Shades of Katrina: A frustrated Sam Olens wonders if Washington knows how badly metro Atlanta is hurting
Updated at 1:45 p.m. Thursday: President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Cherokee counties.
Original post:
A frustrated Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens said Thursday that, after a morning conversation with the chief of staff to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, that he’s not sure that Washington is aware of the extent of damage caused by days of flooding in metro Atlanta.
Olens said the entire region growing impatient waiting for President Barack Obama to sign a declaration of emergency that would unleash federal resources for the area.
“It’s fair to say that we’re very frustrated. The storm started Sunday, with the real wrath Monday, and we frankly were thinking the presidential order would be signed Tuesday night,” Olens said. “Yesterday we were told that Cobb County had sufficient damage to merit the declaration – but the bureaucratic process seems to take too much time, while people are hurting.”
Olens said he had a “cordial” and “productive” conversation with Napolitano’s chief of staff, Jan Lescher. But he’s not sure that news of metro Atlanta’s plight is getting through.
“When I discussed today the fact that Douglas and Paulding [counties] had boil advisories for days, and that Cobb is assisting Douglas today with both water buffaloes and bottled water – I was clearly given the impression that they were not aware of the full extent of the damage,” Olens said.
The Republican commission chairman said Lescher told him that Homeland Security had sent a draft of the declaration to the White House. Obama’s signature is expected today.
Olens also said that Vice President Joe Biden may arrive in Atlanta on Friday to tour the area, but that the trip is not certain. “To the extent that he wanted to fly in to see the damage, I wish he would have done it two days ago, when the water was still over the second floor of people’s houses, rather than now – when Sweetwater Creek has subsided,” Olens said.
Olens said the unusual nature of the flood merits quicker attention from Washington. “This was not a 100 or 200-year rain incident. This was an historic flood,” he said. “You have folks that have lost everything. The majority of the damage is not in flood plain areas. It’s in areas that never before witnessed the flooding. By definition, these folks have no option. They don’t have flood insurance, they’re homeowners policies are not going to cover flooding. I’d like to have some clear direction on how we move forward.”
Summed up Olens: “Cobb’s a big county. Cobb has a lot of resources. But Douglas and Paulding – they needed this help days ago.”
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152 comments Add your comment
DAVID
September 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
Who is the tired, old Media blaming for this delay……..Not Obama…no…no…no
Bubba
September 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
No surprise here. Georgia didn’t vote for them. Why should Democrats lift a finger to help those who didn’t help put them in office?
Edwin Bell
September 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
Chairman Olens, your candor and leadership will be sorely missed in Cobb County. I appreciate your efforts to help those who have lost everything; both in Cobb AND other counties in our region. Thank you!
BW
September 24th, 2009
12:46 pm
I thought Republicans didn’t want the government interference….pick yourselves up by the bootstraps
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
12:46 pm
THERE WOULB BE NO DELAY IF THIS WAS NEW ORLEANS YOU CAN BET ON THAT!
Johnny Bruce
September 24th, 2009
12:47 pm
Can you belive it a good Cobb County Republican wanting help from the Goverment.
ZT
September 24th, 2009
12:50 pm
Enter your comments here
It is amazing that those who have been the most critical of President Obama and his administration are now standing with their hands outstretched for help and don’t even recognize the irony themselves. Of course, the people suffering shouldn’t be punished for the nastiness of their leaders but the politicians should be made to get on their knees and beg.
Hotlanta
September 24th, 2009
12:50 pm
It is just funny how some of these same folks complain about how the government is getting involved in everything such as insurance and our everyday lives but are waiting on the GOVERNMENT to bail them out of this mess. I am waiting on a sign that says OBAMA we don’t need you.
Repub
September 24th, 2009
12:52 pm
Yes! We’ve paid in a ton of money – let’s have some of it back.
JPW
September 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
Explain to me again why people would trust our health care to the federal government after reading this story?
VOICE OF REASON
September 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
A GOP commissioner in georgia wants a hand out from communist Obama?
Spoonky
September 24th, 2009
12:55 pm
Unlike Katrina, people are not stranded on rooftops, cramped in a football arena, or trapped in a city with no escape or immediate help or response, so you CANNOT compare the 2. I refuse to fall for the divisive race baiting tactics that some Republicans are attempting to use in this situation.But for arguments sake, let’s say that they were accurate – The shoe doesn’t feel good when it’s on the other foot does it?
Good Grief
September 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
Oooohhhhhh….so nowwww they want his help? That’s interesting. They dont want the gov’t to spend tax money to help folks with health care problems but when a flood knocks out a few material things then the gov’t should quickly step in and “help out”. Yeah, President Obama, you just take your time signing whatever needs to be signed and fix America its just a tiny percent, microscopic, that needs any help.
emack06
September 24th, 2009
12:59 pm
Wow…the same neocons/rethugans who criticize President Obama for the so-call bloated deficit, stimulus package, and big government, now are whimpering and whining about not getting federal help. The same people who touts how incompetent the Feds are, now are looking to the Feds for help. Why doesn’t Sunny Perdue release some funds from the state coffers or sell one of his properties to help the flood victims?
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
NO WE Are just sick of all are tax money going to NOLA and they dont do a damn thing with except
complain for more
Easy as pie...
September 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
This isn’t particularly hard.
The federal government is supposed to assist in this kind of disaster – the entire purpose of the federal government is to provide assistance in times of war, acts of “God”, etc.
Healthcare, TARP, stimulus are not federal responsibilities. A Republican asking the federal government to stop focusing on its non-constitutional duties (healthcare, BCS football and baseball hearings, etc.) and focus on its constitutional duties is neither hypocritical or ironic.
Ray B
September 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Interesting to compare the media response to the Bush administration after Katrina compared with the media response now. Oh right, I forgot, everything was Bush’s fault and Obama can do no wrong.
CJ
September 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
Oh look! A Republican only wanting a hand-out when it affects them! Surprise, surprise!
Cobb Taxpayer
September 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
Sam ain’t the man ! He has his own issues right in Cobb – Governor Perdue should be leading the charge for help form Washington along with Isakson and Saxby – almost forgot WHO was running for statewide offices next – good ole Sam !
