To all Non-Louisiana DU'ers posting about the hurricane..

[JackDragna]

I'm sorry, but this has to be said. I'm getting a little tired of all the people who post here with overblown drama, about how the hurricane has intensified, the damage it may cause or even the millionth repetition of "It's going to be bad! Get out now!" Those of us who live here in the state know what's going to happen far better than you. The voyeuristic concern, as if many people here need to feel "connected" to what's going here, is a little disquieting.

We here who live in the state know what we need to do. We know the potential for death and destruction of property this storm brings. We've been keeping tabs on it long before any of you even considered the possibility the storm may be a threat. If you want to post about the storm, that's fine, but realize that we here in Louisiana are more than a touch underwhelmed by your knowledge, your compassion and your concern for what's going on here. We appreciate your well-wishing, but please stop telling us how bad it's going to be and what we need to do.

[Catherine Vincent]

1. We only want people to be safe.

But I hear what you're saying though. I hope I wasn't being too dramatic.

Peace.

[MnFats]

2. Oh. C'mon. Let us have our vicarious fantasies...

As I said before, I know nothing of hurricanes, living in the frozen north all my life.
Blizzards, I can talk with authority about blizzards or -30 F. Siberian air masses.
We are with you. Forgive us if we get a little overzealous or speak beyond our skill sets.

[friesianrider]

3. I hear you and totally understand, however...

(and I haven't ever posted a thread about this hurricane so there ;))

I understand exactly what you're saying and agree with your point to a degree, however I think many DUers are just genuinely concerned. I've no doubt more than one person on here just enjoys feeling "connected" to the drama of what is happening, but I also have no doubt many people are likely just truly concerned about you all down there staying safe and healthy.

JMHO, as always :) Hope everyone in this storm's path and their families and pets are safe and healthy when all is said and done. You're all in my thoughts!

[JackDragna]

8. I appreciate the concern..

..but what I've seen here borders on the worst of American obsession with tragedy as some kind of public spectacle. We don't need someone posting a picture from the NOH website, telling us Louisianas "Hey, Look at this! Wow! You're going to get screwed! Pack up little Johnny and the dog and get out!" Anyone in Louisiana with a net connection sure as hell doesn't need someone here to show them that.

This state is going to be utterly devastated by this storm. New Orleans, one of the great cultural centers of America, is going to rub shoulders with Atlantis. We could do with just a wee bit less hyperventalating about it. Believe me, it's not DU, either. I've already had to fend off calls from innumerable relatives about how I need to get out of here, even though I live in Baton Rouge and will only have to suffer through power outages at the worst.

[geomon666]

16. Well what do you expect people to do?

This storm has already killed people back when it was just a 'baby'. Do you expect us to just go 'ho hum' and that's it? I've lived through this storm and I've lived through worse and I know how bad it can get.

And you live in Baton Rouge. No one is talking about Baton Rouge. We're talking about NO because that's where the potential for serious loss of life can occur not because we have some morbid fascination with mass death but because as a progressive and liberal minded person I actually give a damn if somebody lives or dies and if I can help just one person get out of this storm alive then I'll do it.

I wish you and your family well during the storm.

[JackDragna]

23. For every one of you with genuine concern..

I've seen dozens who salivate over this because of the need in their minds to just be connected by telling us what a disaster it's going to be. I'm sorry if those of you with genuine concern feel I stepped on your toes, but for those who really are just interested for the pure spectacle, I hope I've offended them to high hell. They deserve to be offened. I hate the American culture of being obsessed with tragedy and I will insult and ridicule those people until I am out of breath.

[Renew Deal]

61. This is a message board with 75,000 members.

I have found that people on DU have incredible experiences. Some even study the stuff. Many are concerned. Some ideas, concepts will be repeated when you have that many people.

[JackDragna]

71. And for those with genuine knowledge and concern..

I appreciate their knowledge and sentiment. I have found that to be in fairly short supply in most of the threads here, however.

