Katrina victims arrive in Oklahoma

[OKNancy]

All you OkieDems. What can we do for these folks. I have some connections in Muskogee. I thought I might get my dancing school students ( and parents) to give money, and then give it to my good friend ( a Dem) in Muskogee to purchase supplies.

Katrina victims arrive
Bus caravan reaches Braggs late

By Elizabeth Ridenour and Cathy Spaulding
Phoenix Staff Writers



taff photos by Jerry Willis


An evacuee arriving at Camp Gruber talks to Oklahoma National Guard troops as others are briefed aboard the bus that carried them to the gate of Camp Gruber at 10 p.m. Saturday.
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Oklahoma National Guard troops watch as evacuees from the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast arrive at the Sicily Gate of Camp Gruber.



BRAGGS - A lonely train whistle blew in the distance as 2,000 weary victims of Hurricane Katrina's wrath settled into their new, clean quarters Saturday night.

Emergency workers, American Red Cross volunteers and others were ready for the caravan of 39 buses.

"The Red Cross is going to process them and collect their names," said Lt. Col. Ron Ragland, training site manager at Camp Gruber.

Thirty-four buses pulled into the Sicily Gate at Camp Gruber shortly before 10 p.m. They included Trailways, Greyhound Charter buses, a Star Shuttle bus from San Antonio and tour buses that included a Horizon Tour Bus flashing "Welcome" on its front. Five more buses arrived a short time later.

Some tired, exhausted riders smiled as the buses pulled through the gate. Some even waved.

http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050904/NEWS01/509040301/1002

[Coyote_Bandit]

1. Maybe the Real Question

is why this state hasn't welcomed more storm victims. Our state and local "leaders" haven't exactly welcomed and embraced this opportunity.

[OKNancy]

2. The Baptists have opened Falls Creek

I don't know if they have arrived yet.

[bobbieinok]

5. lot of room there....speaking from a 1955 summer memory

[RoyGBiv]

3. OKC Shelter on NE 36th ...

There's a shelter in the 1900 block of NE 36th ST in OKC that is taking victims. They need supplies, pretty much everything.

[OKDem08]

10. do you have a contact #?

Thank you for the info.

[Coyote_Bandit]

4. Hats Off and a Big Salute

to those who have stepped forward to welcome these evacuees.

I realize JOklahoma isn't quite as big as Texas and our legislature does a very poor job maintaining our infrastructure and spending our money, among other things. But, golly gee whiz, there sure are a lot of empty church camps (and other properties that could be used for housing) spread all over this state.

When Tulsa Mayor LaFortune spoke publicly regarding the issue I had the very clear impression that housing evacuees was something that he did not want in his backyard. That is also the impression I have gotten from several residents. I've heard some very racist comments and I've heard the sick, elderly and poor of New Orleans blamed for their unfortunate plight.

Absent a more generous response I am not at all impressed - except, of course, by those who have indeed stepped forward.

[bobbieinok]

6. I thought he was going to talk about shelters open, etc.....instead

blah and blah and no evacuees in convention center or other places important to Tulsa's economy...........my impression was he was reassuring everyone 'they'weren't coming here

if Carlton Pearson weren't in financial trouble, he'd probably be ready to take in people...........he's in big trouble with the Roberts family and the entire pentecostal/assembly of god group (he's an ORU grad and was on the Board of Regents) b/c he now preaches that God loves everyone and will not send anyone to hell; this is not the 'only thru belief in Jesus' message pentecostals preach

[OKDem08]

7. those affected were to come to Yukon

however, 'concerns' were voice at a city council meeting (thinly veiled racism?). I really think they would be better off in not coming to OK.

[RoyGBiv]

8. Yeah, "concerns" ...

I've been listening to the most vile barrage of wide open racism coming from some of the city leaders and "elite" the last few days I'm on the verge of throwing things at them.

[OKDem08]

9. I've been completely sickened by some of the

crap I have recd recently in the form of e-mails at work referring to Katrina victims as "welfare parasites". My husband recd an e-mail from his sister which implied that...well, it was disgusting--I just can't post that kind of stuff here. I had enough recently when I recd a RW-type e-mail at work indicating the probs of Katrina were primarily due to the "welfare state". I just totally went off at work, something I have never done before. I want to pack my things and leave OK sometimes.