New Orleans has it good compared too...

[wannabfree]

Not trying to offend anyone, but Katrina wasn't the first huricane to ever hit the US, and 2, New Orleans new if they ever got a direct hit from a major hurricane that the water would breach the Levies. No offense, but I don't see why New Orleans gets all the attention, when my home town and my whole state were hit by 4 MAJOR huricanes in 2004. I didn't see the country band together to help us. Hurricane Ivan, the one that hit my home town, was the same category as Katrina. It did aweful devastation to my home down. Did people rush out to help our city? Did we get on the news and beg for Money? Did the media turn it into a huge Media Frenzy? The answer to all of these is NO. Still to this day, I hate going home, because my hometown is not the same. People are still struggling to make repairs. I'm not trying to make anyone mad, but I am sick of hearing about Katrina. New Orleans is not the only city to ever suffer from a hurricane. I mean help other people! How much longer do we have to hear about this? My hometown, just had to band together and do it ourselves... I'm sorry to rant on here, but I just feel like New Orleans is getting a lot of unfair attention and it's getting old.

[bridge04]

Well I am from Biloxi, MS and I feel the same way about N.O. but on the same hand I have seen the devestation from Katrina. No One knows unless they have first hand experience with a Major Hurricane. Yes I to think its enough and lets build back together and move on.... It will happen again maybe not today or tom but in the future, lets just hope this time everyone is prepared..

[wannabfree]

Yes I agree no one knows the devastation until they have seen it first hand, but I lived it with Oh let's see there have been about 4 major hurricanes that have hit my home town in my lifetime, Ivan was definitely the worst (and I might add the same category as Katrina). Our city and several cities around us were under water and we aren't below sea level. So many people were killed, but our area is very particular about releasing numbers. They don't want to draw attention to our area like that. It could be a Florida thing. I am just sick of hearing about New Orleans, what about all the other cities that were hit by Hurricanes. I'm tired of the media and the famous people making a fuss over Hurricane Katrina. I'm sorry but noone rushed to our aid like that. My home town is still a mess. They haven't gotten everything back together. I'm ranting I know. I just don't think it's fair.

[Myrydnine10]

New Orleans has it good? Im not sure "good" is the best choice of words for the state that N.O is in right now.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions and with this being a message board, that is only fair...BUT I would take into consideration the people that may have gone through the exact same thing you have gone through. Not everyone from N.O. is asking for a handout. Not everyone from N.O. has the money or resources to put their lives back together and not everyone asked for the hurricanes, including you.

Im not trying to be rude by any means, I just think you may want to be a little more sensitive to the impact your words may have on other people on this board who are going through the same life altering experience you are, regardless of where you are from.

Just my .02

[ March 23, 2006, 11:59 PM: Message edited by: Myrydnine10 ]

[jbo]

Yikes. I don't even know what it would be like to have to go through this at all. However, I can understand where you may feel left out and that it's unfair however, does it make it right to be upset at those who have had it a bit better than you? I personally would be happy for those who have had it better than me. I would pray that noone has to go through the heartache I have been through. Maybe being happy for those who have had it better than you can heal the pain you feel in your heart, you seem very upset with this thing and may need to allow love to come into your heart. I know it must be hard but alot of things have happend to me that i wouldn't wish on my worst enemy don't you think you could be happy that someone has it better than you, it would make it easier to deal with than the road your taking. Love one another and so what they are getting this attention you are stronger because you had to do this on your own and I am sure you learned alot more than those who may have been handed things which in return is supposed to make you the better person. Please don't hold that against someone it hurts to much and takes up to much energy to hate or to be upset or disgusted!!! Let it go with love be happy for them not angry it doesn't help you any bit to hold onto the anger. This is noones fault not yours not thiers. I am sorry you had to go through this without the support I feel for you and I feel for them. Good luck in feeling better about this.

[motivated2lose]

