WP: In Mississippi, Hope of Going Home Dwindles: Still Waiting for Fed Aid

[DeepModem Mom]

In Miss., Hope of Going Home Dwindles
Most Still Waiting for Federal Aid to Help Rebuild Houses Along Gulf Coast
By Peter Whoriskey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 29, 2006; Page A04

....As people on the Gulf Coast mark the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday, there are public memorial ceremonies and stoic promises to rebuild. President Bush toured neighborhoods here Monday. But many here say any remembrances of that day -- many of which remain appallingly clear despite the passage of time -- still largely instill private flashes of nervousness, or guilt, or depression.

For the tens of thousands of people who are still displaced by the storm, moreover, the possibilities of getting back home may now seem more remote than ever.

Fewer than 5 percent of the thousands of destroyed homes are being rebuilt, local officials said. Most of the affected homeowners in Mississippi and Louisiana have yet to see any of the billions in federal money approved to help them get back home.

"For the people who've been able to get back to their homes, there's a sigh of relief," said Biloxi City Council member Bill Stallworth. "But for those who haven't -- and that's the vast majority here -- there's a real panic.

"People recognize that it's been a year and they're still where they were the day after the storm. Now the volunteer groups are drying up. The money to assist families is drying up. People don't know what they're going to do."...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/28/AR2006082801164.html?sub=AR

[bluestateguy]

1. At least them gays can't get married now

and they still have Haley Barbour who will protect their precious Stars and Bars from being removed from the state flag.

I wish these people well. I really do, but they are sure learning their lesson now.

[Demit]

2. That's such an oblivious observation: "despite the passage of time"

It's as if the author is saying a year is plenty of time to have gotten over it. I'd say that what's appallingly clear is that the author has never experienced personal trauma, to toss off such a casual phrase. Idiot.

[tanyev]

3. Those whiners obviously need to have a chat with Rockey Vaccarella.

Last week, Katrina survivor (and former right-wing politician) Rockey Vaccarella visited the White House and said, “I just wish the President could have another term in office.” Subsequently, Rockey was plastered on the White House website homepage and featured in President Bush’s weekly radio address.

Now, the President’s preferred representative of Hurricane Katrina is lashing out at other victims. Today on Fox, Rocky said that victims of the Hurricane should stop “sitting around and complaining” about the Bush administration and instead “be thankful for what we got.”

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1999330