ViewPoint from a Chopper Pilot over New Orleans

[JackinDe]

This probably won't get as many responses as George got with his towel photos. (LOL) But I thought it had some valid points and was worth sharing with everyone. Take a few moments and read the following & keep an objective mind of what he's trying to convey.


The author of this article has a disturbing and unsympathetic point of view, but he does make some valid observations. New Orleans will have to emulate the Phoenix and rise up from the ashes (and the mud/water).

Message from one of the Chopper guys

This is not the type of message this mailing list is intended for, so
please pardon my ranting. You will receive no further messages on this.

Been sitting here with my *** in a wad, wanting to speak out about the
******** going on in New Orleans. For the people of New Orleans... First we would like to say, Sorry for your loss.

With that said, lets go through a few hurricane rules: (Unlike an
earthquake, we know it's coming)

#1. A manditory evacuation means just that... Get the hell out. Don't
blame the Government after they tell you to go. If they hadn't said anything, I can see the arguement. They said get out... if you didn't, it's your fault, not theirs. (We don't want to hear it, even if you
don't have a car, you can get out.)

#2. If there is an emergency, stock up on water and non-perishables. If you didn't do this, it's not the governments fault you're starving.

#2a. If you run out of food and water, find a store that has some.
(Remember, shoes, TV's, DVD's and CD's are not edible. Leave them alone.)

#2b. If the local store is too looted of food or water, leave your
neighbor's tv and stereo alone. (See # 2a) They worked hard to get their stuff. Just because they were smart enough to leave during a manditory evacuation, doesn't give you the right to take their stuff... it's theirs, not yours.

#3. If someone comes in to help you, don't shoot at them and then
complain no one is helping you. I'm not getting shot to help
save some ******* who didn't leave when told to do so.

#4. If you are in your house that is completely under water, your
belongings are probably too far gone for anyone to want them. If someone does want them, Let them have them and hopefully they'll die
in the filth. Just leave! (For christ's sakes, it's New Orleans, find a
voodoo warrior and put a curse on them)

#5. My tax money should not pay to rebuild a 2 million dollar house, a
sports stadium or a floating casino. Also, my tax money shouldn't go to rebuild a city that is under sea level. You wouldn't build your house on quicksand would you? You want to live below sea-level, do your country some good and join the Navy.

#6. Regardless what the Poverty Pimps Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton want you to believe, The US Government didn't create the Hurricane as a way to eradicate the black people of New Orleans; (Neither did Russia as a way to destroy America). The US Government didn't cause global warming that caused the hurricane (We've been coming out of an ice age
for over a million years).

#7. The government isn't responsible for giving you anything. This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, but you gotta work for what you want. McDonalds and Walmart are always hiring, get a damn job and stop spooning off the people who are actually working for a living.

President Kennedy said it best... "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Thank you for allowing me to rant.

Jack

[3kidsntow]

OMG couldn't agree more! You gotta see my hubby's blog regarding all this MESS!!! http://virgonthetopics.blogspot.com

The poverty pimp title is out of this WORLD...hubby's next blog article will be titled "KKK or black leaders today"? excruciating!!

[KathyinPhilly]

Well, it is a sad commentary that George's yummy towel thread got hundreds of responses (I admit to being a viewer although most definitely not a participant) ....

.... and the opinions you presented from your "Chopper guy" should be read by thousands!!!

Thanks for sharing, Jack.

[JackinDe]

Kathyinphilly:

I agree 100% for sure, but I think the chopper guy's opinion is valid. I hope other's feel the same. You're welcome for sharing. Oh, your heart is beating, that's a good sign. LOL!


Jack

[AmberSkyy]

I will be sending this to everyone I know... I TOTALLY agree!

[AmberSkyy]

Ya'll should read the topic I posted here in the Katrina forum... Adds fuel to the fire for sure

[JackinDe]

Amberskyy:

I like your quote. Nice pictures.

Sometimes there is no next time, no second chance, no times out... Sometimes it's now or never!

Glad you enjoyed it. Ya'all come back now!