George
September 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
Come on people, nearly half of Georgia IS Democrat. Surely Obama’s lack of response to this crisis is not related to the fact that he failed to carry the state last November. There is politics and there’s doing what’s right, and it is incumbent upon the President to carry on in a apolitical manner during times like this. Let’s hope he is not that petty………I do think it is odd that this story of a lack of response from Washington is being put under the heading of political commentary. This is a front page story. Period.
You are all idiots
September 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
the funny thing is, if Georgia got all of the money they sent to the federal government in taxes isntead of like 98% of it, they could pay for it themselves. The system breeds dependence on federal help because they take all the money the states would have had anyway.
This is proof that Bush wasn’t racist for not helping New Orleans. It is proof that government, whether Dem or Rep, is a completely and utter failure. They cannot get anything done quickly or efficiently. LEARN THIS LESSON, PEOPLE!
k
September 24th, 2009
1:05 pm
JZ you are an idiot! Requesting federal aid in the aftermath of a major natural disaster and voicing opions about a President who’s policies you don’t agree with have nothing to do with one another. Suggesting that the “politicians should have to get down on thier knees and beg” is truly assinine and mean spritied. Instead of being a jerk why don’t you try to show some sympathy and class. Also I thought compassion for your fellow man was a Democratic concept. Guess you missed that particular party message.
KCChiefinATL
September 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
“Shades of Katrina” blasts the headline. Let’s see, is that not a bit over the top? It’s been 3 days!!! What did they want a check on Tuesday??? Before a cost can be set, the water has to go away!
I too agree with the irony of the situation. So much criticism of the Obama administration, but yet, now it’s the cry of “where’s my money”.
To compare this to Katrina is just over the top!!
k
September 24th, 2009
1:07 pm
Oooohhhhhh….so nowwww they want his help? That’s interesting. They dont want the gov’t to spend tax money to help folks with health care problems but when a flood knocks out a few material things then the gov’t should quickly step in and “help out”.
A few material things tell that the the nine families making funeral arrangements for loved ones!
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:07 pm
Chef Montuer, you are a class act. NOLA and the state of LA supply this country with more natural gas than any state in the union. Hell, there are gas pipelines running all the way from NOLA to Atlanta. get your facts straight first.
And why would a republican want this socialist bailout from the government? What happened to liberty and freedom? Oh…. That went out the window when they need help for three counties that got some water. go figure.
AL
September 24th, 2009
1:08 pm
I am curious if any of the people complaining that help is being requested experienced any loss themselves. Its really easy to be critical and say that the president should take his sweet time and that polticians should beg for the help when they are sitting at home with no water damage and aren’t some of us that need the help the most. If the president wants to waste taxpayer money on a healthcare program we don’t want then at the very least he should be willing to part with our money when we do need it.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
Easy as Pie took the words right out of my mouth.
CGay, go away.
Bert
September 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
“They dont want the gov’t to spend tax money to help folks with health care problems …”
That’s not even remotely accurate, Good Grief. The current administration wants to throw out the entire health care system, and are using those who are tragically caught in the gears as an excuse. It’s not the same thing, at all. As a conservative with no entrenched political affiliation, I have no problem with helping those facing unforeseen catastrophic loss of money or resources—either with health care or events like the recent flooding. I do, however, have a problem with completely gutting an entire industry for what amounts to nothing more than a power grab.
findog
September 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
we need to slow down the process to make sure its done right
larry
September 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
As Kanye West would say, “Obama doesn’t like white people”…oh, wait, Obama’s mother is white…hhhmm, he must not like GOPers or Blue Dog Dems.
Chris
September 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
This is racist! Obama just does not want to help out the white people. If this happened in Harlem, NY, they would be fine by now. How stupid does that sound? That is exactly what the thugs said about Bush when Katrina hit.
romyoh
September 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
Agree with Bubba. Payback’s a bitch. No big rush to help out all these Republican naysayers. I thought you didn’t believe in big government.
Tired of the bull
September 24th, 2009
1:12 pm
It’s not Obama that is needed, it is all the money that Georgian’s have paid in taxes towards relief funds that is needed back in Georgia now. The problem here stems from allowing the President to have the say so on who receives it and who doesn’t. Democrat or Republican party in the White House, wasn’t such a good move was it.
JW
September 24th, 2009
1:12 pm
It’s ironic to me that those who claim to have such big hearts for helping the poor and needy are so stuck on the “issues” that they will encourage slowing down assistance for those truly in need. These people are more focused on winning a competition over difference in opinion than truly helping those in need. If there are funds available for disasters of this nature and proportion, then why shouldn’t we ask for it…regardless of political party affiliation? And what in the hell does that have to do with implementing a national health care system that may or may not be mandatory (nobody seems to know the real truth)? NOTHING!
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
Obama’s response will still be light years faster than the Bush administration during Katria. A REAL historic flood. This was some rain that flooded creeks. And as you saw on the news, a good portion of the flooded houses were brand new. Wonder if all the development in those three counties (cutting down trees and other natural buffers for creeks and rivers) had anything to do with the excessive damage.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
What happened to smaller government? We want freedom? We want Washington to stay out of our affairs? The same people who said that those from New Orleans should pick themselves up by the bootstrap? Wow, I live in Atlanta myself, so I understand what’s going on. What I can’t understand: The irony.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
larry
September 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
OBOZO called himself BLACK just the other night on LETTERMAN.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
That’s like saying New Orleans deserved what they got because they have built below sea level.
Grow up putz.
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
I”M not a republican but I know Obama Would have takien his tour over Nola yesterday if this same size flood had happened there instead of here. YOU all Know IT too.
Get Real
September 24th, 2009
1:17 pm
Georgia receives more in federal aid each year than they pay in taxes. Just as most other states in the south do. Those liberal, pinko states in the northeast pay more than they receive however. Go figure.
emack06
September 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Oh please “Easy as pie…” spare us your spin. The preamble of the constitution refutes your argument.
