How about, instead of you all demonstrating in DC, you all go to NOLA and

[radwriter0555]

help out for the weekend, or for however long you can spare your time, down where you can really,honestly make some real news and do some real good.

I'm reading the collective stories about people going down to help and my heart says that your hard work could be better used to help people one on one in the New Orleans area.

It appears your media has forgotten New Orleans already. I see little news, little information, nothing that merits attention in the national media, yet the stories I'm reading here on blogs and from the venerable Michael Moore, etc, are breaking my heart, about the complete lack of support from FEMA, the Red Cross, the insurance cos?

It's just a thought... but it seems that even though democracy has had its legs slashed out from underneath, some Americans could really use a lot of help down there, and you would get a lot of attention -- lots more than marching in protest -- we know how THAT coverage goes -- that would better serve hundreds of thousands of people in real need.

[radwriter0555]

1. well, lol that was too much to ask, now wasn't it?

Ah well.

[applegrove]

2. I think that there are many down there and things are getting done.

Volunteers and church groups are the way to go. They have the organization behind them. When you go down you can only carry so much. And then who resupplies you?

Many have done much - in whatever way they can. DUers have been there.

D.C. is important because it speaks to the next crisis - and the way the President will only see business opportunity instead of responsibility.

[abluelady]

63. I Agree With You

NOLA is terrible, but the future of America is at stake. We need to prevent more catastrophes from occurring as a result of poor leadership.

[fujiyama]

3. I actually agree with you

While I certainly never would stop anyone from protesting, I'm kind of skeptical of how much they really accomplish.

Granted, I'm not sure if the Red Cross and other orgs are taking just anyone to help. There may be certain requirements or training to volunteer...

[Stephanie]

4. don't be so patronizing

It's not possible. The whole area is militarized now. They are not going to allow hundreds of random people to just enter the city and start helping out like Girl Scouts.

I think you live in Europe - otherwise you would have a better grasp of what's going on here.

[radwriter0555]

8. Oddly, I know more about what's going on now, in America, than most

Americans do.

But you know, 25,000 each people bringing a sack full of groceries to New Orleans couldn't possible have an impact on the region...

Never mind. It's just poor black people, let the government handle it. After all, they've got their citizens to honor, respect and respond to. Well, the white ones anyway. They've done such a good job so far, right?

Go stay in your hotels, drive in your cars, take your buses, your taxis to walk in your clean, dry shoes in your 'protest'; raise your beer bottles, toast your flailing democracy as it fades into the sunset... better to socialise with your pals while wearing mardi gras beads than actually lending a hand to people in real need.

[Cleita]

13. They aren't letting anyone in.

I heard on the radio of some reporters who had to sneak around the military to get in and report what was going on. It's very bad and they don't want anyone there to see how bad it is.

[onecent]

53. A preacher who plays golf with my husband drove his son to

LA. because he had a contract with Fema to work, and they refused him entry. I have two neighbors who are leaving for the Lake Ponchetrain area today, I will let you know what they tell me.

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mondo joe]

17. Not to mention the fact that 25,000 people with bags of groceries would

just ADD to the chaos. It's a far better help to contribute the $ than to - as the OP foolishly suggests - show up with a bag of groceries.

[hlthe2b]

35. I understand your point Radwriter.....

I might suggest volunteering at the evacuee shelters in our own towns. YOu may be surprised at the need.

I visited a Fort Worth Shelter (local motel) while there on business and it was an insane, disorganized crazed mess. Probably not at all atypical.... One dedicated but crazed city councilwoman burning the candle at both ends trying to keep things going and one paid worker. They were thrilled that some of us attending a medical conference came over. I'm not sure that our accomplishments were too major, but we did visit many of the 300 some residents crammed into rooms to make sure their basic medical needs had been met or recorded, that their loved ones who were missing were listed and that they were getting their id cards, drivers licenses, ss cards replaced. MOstly, we just listened....One resident wanted to go to Denver (where I'm from), so we got them with their child on a bus enroute to the Lowry facility that is housing evacuees temporarily. I met one woman, who was haunted by the fact she had worked at the Chalmette nursing home where the owners later left the patients to die. I met an older (very dear) black man, who had obviously done a great deal of assisting others in the floods. He appeared fairly healthy, but knew he had reason to be concerned. I scarcely met anyone who had all their family members accounted for. Some of our "team" met a woman who was hiding her beloved (and yes, very friendly) pitbull in the room. Seems he was a star, having been among the first animals rescued and also among the first reunited on tv with the owners. Everyone had a story....

