Today I spoke to several people who evacuated New Orleans at various times, Saturday through today (this one from his roof, by helicopter -- he had stayed to care for his ill, elderly mother). These people have suffered tremendously. Just to hear about it over the phone was very difficult. I can't imagine what it would be like to witness it in person. Even reporters have hearts. To some, it may seem unprofessional, but I find it hard to criticize them. It takes a tremendous amount of courage just to be in New Orleans at this time.
I feel much more optimistic today than I did yesterday. Perhaps it's because I had my first real meal today at a restaurant next to my building in downtown Jackson -- salad, broccoli, squash, zucchini, turnip greens. These may seem like ordinary things to many people, but they weren't available at my grocery store yesterday, and we are 200 miles from the devastation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I haven't had a green vegetable since Sunday, so it was wonderful.
The most encouraging news for central Mississippi is that the gas shortage may be easing somewhat as supplies are becoming more plentiful. This is good, because the Mississippi economy has taken a real hit, and we don't need a "disaster within the disaster" as the Clarion-Ledger editorialized today. My neighbors spent the night lined up for gas, and were lucky enough to get 10 gallons at 7:45 this morning -- after waiting since 11:00 p.m. last night.
Thanks to those of you who keep these threads going and to all of you who are contributing money and offers of help to us here in the South.
36 people from our New Orleans Office are still unaccounted for. I am going to look for them on the various missing persons websites this weekend. Hopefully, they are alive, but just unable to communicate.
Thanks for that update.
Thanks for the report. God be with you.
On another note, would people from the affected area come up to Sioux Falls for a time of putting their lives back together. I am thinking I could be renting some apt.s and houses or something like that if people would come. Gas is $3.00 + but life is good and work available.
People forget that the stinch in that convention center is overwhelming...Those complaining that Geraldo is a drama king should think if they have children, how would the feel if their baby was exposed to who knows what.
Hang in there, plenty of us understand what you are going through and are praying, contributing, and volunteering. Glad you were able to get gas, and good luck in your search for your fellow workers.
That was a good post. Thanks for the info and insight.
You may have found these missing persons sites already, but try the Coast Guard and Salvation Army web sites. The CG has a missing/stranded person links to post names, locations, etc., If you think someone might be in an area where homes are flooded to the rooftops or just are not reachable on the ground, they will match the names against their rescue file and get back to you when they hear of any contact. It helps the CG too, since it gives them an idea of where rescues would be beneficial. The Salvation Army has activated their Emergency Radio Service where you can submit a name and other data on their main web site, and they will forward the info to their shelter and communications centers to look for missing persons.
Prayers up for all your co-workers and friends.
The pipeline between Texas and the rest of the Gulf States should be back up and running now at about 80%. You'll be getting Texas-processed petrochems soon. We'll feel a bit of that at the pump here, but we don't mind. We can carry the load for a bit.