[geomon666]

4. You don't have to read them.

Stay safe.

[Bluebear]

5. Underwhelmed by our compassion and concern, are ya?

Well, we could play RW and bitch at you for living in such a dangerous place and telling the poor people who can't evacuate to "GET A JOB!!!" :eyes:

[JackDragna]

10. Believe me, we get that already, mostly from people in north LA..

..north LA = Texas. I pretend nothing exists in this state north of Baton Rouge.

[neuvocat]

6. Next time just hide the threads.

You're not being forced to read any of them. Or better yet, if you don't like people having concerns for one-another then just don't come to the site. I'm sure glad I didn't have your perspective on things when we had the fires here in Southern Ca. a couple of years back.

And for what its worth, I've been to your state and I know just how bad a hurricane blowing into a region that has its own share of tornados and storms can get.

[steve2470]

7. Somehow I feel included in this.

In all honesty, I was trying to help. If I didn't care, I would have turned off my computer and just watched a DVD.

[Bluebear]

11. It's called community and empathy.

You did fine. I have friends in NO, I love the stately beauty of the city. "We're all from NO now."

[Pithy Cherub]

13. You do a highly valuable service and a kindness.

Those who don't value it, shouldn't read it. However; the many more who do read it regularly are appreciative - some of us have family and friends everywhere! Thanks and please continue!
:pals:

[merh]

34. steve2470 - I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and I am facing

damage to my home. I thank you for your posts and your concerns. The OP does not speak for me or others on this forum.

:hug: :loveya: Thank you so much.

[steve2470]

35. Thanks !

:-)

[merh]

39. Some people just can't handle stress graciously.

;-) The logical option available to the OP is to ignore the threads. Don't stop providing the service you have been providing. It has been very helpful. :hug:

[Catherine Vincent]

47. Hi Merh!

Did you see the posts by Swamp? He has decided to head to Memphis.:-)

[merh]

63. Thank God!

I didn't see his post. I have been worried about him all day long. Thank you so very much, that relieves one of my biggest anxieties. I know many will be trapped in NO - I didn't want him to be. :hug:

Thank you for letting me know. :-)

[Catherine Vincent]

74. Here is the thread, there's quite a few messages from him.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4479788

:hug: to Merh

[merh]

81. God love you Cat.

:hug: Thanks so much, what a relief. :loveya:

Thanks for the hugs and support. :hug:

[Horse with no Name]

9. Sure. No problem.

And everyone that doesn't have a family member in the war doesn't need to worry about other people's family members.:eyes: Could be a bit cumbersome only allowing people to be concerned about what directly affects them.
But some of us live not too far up the beaten path from you...and have friends and/or family who may be in the path of this monster.
I think it's kind of rude of you to ask people not to be concerned about those that may be left behind.
I presume you speak for the entire state? You imply that you do.
However, as another poster pointed out...you don't have to read these posts, especially if you are underwhelmed. Then I would highly suggest that you don't.

[JackDragna]

15. If you have family here, that's one thing.

If you're someone with no stake in this state at all who publish every last bulletin like you're the Dick Tracy of the meterological world, then I have a problem with you. I don't know if I speak for the state, but I know enough people here that it drives us batshit loco every time a storm comes through. Our relatives freak out, newspeople from America descend on us like flies to an apple.

As far as not reading other posts, guess what? You don't have to read mine, either. But, this is an internet message board, so for those who do care to read what I write, I'm using my voice here to tell all the people here who treat this whole episode like they're watching a fireworks show on the 4th just what I think of them.

[Catherine Vincent]

22. But you're not even in New Orleans.

If I were a native, I would start a "You Don't Speak For Me, Jack!" tour.:-)

(just kidding)

[JackDragna]

25. Trust me, it's not going to be much fun here, either.

..and I know lots of people in New Orleans who I'm going to be helping in one way or another. I might have an apartment full of refugees if this thing is as bad as they say it's going to get.