Greetngs,

I am originally from Louisiana but moved a couple of years ago. I also returned to Louisiana(Monroe) to assist the the local Red Cross during that tragic time. No I am not from N.O. and of course I have become (selfishly) irritable at times when I here radio announcements about Hurrican Katrina Victims recieving special discounts(clothing,furniture,cell phones). But then reality set in and I try to put myself in there position(impossible). You stated how your state was hit by 4 hurricans within one year, and how the state did not get the publicity that N.O is recieving. I know a lot of people were hurt and alot of lives were destroyed where you are from during those times, but you must understand that N.O led the country in poverty; that means that at least 70% of the city was poverty stricken or close to it. Picture this; You and your family trapped in your city because you had no way out(just like some in your state), no money and no one to turn to. Imagine being placed in an evacuation center that was doomed from the begining with your family (newborns,small children, the elderly). You are scared, tired, confused and sick. you dont know what the next day will bring and you are not able to contact anyone. You are no longer allowed to leave the city and know one is allowed to come in to get you. You are hot and thirsty and the crys from the small children because they are hungry are like sirens to your years. your clothes are dirty and the smell of urine fill the stuffy atmosphere in which you have to breath. You are not allowed to leave the building; but are trapped because if you try to leave you won't get food or formula for your baby (remember the people on the bridge). imagine having to explain to your 3 year old why they are wrapping that lady in a sheet(she has died) or why that old man sitting in the corning is staring at her without blinking(he has passed away). Never the less I know you are saying to yourself, it is not my fought that they did'nt have the money or resources to leave; and they are just looking for a handout. that may the case for some, but not all. There were also those middle class and upper middle class families who had homes that were detroyed and ruined(insurance wont reimburse them); or those elderly couples with no family who lived off of social security, who lost there home and belongings(they are still displaced). And what about the children who were seperated from their families and have yet to locate them (what do their futures hold). They are forever emotionaly destroyed. But to keep a long story from turning into am even longer story, we as a people may get a little fed up or tired of hearing the stories of the Katrina tragedies but we must remember that no one ask for such devestation and no one group, race or gender deserves it. oh , and as Myrydnine10 stated just think you may want to be a little more sensitive to the impact your words may have on other people on this board who are going through the same life altering experience you are, regardless of where you are from.

Hey, maybe the attention that N.O has recieved will benifit not only the Katrina tragedy stricken, but all cities and states in the future that are completly destroyed,devasted and in need of emergency assistance ,help people who has lost everything get back on there feet.

[ March 24, 2006, 12:00 PM: Message edited by: motivated2lose ]

[motivated2lose]

posted March 24, 2006 09:48 AM

[jbo]

motivated2lose- I couldn' have said it better!!! People have feelings and just being sensitive to those feelings is important. Striking up a topic like this not only brings negative feelings to this but may cause promblems towards other fellow phrends. I don't want to bring anyone any hurt feelings I am here to help support whoever needs my support and as long as I can I will. I support everyones feelings and opionions including my own but sometimes it's best left alone!!! My selfishness sometimes can get the best of me but I do try to not let it interfere with others feelings.

[wannabfree]

Obviously I have made people angry, but I am sympathetic with N.O. I am just trying to convey that they are not the only city to ever be hit by a hurricane. It seems like the Country didn't pay attention until then. I'm sorry if I offend anyone, I'm just frustrated and tired of hearing about N.O. as if it were the only city to ever be hit by a major hurricane, when hurricane's have been hitting our Country for 100s of years and doing major damage to many places. I'm done ranting on the subject though.

[wannabfree]

Motivated2lose, the things you are typing writing about, those situations, they aren't exclusive to N.O. I have seen those things first hand in my hometown especially after Ivan. All of the homeless after Ivan. All of the poeple who lost their jobs, all of the people who lost their lives. My parents home was destroyed, they lost everything and I lost a lot too, because I had a lot of memories in that house. Yes, maybe I do have a lot of pain from this. You are probably right. But you aren't telling me anything I don't already know. I have lived for almost a month without power, we didn't have water, we didn't have ice or gas or food. We had to wait in long lines to get ice and food. We had to wait months to get gasoline. We had to sit out in the hot sun and sift through our belongings that were strowed all over our yards and our neighbors yards to see what we could salvage. Neighborhoods covered in pure black mud inside homes and out. A 50 foot wave that rose up in our BAY, and thats just the BAY not the Gulf. Completely swept homes with people inside them out into God only knows where. Do I need to go on, no, I don't want to cause it hurts too bad. You don't know the half of it. This happens every time a hurricane comes in. Not just to N.O. Maybe now you will understand why I am bitter. Like people have said before, you will never know until you have lived it and yes I agree and I have lived through it. So please don't snap at me. I have a right to be angry, people totally ignored this issue until now. Maybe it will change, but I doubt it. Because now all they can say is well that was only a category so and so. If people only really knew.

[motivated2lose]

Wannabfree,
I was not snapping at you. I would never do such a thing. I was making a comment towards what you were saying because you made a public post. The reason I focused on N.O was because that was the city in which you were focusing on.. I have friends who lived in the majority if the areas that were hit by Katrina(gulf coast) so I do understand and have much love and sympathy for them also. I was born and raised in Florida until the age of 18 so I do understand how horrific a huricane can be. Of course you should be bitter, angry, and down right emotionally exhausted.