They were numb but so dignified and grateful for all help and attention they received. I will volunteer in Denver, now that I'm back I know they need the help.

So, there may well be opportunities to help within your own town.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

48. You need to do more research about what's REALLY happening....

...on the Gulf Coast before posting comments.

Incredible.

[raccoon]

74. You wouldn't be trying to lay a guilt trip on anybody, would you?

In the current political climate, those who participate in protests are taking a big risk.

[Maraya1969]

81. Wait a minute. Here in SWF people are help NO by going to

the Harry Chapin food bank and helping sort through clothes and such.

Also a good thing to do is go to some big hotels and ask them for boxes of their little shampoos and soaps. I used to help a volunteer organization that would bring these things into the city and give them to the homeless people. They really appreciated things like that. (I put a bunch of Q-Tips in little plastic baggies and they really liked those also.

Rather than waste gas by everyone driving to NO give your things to a local charity that will bring it up in vans and trucks.

Also you can go to your local dollar store and pick up a bunch of personal items for fairly cheap. I hate it when the supermarkets pack up bags at Christmas and people buy them to give to poor people. I've looked in the bags and they contain brand name items that are not even on sale. The supermarket makes money off it and I don't like that. They should agree to match your donated bag with one of theirs.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[merh]

6. They wouldn't allow folks into New Orleans, or haven't you heard.

It is one huge petri dish of nasty contaminants and bio-hazards.

Folks that left New Orleans can't get back into the city without special permission. My nephew lived there and left before the storm. He will be returning this weekend because he was able to get a special pass that allows him the limited access to go to his house in an effort to recover his personal property, furniture and vehicle. (If they still exist.)

New Orleans wasn't the only area affected by Katrina, there is Slidell, LA, the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast (Waveland, Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Moss Point, Pascagoula) - Parts of Mobile, Dauphin Island and Bayou Labatree, Alabama.

Please don't let them forget the areas and citizens that have lost so much due to Hurricane Katrina. But don't miss a vital point, the Peace March can help the areas and the citizens. If the USofA pulls out of Iraq, the money, men and other resources being used in Iraq can then come back to the states to help the Katrina Survivors.

Rebuild the states - help the Katrina Survivors - stop the damn war, pull out now - let the UN and NATO try to restore peace to Iraq. Stop the damn war and take care of our own.

Bring the troops home NOW!

[Blue_In_AK]

7. Too late...

I have a nonrefundable ticket from Alaska to Washington, DC purchased before the hurricane. And I disagree with you about the futility of protesting. Whether or not it gets media attention or attention from the powers that be, it does help cement solidarity and a sense of purpose among the ranks. Look at Cindy Sheehan -- she started out as one lone protester, but she got the attention of the whole country.

[RevCheesehead]

9. what - ANOTHER Post-and-Run?

And here I thought this was a DISCUSSION board, not an editorial board. :eyes:

My understanding is that most places are still on lockdown, martial law, etc. And where would these volunteers stay? Where would they eat, and what would they drink? Wouldn't that be taking resources away from the people?

And more importantly, learn the lessons of FEMA: Who would be in charge, and where, exactly, would everyone go?

[radwriter0555]

12. Hmmm, where are the NO victims staying? It's good enough for them, but

not good enough for those providing aid?

The people in NO have no food and water. Bring enough for yourself and for the people you go to help. Bring a tent. Bring a sleeping bag, and leave it behind for those people who have nothing now.

You see problems, I see solutions.

[mondo joe]

18. The NO victims are in shelters all over the country - maybe you didn't

hear.

What advantage is to be gained for ANYONE in doubling the number of people there?

You see solutions - too bad they're not real solutions.

[radwriter0555]

20. There are still hundreds of thousands of people in and around New Orleans

who didn't get out to shelters. They have no food, no transportation, no health care, no FEMA, no red cross, no water.

They need help now.

[mondo joe]

23. And they would be better served by $ to agencies helping them, rather

than adding tens of thousands more people arriving with bags of groceries.

Try to think these things through before you post.

[RevCheesehead]

24. He sees solutions, but I see a massive distraction.

"...INSTEAD OF..." going to DC. ;)

[mondo joe]

25. Yes - as if there aren't enough people to go to DC and help in NO.

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Stephanie]

29. WTF? Now if we dont agree with your assinine idea you compare us to Nazis?

Get a grip.

