Jabbar Gibson National Hero! Stole A Bus And Saved 70! LETS ROLL!!!

[DistressedAmerican]

On Fox Right now!

This kid stole a school bus and saves about 100 folks that needed to get out by driving them all to the Houston AstroDome! Never drove a bus in his life.

"I had to do what was right for me."

He is a hero! He should get a parade!

MORE:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory2/3334317



Jabbar Gibson's first time behind the wheel of a school bus was spent transporting dozens of people from New Orleans to the Reliant Astrodome.

-SNIP-
School bus comandeered by renegade refugees first to arrive at Astrodome
By SALATHEIA BRYANT and CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
HURRICANE KATRINA

Video, graphics courtesy Associated Press and KHOU; free Real Player, Flash plug-in and Acrobat Reader may be required.)

The first busload of New Orleans refugees to reach the Reliant Astrodome overnight was a group of people who commandeered a school bus in the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and drove to Houston looking for shelter.

Jabbar Gibson, 20, said police in New Orleans told him and others to take the school bus and try to get out of the flooded city.

Gibson drove the bus from the flooded Crescent City, picking up stranded people, some of them infants, along the way. Some of those on board had been in the Superdome, among those who were supposed to be evacuated to Houston on more than 400 buses Wednesday and today. They couldn't wait.

The group of mostly teenagers and young adults pooled what little money they had to buy diapers for the babies and fuel for the bus.

-MORE AT LINK-

[Hello_Kitty]

1. I've got Fox blocked, how are they treating him? n/t

[DistressedAmerican]

7. Greta Was Loving Him!

[Blaq Dem]

76. I thought they said he stole the bus?

They said he carjacked that bus. I didn't know one of the cops told him he could take the bus out of N.O.

I also heard he wouldn't be charged with anything. Good move on his part.

[Mr_Spock]

107. I've got Faux blocked too.

:puke:

[caligirl]

2. Can't get FOx here, any links on line?

[blitzen]

3. a true american "entrepreneur" n/t

[Lecky]

4. I'm watching that right now

What an amazing story!

[meganmonkey]

5. That sounds awesome

I'd love more detail (cable-free house)

Do tell!

:)

[alcuno]

9. He can't be more than 20.

Greta is interviewing him in Houston. He went into a lot and took a school bus - just decided to take his chances. He picked up 70 people along the side of the road and they pooled money for fuel. I think it's the bus that showed up before all the other and they eventually let them into the Astrodome.

[Craig3410]

61. I think he's 18, IIRC. NT

[Lisa]

75. I remember -- the authorities were so shocked by the early arrival

They weren't ready yet, and they made the bus wait outside the Astrodome.

The theory back then was that the driver or passengers must have known "shortcuts" to get to Houston so quickly. Looks like they took the initiative and made a head start.

Good for them!

[Pacifist Patriot]

103. 17 is what I saw last night.

[DistressedAmerican]

10. Added Some Details To The OP.

He went to a school bus parking lot and got into the destroyed building and found the keys. He matched a set up to a bus and started making the rounds picking folks up off the street.

Drove them 350 miles. Made 3 stops to fuel up.

What a guy!

Jabbar for FEMA Director!

[1932]

20. "Jabbar for FEMA Director" As Xultar says, "that's some true shit!"

Right on.

[hatrack]

51. Perfect - the ultimate job recommendation

Better yet, Jabbar for President!!!

[faithnotgreed]

70. jabbar for director of FEMA~~ great idea

[Lecky]

13. Great inspiring story

After getting sick and tired of waiting for help this guy went into an abandoned school and took the keys to some bus (that he had no experience in driving btw) started driving to Houston was able to rescue approx 70 people on the way.

[meganmonkey]

23. That is incredible!!

That's what it has come down to, though. The gov't is so fucking useless.

Good for him!!

:patriot:

[Cha]

49. That's quite AMAZING what Jabbar's

adrenelin could do..driving a bus loaded with People and no experience! I LOVE IT!