[jsamuel]

12. I bow before your ever knowing knowledge of things to know

I am a Floridian and find no comments to Floridians during a hurricane offensive. I think it is ridiculous to criticize people who are concerned about others.

[JackDragna]

17. You don't find it at least a touch offensive..

..when people who live in places who don't have to put up with this crap hyperventilate over it like a Fox News reporter talking about some speech Bush made to a bunch of knuckle-draggers? Genuine concern is one thing. What I've seen today from many posters is another.

[geomon666]

24. Why don't you give us an example?

Of a genuine and non genuine response.

[jsamuel]

26. no I don't

people are concerned, that is all i need to know

and I am comforted that so many people care, whether they are more or less informed than me about the impacts of these storms

[JackDragna]

29. Personally, I don't want the concern...

..of people who gape at destruction as entertainment.

[jsamuel]

31. who is gaping at destruction as entertainment?

[JackDragna]

Pretty much anyone who posts..

..a storm track, strike prediction, wind estimate or so on and adds something along the lines of how bad this is all going to be and that Louisiana people should head for the hills. Thank you, folks. We sure do know how bad it's going to be. Please don't tell me such people seriously think anyone for whom that sort of information is important think everyone here isn't already chewing off their fingernails in worry.

[jsamuel]

42. i don't see that as any different as anything that is posted here over any

event

They post info that concerns them and expess their concerns. That is what this board is for.

I find this to be kinda like the "Don't talk about how bad things are in Iraq because the troops will hear it and make them worry." Even though what they really are worring about is getting hurt.

[JackDragna]

44. That's a horse of a different color.

People worried about Iraq don't, for the most part, send emails to soldiers telling them to make sure to wear their body armor. This also isn't a matter of propaganda: this has to do with real, living people who are about to be impacted by an event which will dramatically alter their lives.

[Renew Deal]

68. So it's not going to be bad enough to avoid starting a flame war.

But people "are going to die." This has to be the most hysterical hurricane post all night. Ironic, don't you think?

[xmas74]

14. I've posted in threads about it.

I have a cousin and a few friends in NO and I've been worried about them. Posting gives me a way to get it out of my system (since my cousin is the stupid type to sit and watch the hurricane happen).

[wmills551]

18. I hear that storm is going to be a fricking nightmare!

Just wanted to share!

[lavenderdiva]

19. I grew up in New Orleans & lived through several hurricanes there

After living my entire life there (and I am no spring chicken!), I have MANY friends who still live there (several are coming to stay with me tomorrow), and some who are staying in New Orleans to 'tough it out', all who have businesses they own, and I am very worried about each of them, and their concerns. Even though I haven't lived there in 4 years, my heart is still there, as are my dearest friends, so I will continue to worry and express that concern however and whereever I may choose. If it bothers you, you don't have to read it.

I think many here on DU are also worried, about people they may know, or others they have never met. Just a concern for humanity, and showing they care.

Peace.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

20. YOU'D BETTER GET OUT!!! IT'S GONNA BE BAD!!!

(just fuckin' with ya :evilgrin: )

[JackDragna]

28. Thank you. :)

At this point, I could use the levity. People here are going to die. Maybe people I know. This state has done very little to prepare New Orleans for this kind of disaster.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

33. Here in California when we had the fires

the very next month the communities that suffered the most damage voted against a tax to fund emergency services,,,I can imagine how you feel knowing neglect is the reason it is going to be so severe...hang in there

[JackDragna]

36. The problem here is there's very little taxation at all..

..and what little productive tax revenue we get goes to keeping the New Orleans Saints. I have a feeling the Saints might not do so well this season if their home city becomes a pile of driftwood.

[Renew Deal]

52. People where are going to die?

Where are you located?

[JackDragna]

54. I live in Baton Rouge.

Likely not so many will die here, but I tend to use "here" to mean the state as a whole.

[Renew Deal]

56. If "people are going to die"

what the hell are you doing starting flame wars here?

