Hurricane Gustav - The Verdict

[Renaissance Man]

Well, after a few days, I've been able to find somewhere to charge both my laptop and my cell phone. The good news is that my parents' home was spared yet another hurricane without any damage.

The bad news is that it's been confirmed yet again that American resources are stretched too thin, and that Americans are continuing to suffer the horrible decisions of the Bush Administration.

Gustav struck on Monday, and it is now Thursday, and there is almost no eletricity up and running in the city of Baton Rouge (which, after Katrina, became the most populated city in Louisiana). There are only two (2) National Guard outlets distributing supplies (think of lines about three miles long), and get this, it's the Tennessee National Guard. I wonder where the Louisiana National Guard could be.

Today was the first day that I actually saw a FEMA truck, as well.

The ownership society is in full effect.

[malaise]

1. I hope things improve quickly

Looks like both your government and your media have forgotten you.

Please post some pix of the devastation. I hope things improve quickly. :grouphug:

[kath]

2. Hey, RenaissanceMan, you need to hook up with Sarah Palin, 'cuz she's a Renaissance Woman!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6902147

Glad to hear you & parents are okay.

This "ownership society" sucks. Bigtime.

[nc4bo]

3. Yet we send One BILLION dollar to Georgia, wtf?!

And troops that could be stateside to assist in emergencies like this are far, far away.

[pacalo]

4. A main electrical station in BR that serves the lower region of LA was affected by the hurricane

& most of the areas (93%, I'm told) in the southern region are without power. I've seen more tree-cutting trucks than Entergy trucks. The good news for my family is that we are in the 7% who had electrical power when we got home. We took a ride around the parish last night to check on family/friends' houses & none had electricity -- we can't get over how lucky we were to have power. We're loaning out our generator & air conditioner to another family member, & my elderly mom is staying at our house.

Thankfully, we had no wind damage at all. After unpacking, we cleared the yard & drainage receptacles of leaves & small branches. There were quite a few houses that we've seen in the area, from Tangipahoa Parish to St. Charles Parish, where large trees fell on the ground and/or the street rather than onto the houses -- my mom's was one of those whose home was spared from a treefall.

I thank all those who sent good thoughts & prayers our way.