If I see one more post analyzing the effect of Gustav on the GOP convention I'm going to wretch!

[rudy23]

There are real people here who are in a PANIC about what the next couple weeks of our lives are going to be like. We are DREADING a repeat of the worst thing most of us have ever gone through. How about a little sensitivity?

At least 50% of DU has been unbelievably great about this--much better than the 1% of the RW sites. But there's a contingency of people here that are more interested in the political ramifications of the storm, just like with Katrina. There's an even smaller, but real contingency that sees the whole region--whether because of perceived blackness, or red-neck ness, that sees us as "less than" and no qualms about talking about us as political pawns.

It goes a long way towards helping me understand how the Democratic response to Katrina was so WEAK AND PATHETIC, with NO FEAR of reprisal from their base.

[Xipe Totec]

1. ...

:popcorn:

[dbonds]

10. A popcorn smilie as a response to a real concern like this is childish.

He has a point. I am concerned for the people living there. Not much I can do about it other than ask them to prepare and be ready to leave. I also understand the irony of this happening as the republican convention starts. That doesn't bring a smile to my face, but I do hope just the threat of it happening makes everyone remember katrina. I don't want it to a hurricane to hit anywhere again, but that won't change anything.

[DS1]

14. Unless there are people directly stating they hope for a catastrophic incident,

I don't think he has much of a point. This is the nature of politics. What exactly are we, the people living thousands of miles away, supposed to about it? Hurricanes happen.

[dbonds]

18. You can't do anything about it, but some posts are playing up the positives of it.

And I realize the positive of dirtying up the repubs is something we want to happen. But these things are horrible to those that live there, many live in fear. By playing the positives of the hurricanes outcome you diminish the horror for the people that live there. That would be like someone saying there is a nuke in your city about to go off, that will really show the bushes are not on the ball when it comes to protecting us. You would be there saying 'what about us that live here'.

[DS1]

20. That's fair

People playing that are being insensitive, but to shut down discussion seems a bit much to me.

[rudy23]

30. Not trying to shut-down discussion, but you'd understand if you humanized us for one second.

It's really unfathomable that someone can be that lighthearted about it, from my perspective.

[Xipe Totec]

39. I'm just here to watch the retching

because posts about Gustav are going to happen.

The popcorn is a response to the melodramatic headline.

Melodrama demands popcorn.

[rudy23]

41. MELODRAMA? YOU THINK THIS IS MELODRAMA?

Unbelievable. This is what I'm talking about. Try to wrap your head around it for one second.

[Xipe Totec]

43. In caps, no less

Definitely melodrama,

this has nothing to do with the storm in the Gulf, everything to do with the tempest in a teakettle right here.

Try to wrap your head around that for one second.

[rudy23]

48. YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I'M USING CAPS--2000 PEOPLE DIED LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED!

Death. Losing homes. Families torn apart.

But go on, make your little snide comments about how I'm overreacting. It's just proving my point.

[IndianaJones]

2. rec. nt.

[niyad]

3. although it may not look like it from so many of the posts, believe that many of us are deeply

concerned, with our thoughts and prayers going out to all in what could be the affected areas (and now, with TS hannah as well)

[rudy23]

35. The majority have been great and it's why I love DU

I shouldn't have said it was only 50% good, it's been more of that. It's just weird to see people analyzing the "advantages" of something happening that could really fuck up your life, and finish off one of our greatest and most culturally important cities.

Even if it doesn't hit---a lot of peoples' PTSD is kind of...flaring up right now. I would just hope that would be a concern.

[cboy4]

4. Yup!

K&R

:thumbsup:

[DS1]

5. Reminder: You're posting on a political site, where political discussion is the main goal

[Warpy]

6. I'm already RETCHING

because these things always hit all the wrong people the hardest.

[Mugsy]

7. Chill

Dude, you are in *serious* need of a chill pill.

NO ONE is saying they're "hoping" for a hurricane or "want" bad things to happen.

All people are doing is pointing out the irony. Chill.

[AirmensMom]

8. ...

:hug:

You are right and I wish I could stop them.

[iamjoy]

9. I See The Silver Lining

Of course, no one ever wants a hurricane, especially a severe one. However, if you live in the Southeast US (I live in Florida) they are a fact of life.