[Opusnone]

6. An Angel

This kid needs to be nominated for a nobel fucking prize!
You go, Jabbar!

[RandiFan1290]

8. He might be arrested.

I demand a pardon from the Governor!!

[DistressedAmerican]

12. If They Ever Tried, They Would Get Grilled Alive For It!

PARDON JABBAR NOW!!!

[Hello_Kitty]

18. Like I'm so sure a jury of his peers would convict him.

They'd have to make it a Federal trial and stack the jury with rabid Fundies and they'd still lose on appeal.

[KeepItReal]

31. Right. I'll fly to DC and live on Alberto Gonzales' doorstep if he dares

To try to drag this hero into Federal Court.

[distantearlywarning]

15. If this kid is arrested

I'll pay his bail myself.

This is an amazing story. Not for the first time in my life I wish I were a wealthy philanthropist so I could reward this kid with a college education or a chance to own his own business or something.

[Horse with no Name]

19. Now here is that "Oprah" moment that many have been wanting to see

I'd like to see her hook this man up.

[1932]

25. Nola.com has other stories like this.

Stories where people made personal sacrifices to safe others...it was the rule, not the exception.

A few DU'ers (who seem to have disappeared today) must be disappointed.

[Horse with no Name]

40. Seems they were trying to make up for the lack of presence by "their"

leader.
They all suck.;)

[Horse with no Name]

11. Hmmmm

Let me just wrap my head around this for a minute--okay?

Several white men take down a hijacker, causing a plane to crash and kill a couple hundred people, but saving untold lives.
They are heroes. They are revered. T-shirts are made in their honor.

BUT

A young black man commandeers a bus. Doesn't hurt a soul, but saves 100 lives is a criminal?

Maybe in Bush's America...but in my America, that young man is a hero!

[KeepItReal]

14. He flipped the script & helped others instead of wasting away, that's why

Whoever foolishly decides to prosecute this young man really and truly deserves a special place in HADES.

[1932]

28. And remember what Bush said: "zero tolerance for looters"

Shoot to kill and all that BS.

[DistressedAmerican]

54. ZERO FUCKING TOLERANCE!

For Bushco!

[philarq]

16. Quick, get him a book deal

let that pay for the defense if they arrest him--there are enough people here that will bail him out--see the other thread with the full story--I think his actions deserve a medal and special attention after this is all over---he performed heroic actions by picking up so many people

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4594660

[KittyWampus]

30. funny, that was my thought as well

[philarq]

34. got to name it "Let's Roll"

one of the inspiring stories to come out of all this and they want to arrest him

[1932]

17. "right for me" -- not what he did. "right for us" is more like it.

[Eloriel]

21. Wasn't this the very first that showed up at the AstroDome --

too early, which made them suspect and they quickly figured out it was a "renegade bus"? I LOVE that kid.

[DistressedAmerican]

24. Exactly! "The Renegade Bus"! Go Renegades!

[madmax]

22. Jabbar Gibson

This young man rocks!! Way to go. :yourock: :woohoo:

[gizmo1979]

26. I say Nobel prize!

[Z_I_Peevey]

27. Oh God, it it good to hear something like that. n/t

[MidnightWind]

29. Bump.

His story deserves to be told far and wide.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

32. That is amazing! He didn't even know how to drive a bus.

I would've been scared to death to even try driving a bus. What a hero he is and so young!

[Lars39]

45. I've heard they're not the easiest things to drive either.

Simply amazing.

[mzmolly]

33. Wow.

What a great kid.

[mzmolly]

35. Recommended by the way.

*

[DistressedAmerican]

36. Thatnks This Story Is A Good One. Much Needed Right Now!

[mzmolly]

37. Indeed it is. I hope others will join me in recommending this.

I was surprised to be the first one to do so.

[Secular Agent Man]

38. Cool story !

I was wondering about the story behind this 'mystery bus' the other night. That dude is alright!

:toast:

[GoBruins]

41. This is a great story

What an incredible person.

[JanMichael]

39. They had to BUY FUEL????????

Aaaack!!!!

