Originally posted by chip:
I just think the goverment wheather local or federal should learn from this. Galveston learned in 1900 and built a seawall. I don't know if that would stop a Cat 5, I've never been there. But we do know that we are in the up part of a hurricane cycle. I use to listen to my aunt talk about the hurricane that leveled everything where she lived near New Bedford Mass. in around 1935. Every city is at risk that's on the Gulf or Alantic coast and this has been happening for all time. A hurricane stopped the British cold in the war of 1812 after they burned down half of DC.
It just seems sad to keep watching history repeat itself. We have to do more to protect the people that are living hand to mouth and just can't jump in their car to get out of town. This could be NYC or Boston and it's not if, it's when. This is the richest country in the world and there is no excuse for this lost of life while some politicians stick their fingers in the wind. They had two days warning, there is no excuse.
So Michelle, your the man as I sit here and enjoy my cup of gormet coffee. There shipping people into Tucson this week and they will be here for a long time, maybe forever for some. I best put my coffee down and go see what I can do.
I'm with Chip, as I am sure many are, so I will ditto his statement as it reflects my thoughts. Being that we are almost on the other side of the country and not able to pitch in directly as Michelle, Betty and others have(bless you all) we can only pray and send much needed $$$ for relief, for the people firstly, but also for the poor animals.
It is also sobering for us who also live in an area where we say "it is not a matter of it will, but when it will strike..." We already figured out that we need to restock our earthquake preparedness kit not for 72 hours like they have suggested in the past, but for 168 hours (7 days). The biggest lesson I learned is that as much as we want to rely on the local/federal government to provide help and support immediately after a disaster of catastrophic proportions, we may be our own for a FEW days. I do hope that Katrina is a wake up call for all involved, going forward. Those uncessary deaths should not be in vain!!
