I can understand the food and diaper bit, but the gun fire, theft of jewelery, smashed up cash machines (I saw at least one on the news), rapes, etc - I DON'T understand - what are they thinking (or dare I say are they)?
Enough food for the family, diapers, etc. I could turn my back on. Anything else I think the police should shoot on sight, to help maintain control down there right now. If something isn't done, it will only get worse. And what exactly do they think they're going to buy with that cash right now? If the food isn't there, all the money in the world isn't going to get it!
I think that the government is doing the best they can. Consider no power, no phones (cell or other). There is no way to talk and give these instructions out once they go into effect. Someone has to get there with the instructions and then how do they get them out. You have to think thru everything. Yes, stealing food, diapers and water is a thing they must do to live but other than that I agree is stealing. We have to be patient as Americans and realize our President is human and does take vacations. Actually he is a great president. Over all. We could have s-x hunger back in office. Pres. Bush has had a hard presidency. Think about it all. Many bad things have happened that haven't happened in years or never before at all. He must be a strong man. Now all we can do is pray for those folks. Yes, it is very very bad but I think the best efforts are being made but without communication there is no way to get orders out. The news also stretches things alot. MY cousin who was in Iraq told me that about CNN. He said they tell half truths and no things that they are doing for the good. Only the bad. There have been 4000+ rescued and thousands in shelters. I think that is something. They are also trying to move folks if they would work with them. It is best just to pray.
I agree, Lornaabc. President Bush has had a very difficult time in office and has done a wonderful job dealing with all these hardships. I can't imagine being in charge and trying to decide what to do with thousands of Americans who are now homeless. I can't imagine the struggle it must be to know that your own people are losing control, that the rescue efforts are being hampered by the very people you are trying to help. It is hard to watch TV and know these are fellow Americans. While I agree with the above statement that those who are using this disaster as an excuse to be lawless should be dealt with, I can't imagine giving the order to shoot. I'm not opposed to it, just to be clear, I just feel for the people who make these sorts of decisions. What is going through their minds as they loot useless items, hold people hostage in the hospitals so they can't evacuate them, shooting at helicopters, rape, etc?! I just don't understand.... They can't honestly look around those cities and towns and think all will be well by the end of the weekend. We need to pray for our leaders, our military, each other. We need to remember that God is in control, that as we look at what looks so out of control, that we cannot understand the infinite wisdom of God, just trust.
My husband (whose Spiritual walk can be testy at the best of times) really struggles with all of this... he doesn't understand why God allowed this to happen - it's something I struggle with too, BUT God says to be ready... that when he returns it will like the days of Noah - everyone going about their own business not paying much attention to what's going on around them and then BOOM! it happens. I don't understand why this happened - not sure I ever will, but what a way to get attention. I pray for wisdom, guidance, restoration of peace, for the decision makers (there's a job I DON'T ever want) and for the millions homesless, out of work, hurting, grieving, etc. It just amazes me and I feel so helpless. The looting no matter how you look at it, is stealing - we're not supposed to do it at all, but I can understand from a human perspective why people would be looking for food, etc - cash and all the other stuff?...... Lorna, you make a good point about the news reports... there are still good things happeneing down there - but we're not hearing about them - we're hearing the bad things and by hearing only that, it's hard to give God the Glory He deserves when we don't know about it, so we need to consciously make a point of thanking Him for the progress made each day no matter how small it may seem. As for Presidents... I really haven't followed them too much but I do have to say that if I had the choice, I would have President Bush running our country in a heart beat. He's appears to be a solid christian (unlike our Prime Minister who is all for morally corrupt stuff - I won't go there). He hasn't had an easy term - this one or the last one. He's had some major decisions to make - some would say the decisions were the results of his actions - I won't go there - either way they haven't been easy decisions to make and we need to remember he's human and makes as many mistakes as we do. When we make mistakes, we don't want to have our heads on the chopping block - it should be the same for him as well. Ok... I've rattled on longer than I had planned to. Time to stop and pray now :wink:
This is a real tough one. Unfortunately, I believe that the government is truly doing all it can to do this in an organized manner. Without the communications and so forth it's really tough. I believe that the rehearsed scenarios did not include 2 huge natural disasters plus our own people fighting each other. We were more prepared for seach and rescue and terrorist type activities. We normally look for survivors first then deal with everything else. Now my question is this why didn't these people specially with small children not evacuate when they had the chance. I can't buy it's because of lack of money. I grew up in the Philippines where we used to get lots of floods. We would just pack up our necessary stuff and go up to higher ground and wait it out. We would loose alot of stuff but at least we had the necessities of life with us (our lives, food, water, blankets, clothing etc.). Sometimes it would last for days. So these people that supposedly couldn't afford to evacuate just didn't want to. Because it doesn't take much money to pack up your necessary things, your children and go to higher ground. Alot of people in the Philippines would do this by foot and head for the mountains. It just takes perseverance (spelling check) to protect our children. It's one thing to stay and ride out a storm when you only have to worry about yourself but when you involve children that's another thing. It's the children and elderly that I really feel sorry for. These strong bodied and perfectly capable adults is what I have a problem with. As far as the looting goes okay for necessities. But as for the other stuff like tv's is inexcusable. The other thing that even if I had to do it for the necessities I would feel really guilty about it. These people on TV are smiling and laughing and so forth with no remorse on their faces. This is what angers me. Anyways, I'm rambling. So I will be quiet now. I am praying for them specially their children. I am also praying for wisdom on the part of our government officials specially President Bush. And I am very thankful for the great state of Texas for opening up to these people. I have still have alot of faith in our country even with it's problems that all of this will be taken care of, a little patience is what's necessary. Charlie
How long did they have between the time the evacuation order was given and when the hurricane hit? We don't have TV and I missed that piece of info on the radio.
