Could you help Southeast Arkansas town hit hard by tornadoes?

[AbbyR]

I posted yesterday, and today we still have not been declared a federal disaster area. This town was hit last Saturday. Two states hit since have been visited by FEMA and Bush, and they are now federal disaster areas. We do not begrudge Alabama and Georgia their federal aid. We know, better than many, how badly they need it. But with 80 percent of our business district gone, as well as three of our major employers and many, many homes, we need help, too.

I called my senators, Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and asked them to go to the Senate floor and ask that Dumas be give federal disaster status. Rep. Mike Ross is already doing his best to see that we get the help we need.

I would really appreciate it, as would the people in Dumas, if you would make calls to your senators and representatives and ask that Dumas, Ark., be declared a federal disaster area. Our governor has asked, and, perhaps because he is a Democrat, is being ignored.

I've put a few pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leftybard/sets/72157594562057839/

Thanks so much for your help. We really do appreciate any calls you could make.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Why hasn't this been reported by the NW Arkansas TV stations? You'd think that

someone would be questioning why the feds aren't helping.

[AbbyR]

2. Honestly?

I think there are many people who would like for Arkansas to end at Little Rock - nothing south exists. It was reported on Channel 4 this weekend - Mike Ross is really trying but no one is listening. We're getting some awfully angry people around here.

[sinkingfeeling]

3. Well, I just called our only REPUB member of Congress, John Boozman's office.

And was told that he doesn't represent Dumas. I said, since he's the only member of the Arkansas delegation that is a Republican, why isn't he talking to the Chimp? She said the fault is with Beebe! In other words, since Dumas is represented by a Democratic governor and 2 Democratic Senators and a Democratic Congressman, you're out of luck if you want a GOP Congressman to help.

[AbbyR]

4. Beebe has ASKED for federal help

Every day I hate Bush more - and he has made it very personal this time.

[sinkingfeeling]

5. Abby, it's beginning to get a little news coverage. See this thread I posted.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=343656&mesg_id=343656

[AbbyR]

9. That's about all we can do now

I keep telling people to be the squeaky wheel - it's all we've got going for us now. This afternoon I was at the county OES center and three families came in looking for help, a place to live, something. We can offer food, water and clothing - all that has come from private donations. What we don't have is FEMA.

[LynneSin]

6. I've been out sick for a week and just reading about the tornadoes

Seriously - I wasn't reading or watching the news for an entire week.

You mentioned that Alabama and Georgia were also hit. Now the difference between Arkansas and the other two states is clear politically - Arkansas has a dem governor & US Senators; whereas, Georgia & Alabama are the other way - all republican.

Have Alabama & Georgia faced similiar problems with getting money? Just curious

[sinkingfeeling]

7. No, LynneSin. There were 3 FEMA storm relief centers opened on Sunday in Ga. and

Ala. Dumas and another county of Arkansas were hit by the tornados on Feb. 24. There has been no response from our Governor to his request for federal assistance. The ones that hit Georgia and Alabama took place last Thursday, March 1.

[EFerrari]

8. k&r

[AbbyR]

10. An update

Dumas has STILL not been declared a disaster area. We are expecting CNN in today, and I have calls in to our senators and our rep, as well as the White House press secretary. We'll see what kind of reaction I get.