Jack

[SognoSopra]

You know, for the most part, I agree with you. However, in some things it's apparent that this was written by someone far removed from the scene. For example:
1. We left.
2. There is a standard hurricane preparatory kit that everyone should have. Many people did not do that other than a few gallons of water, but you'll find most did. Kits are only supposed to last at most for 3 days. It was 4 and 5 days before any of the relief agencies got here with supplies of any kind. For those that didn't prepare, I hope they learned a lesson. For those that did, they did as they were taught to prepare. You (chopper pilot or anyone else) go a day and two days with no food and water and no communication as to when or where food and water may come from, and maybe you'll have enough experience to judge, berrate, and scold those who found themselves without.
2a. We really do not make a habit of looting in this area and a situation would have to be beyond desparate to cause us to loot. Instead we lean and depend on the others in our community rather than contribute to a breakdown in law and order (which, at such a time is counterproductive).
2b. Yeah, leave your neighbors' stuff alone. And if you forget that little golden rule, there are signs posted to help you remember you conscience. The signs have catchy little phrases such as "Looters shot on sight... You loot, we shoot... we still have bullets left... etc."
3. Amen! Leave the lawless and the depraved there there... It's a lovely lesson in reaping what you sew and they deserve those consequences. There were many in New Orleans that did all they could to ensure no semblance of law and order returned to the city. However, it is prudent to remember that the choppers that were fired upon were not being used to rescue the lawless.. they were being used to evacuate Ochner's Children's Hospital after doctors, nurses, and patients who were too critical to be evacuated before the storm were in and had been in a closed up building (to keep from the violence on the street) for 4 days with no kind of air flow. If you have ever been in the south (we're going through record heat right now) this time of year, you know that for any person such conditions are not ideal. Now think of critically ill children being held subject to that.
4. See number 1
5. You're right. Your tax dollars should go, instead to fund prisons, the increased dependence on welfare, the ongoing military operations in other countries while we downsize and cut back on military facilities, and, the best of all, to fund the special sessions for partisan politicians to sit on the hill and point fingers like 3 year olds saying, "it's your fault, not mine!" Those are some very useful tax dollars you're defending.
As for the homes, I promise you, the 2 million dollar homes are covered by insurance. You don't want you tax dollars to go to the HUD homes or middle class families that were NOT in a designated flood zone and therefore NOT required to have a flood insurance by their banks nor their insurance companies. It's perfectly ok for people to say "that's not my problem, deal with it," but I hope that's an attitude I never adapt towards anyone who has had a life ripped assunder.
As for using federal dollars to rebuild the stadium, I doubt they'll use your precious tax funds for that. Most likely the government will sponsor a low interest loan to repair the facility.. even though, again, I'm fairly certain such a structure has insurance.
As for the casinos, and this being my territory, I know this one for a fact. They will rebuild and not on sainted tax revenue but on their insurance coverage and their billion dollar owners. However, even if not, I would think the government would step in and help. Why? Because that is a solid tax base for the state. Moreover, it's the leading employer for the state. Do you have any idea how many people are out of work?
I think rather than being so stingy about tax money that's being squandored already, the attitude should be that we should do all we can to get these areas up and running as soon as possible. It's much cheaper that way... And yes, being part of the UNITED States does obligate the government to make sure that does happen.
And no, you shouldn't have to rebuild a city under sea level. Do you have any idea how many cities and places are below sea level? I suppose we should wait for the next disaster so they can be wiped out and relocated, too. Does this apply to fault lines, too? No more SanFrancisco when the big one happens. No San Diego. No Las Angelas.. Hell, that's like... no more California. Oh, and what about Tornado Alley? That's most of the midwest. And what about the flooding on the Mississippi river valleys.. that leaves all of us heading.... Up north.. I'm sure you guys can accomodate the whole country. I suppose, too, we should disregard all the history.. and the fact that this area was developed at the same time the North east was... and I mean, it lasted this long... But because of the 500 year storm (like this happens every year) we should immediately call for the displacement of a city that's been there longer than most of the other US citites. I think, quite frankly, that such calls are beyond stupid. Whether the government is here or not, I'll rebuild my life in Biloxi. Why? Because it's home. Because this is where my roots are. Because my line begins here in 1700. Because this is where I belong. You may skoff at this. You can say that I, then, deserve my fate. Fair enough.
6. Absolutely. The racial thing is utter BS. Do the math. 80% of the people in New Orleans are African-American. 80%. The unfortunate fact in the law of averages is that most of the victims who stayed behind will be African American. If there are any racial issues they are media created and media supported. There were white, hispanic, asians and arabs in the superdome, too.
7. Under normal circumstances, I'd say absolutely. In fact now, I don't think the government should just hand things out to any but those that need it. However, this little point is probably the most idiotic one made in this post. What McDonalds should someone one apply to? I believe there are 5 operating on the coast. What Walmart should be applied to? I believe there are only 3. Hundreds of thousands are without their jobs now. I don't think 8 esteemed businesses can accomodate that many people. Like it or not (this is where the "UNITED" thing comes back in to play), there are people who will need assistance until the economy can be started up and rolling again. Then, of course, if you are still mooching off the government because it's free (and sure, a select few will do that), then you deserve to be punished. However many people are chomping at the bit to return to ANY semblance of work. Why? Because that's normalcy for us. You people who are far removed come live in chaos for 3 weeks and have no opportunity for normalcy and the I'd love to hear your "right ons!" You have lawyers who are working now as debris haulers. My brother, who is a manager for a beach shop, lost both his stores. He is now working feeding relief crews. He leaves his wife and kid this weekend to work in New Orleans for 3 months to feed thier crews (maybe he'll meet up with this chopper dude and feed his arrogant and righteous self). He's not a guy who's mooching off the government. There are many, my friends, who are not.