[radwriter0555]

32. Nazis didn't put Hitler in power. The german people did.

They trusted the people in charge to do the right thing.

[U4ikLefty]

41. OMG, if we don't take your false choice then we are "Good Germans"?!?

You have really got to be specific when you compare the those whom decide to protest Bu$h in DC to those whom enabled Hitler. Your message has no relation to the lack of response in the post-hurricane relief effort.

Perhaps you should rethink your silly position & shun rhetoric that doesn't fit the scenario.

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[RevCheesehead]

42. So, following your logic,

the Germans should have taken food to concentration camps, instead of joining the underground resistance? The people who stood up to Hitler were not "doing anything"?

Sad, really.

I note that there are some thoughtful posts you conveniently ignore. Look at Merh's post - she lives in Biloxi. She lost her house and all her posessions, yet even she disagrees with your premise.

You also ignore my response below where I've worked directly with a relief agency, and am coordinating efforts, not just with my two churches, but also throughout our entire county in Wisconsin. Last Sunday, a 92-year old woman came to church, carrying a flood bucket. Do her efforts count, or was she "lame-assed?" What about the people in my two congregations (total membership = 140 people), who in two weeks have contributed over $2,000? Are they, too, "lame-assed"?

I also posted on DU, and several people here also have begun assembling flood buckets and health kits, and taking them to their local churches.

Writing a check is not "lame-ass." 100% of donations made to UMCOR go directly to relief efforts. And not just to New Orleans, but to all the affected areas hit by Katrina.

I just don't buy your distraction.

[radwriter0555]

45. I bet you think I'm a freeper in disguise, having lurked here for 4

years, just WAITING for THIS moment to dismantle a MARCH against the iraqi war? Yeah, that's logic.

Your efforts are great. But the efforts of a thousand people could be greater. The efforts of 10,000 MORE people could actually accomplish something even greater. That's it. That's my entire ulterior motive. I think big.

To disparage my ideas and attempt to degrade and humiliate me is insulting.

It's just an idea -- the idea of what the power of thousands could do. But, you go ahead, call me names, imply I'm a freeper or something... instead of just considering me to be a person who's horrified at the atrocities taking place around the world and right inside America thanks to this regime. But that's just me. Apparently you're a much better person than I am... You win. Thanks.

[Thtwudbeme]

60. Seriously, Rad...I have never seen you post something as dumb as this

I was wondering when I saw your name on it where you were coming from.

I don't know what you are seeing in the news in 'Yurp...but, as an ex-paramedic, I gotta tell you, the LAST thing the real rescue workers in NO want is a bunch of do-gooding, but clueless people wandering around a crisis area that is full of problems for them to get into.

Seriously...I think that maybe you have never seen (in person) a mass casualty incident...this isn't the time to send JoeBob and BettySue down with an armfull of bottled water and Mrs. Butterworth's pancake mix.

Stephanie

[radwriter0555]

65. You're right, the professionals are doing a great job, you just let

them handle it.

http://www.torringtontelegram.com/main.php?story_id=3721&page=23

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050914/NEWS05/509140303

http://www.enterprise-journal.com/NF/omf/ejournal/ssiuname=WebOSTTN/ssipwd=TTN9DB1B8D5/news/news_story.html?rkey=0039459+sid=20050914125207.AF7F6+cat=news

Wouldn't want to get your shoes muddy and there's a lot of germs there too.

[Thtwudbeme]

67. Rad, I was a paramedic for ten freaking years

Now you have just pissed me off royally.

There are MANY EMS personel in NO, and the surrounding areas that are doing one helluva good job.

Not everyone in a uniform is an evil gummint worker screwing things up.

You have no fucking clue as to what you are talking about, or asking.

What the hell has happened to you?

Please don't waste your time responding to this post, or the rhetorical question posed--I am just going to put you on "ignore" for a bit, and assume that the normal, cool Rad that I have been reading for years on DU will be back soon.

Stephanie

[radwriter0555]

75. Yes. And I was a government official for almost 15 years working through

the 94 earthquake and the riots in 92 in Los Angeles. I was one of the first people to have a hand in emergency preparedness and our efforts made a massive difference. But, I also know what happens when ordinary people get together and lend a hand to their neighbors. I know that when people get together with a simple idea and a simple idea and a common goal, that they can perform miracles. I simply saw the power of the people gathering en masse in DC to protest a nefarious regime putting their power to work hand to hand for their neighbors. Silly me.