[JackDragna]

67. I don't know. Why are you posting here?

Because I merely got a little tired at the number of overblown posts about wind speeds, projected paths and other crapola by people who fill their posts with exclamation points and tell us all how bad it's going to be.

[Renew Deal]

70. Same reason as you.

"I'm expressing my opinion"

[frustrated_lefty]

109. RUN FER YER LIVES!!!!!!

Sad thing is, if I was 10 years younger or my kids were 10 years older, there would be a kick-ass party going on at the lake right about now.

FL

[Mr_Spock]

21. Bleh

We are free to discuss topics of interest - sorry if you don't like it - the little "X" makes unwanted threads go away - I use it when necessary...

[nashville_brook]

27. i've been reading that you guys don't have shelters open yet

is that true?

just seems to a lot of people that NO leadership is underwhelming and that naturally concerns folks here.

will you be riding the storm out?

[JackDragna]

30. The shelters are open in many places.

There's already many phone numbers, in many adjacent cities, for people to contact. I will probably be riding this out, but with how huge this thing is getting, Baton Rouge may even be severely affected. My apartment is likely going to be the refuge for some friends of mine from New Orleans, but that's not definite. If that happens, I'll definitely stay.

[merh]

32. Speak for yourself JackDragna.

I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and appreciate the concerns of others.

I find your post very upsetting as I am very touched by the compassion of my fellow DUers. Speak for yourself and do not dismiss the concerns of folks. If you don't want to read the threads then just ignore them. That is always the easiest way to handle threads that upset you.

To all on DU that have expressed concerns and have been posting about the storm I thank you. :grouphug:

We need all of your prayers and your postive energies and I am grateful that DU is here to keep me informed.

:loveya:

[MnFats]

38. your post is appreciated.

we ain't experts, OK. But we learn a bit coming here and appreciate it. Ain't no way we'll stop caring for our southern neighbors.

wringing my hands and making no apology for it!

[merh]

45. Wringing my hands and not expecting an apology.

:hug:

All I can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. It does help me that my fellow DUers care about what is happening here. Maybe we won't be forsaken after it hits and we are without electricity and homes. Maybe DUers will see what may soon occur as our "tsunami" disaster and will do what they can to help us out. I don't know how bad it will be, I am just glad that others care to warn me and stay informed.

Ignorance is never bliss, not when lives are at stake.

[Pithy Cherub]

50. Merh, wishing you well and saftey during this!

Having suffered myself, through earthquakes and fires it is important that people know you care. Information is really important for those who have access to it and may be in a position to pass it on to those that do not have it. Please be safe and well! :hug:

[merh]

58. I do appreciate your well wishes and concerns for my safety and

for others in my state and Louisiana. :hug:

We need all the support and prayers and spirituality and positive vibes we can get. :hug:

[JackDragna]

40. My intention was to upset.

I am here to tweak the noses of people who people who post and worry about our state in an overblown, dramatic manner. For those with family here or genuine concern, that's fine. For those who just post the latest weather track as excuse to put up a post with an exclamation point at the end, I want them to be offended. I want them to be angry at me, because I have no tolerance for their "Inside Edition" level of concern for people who are about to have their homes destroyed and their lives turned upside-down.

[KitchenWitch]

46. How thoughtful of you

Perhaps your energy might be better spent in preparation, rather than stoking the hostilities of people who may or may not have genuine concern for your safety and the safety of others in your region???

[merh]

53. Guess they should have said "fuck it, who cares" to the

tsunami victims. And if they had been afforded the fore warnings, guess no body here should have bothered to post about it because they don't live there.

Your anger is misplaced. Be angry at a government that is not prepared for what we are about to experience. Be angry because FEMA will fuck us, just as they have fucked the folks in Florida. Be angry that the National Guard is serving in Iraq and won't be available to save folks. Did you realize that in Hurricane Camille the National Guard drove ducks through the streets of Biloxi and Gulfport during the height of the storm, rescuing folks that would have drowned otherwise? That won't happen now. Once the storm hits, there will be no rescue, the government doesn't give a damn. Be angry about that and ignore the threads that contain information that pisses you off.

