Moral dilemma that took about ten seconds to resolve

[DFW]

A friend of mine is from a very backward (to us coastal folks) part of Tennessee on the Missouri border. He is a rare bird in those parts. He is a solid Democrat who got his ass handed to him when he ran for Congress. He is a devout Christian, which I can't even fathom, being more of the George Carlin school of thinking on the subject. Friendly irreconcilable differences, call it. My friend truly believes the whole thing, tax, title and license. I believe in George Carlin, though I do not pray to Joe Pesci.

However, my friend in Tennessee is genuine, the absolute real thing. Compassionate, caring, and exuding a friendship that just radiates authenticity.

So, when I got his message that his home town of Dresden, Tennessee was demolished, with people left with nothing but the shards of the contents of what used to be their homes, I responded--immediately and substantially. I don't buy the "there, but for the grace of God, go I" line. My version is a simple, "wow, that could have been me!" And when you look at this photo he sent, you do NOT want that to have been you:



There were plenty of other towns that got demolished, too. LOTS of them. The difference here is that my friend and his extended family all live here, and he asked his friends, of which I am one, for help. If it had been my family, he would been one of the first to ask what he could do, and then do it to the extent that it was in his power. I can, and will, do no less.

[lame54]

1. He lives in Dresden? - yikes

[DFW]

3. What's left of it, yes.

Not much, from the looks of it.

[lame54]

4. Just thinking of Kurt Vonnegut

[DFW]

7. I don't know if their paths ever crossed

He never mentioned it. I should probably ask the next time I see him. I was hoping to see him in 2 weeks in South Carolina, when we go to the USA, but I don't even know if he can get out of there (or wants to) under the current circumstances.

[lame54]

8. Slauterhouse Five features the bombing and leveling of Dresden...

Germany in WWII

Vonnegut was a prisoner there when it happened

[DFW]

9. Oops. I should have known.

Dresden, Tennessee, is a slight trek from Saxony.

[blm]

2. 💕

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. You are such a good friend, my dear DFW!

There isn't much you can do from that distance, but I'm sure you'll think of something.

We are a complex species, we humans. There can be so many seemingly irreconcilable aspects to each of us that you have to wonder how we hold it all together. Your friend is a supreme example of such a person, and good for him!

[erronis]

22. Well said, CP and DFW. We are complex and can hold many as friends that have very different beliefs.

I think my richest friendships are with those who have different perspectives; but are still willing and able to discuss these on intellectual and personal level. Leaving as friends.

In my few years here with DU I've met a lot of people who are like that. Only virtually, but it's still real.

[Bayard]

6. Sorry to hear what happened to your friend

It was a terrifying and sad night for so many.

We all need friends like you both. I actually have a couple like that that are repugs, but we're always there for each other.

[stopdiggin]

10. +1. you're absolutely right

there is no moral dilemma here. People are hurt, people are heart-sick and crushed - people have nothing. And the 'human' response is to come to their aid. Doesn't matter what church, or which side of the aisle ... If you have a problem with that - you need to get yourself some more 'human.'

[Hekate]

11. All the best to your friend and to you. The photos I've see all show towns that look like they've ...

… been leveled by bombs in a war.

[DFW]

13. That's exactly what my wife said

And being from Germany, she knows a thing or two about the subject.

[LoisB]

12. Terrifying destruction. Wishing your friend well.

[DFW]

14. Thanks. I hope to hear from him

I don't know to what extent he has access to communication.

[mcar]

15. How awful!

I am so sorry for what these people are going through and I really don't care how they vote.

[DFW]

16. It really looked like the end of the world

I care plenty about how they vote, but I don't put that in the same category as seeing their lives violently ripped from under them. It's one thing to be an idiot about vaccination. It's quite another to be at the mercy of a 200 MPH tornado tearing the walls of your house /and maybe a family member or two) away right in front of you.

[mcar]

17. Yeah, that's what I meant

[panader0]

18. Ten seconds? DFW, I doubt if it took you even that long to decide to help.

You're a good man, and helping a friend, even one with differing ideas, comes natural to you.

[DFW]

19. Well, to tell you the truth

I wasn't looking at my watch because I don't wear one

[BlackSkimmer]

20. Kick.

What an awful storm, such a nightmare.

[niyad]

21. I just heard about the line of tornadoes earlier today. Horrific. Of course you are helping

your friend. That is who you are. Utterly heartbreaking for so many people.

[Skittles]

23. I donated to a Kentucky fundraiser

I put politics aside during tragedies; yes INDEED

[DFW]

30. Good, thanks

LOTS of small communities in dire need right now. Surely plenty of "never-heard-of-the-place" towns are in desperate straits.

[Lonestarblue]

24. I grew up in Tornado Alley, although at a different time when storms were not so bad.

Please let me know how I can help, My own family and friends in the areas hit by the tornado are safe, but I am ready to help those who have suffered losses and need help.

[DFW]

28. Here you go, and thanks for ANY help you wish to offer!

You can make a tax-deductible donation at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-volunteer-centers-fundraiser-for-dresden-tn?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1



Or, mail a check to:



The Volunteer Center

Attn: Disaster Relief

PO Box 5

Dresden, TN 38225

[Lars39]

25. I remember Dresden as a sleepy little farming town

to drive thru on the way to the university. I didn’t know they had gotten hit.
That looks really bad.🙁

[chloesmom]

26. Can we help?

How can we help? Is there a GoFundMe?

[DFW]

27. There is indeed

I’ll find it and post it.

[DFW]

29. Here is the link and an address

You can make a tax-deductible donation at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-volunteer-centers-fundraiser-for-dresden-tn?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1



Or, mail a check to:



The Volunteer Center

Attn: Disaster Relief

PO Box 5

Dresden, TN 38225

I usually never use online contributions, as the full amount gets picked over by the various agencies collecting the money and passing it on. I usually send a check, but in this instance, I did use the online version, as the need is of extreme urgency. A check from Europe would take two weeks to get there.

[chloesmom]

31. Thank you!

I just used the GoFundMe link to donate. Hope it helps.

[DFW]

32. EVERYTHING helps, so thanks!

He's probably never even heard of DU, so I'll tell him at least one donation will be coming because of it.

[chloesmom]

33. Just donated again

Hi, I checked the GoFundMe tonight and the goal hasn't been reached yet. So I donated again. I hope more DU'ers will be able to donate.