Phones, computers coming to Astrodome refugees

[riverwalker]

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/national/12537098.htm

"Thousands of Hurricane Katrina refugees packing into Houston's Astrodome will soon have electronic access to the outside world.

Corporations, volunteers and nonprofit agencies were working Thursday to install telephones and Internet-enabled computers inside the sprawling former sports stadium.

Displaced residents from the Superdome in New Orleans were getting 10 minutes blocks of time to make free local and long distance calls. Many of them haven't heard from friends or family since Katrina ravaged their hometown on Monday.

Audree Lee, 37, said she was relieved after hearing her teenage daughter's voice on the telephone for the first time since the storm. Lee had relatives take her daughter to Alabama so she would be safe."

[lancdem]

1. Notice the govt. has nothing to do with this

It's volunteers and others.

[uppityperson]

2. OK, got rid of snide comment, this is people in HOUSTON

people who have been transported there get to call family. Good. There will be a lot of happier people, being able to touch base.

[Drum]

3. Beyond the great emotional help that will provide loved ones,

...just think of how it will be when more real stories of Katrina's aftermath can get out. These folks are truly living through a huge thing, and there will be many many tales of heroism, tragedy, and horror.

I'm very glad to hear they are getting some communications working. Let's hope for a flush of practical relief for all of the dislocated, for speed and strength and compassion from their rescuers...and let's keep working on getting our government to be accountable for their conduct.

Peace on, y'all.