God dammit what's WRONG with people in this fucked up nation???

That guy IS a HERO though, he really DOES deserve a medal!

[qanda]

42. Way to go Jabbar

You will receive a great reward

[IndyOp]

43. Does this remind anyone else of "Life is Beautiful"?

"I'm trying to make it a fairy tale so they won't panic," said Nathan, who had four grandchildren in tow. "I have to be strong for them."

:cry:

[jane_pippin]

78. That was my thought too when I read that line.

I read the words, I see the pictures, I hear the people on TV, and still I can't believe this is really going on. I mean, of course I believe it, but just...Jesus. This is happening in our country.

[johnaries]

44. Rugged Individualism! A TRUE American!

Shout it out with me:
Jab-bar! Jab-bar! Jab -bar!

THIS is what Democracy is about. THIS is what PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is all about!

When the spin comes down, "oh, they were TOLD to evacuate, it's their own fault that they stayed..."

HERE is our response:

Jab-bar! Jab-bar! Jab-bar!

[Cha]

46. We're talking Time Person

of The Year, here!

This is so Poignant..real Life Heroes..not some plastic cowboy that comes in 5 days late and how many People Short?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

47. ARREST THAT LITTLE CARJACKER NOW!!!

Right on Jabbar! You got guts!

[NorthernSpy]

79. Looter! LOOOOOOOOOTER!

Rock on, Jabbar.

:thumbsup:

[Spazito]

48. That is so cool!! I remember when his bus arrived at the Astrodome

and they were trying to figure out if the bus was from the NO dome. The reporter then said it was a 'renegade bus' driven by a 20 year old. It is great to know this brave, heroic young man's name.

Recommended!

[Lugnut]

50. Instead of talking the talk

Jabbar walked the walk. Amazing!

[tuckessee]

52. Now there's a true American hero!!

Thanks to Mr. Gibson's initiative and balls there's a lot of people alive today who would probably be dead had they waited for the government to "save" them.

I suppose Jabbar will be getting an invitation shortly to the White House to be honored and feted.

[DistressedAmerican]

53. If He Ever Does, I Hope He Kicks Bush Square In The Nuts!

[neohippie]

57. I agree with you

I would love to see him go before the shrub to be honored and then withdraw his hand from a shake and spit at his feet!!!

[AmBlue]

55. What a courageous young man!!

Jabbar ROCKS!!

[johnaries]

56. kick for Jabbar! n/t

[Robeson]

58. That is what a human being looks like.

[tuckessee]

59. The new WWJD?

What Would Jabbar Do?

[kestrel91316]

60. Wishing only good things for the rest of his life -

this is what heroism looks like.

[johnaries]

62. Another kick for Jabbar!

:kick:
His story needs to be heard!

[DistressedAmerican]

63. kick

[johnaries]

64. Good Lord!

This forum is hot tonight! Kick!

[lildreamer316]

84. Crying and KICKING

Can a _________get a table dance..........
Sorry; its the only way I know to thank him properly. WINK.

[davepc]

65. Exposing the rights hypocrisy!

"WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST LEAVE?!" Screams the "rugged individualists" on the right.

Well, Jabbar Gibson did JUST THAT with dozens of his fellow Americans, bringing them to safety. And NOW they talk of ARRESTING HIM?!

--JUST LEAVE! But, if you do just leave....we'll arrest you.--


How come the government is allowed to confiscate vehicles and equipment to save lives, but "citizens" are criminals if they do the same thing?

[johnaries]

66. And-a 1, 2 3, 4, KICK! for Jabbar! An American HERO!

[Robeson]

67. I'll kick this, until the cows come home.

[Scout1071]

68. Simply put: kickin'.

[minkyboodle]

69. incredible!!

kick for Jabbar!!!!

[Fescue4u]

71. Driving a bus isnt difficult

But it took real leadership to do this. Leadership is what is difficult.

My hat is off to this young man. Truly a hero.