“We the People of the United States, …ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,…”
Healthcare, TARP and the stimulus package helps to promote the “general welfare” of the u.s. citizens by helping to stablize our economy.
Chris
September 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Cutty, you are a moron. Katrina is the best thing that happened to New Orleans. That city needed and needs to be cleaned up! The thugs down there had plenty of notice and had time to get out. They were even offering free transportation.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
His “Peeps” are in New Orleans… of course he would have been there in a heartbeat.
JW
September 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
Cutty is an idiot – “some rain that flooded creeks”. Are you kidding? People DIED because of the rushing water. Imagine a rushing river running through your living room, moving your car 100 yards down the road and taking every valuable possession you own – a little more powerful than “some rain” I would say. You need to take a good hard look at why you stand for the things you do because it’s apparent to me there is a huge disconnect between your heart and brain.
bugsbunny
September 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
Obama knows exactly what is going on down here, we will suffer for being conservative republicans. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
Josey and the P*ssy, calm down little girl. Nothing more than a FACT I presented. You can’t have all this sprawling development and expect it not to affect the natural landscape in which we live. Ask any developer, planner or landscape architect dummy.
Shannon
September 24th, 2009
1:21 pm
This REPUBLICAN wants Nothing from Obama!!! We have taken care of ourselves in the past and we WILL do it again.
We have a lot of people affected by the flood. It is time to pull together and help eachother just the way people did during Barn Raising days. Let’s take care of eachother, the Government doesn’t care and we shouldn’t ask IT for help.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
emack06
September 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Healthcare, TARP and the stimulus package helps to promote the “general welfare” of the u.s. citizens by helping to stablize our economy.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Now that statement is HIGHLY debatable. Thanks for the laugh, limpwrist.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
It’s not that we are happy about devastation to your property and family. It is that perhaps it’s good when the shoe is on the other foot – because then you gain understanding. I only wonder if you would say the same thing – that the federal government should do something – if the area in question this time around was… New Orleans. Did you believe that it was OK for the federal government to assist in New Orleans?
And to Josey… Here’s a thought: It’s white America that considers anyone of mixed (white/black) race to be black. I figured this out the other day when I went to apply for a social security card for my black/white son. As I recall, you could choose white/black/hispanic (1 choice). I did not mark anything because I wanted to know what the attendant was going to mark. Would you like to know what she marked after I told her that my son was of mixed race?
k
September 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
For those Demidiots posting on this board right now. Did you even look at then news coverage. The areas hardest hit in Cobb county were not exactly the hotbeds of conservatism. You are showing just how mean spirited and frankly stupid you are. Linking this to any other politacal issues is just plain “crazy”.
Nine people in GA lost thier lives including a 2 year old little boy. Thousands are now homeless and without resources to rebuild their lives. For those of you that think that this should be turned into a little bit of politcal “tit for tat” I just hope you never find yourselves in this same situation becasue Karma’s a BI***.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
We all know what you meant Cuddy.
eolufemi
September 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
what happened to lifting yourselves up by your bootstraps?
thought you didn’t need the federal government…
repubs are hypocrites….
tom
September 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
I think in New Orlean’s case, that anyone who failed to adhere to a hurricane evacuation warning, and remained in a city that was built below sea-level, should be fined. Taxpayors risked their lives to send in help to somone who should have fled. Those people should be fined who didn’t evacuate. There will always be poor, and less smart people..it’s a fact of life, but tax payers should not have to pay for them.
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:27 pm
@ JW- Chris @ 1:19 just made my case.
Ron
September 24th, 2009
1:27 pm
Who cares? Just don’t live in an area that is in high risk of flooding. If you do, and don’t have flood insurance, it’s your own darn fault!
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Tom, there are plenty of people who knew they lived in a flood zone here that opted not to get flood insurance. Call it both ways.
Charlie
September 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Ever think about how this state voted? Go ask your Senators for help!
Chris
September 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Good Cutty. And I meant what I said. New Orleans is a worse city then Atlanta! Any thug filled city is a mess as we all know.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Lewis – I understand the point you are trying to make, but OBAMA himself called himself BLACK on Letterman the other night. Search it. Look for yourself. Libs are always running around yelling that he’s half white! Oh he’s got white blood in him! Well guess what? Obama calls himself BLACK AND he NEVER once has said that he was WHITE.
Rich
September 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
It is small compared to Katrina, but the government inaction is the same. It does not matter who the President is. Well it does to the media.
Cobb
September 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
One big difference… at least we didn’t build on the coase BELOW SEA LEVEL! That has to be one of the dumbest ideas in the history of the world.
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
1:30 pm
That’s all there is in NOLA poor and less smart people. All the smart ones left and aint goin back!
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:31 pm
Cutty you nitwit, if they bought in a flood zone, they were mandated to buy FLOOD insurance.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:32 pm
Cutty has been in the Cutty Sark all day long.
Rich
September 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
Most people in flood plains are required to have flood insurance by mortgage companies and do not try to say they have no mortgage.
Chris
September 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
Conservatives will cut their nose to spite their face. It’s ok to ask for help. I think a lot of white conservatives just think it’s beneath them to ask the gov. for help, especially when a black man is the face of the gov.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
He is half white. That’s a scientific fact. Regardless of whether I call my son (or Obama) black, white, half-white, whatever… the scientific fact is that he’s half white and half black. Facts and science are almost without dispute. And yes, I’m aware of the Letterman episode. Obama’s statement came in response to Letterman’s question – as I understand.
So, I’m not sure if you’re indicating that Obama is a racist or not. I highly doubt it. Are you aware that Mr. Obama was closer to his white family growing up? My understanding is that he was closer to his white mother more so than black family. Perhaps I’m wrong on this?
DAVID
September 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Hey…there are plenty of liberal democrats in Cobb….who voted for the Messiah…The same class of black folks who live in N.O.
Nailed it
September 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Easy as Pie said:
This isn’t particularly hard.
The federal government is supposed to assist in this kind of disaster – the entire purpose of the federal government is to provide assistance in times of war, acts of “God”, etc.
