Just wanted to create a thread for comments on this national disaster. It is so sad. I'm sure all our good thoughts and prayers go out to those people who are suffering so much.
The Red Cross www.redcross.org and the Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org are but two good organizations where donations can be made. Beware the scammers who inevitably will try to take advantage of this situation.
Katrina
Kent there was some discussion on another thread, however, I second your thoughts and prayers comment. May the nations of the West pull together once again to assist those of our brethren who are in need, in this their most perilous hour.
“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother" - Albert Einstein
Such a calamity all around and there's so much immediate despair to comment on, where do you start? Given that this is a forum dedicated, generally, to music though, I can't help but wonder what's happened to the musical heritage that was kept in that fine city. Although I've recently changed careers, I was a professional archivist for many years and I think of the tragic loss of heritage that has been lost in the storm and the floods-archival recordings of musical greats, photographic records documenting timeless performances, video footage of many of America's iconic musicians, personal papers of legendary musicians from multiple genres. Despite the staggering immediate loss, the collective artistic soul of the USA is immeasurably impacted by this tragedy. This may be an aspect of the tragedy that is lost in the immediate events but it is one that you as a nation will sorely come to miss as the months and years pass. I truly am sorry for your (and the world's) losses in this regard.
I for one, am very disappointed in how our Federal Government has reacted (way to slow & too many excuses). Also, I find it unbelievable how un-prepared the local Government of LA was as to this on coming catastrophic storm. They knew the storm was coming for a week. Too many lives have been lost and forever ruined because of poor pre-storm planning and lack of post-storm planning. This is one time in my life that I can honestly say I truly question the aptitude of those in charge of this country. God bless and protect those that have had to suffer and continue to suffer through this tragedy. Those in high Governmental positions need to quit making excuses for their inadequate efforts and take actions (what ever takes) to help ALL those that have been engulfed in this catastrophic event. JMO.
It is what it is!
I note that the Peavey Site is down. I believe that the factory is in Meridian, Ms. I expect that there will be a lot of changes to the music industry as a result of Katrina. As the avaiability of supplies dwindles, I suspect that the factories may need to pass rising costs on to consumers. The good news is that equipment can be replaced. Recovering from emotional trauma is quite different. I wish them all well and hope they are able to return to their previous routines as soon as poissible.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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jingle_jangle
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I have not posted on this topic for fear it would turn political rapidly, and I commend all of us on our self-control. That having been said, I am furious and taking my headache meds regularly.
I imagine Dane is taking his meds, too.
I imagine Dane is taking his meds, too.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
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jingle_jangle
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New Orleans is the most fascinating city in this country, from a musical, historic, cultural, artistic, geographic, literary, and even to some extent architectural standpoint.
It's going to be a long road back, but she'll make it, and be better for it.
But my heart goes out to those who have suffered for so long, when there was adequate lead time for preparation by everyone in positions of responsibility.
It's going to be a long road back, but she'll make it, and be better for it.
But my heart goes out to those who have suffered for so long, when there was adequate lead time for preparation by everyone in positions of responsibility.
“I say in speeches that a plausible mission of artists is to make people appreciate being alive at least a little bit. I am then asked if I know of any artists who pulled that off. I reply, 'The Beatles did.”
― Kurt Vonnegut
― Kurt Vonnegut
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jingle_jangle
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I for one, am very grateful that all of my relatives have survived the storm. I have 16 relatives who lived Greater New Orleans, another 8 lived in Bay St. Louis, MS and 5 others who lives in various Southern Mississippi towns. As of late last night, all have been accounted for.
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'98 360 LH MG
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'07 730S Shiloh LH
I'ts a truly devastating thing...... both the damage to people and property and the incredibly slow response.
Just to give you an idea of the significance of it over here, one network is devoting 3 hours to coverage this morning (Sunday).
My heart goes out to everybody affected. Not only those whose lives have been devastated by this freak of nature, but also those in other parts of the US who have relatives and friends there. I just hope that that somehow those poor, poor peoples' lives can be rebuilt and that they are looked after.
Just to give you an idea of the significance of it over here, one network is devoting 3 hours to coverage this morning (Sunday).
My heart goes out to everybody affected. Not only those whose lives have been devastated by this freak of nature, but also those in other parts of the US who have relatives and friends there. I just hope that that somehow those poor, poor peoples' lives can be rebuilt and that they are looked after.