It's not about condemning the people trying to help, it's about helping them.

But clearly, I was utterly and completely, 1 MILLION percent wrong.

I'm really, really, really glad I left the USA. I wouldn't want to be a victim of a horrible tragedy with people like you for neighbors. Clearly I couldn't expect much help from anyone.

The rats have indeed left the ship.

[Stephanie]

88. I guess that makes you a rat

How's the water?

[Carni]

90. Oh geez- You were a government official/that explains everything

In other words we shouldn't sit around waiting for the assholes in office (that we pay) to actually do anything FOR US we should do it for ourselves.

We are here after all to support the government/not vice versa.

I am also REALLY REALLY GLAD you left the USA--we have enough elistist/ USELESS beaurocrats here currently from both parties
and we don't need more.

Nice slam BTW of the EMS worker on the ground in the previous post and your "I was a government official" trump card.

You really need to check your arrogant attitude.

[Carni]

87. And what pray tell are YOU doing to help? EOM

[Name removed]

44. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[radwriter0555]

46. Yeah, I'm a freeper in disguise. I lurked here for 10,000+ posts and for 4

years just WAITING for the chance to help people in New Orleans while attempting to derail a march on washington to stop the iraqi war. Yeah! That's the ticket, and you, YOU CAUGHT ME!

[RevCheesehead]

26. Sweetheart, I have already been coordinating relief efforts.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4509720

All this is done locally, through my church's international relief agency. The flood buckets are just one response. If you want to see where those efforts lie, then please see the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

I see solutions - they're just different from yours.

[HeeBGBz]

64. Let me restate the obvious _THEY WONT LET YOU IN!!

A guy brought in a tractor-trailer truckload of baby supplies/food etc. for HIS family members and friends in Gulfport. The National Guard not only stopped him in Hattiesburg but TOOK ALL HIS SUPPLIES and distributed them there!

Do you really think there's hotels there? Campsites? Or that they'd let random people stay at shelters and take up space created for the hurricane homeless? Are you that clueless?

I just left there. Unless you live there or are with an approved organization, they will stop you before you even get close.

[peacebuzzard]

10. That is an excellent suggestion.

[Toucano]

11. There are plenty of people to do both and both are important.

Your double use of the phrase "you all" is unfortunate because it creates a tone of condescension.

[radwriter0555]

16. Really? plenty of people? then why is every blog I read filled with people

lamenting the lack of anyone doing anything?

The point of such a mission would be to bring attention to the horrific ongoing problems, and not necessarily to bring about long term solutions, but to at least provide a sack filled with groceries and water.

In particular, the remote and rural areas haven't received one iota of attention... The food and water has run out, there is still no communication, and no medical care, nothing.

"What can WE doooooo!???"

Maybe you can think of something. Hopefully, it won't be too late.

[mondo joe]

22. Your sack of groceries is a foolish idea.

For most people the cost of transportation alone would be better spent funding care to survivors. The $ would leverage far more in that way than anything an individual could fill a grocery bag with. To say nothing of INCREASING the number of people needing food and shelter.

Try to think these things through.

[Toucano]

27. There's an aparatus for handling these circumstances.

The fact that the US chose to put a dildo in charge of the aparatus isn't going to be solved by a sack of groceries. There are a lot of Americans volunteering, opening their homes to refugees, and contributing to relief in many ways. A bottleneck in the relief chain can't be fixed by forcing more into it.

Maybe the "guy you'd like to have a beer with" and "who will protect you from gay marriage" will be less important to the American electorate next time.

A lousy leader produces lousy leadership. And, yes, America. It won't be just those in far away countries who suffer from your decision.

[LittleClarkie]

34. And what will you be doing in the meanwhile

aside from kibutzing on a message board?

[faithnotgreed]

15. very commendable suggestion radwriter

interestingly enough im in dc
and my partner has been telling me about the efforts to welcome/house/feed etc evacuees who are coming here
are here and more on the way

its inspiring and energizing and very necessary to give so close up no doubt

do you know if random people are allowed into no at this point and who may be organizing such volunteerism
its a tragic situation there that needs to be dealt with in a serious way esp by those who can still feel their hearts

again i believe this to be a suggestion that comes from a great place

on edit: interesting link
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4774024

[radwriter0555]

19. Sometimes, it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. If 1000

people were to show up in NO to HELP out for the weekend, you can bet they wouldn't be turned away; not if they were carrying a bag of groceries and a six pack of bottled water.