[SognoSopra]

*L* And yes, Jack, I realize you didn't write the article. The points raised are valid, however, they're most likely written in the heat of a moment with very little thought applied. I would say the author was less than objective when he penned it. Just had to add my 2 cents. It's easy to be "objective" when you're far removed. However, sometimes, it takes a little more compassion, empathy, and sympathy to grasp the fullness of a situation. Also, you guys have to remember... The "storm" for the most part spared New Orleans. It ravaged Mississippi and the very south eastern part of Louisiana, as well as Alabama. New Orleans' was devastated by their own mismanagement of maintaining their levees. New Orleans' disaster wasn't so much Katrina but her aftermath.
It's a painful lesson for that city to learn, and upon rebuilding (whether you support it or not, it WILL be rebuilt) the city leaders will have a new understanding and appreciation for maintaining and stregnthening their levees.

[JackinDe]

SognoSopra:

I must commend you on your excellent response,you comments were appreciated. You gave me more than my "2 cents" worth though, more like $9.98 . LOL.
But seriously, you took the time to respond and you are entitled to your opinion. You made some valid points. I actually read it several times and agree with you on several items. And you are right, I didn't write the article. It was interesting to me when I received it, & I wanted to share it. Oh, and I do support the financial effort to help those areas in need, I sent a generous monetary contribution to do my part as a concerned American who wanted to show my sympathy to those who were affected by this natural disaster.

Jack

[SognoSopra]

Jack,
And for all who were devastated by the storm in whatever way, the compassion of those who gave, not only money, but time, effort, blood, etc are so very appreciated. Thanks so much for caring.

[JackinDe]

One addional comment from someone who lives in the area, not to add fuel to the fire, but read and evaluate their comment on Katrina:

Subject: FW: Louisiana Update from a Resident
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 15:15:23 -0400


This note is from a woman who lives in Louisiana amid
all the turmoil
there. There are local churches where she lives who will
be housing the
homeless but "they will be getting no support from the
RED CROSS."

Here's her note:

** We have had a battery operated TV so we've been
getting local
channels focusing on the situation there and here. I'm
just getting the
"national perspective" and its *(&*&(*ing me off!
First, this is not a racial thing. I'm sorry if all the
reporters
are seeing are just black faces but if they would take
their cameras to
places like Slidell, Mandeville, Metairie and CHALMETTE!
they would see
several thousand white faces being affected by this.
Most of the tip of
the boot that is Louisiana south and east of Baton Rouge
is under water.
Those people are stuck too waiting for help, dying, but
all the news
people can focus on is the Superdome.

Another misconception. The violence going on there is
not the
reaction of desperate people. Its typical New Orleans on
any given
Tuesday!!! Its a dangerous, dirty, drug infested place
where the city
police and city government is corrupt and useless.
Volunteers are
getting shot at and their cars vandalized. Helicopters
are being shot
at. Just another day in the city. Another misconception.
These
poor people couldn't get out because they don't have
cars. If the
cameras show the city once the waters recede, you'll
notice all the
flooded out cars littering the streets. They couldn't
all have been
broken down before the storm hit.

Yes, there are always people who do not have
transportation. Part
of making the call for a MANDATORY evacuation is that
the city has to
provide for transportation and/or shelter in the city.
People stayed for
the same reasons they always stay. They think the storm
will turn and go
in another direction. They think they can "ride it out."
Or, they're
just too (*&( lazy to pack up and leave.