I believe that due to the demand of attention from N.O they may feel as though this may be there only way for them to be heard... as you stated yourself .. you guys went through a lot and practically the same things Katrina victims went through and you guys were not heard.. I am sorry you guys were'nt broadcast the way N.O was; maybe from now own such disasters and life changing issuses wont be ignored, but taken on and faced with force and action the way we know they should be.

As I stated before maybe this disaster that has gained all the nations attention will help bring attention to ALL cities and states that are in need..


hopefully things for you and your family has become better; even though they may never be the same...

[ March 24, 2006, 07:59 PM: Message edited by: motivated2lose ]

[motivated2lose]

JBO,
thanks for your comment. I must agree with you. subjects like these do cause some to become upset. I know for a fact that I am not one to make anyone upset. I just believe that we as Phrends should not make such negative Public comments toward others unless we are willing to take on everything in which it may brings.


I also agree with you when stated that some things are better left alone...

[wannabfree]

Well, I know you think I stepped out of line, it's just hard you know everywhere you go there are support threads for Katrina, but I'm just like what about others? If ya'll are angry at me I understand. I just get frustrated sometimes.

[kare]

I have a point of view that will probably be totally unwelcome. I am not saying any of this to be disrespectful or uncharitable, nor am I trying to say ...well just take what I say as its meant please. I live in Houston. As alot of you know Houston opened their arms to the people of New Orleans. Many have come here , gotten jobs, built new lives and become wonderful welcome members of the community. BUT many many others have come here to take advantage of whatever they can. Our crime rate has skyrocketed. Our schools are having problems we didnt have before. My daughters are in high school and jr high. They have kids from New Orleans who are fighting, renewing their gangs, selling drugs, and in no way have made an effort to fit in. I am considering putting my kids into private school ( and yes It was in a nice neighborhood and a good school before this).They treat everyone here as a doormat. These childrens parents, who I see as the real problem, sit outside in the street obviously not working, they sit there and drink . I have lost count of the murders , fires, violence that we hear about on the news involving New Orleans residents. Our houses are being robbed during the day. We have had to hire a security firm to patrol our neighborhood so we can work . I live in a nice neighborhood. It just happenes to have an appartment complex outside of it which used to have nice families in it. Now most of them have moved.
I voluntered at the Astrodome after the hurricaine. I gave money ,time, helped in any way I could and have made friends with some from New Orleans. BUT I feel betrayed and want my city back. I was in hurricain Andrew. I lost everything. I moved on, didnt get FEMA or housing , nor did I take my grief at losing my life out on those who only tried to help me.
I hope these people will see this as a reason to build new lives rather than whine about what was lost. Sounds mean well probably is, but Ive been there. Become part of our city or please leave has become my attitude. Just my thoughts. Thank you.

[neondream]

Being form FLorida myself, and having my home destroyed by 2 of the 4 hurricanes that hit, as well as not having a place to work for several months because of hurricane damage, I think I have a general understanding of how the hurricanes in 2004 affected this area. What I don't understand is how anyone could be so selfish. I'm tired of all the media focus as well, but My heart goes out to all the people who lost homes, and family and friends.

Even with the Hurricanes we had here in Florida, we felt nothing compared to what they did in N.O. My prayer are always going out to them. I sure that other people would feel the same way if they had lost everything they had their homes their jobs, and their family members.

Yeah I agree disasters happen everywhere. This one was one the the worst. God Bless all the families, and may we all have grace and understanding in our hearts.

[kare]

Im sorry if I offended, but my question is....did u rebuild your life or wait for other people to do it for you? During that time were u appretiative of the help you got, or did you steal from those who were trying to help you?I feel the sympathy, Believe me..I too lost everything in a hurricaine. Im just tired of those that wont even try.

[jbo]

Kare-Amen. Lazy people kill me. I'm sorry but if you can't even try, thats what gets me the most. I am sorry for you also. I think I understand how you must feel about the betrayal, I couldn't imagine the feelings you have, anger is that about right??? I will pray for you all cause I feel for you all. Good luck dear and I wish only good things for you all.

[neondream]

There are those who can face troubles head on. There are those who can't. I have a stronge faith in God, so I know that I have the highest power on my side. I Made it though my trials because I know that God is in control.

There are people who don't have that faith and don't know what to do. I know there are some that probably are stealing, who are receiving help that don't need it, but that;s not anough reason to condemn the masses for it. The areas that where hit had large amounts of homeless and povity sticken people. Yeah I agree everyone need to help themselves and move on, but some just don't know how, and my committment as being part of the body of christ is to reach out and help the lost, help those who can't help themselves.