I am of the belief that Hurricane Katrina was horrible, but what made it worse was the government's atrocious response. I don't think they would dare let that happen in an election year. I don't think they're that incompetent.

So, if the hurricane must hit, I am least hopeful that this time the government will be there Day 1 with water and assistance. Perhaps it will only be to exploit the people and use it as a campaign issue, but that is better than the Katrina aftermath.

[BOSSHOG]

12. The reaction right now about Gustav in and around New Orleans

is light years ahead of what occurred before Katrina. I doubt the Hurricanes (Gustav and Hannah) will have any substantive effect on the gop convention but it certainly will suck some of the life out of their headlines and airtime.

[malaise]

16. I think the bigger point about the timing of both storms

is that all the Rethug politicians will have to stay home. I don't think they'd dare leave their states and since no one knows where either will hit, it is funny to watch the confusion among Rethugs.

Of course the thought of the destruction for citizens is painful in and of itself.
Still no political analyst could miss the irony of timing here and I haven't even mentioned Dobson's prayer feast for rain in Denver.

[BOSSHOG]

19. NOLA Mayor Ray Nagin left the (D) Convention

to come home and "lead" the evacuation efforts. Yeah, dobson's prayers have really worked huh? He had his folks pray for rain tonight in Denver. I believe the forecast is for clear skys. How freaking christian is it to pray for a weather event to harm anothers event? Pathetic.

I hope you are well My Friend. We are flexible but still planning on leaving Saturday Morning. We were going to drive to Fayetteville, Arkansas (my old home town) but the Hogs are in town for a game and not a Hotel room in sight. And no rooms within 300 miles of NOLA. Oh well we'll eventually get to my inlaws in Kansas.

[malaise]

22. So far so good

Gustav should be on shore in an hour at the South East end of the island. Just upgraded to a Cat 1. Rain is our big worry.
Good on Nagin.

[Marnieworld]

45. Stay safe BOSSHOG!

And let us know how you are as soon as you can. :hug:

[Ganja Ninja]

25. Yup! It's not as if we prayed for this.

Pointing out the timing and irony of it doesn't mean we're insensitive to the suffering it will cause or make it our fault in some way. Hurricanes happen. It's a fact of life if you live on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts. I've been in one and seen the damage from others first hand but I can't call them up at will. If I could it would be hitting Minneapolis next week instead of New Orleans.

[rudy23]

31. How can you even say you hope it hits Minneapolis!

The responses I'm getting are proving my point---no one is really wrapping their heads around the seriousness of this.

WAKE UP EVERYONE, THIS IS SERIOUS AND VERY, VERY REAL FOR MANY OF US!

[Chovexani]

50. Dobson did what?

Normally I'm on top of what that fucker's up to but I haven't heard about praying for rain in Denver bullshit. I have GOT to read up on that.

Funny, in the Pagan community we have a name for "prayers" like that and it sure ain't prayer...starts with an "H" and ends with an "X".

Gotta love fundies who think invoking Jesus when they sling bad mojo makes them better than us heathens.

[Lochloosa]

28. Good Luck BOSSHOG

Keep you head down. :toast:

Eat some gumbo for me tonight.

[yellowdogintexas]

21. or if they still haven't got it together, at least let the Red Cross and UMCOR in

with aid.

[elocs]

11. If Gustav is bad next week will it have some effect or no effect on the Republican convention?

Analyzing the possibilities doe not mean that you are hoping for it to happen or for people to suffer in any way. At least it wouldn't for me.

[thunder rising]

13. Before Katrina made land fall, and it was very sure to be NOLA, I was thinking

that Bush was going to have a chance to look like a hero and justify all the other death, torture, and misery he had caused. Then, he just didn't.

Now, I live in S Fl on the Atlantic coast. That hurricane, Gustav, is not going to bother me much apparently, but Hanna looks to be making a left hook into my part of the world.

People are warned ... now get the fuck out of there if your worried.

[tblue37]

15. Nah--you're gonna RETCH if another WRETCH offers one more such post.

Most of us are worried about NOLA and the Gulf Coast, but hair-trigger offense at relatively innocent attempts to guage the effect of such a thing on the political situation is not really necessary.

