DUer checking in from the Gulf Coast!

[Renaissance Man]

While I still have a high speed internet connection, fellow DU'ers, please pray for the safety of everyone who will be ultimately affected by this storm.

My Mom and Dad are lifelong Democrats (and die-hard Obama supporters) and the home they own (what he built with his bear hands) is in a low-lying Parish in coastal Louisiana (he's insured, don't worry). He dodged both Katrina and Rita (because where he lives is literally between where the western bands of Katrina and the eastern bands of Rita struck) with no damage (as well as Andrew in '92).

Though I do hope that this storm is the one that will wake people up about global warming, a little good fortune and some prayers from DU'ers would help a lot.

[gateley]

1. You have our (version of) prayers and you're foremost in our thoughts --

even when we're yammering about the political stuff.

Are you guys going to have to evacuate?

:hug:

[Renaissance Man]

12. Evacuation

Where I'm located, I won't have to evacuate. Hurricanes that hit coastal Louisiana have a tendency of doing a lot of damage to the River Parishes, parishes close to the coast, and low-lying areas (Calcasieu, Terrebone, Iberia, St. Mary, St. Martin, St. Charles, Orleans, etc.). If this hurricane strengthens Category 5 and above, it could be packing a very high storm surge that could exceed past Highway 90.

Generally, if you're anywhere in Baton Rouge or north of Baton Rouge, you're OK. My parents are going to be with me during the Hurricane.

[NOLALady]

25. I'm in Slidell near Lacombe.

We have a housefull at this time with more coming over tomorrow.

We're a bit inland and have never had flooding.

Stay Safe.

[Renaissance Man]

30. I'm in Baton Rouge.

I remember in '92 after Andrew (evacuated to Baton Rouge) when I was about 12 years old. We drove back home after the hurricane and found live oak trees (and you should know how strong those are) uprooted, homes literally turned upside down, etc.

I do remember, however, the swiftness of the response of the Clinton Administration. Those were the good days -- when Americans were their brother's keeper.

[Ghost in the Machine]

37. I went through Andrew in Homestead Fla... took a direct hit, lost everything

One thing though:

"I do remember, however, the swiftness of the response of the Clinton Administration. Those were the good days -- when Americans were their brother's keeper."

Clinton hadn't been elected yet, Poppy Bush was still President... although Clinton, the candidate, *did* show up before Poppy did...

:hi:

[LivinginLA]

32. Hi neighbor

I am down near Military Road in the area where Kevin Davis called for a mandatory evacuation. Unfortunately, because hubby is "essential personnel" we won't be leaving. So I am going to have a bourbon and get some rest because I know I will need it for tomorrow.

[gateley]

33. Oh - I'm so glad you'll be together. Keeping you all in my thoughts. nt

[snacker]

2. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. n/t

[Nitrogenica]

3. my wife and I will pray for your safety.

[undergroundrailroad]

4. Stay Safe. I'll have you in my thoughts.

:grouphug:

[blue neen]

5. We are thinking about you at this frightening time.

I hope that you and your family will be safe.

[JeffR]

6. Thoughts and prayers here.

You and yours stay safe.

[marauding liberal]

7. Sending good thoughts your way

[Booster]

8. Hold my hand. We'll get through this together.

[barbtries]

9. you got mine

as do all in gustav's path. i've been tracking it all day. the news is ominous. best to your family.

[Pennie109]

10. Good luck, stay safe.

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

[kdmorris]

11. Any chance you've heard from Swamp Rat?

I checked his recent posts and he hasn't posted in the last three days. I hope that means he got out of dodge!!

[Pastiche423]

34. My 1st thought was of Swamp Rat

Does anyone have any way to get in touch w/him besides the net?

[orleans]

36. hey, swamp rat is a female, last i heard. n/t

[kdmorris]

43. !!!!!!

NO WAY!! OK, I've GOT to start checking profiles when I like reading people's stuff.

OK, if you hear from HER, let us know she's OK.

/going to check the profile now

[orleans]

45. her profile doesn't say--but i vaguely remember her (or someone)

saying she was. (i thought she was a guy too)

damn----unless i'm SO confused! i don't know. time to take another omega 3 fish oil pill for the brainaroo.

but...as of now, i think she's a she.

[EFerrari]

38. No, I haven't seen him.

:(

[brer cat]

13. Keeping everyone along the path of Gustaf

in my thoughts and prayers.

:hug:

[NOLALady]

14. Are you and parents evacuating?

I just had a call from someone who left Westwego about 11am heading for Tennessee. It's nearly 9:30pm and they are still in Mississippi.

The traffic is awful. I was stuck in it earlier today.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

29. Have they gotten a map and tried some of the secondary roads?

Mississippi actually has some pretty decent non-interstate roads.

[jimlup]

15. I'm an atheist but my hope is with you guys!

This is pretty scary. Take care of yourselves!!!

[jhain]

16. Praying vibing lighting candles

with you all.

[Texasgal]

17. Good luck and stay safe..

BTW- I don't care what political leanings your parents have...I wish them safety. I wish all people safety with this storm.

Keep us posted.

[mwooldri]

18. All the best: stay safe and post here if you can. eom.

[polly7]

19. Be safe ........

Thinking of All of you and sending prayers everyone will be fine!

[Hokie]

20. Best of luck and stay safe

This looks worse than Katrina. Looks like NOLA will get hit with the NE quadrant.

[Breeze54]

21. GET OUT of the Area!!!!

:scared:

[TheDebbieDee]

22. I'm sending positive vibes your way..................

Take care!

[Gormy Cuss]

23. I hope that you and your family stay safe.

More than that, I hope that Gustav fools us all and falls apart in the Gulf.

[trayfoot]

24. You've GOT my prayers and good vibes!!!!

Stay safe!

[Irishonly]

26. Prayers are with you

Good thoughts are being sent. Please stay as safe as you can.

[yellerpup]

27. May you, your loved ones, and all your neighbors be safe.

If I could I'd put a juju on that storm to just run out of fury before daybreak. :hug:

[AwakeAtLast]

28. Sending you my best!

Literally -----> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3886131&mesg_id=3886131

:hug:

[malaise]

31. Stay safe everyone

:grouphugs:

[orleans]

35. wishing everyone safety. they are all in our thoughts

(and worries) with concern and only best wishes.

[bdamomma]

39. stay safe. we are thinking about you guys.

[QC]

40. You are all in my prayers. I live on the coast, too,

outside the immediate danger zone for this storm, but I know how easily it could be us in your situation. Please try to keep us posted and let us know if there is anything we can do.

[lonestarnot]

41. Be safe RM Global warming sucks ass!

We need to work faster to start reversing it yesterday.

[FloridaJudy]

42. Fingers crossed

And praying for all in the path. I've survived more than a few hurricanes, and hope this one fizzles before it hits any populated areas.

[KitchenWitch]

44. I have a candle lit on my altar for you and everyone else in the affected areas.

:grouphug:

[newtothegame]

46. You have my prayers and love!

GL from Iowans!

[AZBlue]

47. We don't need people's lives destroyed just to prove global warming.

We'll do it another way.
Stay safe.

[Nikki Stone1]

48. Whether your dad is insured or not. tell him to get an attorney if anything happens

I pray they are safe, but if anything happens, insurance companies will try to NOT pay out a cent. Please have him seek legal help if possible.