No one would DARE turn them away. Not with the cameras rolling.

Can you imagine the impact in the media of a thousand people showing up with a bag of groceries in New Orleans, demanding to be allowed to give aid to those in need?

It could possibly shame the entire nation into motivation.

[faithnotgreed]

21. i dont know if you saw the thread i linked to on edit

sounds like a good addendum to your original post

on edit: food not bombs is down there among a couple other groups
a donation to them (not red cross) would be the very least we can do

[radwriter0555]

30. That's one of the articles that broke my heart... it sounds like they're

really having a hard time and that little is being done in a comprehensive effort. And, especially with teevee and 'news' not being allowed in, even the people here on DU don't know the horrors going on and getting worse by the day.

[illuminaughty]

40. And you wonder why we can't move forward in this country

Jesus Christ, the hatred and sniping on this board the last few months is asinine, not to mention counter productive.

I agree with you completely. We not only need volunteers en masse but also eyes and eyes down South to witness what is happening.
There are so many people outside of the "lock-down" area that need help.

Listen to WWL and you'll find many callers who need the basics that are in areas like Hammond, down South in Houma...cities off I-10 West. These are people who evacuated into nearby areas but now do not see hide nor hair from Red Cross and Fema.

We are in the process of making a map from K.C. to N.O. and further West and stopping at actual addresses. We've talked to many people that need simple basic items but have no transportation etc. The need for volunteers is overwhelming and who know how long they will be needed in the foreseeable future.

Thanks for your post rad.

[radwriter0555]

49. Thank you. After the hurtful posts from others here, that's very kind of

you.

You represent the true liberal spirit which used to be more common.

It would appear that independent thought and taking care of your neighbors are values being left further and further behind in the USA.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

52. Let us know how far you get with your bag of groceries.

[marions ghost]

59. the nation does NOT need to be "shamed"...

--the administration needs to be shamed. And they are in Washington.

So now you are down to an army of 1000 liberal good-samaritans from your original 10,000 radwriter? Even so, the media would only capture the spectacle of 1000 people being turned away from New Orleans --reinforcing the idea that it is a city under military control (ie. do NOT come here). The people who COULD have been helped within the city are now either evacuated or dead. It would be seen as a pathetic empty gesture.

There are people in the rural regions that need help and it might make some sense to see what is needed there, esp if you're good with a chain-saw. But the cities are trashed to the point where outsiders are just in the way.

Why don't you answer these reasonable counter-arguments, radwriter?

[radwriter0555]

72. Well, considering the outpouring of support and compassion that has moved

me to tears here, you know, among the democrats and liberals, perhaps 2 of the people who want to go have a beer with their pals in DC in a march that is genuine in spirit, but fruitless in action and outcome, would be the more appropriate number to expect.

Maybe zero.

I get it now. I was wrong to expect something good.

[Stephanie]

73. No, you're wrong not to accept that you are WRONG

I think you have the George Bush disease of inability to admit a mistake.

You're idea is irrational and your tone is rude - why do you keep insisting on it?

[radwriter0555]

76. Oh no, you're completely right, I was absolutely, 1 million percent wrong

to imagine that people that Americans would want to help each other out and get their feet muddy or something.

Never mind! I was imagining a better world, and one with some hope in it. Silly me. It's that socialism seeping in, it's made me nuts or something.

You're right Steph, I'm like george bush. Thanks! Big hugs!

[radwriter0555]

84. I keep saying over and over that I was apparently 1 million percent wrong

and that you all are right.

You got what you wanted,and it's not good enough? Do you want to write a statement for me to say that would make you FEEL better?

Happy to oblige. Name it. Write it. I'll roll over. I HAVE rolled over; You are ALL right -- especially YOU stephanie, and I was completely wrong to expect an ounce of compassion from Democratic Americans.

[Stephanie]

86. Okay, I was wrong.

Oh, now I see you are alerting on my posts, so I will revise this one so it can stand.

You're just an xxxYou're refusing to listen to logic and I was wrong to argue with you as it's clearly futile.

