help. Helicopters, MREs, medics, water, all of the crucial supplies. I cannot understand WHY we aren't sending troops from here, Ft. Polk, Ft. Hood, Redstone (in Alabama) Ft. Bliss, and all of the other posts in this country. The National Guard is all tied up in Iraq, picking up slack for the Active Army, so the Active soldiers who are stateside should return the favor. This is insanity, and I'll be emailing my government officials.

By Nicki on Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 10:10 pm:

I think I need to stop watching the news for awhile. All day I am wondering where is the help. And I can't believe this is happening right here in the U.S. I mean, I thought that's what the National Guard was trained for, prepared for and why aren't they helping return some order to the shelters. And the medical facilities. What is happening?

By Bobbie~moderatr on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 12:49 am:

My sister and brother in law are both in the National Guard. They are both state side and their units are ready to go....... There are thousands of National Guard units state side and they are trained and ready to deal with just this situation and they need to be down there and they need to be down there NOW... My sister drives a transport vehicle, the big semi's. She could be taking in supplies and bringing out people..... My brother in laws unit is military police/ artillery.. He is retired active duty and can drive transport among other things. They have not been called up, they aren't even on stand by. These units are needed and the family is ready to take on their kids so they can go. We have it all planned, now they just need to get their orders........ But will they... I am very upset about this whole mess. I have so much more I can say but I won't....... Feeling very anti Bush right now will sum it all up......

By Feona on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 08:17 am:

http://www.foxnews.com/

That picture says it all. Really look at those people's faces. Your heart really goes out to them. Just terrible.

Two of the woman look hysterical, some women look angry or emotionally beaten down and empty and the men look angry too.

http://www.wwltv.com/sharedcontent/nationworld/katrina/stories/090105ccjcwccwMainKatrina.4c55a2f6.html

By Karen~moderator on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 09:37 am:

People have lost everything, including family members. They are desperate and angry. They are tired, sick, hungry and thirsty. They have no place to sleep.

BUT THAT DOES NOT GIVE THEM THE RIGHT TO TRASH THE REST OF THE CITY, IT DOES NOT GIVE THEM THE RIGHT TO SET FIRES, TO HIJACK VEHICLES, TO SHOOT, TO LOOT, TO RAPE, TO BEAT PEOPLE!!

I am totally sickened by all of this. I personally know people in lower St. Bernard Parish who have lost everything they own, but they are not reacting this way.

I don't know what to say anymore. The country and the world is certainly seeing the very WORST of what Louisiana has to offer, and is seeing the very WORST people of the state.

Bobbie, I agree with you..........

By Emily7 on Friday, September 2, 2005 - 10:11 am:

You are right Karen it absolutely does not give them the right. They feel abandoned, NBC news says people are dying from neglect. In fact the reporter I watched said there was 1 nurse for the thousands of people in the convention center. The reporter tried flagging down 2 police cars & they just drove by.
We can go into Iraq & try to restore order, but we can't do the same here? There is no reason, other than POOR leadership & planning that this is going on. Of course in every type of disaster there is some of this that goes on, but not to this extent.
My goodness it looks like a Third World Country.