I am facing the destruction and you have upset me, was that your intention?

[Horse with no Name]

62. Hugsss Merh!!!

Keep my number close and call me if you need ANYTHING!:hug:
I'll say my prayers for you...this OP has upset me to no end.
I am just sick about those that could be left behind.:cry:

[merh]

69. ((((hugs)))))

Hugs back at you Horsey! I will keep your number and call you if I need anything, I promise. Just keep saying those prayers and don't let the OP upset you. He doesn't speak for all of us that face the unknown of Katrina. I need you guys and love all of you for being here and for caring so damn much. :hug:

:loveya: Thank you all :grouphug:

[JackDragna]

65. Not you, so much as to upset..

..people here who treat this as a reason to illustrate their ability cut and paste NOGAPS hurricane prediction models. As for the tsunami, again, that's a little bit of a different thing. Nobody predicted it, it happened suddenly and a great tragedy occurred.

Believe me, I am plenty angry over the lack of preparedness here. My family's home is probably going to be destroyed. Friends of mine may drown because they cannot leave the city. A city I greatly love may be reduced to rubble. I will continue to do what I can as a citizen to push for those things to be changed. This thread, however, was my opportunity to tell off some people who I think have no real concern for Louisiana beyond their need for psychological involvement in human tragedy.

[KitchenWitch]

76. See Steve2470s Post #60

Very sage advice indeed.

It is never nice to alienate those who are showing genuine concern.

[JackDragna]

99. Those who show genuine concern, bully for them.

Those who tell us, over and over, to get out of the way of the 150 mph+ storm, I could do with less of. Pardon my ending a sentence with a preposition.

[merh]

77. Your thread serves NO PURPOSE.

You don't know what is in the minds of those that post the information that has been provided. You don't know who they know or don't know in either state. You don't know if they were ever the victim of a like disaster and wish they had had DU available to them to obtain the information.

Ignore the threads that bother you, don't take your anger out on people who simply care. Don't turn away a shoulder that is offered in support.

And don't you dare try to speak for others facing the destruction that you are facing. I may not have a home come Tuesday morning. Betsy gutted the house I am now in. I won't be here when the storm hits, but as long as I am here I will continue to thank DUers for their concern and for posting information. It has helped me.

I pray that this storm goes against the odds, defies all predictions and finds it way to the swamps. I doubt that will happen, but I will continue to say prayers that it does.

I pray for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Please turn off your computer or ignore the threads that contain the information that you judge so harshly. Good luck to you and may God bless us all.

[Bluebear]

78. merh, where are you heading , honey?

When do you leave?

[merh]

83. I will leave tomorrow evening.

I will go inland to my sisters home. They are have a home that is more secure than mine and an old army generator that could power the entire block. I'll be safe during the storm, it is the unknown that is the worst. I don't know what I will come back to.

That being said, I have looked around my house and have realized that it is just stuff. I have my important papers and some personal items that I would hate to lose, but the rest of it is just stuff.

I'll be safe my dear sweet Bluebear and I so appreciate you and the others that have helped me stay informed and that have shown such concern. :hug:

:loveya:

[Lorien]

87. Trash bags

One thing I do before a hurricane is to get as many large trash bags (or better yet, lawn bags) and tape them over my bookcases, fill them with clothing, papers, etc. Just a small bit of extra insurance against water damage (plus it's quick and cheap).

[merh]

90. Good idea, I will fill several before I leave.

Thanks again. :hi:

:hug:

[Horse with no Name]

91. My house flooded

It was inevitable and I knew it would.I had about 20 min before we were evacuated.
I remembered to unplug all of my appliances...I sat my furniture up on my tables. I made sure everything was put up as high as I could get it.
However..I forgot the stuff in the closets. It was all ruined.
Yearbooks, pictures, shoes, etc.
It never dawned on me.
Soo...check the closets!