Healthcare, TARP, stimulus are not federal responsibilities. A Republican asking the federal government to stop focusing on its non-constitutional duties (healthcare, BCS football and baseball hearings, etc.) and focus on its constitutional duties is neither hypocritical or ironic.
DeaconPeach
September 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
South Cobb County is the farthest thing from a Republican stronghold on the north side of Atlanta. I know this from being one of the few non-Democrats in the Clarkdale/Austell/Powder Springs precincts. Face it, it was much more important for Obama to appear on Letterman than to actually do his job. And if the worst flooding had happened in Dekalb County, Obama, Biden, & Nancy Pelosi would be camped out here handing out federal funds with both hands.
Mark
September 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
I thought Georgians would be above all this and help each other. Politics, and those who practice it suck…
emack06
September 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
This flooding in now way compares to the devistation of Katrina. Anyone who would suggest such a thing is being disingenuous and asinine. President Obama has already pledge Federal assistance. And now that level of assistances is now being assess.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
It’s apparent that you are a racist Chris.
Not at all Surprised
September 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
Where’s the White House on this? Probably, trying to figure out how they’re going to pay for it! $700 Billion in Stimulus money to bail out the banks, and 3 million jobs that were SUPPOSED to be created, the FHA, FDIC , and the FED broke. But, our presdient, the technology presdient, doesn’t know about the extent of the flooding in Atlanta?
I say BS. It’s pay back time Atlanta, and for Georgia, for not voting in the election for this administration!
DeaconPeach
September 24th, 2009
1:37 pm
And for the record Josey & Rich, etc., most of the areas hit by the floodwaters are NOT in flood plains, therefore the mortgage companies did not require flood insurance.
Jon
September 24th, 2009
1:37 pm
Blame Bush. While we are at it, we can blame Bush for the drought we had, the yearly wildfires in California, the wildfire in Greece earlier this year. We can also blame him for Bill Clinton messing around with a secretary, Uwe Boll for making terrible video game films.
We can also blame him for Willie Martinez.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:38 pm
In respect to the flood zone. Yes, if you purchase a home, the mortgage company will check to determine if you are in a flood zone. My first home was in Kissimmee, FL in a large subdivision – turned little town. Half the subdivision was in a determined flood zone and half weren’t. Even though the mortgage company checked and “made a determination” that I was not in a flood zone, I paid the annual $250 anyway. It’s minor compared to the $10,000 + that damage can run you.
Marc
September 24th, 2009
1:39 pm
Cutty Bush moved faster than Obama has. Katrina was on Sunday by the time Nagan and Blanco figured out they needed the Feds Monday Bush responded on Tuesday. Obama had to be inconvenienced on Monday from his letting everyone at the U.N. that he is the Chosen One and it’s been three days since then.
KCChiefinATL
September 24th, 2009
1:41 pm
“Barn raising days”????? Ummmm, what?
Ok, everyone….time to quit comparing this to New Orleans and Katrina. It’s not the same. Sorry, it’s just not. Flash flooding is called flash for a reason. It happens very, very fast! Was there warning this was going to happen? No, not really!! Thus the reason it’s called FLASH! So, is this like New Orleans? Nope. We don’t have people, still days later sitting on roof tops waiting for help. We don’t have a dome full of people who can’t get out and have no water or food. So, again, not like New Orleans!
We have had devastation and death. Very difficult to deal with. I can’t imagine what those parents are going through….losing their 2 year old! My heart goes out to them. Will the city receive help? Yes, it will. Will these people replace their “stuff”? Yes, they will. Should they all be grateful that they have their lives, family, pets, and friends? YOU BET! And we should remember the 9 unfortunate souls that have been lost; guaranteed those family and friends don’t care about the “stuff” that was lost.
Criticize all you want, but remember the irony now of the “wheres my money, damn it”.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:42 pm
Lewis, I agree on your points. Your facts are correct… it’s just that Obama “chooses” to be black. I’m not saying that in a bad way. He’s got to do, what he’s got to do. I’m sure a person identifies with a specific culture for obvious reasons. Obama has chosen his. My point is the general public that insists that the guy is half – white. Technically, physically correct – but it doesn’t mean a hill of beans if the person you are talking about has decided culturaly that he is something else.
B-fan
September 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
Why aren’t those Cobb Republicans screaming about the tenth amendment and socialism now?
I have an idea for them, go dump tea in the flood water.
G
September 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
What’s all the commotion about? Republicans, you loathe the meddlesome government.
Debdoes
September 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
Since when does ‘our Government’ do anything quick! This year or 8 years ago under GWB….guys, it’s politics….it’s not Obama, it’s the system.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
Marc: So… are you saying that the US President should not speak at the UN when the meeting is in his own country? Has Sonny Perdue requested a specific dollar amount or made specific requests? My understanding is that (at least in Gwinnett) Georgia officials are making assessments so that they know what to ask for from the federal government.
emack06
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
Josey and the Kittycats…laugh if you want, but you know its true. TARP and the stimulus package help to pull this nation back from an ecomonic meltdown. During the pre-Obama adminstation, we saw volital shifts in the stock market. The stock market has since stablized after “Federal Gov. interference”, lay-off are showing signs of slowing and the ecomony is showing signs of recovering. Only an idiot would refute that a stablize economy does not promote the general welfare of its citizens who partake in that economy.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
DeaconPeach – I already knew that. What’s your point?
use2livethere
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
To Josey&The p-cats: PRESIDENT O-B-A-M-A considers himself a member of the black population because he has more that 1/10th of 1% black blood in him. Most black or AA people know that. Throughout the presidential race he was referred to as “black” or “AA”. Anyway, what does that have to do with federal aid to the flood ravaged areas of metro-Atlanta. We all know what good ole FEMA did for the gulf coast 4 years ago.
Daedalus
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
Does this mean that Sam Olens believes that Obama is actually President of the United States?
You can’t have it both ways.
If Olens can’t handle the job of county commish, maybe he needs to find something else to do. And being Attorney General isn’t it.
rafael
September 24th, 2009
1:45 pm
And here I thought the poor management of Katrina was all the republican’s fault. Where are the democrats in helping GA. Is it cause most of the damaged happened to whites? Just asking. Why is the media not covering how poorly the current administration is handling this?