"Never eat more than you can lift." - Mr. Moon
"Several people have written in about Alex Chilton, who lives in New Orleans. At this point, he is listed among the missing on the Times-Picayune's Web site, he had decided to stay in New Orleans during the storm, made it thru the storm but he lived in an area that was flooded when the levees broke. There is a statement up on The Boxtops web site about the situation. I will post updated information when it's available. Given the total breakdown of the communications infrastructure, we'll hope that many people who are listed as missing are OK but just unable to contact anytone to them them know that."
Good point about all the muscial heritage that was wiped out. Very sad.
I too am ****** about the slow reaction. I think there are some hard questions to be answered on both the federal and the state levels, specifically the LA governor's office.
Having said that, I do know that there is (as usual with these things) more there than meets the eye from afar. I've only been in one weather-crisis situation but from that experience I do know that (A) misinformation is flying faster than hotcakes, and (B) its easy to say "they shoulda done this and that" but when you're there in the middle of things you realize that even the simpliest tasks become major hurdles and just how hard it is to organize any effective response.
The National Guard finally came in on Thurs and things rapidly started to turn around... why that couldn't have happened a day or two earlier is the one of the questions.
99.9% of the people there did what they could to survive and help. The other one tenth of one percent created some big problems. Those who were looting (and I dont mean taking food and water and such) and raping and shooting at aid workers need to be hunted down like the animals they are. Unfortunately this will be very difficult to do.
One question is NOW WHAT? What should be done with the city? Rebuild in the same low basin condition? Bulldoze the place and raise the land level before rebuilding? Lowering the lake is definitely something that needs to be done. There are some very tough decisions to be made.
The nation needs to pull together on this one. Those refugees will need help for far longer than just the immediate crisis. One think I think that should NOT be done is to try to use this natural disaster to score some cheap politcal points. Unfortunately we've already seen (on TV) some of that going on.
I too am ****** about the slow reaction. I think there are some hard questions to be answered on both the federal and the state levels, specifically the LA governor's office.
Having said that, I do know that there is (as usual with these things) more there than meets the eye from afar. I've only been in one weather-crisis situation but from that experience I do know that (A) misinformation is flying faster than hotcakes, and (B) its easy to say "they shoulda done this and that" but when you're there in the middle of things you realize that even the simpliest tasks become major hurdles and just how hard it is to organize any effective response.
The National Guard finally came in on Thurs and things rapidly started to turn around... why that couldn't have happened a day or two earlier is the one of the questions.
99.9% of the people there did what they could to survive and help. The other one tenth of one percent created some big problems. Those who were looting (and I dont mean taking food and water and such) and raping and shooting at aid workers need to be hunted down like the animals they are. Unfortunately this will be very difficult to do.
One question is NOW WHAT? What should be done with the city? Rebuild in the same low basin condition? Bulldoze the place and raise the land level before rebuilding? Lowering the lake is definitely something that needs to be done. There are some very tough decisions to be made.
The nation needs to pull together on this one. Those refugees will need help for far longer than just the immediate crisis. One think I think that should NOT be done is to try to use this natural disaster to score some cheap politcal points. Unfortunately we've already seen (on TV) some of that going on.
“The urge to save humanity is always a false front for the urge to rule it.” ....H. L. Mencken
Those that are slinging blame at the mayor of N.O. need to remember what he was mayor OF after the hurricane hit! You can't order relief and rescue efforts when you don't have anyone left to give orders to.
This is the main reason why I think the state and federal folks need to be the ones to be asked the hard questions... but not now. Now is the time for compassion, charity, and lots of hard work rebuilding the Crescent City.
This is the main reason why I think the state and federal folks need to be the ones to be asked the hard questions... but not now. Now is the time for compassion, charity, and lots of hard work rebuilding the Crescent City.
My first bass was a Rickenbacker...
My best bass is a Rickenbacker...
My last bass may very well be a Rickenbacker
My best bass is a Rickenbacker...
My last bass may very well be a Rickenbacker
Does anyone remember the old story that talked about the battlefield ramifications "all for the want of a horse-shoe nail"?
The Mayor of New Orleans was responsible for maintaining control until the State could mobilize, the State and local officials were responsible for maintaining control until the Federal government could arrive. Unfortunately, up to a third of the New Orleans Police Department abandoned their posts. That statement was made by a New Orleans cop on TV. At that point, in combination with the double-whammy of storms AND flooding, any ability to control the environment was severely compromised. So, before the resources could be deployed, the environment had to be secured. That takes time away from search and rescue and away from transporting evacuees. Even today, there's a report that members of the Corps of Engineers came under fire while they were inspecting some of the levee breaks.
While we're all disappointed in the time it takes to respond and we're all disappointed in the fact that some people who survived the storm AND the flood did not survive the wait for assistance, it's important to ask ourselves "how could it be done better"?
I'd want troops on the ground faster - but I have to admit that I don't know "how" to make that happen in an environment where rescue workers and healthcare professionals are coming under fire. I've been to New Orleans dozens of times. You can't drop "Private Roberts" in the middle of the French Quarter without some advance information that at least tells him or her where they are in relation to the rest of the recovery effort. That says nothing of the time it takes to round up troops and get them from Point A to Point B.
We all want the same thing, faster response and NO loss of life. I've never thought that you had to be Rembrandt to criticize Picasso, but while we're complaining about the response, we need to ask ourselves both the "what" and the "how" of doing it better.
Finally, there's political hay to be made whenever a disaster occurs and, since I expect so little out of politicians on both sides of the US aisle, I'm not usually surprised or concerned about it when it happens. But there is one charge that must be answered - that Racism affected the speed with which resources were marshalled. Between military and civil service, I've been part of the Federal Government for over twenty years. At no time have I ever heard of a plan, project or effort being accelerated for the benefit of white people or delayed to the detriment of black people. It's just insane to think that 1) someone would try it and 2) that people all around them wouldn't report it. It's just unthinkable!
There's plenty of blame for all levels. Budgets based on short-term versus long-term thinking being a particularly obvious culprit, but there is no way that a military and a government made up of every identifiable element of society stood by because of the color of anyone's skin.
I thought that needed to be said and, regardless of what your spiritual leanings are, I hope all of us find time to keep the people of New Orleans in our thoughts and whatever type of prayers we pray.
The Mayor of New Orleans was responsible for maintaining control until the State could mobilize, the State and local officials were responsible for maintaining control until the Federal government could arrive. Unfortunately, up to a third of the New Orleans Police Department abandoned their posts. That statement was made by a New Orleans cop on TV. At that point, in combination with the double-whammy of storms AND flooding, any ability to control the environment was severely compromised. So, before the resources could be deployed, the environment had to be secured. That takes time away from search and rescue and away from transporting evacuees. Even today, there's a report that members of the Corps of Engineers came under fire while they were inspecting some of the levee breaks.
While we're all disappointed in the time it takes to respond and we're all disappointed in the fact that some people who survived the storm AND the flood did not survive the wait for assistance, it's important to ask ourselves "how could it be done better"?
I'd want troops on the ground faster - but I have to admit that I don't know "how" to make that happen in an environment where rescue workers and healthcare professionals are coming under fire. I've been to New Orleans dozens of times. You can't drop "Private Roberts" in the middle of the French Quarter without some advance information that at least tells him or her where they are in relation to the rest of the recovery effort. That says nothing of the time it takes to round up troops and get them from Point A to Point B.
We all want the same thing, faster response and NO loss of life. I've never thought that you had to be Rembrandt to criticize Picasso, but while we're complaining about the response, we need to ask ourselves both the "what" and the "how" of doing it better.
Finally, there's political hay to be made whenever a disaster occurs and, since I expect so little out of politicians on both sides of the US aisle, I'm not usually surprised or concerned about it when it happens. But there is one charge that must be answered - that Racism affected the speed with which resources were marshalled. Between military and civil service, I've been part of the Federal Government for over twenty years. At no time have I ever heard of a plan, project or effort being accelerated for the benefit of white people or delayed to the detriment of black people. It's just insane to think that 1) someone would try it and 2) that people all around them wouldn't report it. It's just unthinkable!
There's plenty of blame for all levels. Budgets based on short-term versus long-term thinking being a particularly obvious culprit, but there is no way that a military and a government made up of every identifiable element of society stood by because of the color of anyone's skin.
I thought that needed to be said and, regardless of what your spiritual leanings are, I hope all of us find time to keep the people of New Orleans in our thoughts and whatever type of prayers we pray.