[lib2DaBone]

17. You Really wanna Wretch.. Check this out.....

With a major hurricane bearing down on New Orlelans (again) The U.S. Coast Guard is 9000 miles away in a Russian port Will Humanitarian Aid be available at home?


(snip)
Tensions build as U.S. ship arrives in Georgia

A U.S. Coast Guard ship carrying humanitarian aid docked in the Georgian Black Sea port of Batumi Wednesday, as Georgia's Western allies renewed their criticism of Russia amid escalating tensions.

The cutter Dallas bypassed its original destination, the Georgian port of Poti, which is controlled by Russian troops still in the country despite a cease-fire deal to end conflict between the two countries.http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3864456

[guitar man]

23. I agree

I have family all along the Mississippi coast area. They took a hell of a hit in Katrina, haven't even finished rebuilding yet. I don't want to see another storm coming their way :cry:

[a la izquierda]

47. Ditto.

And friends in Louisiana that are flipping their lids about this.

[Mugsy]

24. Let me point out.

Since my own "Hey Dobson!" post seems to have triggered this nonsense, I'd like to point out to the numbnuts with no sense of Irony that I'm living in the Gulf Coast right in the path of Gustav. So if you think I'm praying for "bad weather", you obviously aren't paying attention.

Remember, THESE (Dobson's) PEOPLE *BELIEVE* that if Obama got bad weather, it means "God is on their side". So what does it tell them when God sends a hurricane to THEIR GUYS' convention? Do you think they'll find some way to dismiss it? I do.

[ChiciB1]

26. Living In Florida I Feel & I Mean REALLY FEEL So Bad For Them!!

Even if it will bring it ALL back, I can't believe this could happen again! There are TWO ways to look at this though. IF THE IDIOT REGIME actually pounces on it and does a GOOD job, bet your bottom dollar THEY are going to "HAWK IT" far & wide!

But I actually think it will be a REMINDER of how AWFUL they were and what they DIDN'T do! It's about time THE IDIOTS get whacked up side the head with this type of reminder. However, I don't want it to be so disastrous for NO again! Just a "reminder" and it couldn't comes at a BETTER TIME!!! My wish is that it WILL miss them, but it doesn't look like it and my hearts goes out to them. It's just UNBELIEVABLE!

The Tropical Storm we just had didn't get a single drop of rain at my home, and I live on the Western Coast about a mile from the Gulf! Knocking on wood here, there's a bit of Indian Folklore about how the Indians who settled here were "SMART" enough to realize that the Intra-coastal waters and tides were a preventative to hurricanes! They either hit below us or above us. Back when we had the FIVE hurricanes, we dodged the ball on each one! Got a lot of wind and debris, but no serious damage, just power outages! Have GENERATOR, Will SURVIVE!!

Talking about this doesn't show dis-respect for NO because I'm SURE most of us have GREAT empathy for those in danger. I can't fathom what they must be thinking and IT IS truly awful especially if it's a REPEAT of what happened before! The place STILL hasn't gotten the attention and help it needed, to THIS DAY!! My son was there recently and told me it's still pretty awful!

[karlschneider]

27. retch. Wretch is a noun.

:D

[rudy23]

32. Thank you--wish I could change my subject line, but it's too late. nt

[azul]

29. Sensitivity? People are sensitive to their government's failure in Katrina,

and don't want a repeat. Are we prepared for another disaster? National Guard, Red Crescent, Blackwater, ready? New Orleans flooding and California earthquakes were highlighted in the homeland security disaster planning and look how ready they were for NOLA crisis.

Katrina was a criminal national disgrace and disaster that didn't have to happen. What, does it take an act of God to break through this media BS-storm to hold someone accountable and to be certainly, beyond a reasonable doubt, prepared for possible and probable natural disasters?

Shouldn't the media be reassuring the people in the hurricanes' paths with investigative stories of the changes in the US disaster response capability and its overall preparedness and resources?

We want these disaster capitalist devils out of the homeland security business: we can't trust them. And how do we go about accomplishing this?

[rudy23]

33. How would you like it if I talked about the political ramifications of your Grandmother's death?

Oh yeah, if all those people drown in the streets, lose their homes, and all their possessions RIGHT DURING THE CONVENTION that will cut into McCain's numbers on the "strong-leadership" question. This should really hurt him in the blue-collar states. Couldn't be better timing for the Democrats.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH SOME OF YOU?