Janice
September 24th, 2009
1:45 pm
Enter your comments here
Perdue needs to be pushing DC, not the Cobb County Commissioner, and yes, someone should have been here touring damaged areas 2 days ago when waters hadn’t started to receed. I know, we’ve got lame-duck republician govenor and a democrat pres. It’s going to be ugly. I have a feeling we’ll be SOL on this one. State is broke and government only seems to want to assist banks and large companies, eventhough it’s our taxes that are paying for it.
Debdoes
September 24th, 2009
1:46 pm
Amen, amen, amen! I am laughing reading all of this! Didn’t vote him, don’t want help and now why is ‘our government’ taking so long to help us. Maybe now you get it! Wake up Georgia.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:47 pm
emack06
September 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
Baaaaaa!
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:49 pm
use2livethere – Yes, I agree. I guess you would have to go back through the posts to follow the conversation as to how we got to this point.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Hey DEBdoesDouglasville – Why would you think that all the people asking for assistance are people that did not vote for him?
Yankee
September 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
President Obama to JAW-JAW Gov. Perdue request for flood relief “What Flood ? —-> YOU LIE ! JAW-JAW let me repeat ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. You MORONS voted for those IDIOTS McCain/Palin and the GOP ticket of BIRTHERS, TEA-BAGGERS , NAZI-SIGN POSTING ON A CONGRESSMAN OFFICE AND HEALTH-SCARERS what do you expect the President to now do, DROP whatever he is doing and HELP “Y’ALL” out? . I say President Obama wait until late OCTOBER sometime to even consider helping. Now go get one of those IDIOT “Y”ALL” leader either FAT LIMBA, or SEAN INSANNITY to be your KANYE WEST and say “PRESIDENT OBAMA DON’T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE”
Keep it Real!
September 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
These comments are quite interesting! I am sure some of you just post to vent because in your day to day lives you are unhappy! If you are unhappy make changes so you do not carry this venom around other people!
We all should help those who are in need that are in our area! Why are we complaining about the Government as if they are the savior of mankind!
Plus start reading what really happened in this crisis! Capitolism is based upon bank lending to businesses and consumers! When the banker got greedy now you see what happens a financial collapse of our Capitolistic society!
While we continue to debate about politicians ask the companies who have laid off thousands of workers why is that o.k. when you made major profits for 5 consecutive years and now I am going to get rid of thousands of workers after a bad quarter!
TOO MUCH GREED IN THIS WORLD!
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:52 pm
Yankee = Puubic Opshun.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
1:54 pm
You know… I’ve done my fair share of ranting on here. Here goes another thing: Jeb Bush (former governor of Florida) had it right. For the first 72 hours, people will have to depend on themselves, their resources, their neighbors, etc. – not government.
Natural disasters do some good things – They make people wake up and smell the coffee. Sometimes over development, maintenance of levees, drainage systems, etc. actually make a difference. In addition, it creates a level playing field in many ways. I can recall when Hurricane Charlie hit Florida. It didn’t matter your race, socioeconomic status, or anything. No one had electricity, gas, or many of the creature comforts that we have every day. We were all equal. As a result, we are all a little friendlier and more neighborly. We weren’t throwing dirt back and forth.
Bill
September 24th, 2009
1:55 pm
Keep in mind, that the citizens of New Orleans are still waiting. George Bush, didn’t have clue, Barrack Obama knows what to do.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
1:58 pm
What are they waiting for Bill? And if they are waiting for something, why hasn’t Obama taken care of it. I mean shoot, he’s been in office for how many months now?
Stace
September 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
@ Lewis
I’d like to know what she marked. All 3 of my children are of mixed race {white mother/black father}& they automatically got a SS card assigned when they were born. Never payed attention to what race they put. Maybe I need to look into that.
DeaconPeach
September 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
“Barrack Obama knows what to do.” Yep Bill, appearing on Letterman is definitely one of the top things a sitting President should be doing. You get an A+ for that stellar comment.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
2:00 pm
President Barack Obama has issued a federal disaster declaration for Cobb, Paulding, Douglas and Cherokee counties in the wake of this week’s devastating floods, Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office has announced.
Perdue had asked Obama to declare an emergency in 17 Georgia counties and the governor said the request covering the other counties is still pending.
“The recovery is just now beginning,” Perdue said in a statement. “We have a great deal of work to do and I appreciate President Obama’s approval of the disaster declaration. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.”
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
Hi Stace…. Of course, black.
Blue Dawg
September 24th, 2009
2:04 pm
This is not about being Republican, Democrat, White, Black, Brown, etc. This is about having an IRRESPONSIBLE LEADER IN OFFICE. In an emergency, there is no room/time for a full assesment. Get the initial help out and assess later. How can something as critical as this flood not be of immediate relevance? Let’s put things into perspective. The after math is worse than the flood. I.e., Homeless families, employment, overall a detriment to the economy for the state. Where’s the bailout now?
HPW
September 24th, 2009
2:05 pm
On topic, so sorry for the flood victims and their property…unfortunately, GA in general isn’t a flood state and insurance is getting over like a fat rat in a cheese factory by not covering the damage but will they really win when those homes are abandoned? My prayers are for you and your recovery; stay strong.
Off topic…You guys are hilarious. The reason our president says he is black is because in this country, he is viewed that way because of his appearance and that is the box he was forced to check on any application or form, black and they probably have it on his birth certificate as well. There didn’t used to be ‘mixed race’ or bi-racial options. Our forefathers (the slave masters) made sure about the 1/16th rule…you are BLACK so guess what, because that is who he had to identify with, that is what he is…that is who accepts him based on his outward appearance. No one knows by looking at him necessarily that he had a white mom and in the black community, we typically accept our babies as they are…it’s the ‘other’ communities that sometimes have an issue and don’t always or readily accept the mixed race child so you go with who loves you back! Most people didn’t know Mariah Carey was bi-racial (I knew she wasn’t all white the first time I saw her video) but people knew Alicia Keys and Halle Berry were ‘black’ and all three have white mom’s…can’t help what the outside looks like or where/how you are raised to identify yourself…that is usually on the parents or the society you live in.