[OneBlueSky]

31. I think both need to happen . . .

of course New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast need help . . . but we also need to start getting our message across to Congress, because they sure as hell aren't listening to us now . . . those so moved can go to NO and help, and those who choose to demonstrate can go to DC . . . no conflict . . . and those in DC can always go to NO later if the so choose . . . they'll be needing help there for a long, long time . . .

[geomon666]

33. Who are you going to hand out the groceries to?

They are kicking everybody out and not letting anybody in.

There's no way the protest should be canceled.

[RagingInMiami]

37. You going to the protest, Canes fan?

[geomon666]

38. I wish

Unfortunately for those working minimum wage, it's kind of hard to get across the country. Especially when you're living under two bushes.

[walldude]

36. I don't see you getting on a plane

and flying out here. In case you haven't heard the American people have been getting screwed the last 5 years. You think I have enough money to take a few days off work drive 1500 miles to NO and bring a bag of fucking food? Nice try. :applause:

[radwriter0555]

39. It's the seinfeld episode, en masse.

The USA has boiled down to the final episode of a teevee show.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

51. If that's the case, you must be Gilligan.

[walldude]

62. If I watched TV I might be able to make sense of

your response. I still don't see you getting on a plane. Matter of fact I'll tell you what I'll do, you come here, take over my job, and watch my 3 kids and I'll hop in my car and drive to NO.. Put your money where your mouth is or stfu.

[radwriter0555]

69. STFU? Nice.

How liberal and democratic of you.

I'm not going to a protest march in Washington D.C. A few thousand people are. I merely suggested an alternative situation that could have helped out a few people. Silly me.

[ima_sinnic]

43. what a patronizing post. and YOU are not in NO because ...??

sitting comfortably at your keyboard banging out messages about what other people SHOULD be doing is real helpful. you really think your asinine directive, written without the slightest knowledge of the realities on the ground, is going to change the course of a demonstration/rally that's been planned for months? how the hell are you going to get that self-righteous piece of blather out to the approximately 100,000 or more people who have planned for ages to come together in DC to demand change? and if people are so inclined, there is every day on either side of September 24th to go get in the way down there.

No, I don't think I would be "more useful" in a disaster area because I am untrained, unequipped, and with health, fitness, and monetary issues of my own that would just make me part of the problem. But I'd like to hear YOUR excuses.

[bicentennial_baby]

47. You gonna pay for our shots?

What a stupid fucking suggestion...Yeah, let's send a bunch of untrained, unprepared, unvaccinated people to NOLA so they can feel good about themselves, and probably get shot by the NG in the process...

[Bridget Burke]

54. You know absolutely nothing about the situation in NOLA...

& the other areas affected by Katrina. There are NO accomodations for random do-gooders. Non-residents (& even residents) are barred from many areas.

What good is a bag of groceries to someone without a kitchen?

Where do you live?

[Lorien]

80. True. Our pet rescue group is going up that weekend

We've been told to bring our own food, water, gasoline, tents, etc.plus we have a police escort. You SHOULD NOT GO unless you can bring all your own supplies and be entirely self sufficient-otherwise, you'll just add to the problem.

On edit; you can donate a bag of groceries for victims at many grocery chains and it will get to them-without adding another trapped soul to the mess.

[latebloomer]

55. You go first!

And tell the rest of us how it is-- we may follow.

Meanwhile, I've got my plans set to go to DC.

I think people are reacting negatively because you sound patronizing and you are shaming people to try to get them to do something you're not doing yourself.

[mmonk]

56. No,

everyone can go to NO on any day. Exposing the administration is an important process as well, since our democracy has moved more towards a dictatorship and information is no longer free flowing on matters of what has happened and what the true nature of this foreign policy is.

[Connie_Corleone]

57. So, when are you going down there with your bag of groceries??

You do realize most of the people aren't in Nola anymore?

[Thtwudbeme]

58. Hand up! I'll answer that! Because....

I have spent most of my life helping people in crisis situations...sometimes to the exclusion of any "fun" I might have had in my youth, and certainly to the point of a low level, but ever present, PTSD---

I am 41, I have never been to a large protest.

It's time for me to do what I want to do for one weekend--then I come back and start working again.

Stephanie

[tinfoilinfor2005]

61. You suggest that we

"all go to NOLA and help out" to "make some real news".

I think the politicians have already filled that position.

