I've never been a big fan of Texas.

[bling bling]

But right now I am so grateful that Louisiana has a neighbor with people so genuinely willing to help out.

What the people of Texas are doing right now has completely met my expectations for what good people do to help others in need. Texans have opened their homes and made room for their neighbors, they've raised money and are sharing their resources. And the overall response I've heard from the evacuated New Orlanders so far has been that they are being treated with respect and kindness.

Thank god for some decency to grasp on to at this time where I otherwise feel disgusted and angry almost all day long.

Thanks to the citizens of Texas. Texas DUers should be proud of their state right now.

[wellstone_democrat]

1. I'd be a bit more enthusiastic if

some of my Texas neighbors weren't wishing so vocally for "white refugees" because...."they will feel more comfortable here"

Houston is shining, but some areas still have a ways to go

[moc]

5. Can you elaborate? I'm in Dallas, and I've heard nothing

like that.

[wellstone_democrat]

14. Dallas? how cosmopolitan!

I'm in west texas, in one of those 90 % for Bush counties in the last election. Tulia is out here, Midland is out here.

As I said, Houston is shining as is San Antonio. I can't say that for the people I've listened to today at work or out doing errands/dinner tonight. They feel badly, but... this is conversation here.

[Silverhair]

28. I'm in a Dallas suburb, and we will have some of the N.O. children

starting school Tuesday.

I was substituting at the jr. high when the P.A. system announced that we would get some new children from N.O. and asked the kids to be especially welcoming to them.

In the teacher's lounge they began to discuss what special needs the incoming kids might have and how to meet those needs.

The families are being sponsored by a local church.

[justabob]

29. Our Police Chief said some rather ugly things

It was posted here either today sorry I don't have the link.

[AuntPatsy]

12. I have heard the same, they are more than willing to give temporary

aid and cash donations, but I know many are upset that they seem to be destroying the astrodome for future sports, I hate to put a damper since NOT ALL texans feel this way, but its out there, and they surely don't want what many view as an undesirable and criminal element setting down roots to close to home per say..

Sadly its what I heard many people saying, even in San Antonio it is being bandied about that some are setting up gang operations, I hope humanity wins out and people just dont voice these objections out loud...



They want to help, but lets be honest, racism is still very much alive, and these people of color from a different area scare many Texas residents...


But like I have also stated NOT all Texas feels that way...

[babylonsister]

30. I don't think the Astrodome has been used for sports for

several years so that sounds weird to me. I just think you have to consider the consequences of 200,000 displaced people being introduced into an area. It's going to be incredibly difficult but totally worthwhile. I'm sure there will be problems, but these victims have no recourse; I would hope citizens would step up. There but for the grace of whoever you believe in... I always remember it could have been me.

[blitzen]

18. it's not about "Texas"

It's about not being in the disaster zone....We here in Baton Rouge are just outside the zone--and believe me we're doing all those things that Greta and FAUX are praising Houston for. We have several thousand evacuees being well taken care of in the River Center, our smaller version of the Astrodome--not to mention many, many other shelters. I'm afraid that there is a dark underside to the "praise Houston" theme: bad black New Orleans, LA vs. good white Bush-country Houston, TX. All of that said, Texans are surely stepping up big.

[bobbieinok]

31. NPR interview with BR official yesterday--maybe 100.000+ from NO soon

[snot]

2. I keep telling folks, we're not ALL bad. nt

Actually, I do really love a lot of the people here in TX.

[Spazito]

3. Agree, DU Texans should be so proud of what they are doing

for the evacuees and for what they did for Cindy Sheehan and Camp Casey. Both are wonderful examples of caring and compassion, I am sure there are many more.

[Nothing Without Hope]

4. As a native Texan living in MA, I'm proud too. I believe this is going to

bring us all together. It has to, or it's the end of the country, and I refuse to accept that.

My personal theory is that the neocons WANT us all to erupt in divisive violence so that they can invoke a Pentagon-driven domestic military police force around the country. Very scary scenario and I do have reasons for suspecting it. But you know what? It doesn't matter in the short term whether the cut funding and criminal delays that are resulting in so much more devastation and death are the result of callousness, greed and incompetence "only" or due to truly malicious deliberate planning. Either way, we must channel our horror and outrage as well as our compassion and hunger to help into well-planned, effective nonviolent actions that will unite and energize the country for
1. aid and resources to the suffering and homeless – everything they need to start their recovery and start healing their trauma as much as can be done
2. organization of how to unite and respond nonviolently and most effectively now and henceforth
3. inspiration of the American public with effective goals to create true change
4. US regime change
5. Joining the world community and moving forward

And yes, I am collecting the ever-lengthening list of evidence for the criminally negligent (at the least) actions of this Administration. They will not succeed in lying their way through this one. Never again. This is the turning point.

[Gin]

10. I am proud of Texas too......it's a wonderful thing they are doing.

My faith in humankind is restored. Accepting that huge number of people was a quick decision, and a huge task to carry out. The mayor said he would not turn away anyone and would comandeer space that was reserved for conventions. He said...sue me if you must...people are more improtant than money!

Great people. Thank you Texas!

[TomInTib]

6. You should come hang out......

in the Great State sometime.
Austin, Dallas, Laredo, Houston, San Antonio. Beaumont, El Paso, and on and on.
I doubt there is any state, city for city, (maybe CA) that could match Texas.
In confession, I now reside in CA.

[winga222]

7. Is the mayor of Houston a Dem?

Just a thought....

[efhmc]

23. Of course. He spoke at the Dem. State convention in Houston.

[MadeinOhio]

8. Its good to see but they still have a ways to go.

For letting such a piece of shit like Tom Delay and his criminal terrorist record get into office. Even if by fraud that man shouldn't have ever made it in!!

