Is it time to bypass the government and established charities?

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

They are dying in the streets, the bureaucracy is falling apart and ineffective.

Those people need help and the government or the charities or musicians aren't going to help the ones dying tonight.

What the fuck can we do to help NOW?

[Kenroy]

1. That's what's so maddening

about this whole thing.

We're watching people die on TV, and we're powerless to do anything. It's such a horrible feeling.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

10. We are our government... If our government isn't doing what is right,

what is our next step?

[OctOct1]

2. Can't Oprah or someone overly wealthy

send 1000 buses & drop food and water from planes

[Nikia]

6. They're donating money

But yes, they need to directly hire out vehicles and supplies. Yes, people need help now.

[Skidmore]

8. Oprah would rather buy you jammies or a book for the Book Club

right now. She has arrived.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. NO! That's what this experience has taught us. We need a strong

government, not a weak one. The Republicans have weakened this government to the point that it no longer is able to handle the crisis it was meant to handle.

Remember that it takes 2 or 3 days for a human to starve or die from dehydration. Churches and other private organizations cannot mobilize fast enough nor organize soon enough to get food and water to those that need it. I realize that this military can't either, but remember that it was the NATIONAL GUARD that is trained to handle these tragedies and they're in Iraq, compliments of Bush policy decisions.

And let's not forget that Bush not only ham strung us with Iraq, he also made it certain that New Orleans would face tragedy when he GAVE TAX REFUNDS TO THE RICH!

[Deja Q]

4. We learned that after 9/11, yes?

with the United Way and all?

[DoYouEverWonder]

5. What government?

They're in the bunkers eating steak. We're on our own so we better start figuring this out. Hurricanes are survivable. So are floods. We have the people and the resources to get thought this if we help each other.

[Skidmore]

9. Time to clean house on 06.

Let's field some excellent true opposition candidates and get these failures out in front of the public.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

11. Spot on.

But we are so ingrained as to the role of the government that when we have one that doesn't give a shit about the people that we just stand here and bitch about it.

For god's sake, we have to do something.

[BrewerJohn]

7. Try the web sites of local TV stations, etc

Our University hospital is sponsoring a truck leaving tomorrow with supplies. Mrs. Brewer is at the store right now getting things to put on it. I just hope they put the hammer down on that sucker and get there in time to save some people.

Local TV station site has a page that turned up this and a number of other local efforts.