[jberryhill]

36. Louisiana is polling a ten point lead for Chimpy McBirthdayCake

Nobody on this forum is controlling the path or intensity of Hurricane Gustav.

There is nothing that anyone can post here which is going to change the direction or speed of a single drop of rain.

When Katrina hit, Bush and McCain were having a party.

They are apparently going to be doing the exact same thing when Gustav hits. Observing that fact here on DU does not change the weather.

More than 50% of your neighbors seem to be cool with that, and support McCain. I will make a deal with them - they can have Bush and McCain running emergency response down there forever, if they promise to keep them there.

If you want to talk about the political implications of my grandmother's death, I can tell you straight off that there is one less racist voter since she passed away.

[rudy23]

40. Just like I always thought--many Dems think this would be just punishment for LA voting Red

But during Katrina, we were attacked for having a Dem governor, and for N.O. being blue.

This is how a major city gets swept under the rug in America. Vilify it from both sides.

[jberryhill]

42. No, you misunderstand

I visited my good friends in NO just a few months ago, and certainly am not interested in having it swept under the rug nor vilified.

The sentiment you are finding objectionable arises from New Orleans post-Katrina having been swept under the rug. Nobody can control hurricanes, and a hurricane in that area during the RNC would be the one-eyed aunt wandering into the living room when company is visiting.

That is an observation, and it is an unavoidable observation. It is not a wish, nor a hope, nor a moral statement.

[rudy23]

49. Right, a one eyed aunt that killed thousands of Americans.

You're right, all those people dying at that precise time would probably embarrass the GOP.

[jberryhill]

52. Yes, it would....

But again, that's an observation, not a hope or a wish.

The deaths of Iraqi civilians should embarass them, the deaths of our troops should embarass them, failure to act on intelligence prior to 9/11 should have embarassed them.

These are tragedies, and they have political fallout.

[Marnieworld]

46. It's like seeing the silver lining in 9/11

I don't remember posts pointing out the bright-side of that.

[kiranon]

34. Didn't fundies pray for rain? Now pray FEMA gets it right this time.

[atommom]

37. Take care of yourself. I hope you don't have to deal with another

hurricane. But as someone upthread said, the government response to a hurricane is likely to be a lot less half-assed this time. It infuriates me that it takes an upcoming election to make these people do their jobs.

[SammyWinstonJack]

38. It is pretty sickening, isn't it? Real people will be affected and that is all that matters.

[Marnieworld]

44. I tried to rec

These gleeful posts have been really pissing me off too. It didn't happen to me but I spent days in front of the TV horrified by what I saw. Now 3 years later and the city and coast are completely forgotten and abandoned. Iraq gets more money and attention while New Orleans is a war zone. Now, at the anniversary another storm is heading straight at the region and anyone with aheart no matter where they live should be bracing themselves, hoping that it is not the same. For progressives to get excited about how this will politically play on TV is really disappointing and definitely insensitive to the very real problems of DUers in the region. Shame on them.

Edited to add: you'll be in my thoughts Rudy. Please stay safe and post an update or two about yourself next week so we know you're ok. :hug:

[rudy23]

51. Thanks for the considerate post, Marnieworld. Most have been great here.

I just still can't believe people are snarking on me for being melodramatic when 2000 (probably many more) Americans died last time this happened. For it to be happening again on the anniversary----not good for the psyche. It's like staring down the barrel of a gun for several days.

I'll keep you updated on the status down here if we make it back okay, once we get the power on. Thanks again.

[Marnieworld]

53. I agree that it was more than 2000

I remember reports saying more like 10,000 and then they changed it. The powers that be couldn't have Katrina eclipse 9/11 in impact because it only made them look bad and then it would take power away from what they exploit for political/military purposes. But I remember the reports of bodybags necessary, coroner trucks, and other gruesome details that made it seem much worse. There wasn't a system in place to track it all, it was a disaster area and next of kin were evacuated and all sorts of chaos etc.

Most people shut this kind of thing out for their own sanity. I just couldn't. Do whatever you have to do to be safe. :hug::hug: :hug: