New Orleans

This might end up being the only post that is even vaguely serious on my blog, which is actually a good thing since it probably means that nothing is bothering me enough to really bring it up. However, in this instance I can't help myself because it's just too close to home. I'm writing as a plea to whomever hasn't already done something for the hurricane survivors to please help out in any way you can. The Red Cross is obviously calling for blood and money more than anything else. I think even $20 from people can really add up. I hate watching the news shows on stuff like this because they're so obviously capitalizing on the anguish of others, so I have been getting all of my news via radio and newspapers and it's heartbreaking. An entire city full of culture, history, and life just destroyed. Lives completely wiped out in an afternoon. From what I hear from survivors, no one really thought it was going to be as bad as the news claimed so they didn't even try to grab their valuables. As a result, the people that did leave usually have literally the clothes on their back and the generosity of those around them.

Right now in Dallas and any other major city in the surrounding states that hasn't been wrecked by water and wind, refugees from New Orleans and some places in Mississippi and Alabama are streaming in. The arenas and convention centers in both Dallas and Houston are being transformed into housing for people who need it. This morning on the radio there was a stream of people who called in asking where they could sign up to house the refugees for up to a year. A year with strangers in their house. It's completely awe inspiring and has really reinstated my faith in my community. One woman even took a loan out on her 401k to give $4,000 to charities helping out. Of course, I'm sure you can get all of this information online or in newspapers. I suppose I was just struck by the fact that the headline in today's San Francisco newspaper was about the Olympics. The freaking OLYMPICS. There are hundreds, possibly THOUSANDS of people dead and dying the fetid waters of one history's greatest cities and they're talking about fucking sports.

This isn't making tons of sense, but I hope and pray that each one of you who hasn't been following this will look into it and decide to contribute. I often believe that giving money to charities can be not a "waste" but not necessarily a benefit either depending on what charity you give to. So often groups of people with good hearts don't have the business savvy it takes to truly use the funds wisely and they through money at a problem. However, that's basically all we can do at this point and, honestly, I trust the Red Cross. They're a corporation, which is what it takes to have the impact that they do. But if you don't like them, I'm sure your favorite charity is around here somewhere helping out. But please PLEASE help out. It's ridiculous how many people have lost their entire lives.

Mason, I trust you're alright but I can't help but worry. Amy, is Joe okay? Anyone else, if I know someone there and was unaware they had moved in the area, can you tell me so that I can start freaking out properly all at once? I promise I'll get over it, I'm just so freaking upset.