Mr. Whitaker,

Congratulations to you and others who are fortunate enough to be able to take care of yourselves and your families in an emergency.  There are many in this country who are not in that position, and for a variety of social, economic, cultural and other reasons will be dependent from time to time on help and aide from others during an emergency including the federal government.  In looking at not only the level of destruction that Katrina caused in the Gulf, but the impact that it had on this country, surely it is clear that what happened there is not comparable to the blizzard that occurred in the Northern Plains (and I don't mean any disrespect to anyone in that area who suffered through it).

I was not in NO during Hurricane Katrina, so I can't say what fingers some of those folks lifted or didn't lift to help themselves.  However, I have experienced hurricane seasons in both FL and  TX, and have seen and experienced firsthand the devastation it can cause--it doesn't discriminate.  I wouldn't take a whole lot of stock in what's reported on television, as unfortunately, we can't always depend on news agencies to give clear, accurate, fair and objective reporting of newsworthy events.

Like you, I have planned for disasters and like to think that I will be able to help myself and my family in the event of a catastrophe.  As we approach Thanksgiving, however, I am thankful that I live in a country where--if I needed it, I can [at least] hope to count on someone being there for me whether it be friends and/or neighbors, kind-hearted strangers, or yes, even the federal government.  At the same time, after having traveled to many other countries (including some third-world countries) and having lived in many areas of this country (some more depressing than others), I will always be proud and willing to lend my helping hand to anyone who needs it anywhere, anyplace, and anytime.

Just my $.02 worth on a brisk DC Fall day...

Have a blessed day.
Earl

Steven Whitaker <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

EXACTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those who want to take care of themselves, their family and friends, WILL PLAN AHEAD AND DO SO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not sit around and sob, hoping for some TV news airtime, after they have not lifted a finger to do anything to prepare for themselves, while their city and state do nothing...; and blame the feds when FEMA is late getting organized.







Earl Johnson, Jr.
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