The morning after the storm I, like many other DUers, assessed what I could do within my means to be helpful, and I did it. I sought out some victims (survivors, whatever the term we've decided on) and helped them personally with a contribution. Together with other DUers, we payed for lodging for a family stranded at a hotel who had no way of paying the tab. I was made aware of another family who was being hosted by a DUer in Texas, and I sent a gift certificate so that their two young daughters could buy some brand new clothes for their brand new school. I made contact with two other families (one is a DUer) who have not yet assessed their needs but I will stay in contact with them. I made a general contribution, for better or worse, to the Red Cross. And I fully intend to do more. It was never my intention to list these "good deeds" but I am doing so to make you aware that thousands of us here at DU have become part of the solution, without having to become part of the problem

I am not going to D.C. because I work a full time job, but if I could, I would. You are right. These people, our neighbors, need much help right now, financially and physically, but perhaps most of all they need voices to speak up for them because they can't be there to be heard.

[txindy]

66. How very convenient. It's obviously an 'either/or' situation, hmm?

:eyes:

[ProfessorGAC]

68. World Class Unbrilliant Post, Rad

Impractical solutions put forth in a non-sequitur post do not evoke a sense of genius.

The Professor

[Thtwudbeme]

70. Honestly, I am wondering if someone else is posting on Rad's computer

S/he usually makes much more sense than this; and no, I am not kidding.

[radwriter0555]

79. Oh come on, can't you call me a name or something? Call me george bush or

stupid or a republican or something!

I deserve it... imagining some American Democrats with some hope and compassion!

I'm just nuts I guess!!!!!

[ProfessorGAC]

83. That's Not My Style

And you know it. But, you're off the beam on this thread. And, you know we agree the preponderance of the time.
The Professor

[crispini]

71. There is very little gas available in the area,

and the NOLA airport is not open yet. How would you suggest that people get there? Drive 10 or 15 hours and take an extra 20 gallons of gas in the trunk of their car (bad idea, btw, to transport gas like that) so that they will have a way to get home?

If someone goes into the area to help they'd darn well better be prepared to support themselves, otherwise they'll just be adding to the problem. 25,000 unprepared people flooding into the region, running out of gas, etc. would not be any help at all. It's an interesting idea, and for those of a practical and camping bent, they should consider it, but realistically, it is not practical for many people to do it.

Not to mention, the lack of gas down there right now.

[recoveringrepublican]

77. Instead of sending our young into Iraq, why don't we send them to NO?

The war didn't stop because of Katrina, there are people dying in Iraq. All in Iraq have been living in a similar situation for 2.5 years now. I feel for those in Katrina's path, all the activist groups I belong to have all sent money and skilled people.

[Lorien]

78. People are dying in Iraq, too

are you saying that the thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens killed are less important than American citizens? How about our soldiers,taken away from where they are needed most and dying for a lie? What happens when the NEXT Katrina sized hurricane hits the US, and the Guard is still off in Iraq and not here where they can do what they were trained to do?

For what it's worth; I WILL be loading at least six trucks of supplies the morning of the 24th to go to the areas hit by Katrina. I can't afford to fly to DC, so I do what I CAN afford to do.

[radwriter0555]

82. Lor, we all know that a million people marching on DC won't stop bush's

invasion of the entire planet... that train has left the station. The statement is important, but so is every american drowning in new orleans, mississippi and alabama.

And you rock for doing what you can with what you have. Even if you don't have a dime, putting boxes in a truck is just as important as every other effort.

and thanks for not calling me names. it's the simple things in life that one appreciates, right?

[Lorien]

85. I think that the media may cover it this time around

they covered Cindy Sheehan, no? Change is in the air, and we need to take advantage of that-keep the momentum going.The World needs to see that not all Americans stand with * on the invasion. Silence implies consent, so our voices MUST be raised, and raised now. I believe that if we continue what Cindy started, that train WILL be derailed!

Most people on this board won't be able to do either; other commitments, health or monetary restrictions will stand in the way. Hopefully they'll donate money or items to the relief effort, and write letters to the MSM and their reps instead. Activism isn't for that weekend only, after all.

[Jersey Devil]

89. How about I just go to the Giants-Saints game Monday night?

It's a "home" game for the Saints though it is at Giants Stadium and will be a fundraiser for NO. Giants will match any donations given by fans at the game.

Don't you think that would be a better idea than me driving from NJ to NO with a bag of groceries?

[Moderator]

91. Locking ...

This thread has gotten out of hand civility-wise.