[Lorien]

105. Oh my, that sucks!

especially losing the yearbooks and photos :-(. I hope that you are well out of harms way now!

[JackDragna]

85. I have a pretty good idea of what's in the minds of those posters.

It's the same thing I've seen in this culture more times than I can count. It's the obsession with destruction. Tell me this: what purpose could someone with no stake in this state possibly have by posting a giant .gif of a hurricane prediction chart, followed by an admonition for people to evacuate? Please don't tell me those people are concerned, genuinely concerned for anything.

As far as speaking for others..maybe not everyone, but I speak for a lot of people. This state becomes the center of attention when some disaster hits or when people want an example of a craphole with terrible crime, povery or pollution. But what kind of response do people give us otherwise? Very little, nationally. We're the party state with the wretched economy and educational system no one wants to fix. People think we're a bunch of illiterate bumpkins. Hell, I've seen no fewer than two posts here suggesting Louisiana was full of religious zealots who should pray to Jesus for the hurricane to change course because we supposedly don't trust science here.

Know what? There ARE lots of whackos here. There are lots of red-state-minded, backwards people who do things like vote for anti-gay-marriage legislation. There's also lots of decent people who just try to get by in a place where the deck is stacked against them. That's also part of why I'm pissed. It's bad enough that people wallow in human tragedy, but this state is a blip on the radar for so many others, or worse, one of the dread "red states" that somehow deserves to be backhanded by nature.

[merh]

89. Personally, I think the only one with issues is you.

You read such dark, ominous motives in the posts of many that I personally know truly care and that sucks. Your dark view of life and people is sad. Do yourself a favor and get off line and hate the world with the monitor off.

I see no obsession with destruction, I see concerned people. I see genuine care and compassion. I see love for the sake of loving another human whether or not they know us or live next to us or 5000 miles away.

When the thread about the tsunami were posted, did you look at the images, did you partake in the discussion were you a voyeur? What makes you any different than those that you give such vile motives now?

Please go rest, recharge and take care of yourself. Your energies will be needed in the next several days. Vent the anger in another direction. Take care of yourself.

[JackDragna]

96. Read between the lines a bit.

There's a reason why the media makes a big deal out of things like the death of Princess Di, out of the murders of pretty white women, out of plane crashes and the like. People eat it up and it digusts the hell out of me. The media shouldn't be presenting those stories as hugely significant news, but then again, the public seems to clamor for it.

I see overtones of that in much of the concern people seem to show for this state. You can call it dark, ominous, jaded or cynical. Use whatever superlatives you like. I merely call it reality, a reality that disturbs me greatly.

Thank you for your well-wishing. I have been working all day helping people I know board up their houses, fetching valuables from my parent's house and the houses of others for safekeeping and otherwise running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I may seem like an ogre, but I've been busting my ass all day because people need a 200 pound galoot who can hammer nails and carry things.

[merh]

104. Please go rest.

There is more that you will need to do tomorrow.

Don't lose faith in people and try not to discount all who are truly concerned because of the efforts of the media to capitalize on the destruction that is headed our way. There is a lot of love in this community of ours (DU), don't turn away from it.

God bless you and thank you for helping so many today. Get some sleep. :hug:

On edit: the truly disturbing threads are the ones mocking the hurricane threads. If you want to see the dark side of folks, find those and have your stomach turned. :puke:

[Lorien]

101. Um, some of us don't have cable, or even TVs

"Tell me this: what purpose could someone with no stake in this state possibly have by posting a giant .gif of a hurricane prediction chart, followed by an admonition for people to evacuate?"