I'm glad that you and I were able to move on. Praise God for that. For those who can't what ever the reason I offer my Prayers, my hands, and what ever else I can offer.

I can tell that you care, your just angree. you may have a reason to be. God Bless

[MaliciousHumor]

I don't want to beat a dead horse because it seems like this thread has kinda died down, but I do want to add my $0.02

I'm from Biloxi, MS--I've lived here my whole life, have gone through numerous hurricanes and witnessed the devastation to various communities in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. I remember Hurricane Ivan.. I remember the horrific pictures and the stories of people who died--and the struggles of those who survived. It was catastrophic. My heart swelled at the stories of selfless relief workers lending a hand.

That being said, news of Ivan was on the news here *every day* for MONTHS. Not once did I complain about too much coverage because I had too much sympathy for the loss of lives and homes. I also knew that MY home was at risk for the same type of devastation because I live on the Gulf Coast.

Then our day came--The amount of damage is incomprehensible and I drive down the beach frequently. Katrina didn't just affect Louisiana. It devastated every community from Mobile, AL to New Orleans, Louisiana. That's 150+ miles. I don't mean missing shingles, mold and flood damage. I mean you can drive for 40 miles straight down the beach highway and not see a single standing structure within half a mile of the beach. Homes and business werent just damaged to the point of no repair.. they dont EXIST anymore.

The category of the hurricane isn't all that matters, the barometric pressure, the surge and the size of the storm make a huge impact in the amount of damage. The swirling clouds of Katrina took up the entire gulf of mexico

Ivan was a terrible storm and caused horrific damage and loss of life.. I'm sure since you're from an area that was directly impacted you feel like you have a right to be bitter about the Katrina news coverage. Just like since I'm from an area directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina, I feel like I have a right to tell you that in *My Opinion* there is no comparison between the two storms.

Death Toll
Ivan-14 Katrina-1,604; as of 3-3-06, 2,000 are still unaccounted for. (Maybe your community did keep quiet about the loss of life.. but can you honestly say it was to the tune of 1,590 people?)

Injuries:
Ivan-16 Katrina-5,907

Storm Surge
Ivan- 10 to 15ft Katrina-30 to 35 ft

Damage in Dollars:
Ivan- $14.6 billion Katrina-$75 billion


Does that information make what happened during Ivan less important? NO. Neither does it make what happened during Katrina more important. How can you complain that the country is pulling together to help the people who lost everything? How can that possibly bother you so much?

I would like to think that someone who has gone through what you have would have MORE compassion towards other storm battered communities, not less.

[ April 05, 2006, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: MaliciousHumor ]

[MaliciousHumor]

Just to be fair, I thought I'd compare all 4 of the 2004 hurricanes since that was your original complaint. All values are for the US only.

(I'd also like to add that my initial death toll statement for Ivan was off by 11 for a total of 25 in the US.)

Death toll
4 2004 Hurricanes: 45
Katrina: 1,604

Storm Surge
Avg for 2004 Hurricanes: 9.5ft; Highest was Ivan at 15, lowest was Frances at 6ft.
Katrina: 30-35 ft

Damage in Dollars
Total for 4 2004 Hurricanes: $45 Billion
Katrina: $75 Billion

I couldnt find enough information from reputable sources to give a total on injuries.

[tampa777]

I have been reading this thread since it was first posted. I must admit it has taken everything in me not to reply.
I was so upset of the "thought" of this thread even being posted that I chose not to comment.

I continued to come and read replies posted, holding back my feelings of disbelif.
Then I read some "postive" replies,I felt better knowing that there are some of us who can show compassion and feelings, towards others. It great to know that some of us care about the feelings of others not only in the suffering states but the feelings of other phen readers.

My husband and I are orginally from Louisiana. We moved to Florida over four years ago. Our entire families "live or lived" in and around New Orleans. I have lived and seen devestation not only here in FL. but also in LA.

I just wanted to say a special "THank you", to those of you who have postive comments and who that not only of themselves but thought of others feelings when posting your replies to this thread.
Special hugs and prayers to Myrydnine10, Jbo, motivated2lose, neondream and Malicous Humor!!

[jbo]

Tampa


(((((((((((Hugs))))))))))

[jbo]

Malicious- I envy your knowledge and your ability to write proper English!!! Noone could have said any of that stuff better. Thanks for the facts and your thoughts!!!