And they still have a ways to go to stop being racist. That's why this has happened, so they can figure out how to get over being against entire classes of people and give them the same respect.

[Ilsa]

9. Most Texans are good decent people that would follow the

word of Christ and give until they have almost nothing for themselves. Many multi-generational Texans lament the loss of access to hunting grounds, even if they never take a shot. They are usually friendly and generous. 60 Minutes said forty years ago that they got more waves and peace signs from Texans. They tend to think big and hate to give up on their traditions like big hair, trucks, football, and barbecues, and therefore, steak.

But yes, we have a few evil ones corrupted by greed and power. People who care nothing for the earth or its inhabitants as long as they can "get theirs".

[Nothing Without Hope]

15. Bush is not a real Texan. He bought that faux ranch where he does nothing

but pose as a Manly Brush-Clearing Man™, but he is NOT a Texan in his heart - if he has one. He's not a CONNECTICUT person (what do you call them!? I'm in MA and don't know) either. He really doesn't fit anywhere because he's not truly a whole human being who can socialize normally and honestly with others. People from different states do have somewhat different typical styles, but underneath, most people everywhere have good hearts.

Of course I'm a fondly biased native daughter, but I do love that Texas style and genuine friendliness. :loveya: Yes, I love Massachusetts too in many ways, but "deep in the heart," Texas will always feel like home.

[VPStoltz]

17. But what the fuck happened to them?

They used to be willing to give a big-haired loud-mouth like Ann Richards a chance to represent the state. They really lost a star when they replaced her with the village idiot.

[Demoiselle]

32. Ann Richards is a great woman. And a REAL Texan...

Compare her accent, or Molly Ivins, or Tommy Lee Jones with that nonsense prezident Bunnypants lays on us. He sounds like a third rate actor trying to do generic "suthern."

[VPStoltz]

34. Don't you mean "suthren?" :-)

[DuckBurp]

11. We Texans have a lot to make up for ...

... after giving the world two bushes, dick armey, tom delay, lee harvey oswald, david koresh, etc.

[tuckessee]

13. I'll bet that a lot of Federal dollars....

...will follow the storm victims and most of it will wind up lining the pockets of fat-cat Texas politicians and their cronies.

[AuntPatsy]

20. I dont put anything past some but all in all, these people need our

help regardless if city officials will be gaining finacially, I just hope they dont put those in need where they say they are going to where I am, its a huge cement style building, very cold, damp, and though it is hot outside, I fear there is not much comfort to be found, we have much better buildings that would provide more comfort, I will be horrified if they put them where they say they are going to.

[VPStoltz]

16. I had a conversation about this at work.

All this yah-yah about being warned and not getting out...
Would Texas have been so willing to put up all those people BEFORE the storm to keep them out of harms way? I don't think so.

[efhmc]

24. What a nasty, stupid comment.

[VPStoltz]

26. Nasty perhaps, and I apologize for the person who said it, but

stupid - no. Bill Richardson, Gov. of N.M. offered Blanco his NG on Sunday, before the storm. The paperwork held it up. She had to call Perry for help. I don't think it was meant to be mean spirited comment, it's just that neighboring states did not make an effort ahead of the storm to offer help.

[Horse with no Name]

19. In my little corner of Northeast Texas

Today, there were 5 18-wheelers in the WalMart parking lot with the Red Cross taking supplies. They will be there all weekend.
3 of them left while I was there for points south. Another was almost completely full.
We have a local Kimberly Clark and there TONS of Huggies on those pallets that were donated.
They have taken evacuees in Bonham and in Paris. Plans to open Camp Maxey this weekend.
Our firefighters are passing the boot this holiday weekend.
That is usually a good fundraiser.
The bank has set up a disaster fund.
I drove by the Dept Health and Human Services today--out of about 30 cars, 15-20 were from LA.
My daughter is in the Interact Club--they are doing a fundraiser tomorrow.
Pretty good for a very poor area.
:applause:

[Nothing Without Hope]

22. Very good indeed.

MONSTROUS!!!! - Red Cross apparently STILL not allowed into New Orleans!!!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4599047

I'm starting to think they really do want all those people dead. This MUST BE CHANGED NOW!!! They are dying.

[Flying Dream Blues]

21. I love Texas, in spite of some of us. Thanks.

[Avalon Sparks]

25. For once I am proud of my state and city!

I'm in Dallas and for once I am proud of my state.

Hubby and I are planning on doing a lot tomorrow - give blood, stock up at Costco on underwear, socks, and other things local charities are saying they need and drop them off. We decided to purchase a bunch of packs of domino's too...

I can't find much info about volunteering to help at Reunion Arena. Local Red Cross has volunteer application on it's site, but it mentions having to go through orientation which isn't until Sept 13. I'm waiting to see what their plan is now... their Dallas chapter webpage does not have any info on Katrina efforts or Reunion Arena - the Red Cross home page mainly suggests sending money. I can't find much info on Salvation's Army site either. Dallas Morning News list places to donate.

In the next few days we'll go through our closets for clothes to donate.

I especially want to help get toys for the children eventually.

We've been talking about maybe taking someone in - it's a commitment we aren't sure on whether we could actually do (financially mainly), but we are definitely considering it.

I'm glad there will be people here in Dallas we can try to help directly though with donations. I want to do something.

[crispini]

33. Please look in the Texas forum -

there is a post there with a lot of details about volunteering in Dallas. Many, many places you can go.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

27. This will either turn them into human beings or into bigger racists.

It will be intersting to see.