How about genuine concern and a desire to help in some fashion? Thank goodness for DUers who post such things! I live in Florida (we know a thing or two about hurricanes in this state too) and I have a TV with almost no reception. I counted on DU for up to the minute reports-and yes, animated .gifs-when the hurricanes hammered us last year. Since Charley took a very unexpected path (the eye passed directly over my home, many miles to the East of the projected path) DUers helped me to be more fully prepared. But I am not an entirely jaded cynic who thinks that the rest of the world only wishes to rubberneck at my misfortune. I'm someone who is capable of caring for others-even those thousands of miles away (as most of my friends and family are)-so naturally I expect that others feel honest compassion for their fellow human beings as well.

Take care of yourself. Hopefully a few strangers will show you some kindness in the near future that will alter your perceptions for the better.

[steve2470]

103. Glad you're on DU and proud you're from my area ! nt

[Lorien]

107. You too, steve2470!

I'll be counting on people like you to post weather updates the next time we're in the crosshairs of a major storm!

:loveya:

[steve2470]

60. I am going to offer you some unsolicited advice

I think I'm one of the people you're pissed at. That's fine. Now for my sincere advice:

1- Turn off your computer.
2- Take care of your family and friends.
3- Take care of yourself at the same time.
4- If you're spiritual, access it. If you're not, that's fine.
5- Once the hurricane is passed, take your anger and go to Baton Rouge and Washington with it. Start a movement. Who knows, perhaps you could be the Cindy Sheehan of good hurricane preparation, which includes having the National Guard.

IMHO, staying on here and fighting with people only defeats yourself. You're free to flame me if you wish. I'm not going to respond if you do. I'm only trying to help you, believe it or not. I'm sure it's very godawful.

[Scurrilous]

73. I appreciate your updates....

...the hurricane knocked out my cable and I've been relying on DU for info on the storm's progress. Keep up the good work. :thumbsup:

[Bluebear]

80. Truthfully, I have learned of 3 new internet sites tonight

that may come in handy when the next blizzard hits. It's always cool to learn new resources along the way!

[Carla in Ca]

106. Amen!

We had an earthquake here not too long ago (minimal) and I appreciated all the posts from everyone. I got links to websites I didn't even know existed, and I was born here!
When/if a big one comes, I can only imagine how many will think of me or ask if they can help me. God love you all!:loveya:

[KitchenWitch]

41. I can't imagine the stress such a storm can cause

I want all of you to know (even the OP) that I do care and am participating in my spirituality around this storm.

:grouphug:

[merh]

55. Thank you KitchenWitch.

:hug: I appreciate all the spirituality and concern from all on DU.

[KitchenWitch]

57. Anytime merh!

Think of us in January, when it is 20 below zero (people die in that weather too!)

[merh]

59. I promise, I will.

:hug: :hi:

[Lorien]

66. I felt the same way last year when facing my first hurricanes

I wanted to hear from those who had been through them before, and I appreciated the concern from fellow DUers as my Northern landlocked family seemed to think that hurricanes were "no big deal".

Some DUers were thinking of "riding out" this one, but at the urging of others they have now changed their minds. Some of us ARE truly concerned for them (and you); alarm is appropriate given the magnitude of the storm. Some of us have not only offered compassion and prayers, but our homes as well. It's amazing to me that anyone would find this offensive.

[merh]

79. Thank you for your concern and your prayers.

DU provides a great service and DUers are very giving. I feel blessed to be a part of this community. :hug:

[Lorien]

82. ((((HUGS)))) merh

are you safe? Have you evacuated already?

I still have a room here in Orlando if anyone needs a place to stay.

:hug:

[steve2470]

84. so do I ! nt

[merh]

86. I'll leave out tomorrow afternoon.

My house is boarded up, my stuff ready to throw in my vehicle and then I head inland, to stay with my sister. Thanks for the offer and for caring. :hug:

[Lorien]

88. Thank goodness!

You'll be in my thoughts. Have a safe trip! :hug:

[merh]

92. Thank you!

(((((((((( :hug: Bluebear :hug: ))))))))))))))))))

I'll be safe! :hug: :loveya:

[KitchenWitch]

37. I see it as an outpouring of compassion

Perhaps not all of us have gone through such cataclysmic circumstances, but I believe that most of us here at least have some level of caring for people dealing with such difficulties in life.