Slavery laws: 1910 1/16 Every person having one-sixteenth or more Negro blood shall be deemed a colored person, and every person not a colored person having one-fourth or more Indian blood shall be deemed an Indian…See doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside and this is still upheld, believe it or not, in this society!
If you don't know then hush
September 24th, 2009
2:07 pm
For the obvious people who keep referring to these poor, helpless people who lost their HOMES, FAMILY MEMBERS, & NON REPLACABLE momentos, SHAME ON YOU!! My family’s home was destroyed, and yes they DO have flood insurance. Instead of bickering back and forth on a totally different subject as the race of the President, and who’s begging for hand outs, come on, if it was YOU or YOUR family, YOUR friends (regardless if you are a democrat or republican) that was devastated by this act of nature you’d be looking for help…WHAT THE GOVERNMENT has RELIEF FUNDS FOR….The flood in New Orleans is over, it was a horrible situation, and I also had family devastated in LA too. LEAVE NOLA out of this, you people are picking a scab that needs to be left alone…The scaring has already occured…Most people in the GA areas that were hit didn’t have flood insurance and here you are critizing them as they watched water consume their home, their safe place, where they raised children, grandchildren. I am ashamed for you. When your down I hope somebody kicks you like you are doing to these displaced families by speaking so poorly of them. SHAME ON YOU!! Karma will finds it’s way to you.
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
Josey and the P*ssy @ 1:131. If that was the case then why didn’t any of these people have flood insurance. And anyone with a brain and a mortgage knows that the government doesn’t enforce someone to get flood insurance, the lender does. And you think they’re going to let a deal fall through because of some flood insurance? I see who’s been in the Cutty Sark today. You’re wet behind the ears.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:14 pm
If you don’t know then hush
September 24th, 2009
2:07 pm
I know you are stressed out and I am sorry for your families loss. The blog comments evolve into things other than the original topic. Take a few Advils, a swig or two of Jack Daniels and go lay down. Call us back in the morning when you have got your nerves calmed down.
BW
September 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
Josey….the president is black and white…he and most people consider him black…just call the president a racist or stop talking
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:19 pm
Chew your Cuddy. I never said anything about the government. Go back and read.
It is a fact that most of these houses were not in a flood zone. Why would you buy insurance if they tell you that you are not in a flood zone? Do you have flood insurance? Oh let me guess your response – “Of course I do!”
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:21 pm
BW, He calls himself black and that’s a fact. Thanks for commenting at the end of the conversation where you have no idea what we were talking about.
BW
September 24th, 2009
2:23 pm
Why do you care that he considers himself black? What are you trying to get at? I actually hate the era of PC….no one says what they mean anymore
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
Josey, @ $24 a month added to my insurance policy, I do. Because I live in a flood zone. I know what you can chew tho.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:29 pm
BW, this all got started with larry @ 1:11.
You can follow it from there. It turned into a political racist thing like it always does.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:30 pm
Would you have bought said insurance if you didn’t live in a “flood” zone?
Jay
September 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
Poor Republicans. They decry the use of government funds when its other folks, but are always ready to waddle up to the trough when it is something they want. I hope the screamers on healthcare are taking note. Sometimes you bite the bear and sometinmes the bear bites you.
Josey and the Kittycats
September 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
Jay, we’ve already been through all that. Please keep up.
Blue Dawg
September 24th, 2009
2:38 pm
HPW, I am first generation American from Spanish parents…I have blonde hair and blue eyes. Does that mean I should check myself as “White” because of the color of my skin? Your race is based on your mother’s origin. Therefore, Obama should “Consider himself White or Bi-Racial.” AND..By the way…I am quoting you…”There didn’t used to be ‘mixed race’ or bi-racial options.” Our forefathers (the slave masters) made sure about the 1/16th rule
First and foremost, that is improper use of grammer, secondly, we have evolved and not to mention have different classifications for all human kind. I am a proud American but know my origin is Hispanic; although I may not look it. One thing is certain I am not a hiprocrit to my race and for the record, Obama should consider approaching the public/media as bi-racial not black. He needs to remember who raised him…It wasn’t his dad…it was his mom and grandma!
Oh please
September 24th, 2009
2:38 pm
Perdue didn’t make his initial request for a presidential declaration of an emergency until Tuesday. Approval was granted today. What more do you want? I know, President Obama should have granted the approval before the Govenor made up his mind to ask for assistance.
Just admit it. Too many people, including Sam Olens, jumped the gun on this complaint. I wonder if any of the complainers will admit it.
HPW
September 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
Blue Dawg, it’s just another societal rule that you are the race of your mother…it is also written in some communities, you are the race of your father, hence, the black chosen for Obama.
No one is saying to deny the other…sometimes you just go where you fit in the most or again, where you are accepted.
I was simply making a point that this society is still in that same mind set and yes, my grammar may have been off but I’m not writing a thesis…it’s just a blog….grammer is not grammar if you want to be picky about it.
HPW
September 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
I’m with you @ Oh please…they just had a desire to be negative and found an outlet and now they should have egg on their faces but of course they won’t.
Lewis
September 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
HPW… agreed… Too many people want to be grammar teachers on these blogs.
Blue Dawg
September 24th, 2009
3:03 pm
HPW…thanks for the clarification. But needless to say, Obama is in a “community” now where he is looked upon very differently than when growing up. Secondly, I didn’t mean to side track on race because there is a bigger problem at hand and that is the time lapsed on reprieval for those affected by the flood. I lived in South Florida when Hurricane Andrew hit and know what its like; regardless if you have flood insurance or not to loose your worldly possesions. In my opinion, help has not gotten to those affected fast enough. Shame on our leadership for the lack of compassion they have demonstrated to the great state and residence of Georgia.
Blue Dawg
September 24th, 2009
3:12 pm
HPW….Do you mind sharing with us what your term “They” means?