[MaliciousHumor]

Tampa

[TeesMom]

Ok I have waited a long time to respond back to this. You all have called me cold hearted and whatever you want to. I tried to let this die, but I can't. Yes you can post your "facts" about each hurricane and put down loss because it wasn't as great, or however you feel you need to generate your response in your mind.

My question is have you ever lost EVERYTHING? Well let me just tell you that my parents lost EVERYTHING in hurricane Ivan and the pain is still very strong and very real. Let's see what else was said... Just a little "flood water", do you call a 50 foot wave "a little flood water"? So you are boasting about numbers and think that makes Ivan not a real disaster because it wasn't as large of numbers? Tell that to the THOUSANDS of people who are still homeless from IVAN and it has almost been 2 years, included in this THOUSANDS would be my parents who still live in a FEMA TRAILER. So you can call me cold hearted all you want to, but I feel like the way you responded makes you more cold hearted than I.

I would like for you to imagine what it would be like to lose EVERYTHING. The only thing my parents had was the two days of clothes they packed to evacuate. The things you all say are hurtful. Maybe I have the right to be cold about all of this, because THOUSANDS of people are still homeless from IVAN, but everyone has moved on from that.

The bottom line is that this thread should be called "Hurricane Support" and not single out one hurrican among many. Thanks.

[EBONY POETESS]

Unfreakin believeable!
Ignorance and pure racial and econimic hatred!
Has humanity lost it's way?
I see not much has changed but New orleans!
It was a setup to rebuild the econimc and racial environment!
Yes the Hurricane was natural, but the fact that noone cared enough to fix the levis or rescue Americans the way they went clear across the country to tsunami is unbelievable!,mostly African Americans ,babies,grandmothers,families.
If you're tired of hearing about it turn off the tv and the radio and while you're at it build a fire to defrost your heart!

[sarahl0131]

I just wanted say that we all need to be grateful that we haven't had anything yet this year. It's almost the peak of the season, so I guess we'll see. My heart goes out to the people in N.O. and also to the people that live on the rest of the gulf coast. I do understand what all of you are saying. I know that the people from new orleans are still 'shook up' over what happened, but I am tired of seeing it on the news EVERYDAY. A few days a week they could show progress, that's fine. I like to see or hear about the progress that they are making. Last night I was watching the Saints game(the oh so horrible Saints game), and they asked the governor a few questions. Now this was on ESPN, and she didn't only talk about the superdome and they Saints playing in new orleans again, but she was talking about other rebuilding stuff also. That should be on the 5:00 news, not cutting out of a football game. I know some of you may think that is harsh and that is okay. I think it is too, but I think it needs to be said. I think New Orleans is getting waaaay more media coverage than the rest of the gulf coast when it comes to Katrina. Now, it may be that it is because I watch a New Orleans based tv station, but they only mention the Mississippi area very seldom.

[youngkeish]

If there is anyone that was affected by Hurricane Katrina mentally, physically, or emotionally, I want you to know that God is with you, stay strong and God Bless! I just watched "When the Levees Broke" a documentary by Spike Lee, an African-American actor and producer. He hit home so hard, I was really feeling the hurt and the pain of the victims. This made me realize a lot about my life, life in general. I never had the guts to watch the news or coverage the media had shown about this tragedy. I don't think that I would have done it no time soon, but there is a time for everything. I'm telling you that the documentary caught my attention so strong. I was so hurt watching it all. I cried so much, tear for the victims that drowned and died, people starved, and seeing deserted souls....how could it take so long to help those people with all of the U.S. transportation that exists.
R.I.P.

[tampa777]

Thank you Youngkeish!

[TeesMom]

"Storm Surge
Avg for 2004 Hurricanes: 9.5ft; Highest was Ivan at 15, lowest was Frances at 6ft.
Katrina: 30-35 ft"


This is incorrect. Ivan registered the largest wave ever in the history of the Gulf of Mexico. They registered a 50 foot wave in Escambia Bay. Which slid I-10 over and slammed it into the bay. Then it continued accross the bay and engulfed the homes on the shore and swept them out. Ivan Stretched from the middle of Mississippi through to the other side and then some of Panama City Florida. The reason I know, I drove back home after it was over and destruction began in mid Mississippi. Power was out, powerlines were down and it only got worse as we got closer to home. It's obvious to me that you just want to boast about numbers because you want to be the big I am that lived through the worst storm ever. That is really what this is all about. Who had it worse and your pain isn't as great as my pain, blah blah blah. Loss is loss is loss is loss.

I am a Christian too btw, but I get angry like every other human being on this earth. No one is perfect.

[Frankykeats]

Nice discussion.