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To: Diddle E. Squat; All
I just got home from work a little while ago, but I heard Shep and Geraldo on XM in the car and watched them here. They are very emotional, but I would be, too, if I had seen what they have seen.

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.

1,413 posted on 09/02/2005 7:15:23 PM PDT by pollyg107
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To: pollyg107

Thanks for that update.


1,423 posted on 09/02/2005 7:17:12 PM PDT by bwteim (Begin With The End In Mind)
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To: pollyg107

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.


1,455 posted on 09/02/2005 7:22:58 PM PDT by SolomoninSouthDakota (Daschle is gone.)
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To: pollyg107

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.


1,464 posted on 09/02/2005 7:24:06 PM PDT by Arizona Carolyn
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To: pollyg107

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.


1,502 posted on 09/02/2005 7:29:01 PM PDT by Diddle E. Squat (Gone, gone with the waves....)
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To: pollyg107

That was a good post. Thanks for the info and insight.


1,647 posted on 09/02/2005 7:50:29 PM PDT by Rokke
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To: pollyg107
I was in NYC on 9-11; I remember the generosity of all Americans during that time....

One thing that hit most was the first Saturday night after the attack, I remember being with friends at a bar, having a beer, seeing the flags on the backs of trucks as they passed by, trying to escape from the horrible reality....I was in a daze.

I remember heading towards the mens room; and posted on the door was a full page ad from the local paper...It was from Oklahoma City, it read we remember how you came to our aid, now it is our turn to come to yours...we are all New Yorkers now.....I will never forget that moment and what it meant to me...

Tonight, and for all nights to come, we are all Southerners...I will not forget, we will be their for you...

My deepest sympathies and prayers for all the victims of Katrina...donate what ever you can...America always takes care of its own...
1,676 posted on 09/02/2005 7:55:07 PM PDT by PigRigger (Send donations to http://www.AdoptAPlatoon.org)
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To: pollyg107

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.


1,720 posted on 09/02/2005 8:02:53 PM PDT by gpapa (Boost FR Traffic! Make FR your home page!)
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To: pollyg107

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.


1,849 posted on 09/02/2005 8:20:34 PM PDT by Spktyr (Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)
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