Another misconception. The federal government was slow
to respond.
The president issued a state of emergency BEFORE the
storm ever hit;
unprecedented. This means that the full access of the
federal
government, be it military or civil, were at our
governor's disposal.
The levee broke early Monday afternoon. She did not call
evacuation
until Tuesday morning. You cannot call up National Guard
units in 20
minutes. It takes time. The governor and mayor are in
high CYA mode at
the moment.

The situation is bad here. Crime is becoming a problem
in Gonzales
and Baton Rouge where the evacuees are being housed. We
live between the
two cities and there is a pistol on my desk shelf as I
type (yes, I know
how to use it). Helicopters flying overhead all day, gas
is running out,
stores shelves becoming empty. Its like a war zone. Our
kids are both
here and are staying here until the crime situation gets
in control and
I fear it will get worse before it gets better. Pray for
us. **

SO, that's all I'm asking; SEND this to your friends and
right now say
a prayer for the people going through this whole
catastrophe.

Thanks.

Jack (I rest my case)

[missus]

Humm, very interesting.

I recently went thru something similar (not even one thousandth as bad as Nrlns), but nevertheless, helpless. It's not a good feeling. Day after day without electricity. If I had thought that the energy people were never coming, don't know what I would have done. Given up hope?

In life, I think everything we do is a matter of either being patient and staying the course or giving up. Your job, your mariage/relationship, your family (children) etc. If you and your mate/significant other are not getting along, do you just leave, or do you stay? If your children, your mother/father are getting to you, do you stay and try to find a solution?

To me, if everyone would just realize that you can't give up, ever, there would be less divorces, less children doing drugs, etc. less things that happen when people give up and say, it's not worth it. Saving even one life is very much worth it. And, we don't know what the life that is saved will do. Possibly save the world, etc. Who knows? So, to the people who stayed the course, such as Vs hubby, Educator, Neondream and countless others, you stayed the course. YOu gave a hand, not a handout.

Anyhow, Jack, I like what you said about respecting others' opinions. That speaks volumes. Much respect for ya dude.

Missus

[JackinDe]

Missus:

I know you just went through a rough time and I'm glad you're safe & back with your input for this forum. I'm also glad your family is okay and out of harm's way. Seeing the response from all of your Phen friends, it sounds like they really missed you. So welcome back.
And as for your comment of repecting other peoples opinions, well I feel that having a broad outlook on all subjects and the simple art of LISTENING, is a major part of communication.
Do you agree?

Jack

[missus]

A resounding YES on that one. I'm a big fan of communication. I like you Jack.

I think I remember a post you did on the main forum, and thought, he's a nice guy.

How is your weight loss going? I ate twizzlers while our power was off, so I'm back on the wagon again.

Missus

BTW, thanks for the welcome back.

[JackinDe]

Missus:

Twizzlers are good, but not for a main diet, lol. But when that's all there is to munch on, you don't have much choice, for sure.

My weight loss is good, hanging in there, under 190, which makes me feel better and I think much more healthier. Thanks for asking. Take care.


Jack

[keybabe]

