hurricane heading into republican country? Sorry Panama City.

[democrat in Tallahassee]

It's going to be devastating wherever it hits. Stay safe over there-- we could still get it just as easily.

[Racenut20]

1. They need a good bath. Maybe Scoroboro will save them.

[TexasProgresive]

2. I have family living near Ivans projected ground zero.

Tindale AFB. My prayer is that this storm peters out-my fear is that it is going to be a grand slam. I have relatives and friends in nearly every part of Florida. This has made it really real for me.

[Catt03]

3. God is punishing those suckers.

too bad.

BTW; counties hit by Charley, Frances are not receiving enough aid and are getting ready to sue the government. Yoo hoo ....Democrats

[LisaL]

4. It has nothing to do with GOD.

[Xenus Sister]

8. There is no god. Shove it!

I have family in Panama City.

[Warpy]

10. My father, just south of the Cape

has been without power since the morning of September 3. He's been told he won't have power again until September 18. Everything in that house is electric, so he's basically camping out in his own home, and he is not a happy camper. I don't think reminding him he's lucky to have a house to camp out in has been helping.

Recovery after any natural disaster is slower than it should be, and Florida's had two of them. Anyone who's had to cope with barely adequate aid knows that human beings are the lowest priority in this country, and that businesses are always aided first. Even in my dad's area, the power to the business area was restored immediately, even though many of those businesses were too damaged to open. Everyone else is having to wait.

[kayell]

11. You must believe in a very vicious retributive god

My granddaughter and daughter live where that thing is likely to hit. How about sparing some thought for the consequences this thing is going to have for people who live there, rather than your smug chuckling. Aren't we dems supposed to be the party of REAL compassion?


I have totally lost my sense of humor on this one. Although dd and dgd will evacuate up for a visit, they face the loss of all their possesions and possibly my daughters job if the new private school she teaches at is blown away. And they are the lucky ones, who are able to evacuate, unlike many, many poor people who can only hope to hang on in some shelter that is dubiously able to withstand a Cat 5 storm.

================================

And just in case you have been so oblivious not to notice - there is no area in this country that is solid republicans, much less solid freepers. Any area has a mixture of republicans, dems, greens, socialists, libertarians, nazis, communists, and people who just plain don't get involved. Rich people, poor people, citizens, legal and illegal immigrants. By the way, why does your gawd hate people from Grenada and Jamaicans and Cubans?

[pretzel4gore]

15. you're right! even if only one DU'er, or one hapless innocent

is there then it's enough....repukes will get their punishment in a private individualized portion ( ie: hell) i hope

[liberalmuse]

5. As much as I hate the 'pub ideology...

and would like to see it wiped from the face of the earth, the people who hold that ideology are human beings first and foremost. I hope everyone there is safe. It's been a rough year for the people in Florida and the surrounding states. I really hope this isn't a taste of what may be more to come with global climate change.

[amazona]

6. do we really know where it's headed ?

This storm is playing games. It's scary. I wish it would just go away but apparently no chance of that.

[kayell]

12. Not for certain, they've said large margin of error past 24 hr prediction

on this one. But the forecasts have more and more been showing the central and western panhandle as the likeliest area.

[TrueAmerican]

7. My sister and her family live there

They are all firmly democrats.

[nostamj]

9. latest 3-day track from NOAA

[MAlibdem]

13. what an ugly thing to bring up...

we're happy that a HURRICANE is hitting republican country?

Let's not be disgusting.

[kayell]

14. Couldn't have said it better.

[democrat in Tallahassee]

16. read the whole post. I said for them to keep safe and that it

could just as well hit ME.

[ezekiel333]

17. Live from Panama City...

Thanks democrat in Tallahassee! We are watching it and everyone seems to be getting ready without getting too stupid, a rare event here in Jeb country. Hopefully, wherever this thing lands the people in its path will be prepared, remain calm, and stay safe.

To those in the panic mode: Yes, the storm currently is very dangerous and is likely to remain so. However, hurricanes are nothing new here. We have lived through many and will continue to do so. The media induced "The Sky Is Falling" panic serves no good purpose. Tone down the fear and make a logical plan on how to survive. If you are too upset to do that call your local Red Cross office and seek their advice on what to do.

About Hurricane Humor: Some of you are aghast that anyone would make a joke or use "gallows" humor regarding hurricanes and Florida, lighten up. Humor eases the tension and doesn't mean that the person who made the joke harbors any real ill will towards those who will endure the storm.

God's Wrath: See above. Now if someone seriously believes that crap then they need to reevaluate their belief system. That said, I don't think it would hurt to offer Jeb as a sacrifice to the hurricane Gods. At least then there would be one less sons a bushes screwing up my state.

[Misunderestimator]

18. The origin of the negative reaction to this...

is most likely from the many, many posts that have made jokes about it already, in addition to the many, many posts that have criticized and blamed Floridians simply for living in Florida, as if hurricanes are any more reason not to live somewhere than blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, mud slides, forest fires, etc. Heck, no self-respecting American should even live in America, since fascism is destroying it. That's much worse than a hurricane.

[trof]

19. Coming way too close to my little piece of Dem territory.

See that notch in the tail of Alabama? That's Mobile Bay.
I'm about an eighth of an inch to the right.
On Wolf Bay.
Damn.

[salin]

20. Question for Floridians

first, I can not imagine living through these ferocious storms arriving in such quick succession. May you be safe and weather the storm. I wish for you and your loved ones, safety and safe harbor.

The question I have is about emergency services and the role that national and state guardsmen do or do not play in such emergencies. I seem to recall that in some emergency situations that units are mobilized to help citizens to safety. Is that generally the case in these types of devastating storms? If not - then ignore the following question ... but if so, has the thinning of available units been an issue?

[ezekiel333]

21. Good Question

Thanks for the well wishes.

As for your question: Yes, the guard units are mobilized for disasters. However, I don't think anyone has studied the effect of the back door draft of our Guard units in relation to public safety. But I cannot imagine how it has not affected our ability to ensure our citizens safety and restore our communities in a more timely manner.

[salin]

22. If you were only suffering one devastating storm

I could see how the question might not arise... but three - in such rapid succession?

I seem to recall that earlier this year the concern was raised by governors at the national governors association meeting that the ongoing use of and extension of the use of guardsman were creating structural deficiencies in terms of homeland security and emergency relief (human resources) in many states. Given how tragically hard Florida has been (and continues to be) hit... I would think that some in the media would start to ask this question.

[ezekiel333]

23. Media

One would think they would ask the question and some may have, but it gets buried with over zealous the "sky is falling" hurricane coverage. Perhaps once they come out of the feeding frenzy a real issue will make it back to the top of the news. Of course given the current state of most of our media that hope may be in vain.

[salin]

24. Maybe folks can send notes and questions

to sympathetic columnists at various papers around the state... though you are probably correct that it wouldn't be read or thought about until after the current storm passes. Can't blame folks for being completely focused on the hurricane coverage ... gets back to maslow's hiearchy of basic human needs (shelter/safety). Let that pass... then maybe a subtle campaign can move to get questions like these raised by writers in local papers across the state...