[evilkumquat]

72. Talk of Arresting Him Sounds Like Some 1950's Morality Play

It's like a black man saving a drowning white woman's life in Mississippi, then getting arrested and lynched for giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Evil Kumquat

[johnaries]

73. Another kick for Jabbar for the Night Shift!

A true Hero whose story needs to be told.
For the night shift!

[Wizard777]

74. When Evil Reigns. No good deed ever goes unpunished. n/t

[Nothing Without Hope]

77. FANTASTIC! He's a hero!!! Contrast with Bush is so damning.

Did you see this great cartoon by our own Gatorboy, based (he says) on suggestions by Dotcosm. So young, and Jabbar is a bigger man than * will EVER be.

VERY SIGNIFICANT: Police told him to go ahead and take the bus and get the people out. That says (a) that they know the people won't be moved by the Feds and (b) they are pulling for the right thing to do even if it is against the letter of the law.

THIS COUNTRY IS COMING TOGETHER despite the corrupt, criminally negligent (at the least) feds.

[ninkasi]

80. What a truly beautiful human being.

This young man is a hero, and I hope that people will see in him the compassion and humanity that is lacking in the pPresident. I wish we could kick Smirk out, and put Jabbar in office instead.

[ninkasi]

81. What a truly beautiful human being.

This young man is a hero, and I hope that people will see in him the compassion and humanity that is lacking in the pPresident. I wish we could kick Smirk out, and put Jabbar in office instead.

[nicknameless]

82. Another kick for Jabbar Gibson!

What a hero!

That's what real human beings do in a crisis. They work together to save each other.
What a glaring contrast to this SUBHUMAN administration and most of Congress.

[fleabert]

83. There is our national hero!

not to mention the other heroes and heroines who came up with money (!!!!) to buy their own gas!

awesome. I can't wait for more stories like this to come out.... 'we just couldn't wait for our government to help, we had to do it ourselves, George Bush and his ALL REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT FAILED US!"

[dxstone]

85. Hey! GREAT one, man!

Hard to find positive stories in all of this...
I don't know if I'd dub the kid a major hero though; I can state pretty confidently that I'd do the same if I were in his shoes... and I know a LOT of other people who would as well...
Not to diminish his achievement, not at all. I'm just saying that this is the sort of common heroism that MOST people of good will are capable of when their back is to the wall. Personally, I'm a big believer in the nobility of man; the potential is always there, just as our negative capacity.
So I raise my glass in toast,
:toast:
and say Bravo to this intrepid young man! TRULY a wonderful tale!
Just let them TRY to arrest him... THAT would be ANOTHER very big mistake...
d
ps: Just sickening, what's goin' on down there... the film of Geraldo and Shepard Smith, and audio of Mayor Nagin's impassioned plea for action, both available at
http://www.crooksandliars.com
are particularly compelling and heart-rending items I must recommend to all who haven't yet seen 'em...
Good god, this magnificent horror, this betrayal and dereliction of duty at the highest levels, it's all so hard to weather even from here... I can't really begin to imagine what it must be like for those still clinging to survival there.
Goddamn these cowardly vermin unelected 'leaders' of ours...
I can see very clearly what their main goal is here.
They're fomenting racial mistrust and hatred. They are breeding a new civil war, a race-war... they've ALREADY got people arguing about whether there really IS a racial component to this immense neglect, or if it's just "those people" COMPLAINING again (I already know of idiots in white America who seem to think that black people are gonna clean up on Hurricane Katrina, it's just gonna be a tremendous windfall for blacks generally) (!!?!), and all that should be good for starters at least. For the past 25 years they've spent a great deal of time and effort dividing we the common people on every level imaginable (remember, many people voted for Butch last year because he promised to end the horrible threat of GAY MARRIAGE in AMERICA, Land of the FREE of all places!), but the racial card is the main one they've chosen to carry their horrifying plan forward.
There can be no feigned explanation of incompetence. NO ONE is this incompetent.
It's like 9/11 all over again.
When people finally DO wake up, will everyone just start firing their guns at anything that moves?
Black against white. Gay against straight. Young vs. old. Middle-class vs. poor. Men vs. women. Religious zealots vs. scientists and mathematicians; the ignorant vs. the educated. Christians vs. Jews vs. Muslims vs. Buddhists vs. Trappists vs. pagans vs. goths vs. druids vs. heathens vs. atheists vs. agnostics. Hare Krishnas vs. the Amish. Warheads vs. peaceniks. Classical vs. classic rock. Pimps vs. hos.
The Age-Old Conflict: The Idiots vs. the Imbeciles, each trying to prove themselves smarter than the other, both failing miserably. Endless struggle, fresh blood spilt and the legacy of hatred and vendettas and the drive for endless cycles of revenge and renewal of that blood-hatred. Darkness weaving a tapestry of fear and savagery over the whole of this sadly now-benighted world.
It's scary. They're trying VERY HARD right now to divide us all, and keep us fighting each other, out of hatred or simple desperation and need to compete for ever-dwindling resources...
This is what I'm seeing.
How can we find a way to come together?
We HAVE to find a way to stand strong together, shoulder to shoulder, and take back what is ours.
If we don't, I don't see how we can EVER stop this madness.
d
ps: Great post, DA! K&N!