Originally posted by SognoSopra:
You know, for the most part, I agree with you. However, in some things it's apparent that this was written by someone far removed from the scene. For example:
1. We left.
2. There is a standard hurricane preparatory kit that everyone should have. Many people did not do that other than a few gallons of water, but you'll find most did. Kits are only supposed to last at most for 3 days. It was 4 and 5 days before any of the relief agencies got here with supplies of any kind. For those that didn't prepare, I hope they learned a lesson. For those that did, they did as they were taught to prepare. You (chopper pilot or anyone else) go a day and two days with no food and water and no communication as to when or where food and water may come from, and maybe you'll have enough experience to judge, berrate, and scold those who found themselves without.
2a. We really do not make a habit of looting in this area and a situation would have to be beyond desparate to cause us to loot. Instead we lean and depend on the others in our community rather than contribute to a breakdown in law and order (which, at such a time is counterproductive).
2b. Yeah, leave your neighbors' stuff alone. And if you forget that little golden rule, there are signs posted to help you remember you conscience. The signs have catchy little phrases such as "Looters shot on sight... You loot, we shoot... we still have bullets left... etc."
3. Amen! Leave the lawless and the depraved there there... It's a lovely lesson in reaping what you sew and they deserve those consequences. There were many in New Orleans that did all they could to ensure no semblance of law and order returned to the city. However, it is prudent to remember that the choppers that were fired upon were not being used to rescue the lawless.. they were being used to evacuate Ochner's Children's Hospital after doctors, nurses, and patients who were too critical to be evacuated before the storm were in and had been in a closed up building (to keep from the violence on the street) for 4 days with no kind of air flow. If you have ever been in the south (we're going through record heat right now) this time of year, you know that for any person such conditions are not ideal. Now think of critically ill children being held subject to that.
4. See number 1
5. You're right. Your tax dollars should go, instead to fund prisons, the increased dependence on welfare, the ongoing military operations in other countries while we downsize and cut back on military facilities, and, the best of all, to fund the special sessions for partisan politicians to sit on the hill and point fingers like 3 year olds saying, "it's your fault, not mine!" Those are some very useful tax dollars you're defending.
As for the homes, I promise you, the 2 million dollar homes are covered by insurance. You don't want you tax dollars to go to the HUD homes or middle class families that were NOT in a designated flood zone and therefore NOT required to have a flood insurance by their banks nor their insurance companies. It's perfectly ok for people to say "that's not my problem, deal with it," but I hope that's an attitude I never adapt towards anyone who has had a life ripped assunder.
As for using federal dollars to rebuild the stadium, I doubt they'll use your precious tax funds for that. Most likely the government will sponsor a low interest loan to repair the facility.. even though, again, I'm fairly certain such a structure has insurance.
As for the casinos, and this being my territory, I know this one for a fact. They will rebuild and not on sainted tax revenue but on their insurance coverage and their billion dollar owners. However, even if not, I would think the government would step in and help. Why? Because that is a solid tax base for the state. Moreover, it's the leading employer for the state. Do you have any idea how many people are out of work?
I think rather than being so stingy about tax money that's being squandored already, the attitude should be that we should do all we can to get these areas up and running as soon as possible. It's much cheaper that way... And yes, being part of the UNITED States does obligate the government to make sure that does happen.
And no, you shouldn't have to rebuild a city under sea level. Do you have any idea how many cities and places are below sea level? I suppose we should wait for the next disaster so they can be wiped out and relocated, too. Does this apply to fault lines, too? No more SanFrancisco when the big one happens. No San Diego. No Las Angelas.. Hell, that's like... no more California. Oh, and what about Tornado Alley? That's most of the midwest. And what about the flooding on the Mississippi river valleys.. that leaves all of us heading.... Up north.. I'm sure you guys can accomodate the whole country. I suppose, too, we should disregard all the history.. and the fact that this area was developed at the same time the North east was... and I mean, it lasted this long... But because of the 500 year storm (like this happens every year) we should immediately call for the displacement of a city that's been there longer than most of the other US citites. I think, quite frankly, that such calls are beyond stupid. Whether the government is here or not, I'll rebuild my life in Biloxi. Why? Because it's home. Because this is where my roots are. Because my line begins here in 1700. Because this is where I belong. You may skoff at this. You can say that I, then, deserve my fate. Fair enough.
6. Absolutely. The racial thing is utter BS. Do the math. 80% of the people in New Orleans are African-American. 80%. The unfortunate fact in the law of averages is that most of the victims who stayed behind will be African American. If there are any racial issues they are media created and media supported. There were white, hispanic, asians and arabs in the superdome, too.
7. Under normal circumstances, I'd say absolutely. In fact now, I don't think the government should just hand things out to any but those that need it. However, this little point is probably the most idiotic one made in this post. What McDonalds should someone one apply to? I believe there are 5 operating on the coast. What Walmart should be applied to? I believe there are only 3. Hundreds of thousands are without their jobs now. I don't think 8 esteemed businesses can accomodate that many people. Like it or not (this is where the "UNITED" thing comes back in to play), there are people who will need assistance until the economy can be started up and rolling again. Then, of course, if you are still mooching off the government because it's free (and sure, a select few will do that), then you deserve to be punished. However many people are chomping at the bit to return to ANY semblance of work. Why? Because that's normalcy for us. You people who are far removed come live in chaos for 3 weeks and have no opportunity for normalcy and the I'd love to hear your "right ons!" You have lawyers who are working now as debris haulers. My brother, who is a manager for a beach shop, lost both his stores. He is now working feeding relief crews. He leaves his wife and kid this weekend to work in New Orleans for 3 months to feed thier crews (maybe he'll meet up with this chopper dude and feed his arrogant and righteous self). He's not a guy who's mooching off the government. There are many, my friends, who are not.

WOW you just made my day ms. lady tell it like it is