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
3:16 pm
Josey, don’t know. MY point is that there were people who knew they lived in a flood-proned area and neglected to get insurance. I’m speaking to them and you’re speaking to those that didn’t live in that sort of area. There is where our disagreement lies.
eolufemi
September 24th, 2009
3:16 pm
Face it some of you jumped the gun in criticizing the president. Despite the rhetoric espoused by many in GA that the federal government is unnecessary outside of making war, when the chips are down those same individuals not only expect but feel entitled to a federal government that responds to their needs. Hopefully these same individuals LEARN from this experience and are humbled. Perhaps these individuals will now show some empathy for others who are dealing with their own set of problems that the federal government could very well help them with. The main point is stop being so selfish and hypocritical.
Cutty
September 24th, 2009
3:18 pm
Why couldn’t Sonny have the Ga National Guard out in Cobb and Paulding Monday morning? Before anyone goes blaming Obama, Sonny was just flying around in a helicopter and gone fishin.
collegeballfan
September 24th, 2009
3:24 pm
Sounds like Chairman Sam Olens is pushing for a bunch of government socialism to me. Are they any illegal aliens in those counties?
Bet there are. Are they going to get federal aid also? Bet they do.
eolufemi
September 24th, 2009
3:28 pm
Would this be a bad time to expect the refugees to prove they are in this country legally? I would hate for American tax dollars to be spent on an illegal.
HPW
September 24th, 2009
3:29 pm
@Blue Dawg…’They’ refers to the Sam Olen’s of the world…those that simply have negative energy to spew. I have to steer clear of ‘them’. ***misery loves company***
In the words of the late great Michael Joseph Jackson,
I said you wanna be startin’ somethin’
You got to be startin’ somethin’
I said you wanna be startin’ somethin’
You got to be startin’ somethin’
It’s too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You’re stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Blue Dawg
September 24th, 2009
3:41 pm
Nice….real nice!!! I’m doing the moonwalk as we speak!
HPW
September 24th, 2009
3:46 pm
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what’s true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you
Help me sing it,
Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Obama approves federal disaster declaration | Gold Dome Live
September 24th, 2009
4:11 pm
[...] Perdue made his initial request for a presidential declaration of an emergency on Tuesday and some local officials are beginning to question the delay in approval. Cobb County Commission chairman Sam Olens, a Republican candidate for attorney general, said earlier Thursday that he isn’t sure Washington understands the extent of the damage in Georgia. [...]
Base
September 24th, 2009
4:41 pm
If smiling Sam thinks the request is so good why doesn’t he front the money.What are Sonny and Gema doing anyway they only requested $25 million and the estimate is $250 million. Quite standing around with your hand out Sam.
Base
September 24th, 2009
4:48 pm
Sam and Sonny should have used some stem money to improve drainage instead of repaving. The Fed cannot do everything while Sonny tells us to give state tax breaks to the movie industry and hisself.
eolufemi
September 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
I think this calls for more tax cuts for the rich…All we need is the market to correct itself and the government to get out of the way…blah blah blah…
splashdown
September 24th, 2009
6:10 pm
How many of you commenting that this is all about race were hit by this flood?
My apartment complex was. And, you know what, the water did not care if the apartment it was destroying was rented out by a black family or a white one. It didn’t care if we had jobs or if we didn’t. It didn’t care if it was rented by someone fresh out of college or a senior citizen, a salaried employee or an hourly one. It just came and it destroyed almost everything some of us own. Down the street million dollar homes were flooded along with starter homes. People… PEOPLE… have lost everything.
And for those of you playing the race card – look at the counties that have gotten the aid? I can guarantee that they aren’t as black as where I live – my neighborhood and my county is just about evenly split. Cobb? It has almost twice as many whites as blacks. If this was about race, we would have been on that list.
While I think it’s obscene that it has taken so long to get aid, the fact of the matter is that FEMA is not prepared to deal with situations like this. It’s not in their guidebooks. They know what to do when a hurricane strikes. A once in a lifetime confluence of rainmakers? Not so much. And that’s when bureaucracy takes over. That’s the problem, here. Our government is too bogged down with that crap and that’s why it’s taking so long. That is what we should be focused on – not some stupid racial arguments. And, you know what, no matter what side of the political fence you stand on, fixing the bureaucratic problems will support your side. Those that want more aid faster can get it. Those that want a smaller government will have it.
But, really, actually looking at the problem isn’t as much fun as yelling at the other side and throwing out a bunch of racist comments to a blog post, now is it.
CJ
September 25th, 2009
12:08 am
Good ole Sonny and the rest of the REPUBs did not want the other money, therefore don’t ask for any more from this Black President. Call your good ole boys Sean and Rush(if his is not drugged up) to help Georgia out. And the gawl of Sax and that other senator to get on the SAME plane as Biden, you 2-faces snakes. If it was me I wouldn’t give Georgia not a D— cent. But you see, God is good all the time, Georgia still had to ask this President for a hand out.
Chris Mathews is covered in his own leg tingleing spittle
September 25th, 2009
1:58 am
OFF TOPIC. Has anyone seen the footage of the violent protesters at the G20? Those right wingers are as violent as ever….wait….this just in…. strike that… those are leftist protesters rioting and raising all holy hel!. At least they aren’t making fun of, or protesting Obama. Otherwise we may be forced to call him racist.
jboy
September 25th, 2009
9:14 am
Yall have done a wonderful job of covering the Ditionary from a to z with pithy commentary. Democracy, got to love it! Well if you are tired of what you are wollering in then get off the rear and vote next election and make it a regular occurence. Our Country is bleeding white and black so these policies affect all races. It’s unrealisitic to blame a party since the people elected the current power hogs no that in itself is the answer. Wise up and don’t vote for handouts like last election, because soon there won’t be anyone to pay the taxes that fund the welfare state some enjoy. Take responsibility for your own poverty. Ask not what your country can do for you: ask what you can do for your country. Get off welfare, get a job, learn a trade, do something or get the heck out of our country!