(Edited for typo)

[DistressedAmerican]

86. Jabbar Kicker!

[DistressedAmerican]

88. ...

[KeepItReal]

87. One mo 'gin for Jabbar

:kick:

Translation: "Once more again for Jabbar"
:-)

[xmas74]

89. ...

:kick:

[Tight_rope]

90. Jabbar Gibson is a Hero....he deserves a purple heart!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

91. Go, Jabbar!

What a great guy.

[greekspeak]

92. If there is no medal given to him, we should create one

My God...

LOOK FREEPERS....THIS IS WHAT A PATRIOT LOOKS LIKE.

LOOK CLOSELY....NO JINGOISM OR FLAG PLASTERING NEEDED.

NOTE ALSO THAT HE HAS DARK SKIN...NOT JUST WHITE PEOPLE ARE HEROES

Pay for the fella to go to college, give him a medal, make him Time Man of the Year, have a parade...


Jabbar Gibson...good on this angel of mercy!

[DistressedAmerican]

93. National Medal Of Honorable Citizenship!!!

I may make one up today!

[greekspeak]

94. Sounds good

Take it to the medal making people, and lets have it ready when the time comes.

[peekaloo]

95. Kick for a kid who stayed cool during a crisis.

He did the right thing!

[davsand]

96. THIS is what America is about.

This is the kind of stuff that makes me proud of being an American. Ordinary people doing what they need to do in dire straights...

Right, on, Jabbar Gibson! Way to go, kiddo!



Laura

[President Kerry]

99. a true story of inspiration and leadership.. Mr. Gibson, my hat is off to

you. And I pledge you money for anything you may need. Thank you Sir, it is humbling to have people like you around.

[meganmonkey]

97. Kick for this goddamn immoral looter!

:patriot:

:D

[zippy890]

98. kick for Jabbar

that picture makes me cry, what a brave young man. His mother & father should be proud

[Canadian Socialist]

101. I am crying

after reading this. This is the America that is my friend and neighbour. What more can I say? where did THIS America go? It is embodied in young Jabbar. A true hero.

[DistressedAmerican]

100. #100 Kick For Jabbar!

[VolcanoJen]

102. Kickin' for JABBAR!!!

:dem:

[Pacifist Patriot]

104. THIS is how you do it. Kickin' for EVERYONE on the bus.

Way to work together. Thanks Jabbar!

[PatriotGames]

105. Like my new sig?

[DistressedAmerican]

106. All Of Our New Sigs Are Fabulous!

[Mr_Spock]

108. I knew this two days ago - and I DON'T watch Faux

This is rediculous... :puke:

[6000eliot]

109. Let's hear it for the kid!

:yourock:

[killbotfactory]

110. shoot to kill, zero tolerance

stop the looters

[PatriotGames]

111. Kick! This kid is my hero!

[Bo]

112. GOOD JOB JABBAR

A true hero