If you do not want to see the threads, do not click on them.

[Renew Deal]

43. Don't you have something better to do?

Oh, wait I forgot. You know everything. :eyes:

[JackDragna]

48. Thanks for the personal shot.

I'm expressing my opinion, just like everyone else. I have a problem with the sensensaliation of human tragedy, especially when it impacts people I know. As I've been told many times in this thread, you're free to look elsewhere if you don't like this thread. I suggest you do so.

[Renew Deal]

49. You're posting flamebait.

You admit it yourself. You said that you were underwhelmed by our knowledge. I am obviously overwhelmed with yours. :rofl:

[JackDragna]

51. You must be, considering the obvious wit of your response.

Thank you, drive through.

[SlowDownFast]

94. I respect your right to say to what you need to.

Did you expect anything less?

No wonder you're getting flamed.

[Roxy66]

64. To all others who need and appreciate support...we are praying

[Festivito]

72. Certainly wish you well. We need all the DUers we can muster.

Would rather know what you see, plan, feel and think about this storm rather than what I, myself, would conjure.

Would be curious if life-vests would be part of a preparedness list.

We get tornados up here. Much less warning. More hit and miss. You're right that I don't know hurricanes. I defer to your experiance.

[JackDragna]

75. Where do you live?

I used to live in Iowa. I know how much tornadoes suck. One nearly killed me as a child.

[Festivito]

95. Detroit, Michigan. Heard one overhead once.

Heard the freight train. Did not see it. No one reported it. It touched down in various places in the city noted more by the damages.

Tornados here are not as bad as those on the great plains as I understand.

[JackDragna]

97. Don't know..wherever they are, they're not much fun.

nt

[aaronbees]

93. As one who has family in NO...

I've thought the compassion and willingness to share information here is touching. Who flippin' cares what people's motivations are to post maps and hurricane projections? It could be curiosity and intrigue over a major news event or it could be a desire to let people (everywhere) know just what's happening. I don't really care right now. AP reports, if I recall correctly, still had Florida as the target into Friday night/Sat. morning, so providing more up-to-date info. is freakin' valuable. And it's information that's more readily and more easily available with some folks taking the time to post it on DU. I, frankly, am damn glad for that and thank them. And people get involved in news like this; it's natural and not 'voyeuristic,' at least from virtually all of the posts I've read on DU today. Good grief.

[KitchenWitch]

98. Perhaps you will turn away the hundreds of volunteers

from other areas of the country who will go down there to help with cleanup, since you seem to be completely self-sufficient.

[JackDragna]

100. Uh..okay.

After all, posting concern for people on the internet is equally as useful as volunteer work. Apparently, pointing out that people shouldn't sensationalize disaster is the same as saying we don't need outside help.

[KitchenWitch]

102. And assuming that genuine concern on an internet board

equals sensationalism is complete and utter bunk.

As for action, although disabilities limit my physical ability to help with the clean up, I fully intend to monetarily help in the hurricane relief effort.

Not a whole lot I can do at the moment, since the storm has not passed yet.

[frustrated_lefty]

108. I couldn't bring myself

to read this entire thread, so perhaps there was some crucial point I missed.

Jack, I understand your point.

Bear in mind, though, that many of these people commenting from other geographical locations have to endure their own tumultuous experiences. You go through a hurricane. They experience an earthquake. Or a tornado. Or a mudslide. I think the sentiment most are offering is genuine concern. They've simply seen life-threatening circumstances from a different perspective.

I do have to agree with Jack, though, that posts made in all caps saying "FLEE, FLEE" or something of that sort really aren't productive. Nor are they particularly informative.

The concern is greatly appreciated. It's heart-warming, in a fashion.

Some of us simply don't have the luxury of leaving at this moment. That may be hard to understand, but some practical concerns prohibit jumping in a car and taking off.

FL

[Moderator]

110. Locking....

This is flamebait.