I too am in disbelief over the magnitude of what is happening here in our very own country, not a third world nation. The conditions sound so awful for those taking shelter in the Superdome and yet they are more fortunate than those who were trapped in their homes. And now they are moving those 25,000 people to Houston. It is so awful that there is no light at the end of the tunnel for the survivors - even when they figure out how to get the water out, it will be a challenge to restore essential services, re-open stores and businesses, and get people back to work.

The looting is so disheartening when there is so much need for people to join together. The thing that struck me about the LA riots was that the rioters and looters were destroying their own neighborhoods. Many small businesses in those neighborhoods were ruined and never re-opened, which hurt the communities. Of course rioters are not known for their logic and common sense! But it seemed so foolish to me.

I'm with others who have expressed that they will be counting their blessings. Also I am extra motivated to check and restock our household's emergency supplies - I've gotten a bit complacent on that in the last few years.

Dena