Misc.

The Federal Government, Katrina, and Citizens

I blog hopped today reading blogs that mentioned Katrina. Here is my take:

  • The United States Government – Zero help just follow the money stuff. No help really just excuses and bull.
  • Organized Religious Groups – Numerous groups helping where help is needed. Yah!
  • Other Organized Groups – Lot’s of folks out there still donating money and supplies, clearing up rubbish, and most important letting folks know that they are not forgotten or in it alone.

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Many of the sites and blogs refer to the New Orleans area. A few mention Mississippi. Still trying

to figure out why that is. I did notice while there that many of the groups were concentrating their efforts in New Orleans areas. The hardest hit area we hear. Well, could have fooled me, I saw lots of damage in Mississippi. Neighboors were out helping each other but there did not (at least that I might notice) seem to be near as much help from outside.thumb

I have an idea why this is but until I have statistical proof or proof otherwise I will keep my opinions to myself.

I would like to hear from those of you who read this blog on your politcal take on this. Why is the area still a mess and why are many of the working people still going it alone while trying to gather their homes back from piles of rubbish?

More Vacation Pictures

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These pictures were taken from inside the van. The side windows do not roll down so the pictures are what they are due to the glass.

The picture on the left taken driving through Bay St. Louis shows a typical street – with all the homes turned to rubble. I still am amazed by the damage left by Katrina and the need for extensive cleanup up and the rubbish that still remains.

The picture on the right points out that even when at first glance all looks normal – it is not – there is always something – in this case the bent signal pole.

New Orleans Window

New Orleans Window Front

I like the the reflection of New Orleans street in this shot. The humor seen on the sign is typical of those seen – just lacking the foul language seen everywhere on T shirts and signage.

Vacation Post Katrina Mississippi Style

After good nights sleep in my own bed – I am back.

It is obvious that everything we experience changes our perspectives and how we perceive and interpret our existence on this globe we call earth. My vacation to visit my friends in Mississippi is on my list of altering experiences. I left with wonderful memories of a exciting visit with my friends, tours of Stennis, Fredericksburg, and New Orleans. I reveled in the excitement of seeing the U.S.S. Cairo in person and played with the displays at the NASA exhibits. I also came home moved deeply by the enormity of the hurricane damage.

The sheer size of it all, miles upon miles, it seemed to never end. All the lives affected. It has left me with many, many questions and frankly just stunned that after eight months the clean up efforts, well, heck, in our country, my county, it almost seems that we have just turned our backs on them. I have hundreds of pictures taken around the area. Hardly a shot does not have a trailer or tent in it. Homes from both sides of the tracks demolished, trees downed, it just goes on and on as if it would never end.
Blogging about political rhetoric seems so pointless right now. Irrelevant. To be polite I am pissed and impressed. Pissed at my country and it’s lack of compassion and at the same time impressed with the spirit of the people in Bay St. Louis and the private groups of citizens that have shown up to help in the area. I need some time to sort it all out.