If I remember correctly they had 2-3 days notice. As a matter of fact I remember watching on tv where alot of people in a bar in the french qtrs just laughing about the evacuation. Kind of reminds me of Noah's ark. Charlie
Does anyone know Vicky's last name? I found a board where people were posting their names and letting others know where they were, and how to contact them. I'm willing to look if anyone knows it.
Chee65 - I totally agree with you - If I couldn't afford to leave I would walk to keep my kids safe. As for Vicki - I was looking back through her past posts and she put she was from the Deeeeep South, MS. DD 13, DS 11 - I have many clothes if they need. Maybe we will find out where she is soon. Sabrina - I am in East Texas (very close to MANY refugees) - maybe she is here.
HSLDA is asking HS'ing families to consider opening their homes to a refugee family. To my surprise, DH wants us to pray about it. It would sure mean some adjustments, though!
Wow, Jackie...do you have a link for HSLDA's request? That might be something for us to consider as well. PM'ing you.
I am really struggling with this whole thing I'm pretty much avoiding the news or anything about it. My dh and I have always been ones to go and aid in stuff like this as I am a RN and he is a mental health counselor. I would love to get down there and dh and I have done a few trips together. We did medical work in Honduras after the big earthquake that killed over 40,000 Hondurans. It is so devastating. I really want to hop in the car and go down there. BUT I am a mom now and I have 2 little ones that need me here. I feel almost torn, but I know I have to be with them. When they are older I think we will all join the emergency reponse team of the RED CROSS. It will be so easy with hs I wont have to "pull the out" of school. I will be able to take them with and make it part of their schooling as well as their "regular" studies. This really makes you see what it will be like in the end times except then it will be 10X worse b/c it will be the whole world doing it. I will be praying for Vicki-- and I am willing to help her out however possible. Jill
I would like a copy to that link too-- I know plenty of people here willing since alot of my community homeschools.
Homeschoolers Without Borders Taking in strangers is a possible danger. Here's another idea. Check this out- Someone was on Larry King tonight talking about getting kids back in school once they have been transported to another city. This man, a mayor I think, said it's important to keep their education going once they are settled. What about going there to volunteer to teach?? Surely you veterans could pull together something sufficient to teach the multiple grades that would result. I bet if there was documentation stores would donate to the effort. It would be a thing of finding out which area would be willing to accomodate an effort like this.
I don't think Amanda follows the individual threads, unless someone gives her a heads-up that she should for some reason. But if you were to PM her, I'm sure she'd help if she's able. I did check Vicky's "public information", and it wasn't helpful at all. Many of us are (wisely) hesitant to post all kinds of info where just anyone can read it.
I know Vicky's last name - I would almost rather not post it publically though... not because I don't trust anyone here but because of 'strangers' who may look around here and I'm not sure she would want it that way... she seems to be a kind of private person (her dh didn't want her children's pictures posted - that's where I base that opinion). ANYWAY, if you want to know her last name I'll pm whoever needs it (Vicky - please don't be upset with me if you're able to see this - or when you can see this)
Great! Brenda, I think you are absolutely right in not posting it; if she wanted it to be public knowledge, she would have made it so. We'll get together and figure this out!