Wing nuts of the confederated Taliban GOP have lost it
September 25th, 2009
9:35 am
The God up above knows how to touch people. all the hell raising about Obama a socialist ,we don’t want government help. now look at you . your people need government help any fool can see that. and we the government should help!! The same goes for health care. we all need help sometime and sometime only government is the only power strong enough to do the job. will the free market fix this problem? The free market work on greed, will a tax cut fix the people who house is under water? now that the shoes of hurt and pain is on the feet of every day georgia people. If we all would work together we could help a lot of people. I as a tax payer I Think these people not are free loader they need help. If my people call by my name would humble themselves shun evil and seek God he will heal the land our GOD is Talking Georgia. Keep brushing this off!! please don’t harden your hearts! Love is the answer that mean help your fellow man GOP not big companys!!!
DW
September 25th, 2009
9:49 am
Where is Chairman Olens’ criticism of Sonny Perdue? He’s at the Panama Canal now.
DannyX
September 25th, 2009
10:37 am
Oh my God people have a little compassion!!!!!
Things are just horrible in my subdivision. We have been without cable tv for FOUR whole days now. Our cell phone tower was knocked over, and Obama has not been by to fix it!
On top of that the local grocery store had a run on Coffee-Mate during the storm and I have to drink my coffee Black! That’s the problem folks, I really don’t want to drink Black coffee. I’m furious.
If I get home today and find out that the cable is not back on I’m going to go ballistic!!!!! Anyone know if Glen Beck is covering this sorry situation? He’s not going to be happy.
WHERE IS OBAMA?????????
Rod
September 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
Interesting that people are mad about Obama’s response since the republicans dont want to take any money anyway. I think the response has been timely since of course they have to have a process to declare GA counties disaster areas. Why didn’t Perdue dole out some money he has gotten with some of legislation for his own endeavors to help GA out?
Jazz
September 25th, 2009
2:20 pm
I agree with ZT
September 24th, 2009
12:50 pm
Obama was not elected in Ga, Ga was willing to take a flake head crazy white woman and an aged white man over a smart,educated Black man. But
now they are crying they need help, he needs to take as long as Bush took to help the Black folks after Katrina to help these white folks crying out in Ga.
It is amazing that those who have been the most critical of President Obama and his administration are now standing with their hands outstretched for help and don’t even recognize the irony themselves. Of course, the people suffering shouldn’t be punished for the nastiness of their leaders but the politicians should be made to get on their knees and beg.
Common Sense
September 25th, 2009
6:03 pm
Enter your comments here
As I read some of these posts I understand more and more why our President chooses to identify himself as a black man. They are more capable of being fair to everyone. They are more compassionate to the needs of others and welcome in more parts of the world because of their ability to be humble and true. They can captivate children and women of all races. That is why they are so hated by certain people. green is such an ugly color. Our President needs to just keep doing what he is doing and not get distracted by the selfish devils. He cares more about the haters than they care about themselves. No matter what he does he won’t be able to please certain people. There is too much to do in this world to waste his time.
Gentleman Jim
September 25th, 2009
6:38 pm
Apparently Olens does not have much company in his criticism: “Chambliss praised the Obama Administration for a response that was both “magnificent” and “quick.” Isakson said he had spent last night on the phone with local officials, all of whom reported FEMA workers on the ground.” The article goes on to point out that Sonny Perdue is in Panama at the moment.
Wing nuts of the confederated Taliban GOP have lost it
September 25th, 2009
8:22 pm
Help our fellow man even if he or she is a wing nuts. confederated Taliban GOP wing nuts are people to. we must show them love even if they hate us why?love your enemy, you reap what you sow . even the wing nuts were made in GOD image. even if there heart are harden show LOVE any how! I wonder how worship will be this Sunday for the Taliban GOP play are real, Love are still hard hearted? worship a GOD who is a real socialist that help the poor and outcast?
CrescentCityRay
September 26th, 2009
10:28 pm
Floods are a non-partisan issue to the flood victims. Many people base their views on misinformation.
Do people know that 90% of the metro New Orlrans area evacuated before the storm? It was the most successful evacuation of a metropolitan area in this country’s history. Could their city do as well?
Do they know that the Lower Ninth Ward is but only 2 of the 140 square miles (in just Orleans Parish) that flooded when flood control structures fell down.
Do they know that 70% of New Orleans home owners had flood insurance? – a rate higher than almost anywhere else in the country.
Do they know that the flood, proportionally, killed just as many rich, middle class and poor as well as black, white, Hispanic and Asian New Orleanians? The only demographic that suffered more than the rest were our elderly who suffered the worst, by far. Did you know many thousands of New Orleanians died in the months after the storm from stress and depression, and are still dying?
Do they know that 50% of New Orleans is above sea level?
Did you know ships must travel 96 miles upriver from the Gulf to reach New Orleans? – we are not a ‘coastal’ city.
Do they know the Corps is mostly responsible for the losses of our wetlands that use to serve as a storm surge buffer for New Orleans?
Do they know that New Orleans has a higher percentage of residents that remain lifelong residents of their home town than any other major metropolitan area in the US?
Do they know the vast majority of New Orleanians are honest, hard working, tax paying, law abiding US citizens and deserve their respect?
Why do outsiders believe these myths?
The myths stem from journalists parachuting in with preconceived notions and lazy but flowery language and they typically report it all wrong. Countrymen and politicians use our problems as partisan political fodder. New Orleans and its residents have been ruthlessly slandered like no American city has ever experienced. Lazy media reported a ‘natural’ disaster and too many of our countrymen feel we deserved our disaster and should even be denied the right to exist. It is plenty enough to hurt your feelings. Our fellow US citizens, even folk from all over the world, don’t care that all the misinformation has seriously disillusioned and disturbed so many.
Please stop the myth based slander.
SWGA Politics » Blog Archive » Exposing GOP ‘pro-Constitution’ Hypocrisy
September 29th, 2009
6:37 am
[...] the Cobb County Board of Commissioners – was probably the most blatant when, per AJC’s Jim Galloway, he “said the entire region growing impatient waiting for President Barack Obama to sign a [...]
AJC’s Galloway disavows self — sort of | Atlanta Unsheltered
September 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
[...] So how did Galloway square all that praise from Georgia’s two Republican senators with his earlier contention that the feds’ response amounted to “Shades of Katrina”? [...]