Just Venting

Decorating By tcturtleshell Updated 2 Sep 2005 , 3:45am by edcjenv

tcturtleshell Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tcturtleshell Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:11pm
post #1 of 19

Hey Everyone~

First , I would just like to say I'm so thankful that our friends on CC who live way down south are ok!!! I still haven't heard from MarknRox & MelissaBlack. I'm very worried about them. So please keep praying that they are ok.

Second, I would like to say something about what is happening in New Orleans. I am very sad that CNN & FoxNews are only focusing on NO. There are lots & lots of ofter towns & parishes that are in the same shape, possibly worse. They are fending for themselves thumbsdown.gif They aren't getting any help from the goverment or from the state. They need help there too. I just helped out in a shelter today & was amazed at all the stories. After I left I was totally drained!! Most of the people from the shelter that me & my daughter were helping at were from one parish. The people there told us that there was 55,000 houses in that parish. All are under water! How could they be over looked? I don't know. The fire dept that my family is involved in are helping these people get through this horrible disaster. I just pray that they will all be able to re-locate. Most of them said they would not be going back. The are trying to decided were to re-locate. It is so sad. Like I said we are mentally drained.

I started writing & forgot what I was writing about icon_eek.gif

I wanted to let everyone on CC know & I hope that each of you will tell others so the words can be spread... The news is making the state of Louisiana look terrible. We are not gorillas that go around breaking into stores & shoot at Black Hawk helicopters. The people that are doing this are gangs members, drug addicts, pimps & hookers, etc, etc, etc. They are the kind of people who fit the nick name of NO being called "Sin City". Everyone in La. is not like this & I hope & pray people don't think that.

Louisiana is a beautiful state that is full of history. Please don't think bad of the rest of the state because of New Orleans.

PLaese keep us in your prayers. Thank you for letting me vent!! thumbs_up.gif (PS, the parish I was talking about earlier is St. Benard parish) right next to New Orleans.

18 replies
susanmm23 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
susanmm23 Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:24pm
post #2 of 19

TC no one in their right mind would think all people from LA are like that. I hope you dont over do it helping out there. I continue to pray for everyone not just the NO people.
I think that the news is only talking about NO because people in other parts of the country are familiar with that city and not the others. Although they should include them all in their stories so that everyone can be helped.
I wish i could do more than pray for the poepl but with 3 small children i have no way of going out and helping.

thecakemaker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
thecakemaker Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:26pm
post #3 of 19

We know that tcturtleshell. It's a shame that these people are so blinded by their own gang rules and greed that they don't see that they are hurting everyone else and keeping them from getting help. It's people like this that are requiring more attention and keeping those further out from getting the help that they need. So much compassion and caring shows at a time like this - unfortunately - so much greed does too. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If it were thought that everyone was that way down there - no one would be trying to help.

Good luck to you all and God bless and help you.

Debbie

jgclucas Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jgclucas Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:31pm
post #4 of 19

I didn't think for a second that all the people in Louisiana are like the looters we are seeing on TV. How you handle difficult circumstances, IMO, is the measure of your true character. If you are not a nice person to begin with, then those tendencies will be magnified. Most people seem to be handling such devastation incredibly well.

What is frustrating for me, is that my friends are in neighboring parishes to NO and it seems to be nearly impossible to find out what is going on there.

I wish I could just get on a plane and get down there and help out. I can't leave my family though, so I will just have to settle for helping out the Red Cross here and hope that somehow that work will help in the long run.

barbara-ann Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
barbara-ann Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:38pm
post #5 of 19

I know exactely what you are talking about. We have and office in LA. and I have heard a lot of people calling the radio stations here in Houston, and they are saying we are not like these people you are seeing on the tv. I wish the tv stations would stop focusing on those thugs and start focusing on the real tradgies in N.O. and else where throught out the other 3 states affected. So many people are helping in ways we will never see or hear on tv or radio. It's already a tragic situation made worse by the scum who are doing this to their own neighbors. I believe what goes around comes around.

witch_boots Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
witch_boots Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:39pm
post #6 of 19

I gotta say, your post has me in tears!! I can't even imagine what ALL people in your state are going through. Just so you know, I have prayed for all people that have been effected and thanks go to you and everyone else that is helping in this terrible time. Since I am at work and haven't had time to see anything other than local stations about this, I just checked cnn.com and the picture on the front page has me furious!!! It is a picture of someone in a wheelchair, that I can deal with, but the caption is "The body of a woman who died at the convention center sits in a wheelchair." Like people aren't doing enough...this always happens. What do they expect when a disaster hits, perfection??? I wanted to let you know that everyone I work with talks about all the people there, not just NO. Praying for brighter days ahead.

alracntna Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
alracntna Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 6:44pm
post #7 of 19

We all know what great people there are in LA. It is there, as it is anywhere. Some people are good and then some are not. I have also realized the people who are still there, most of them chose to stay there thinking it was just another wolf cry. That the storm would pass them by. others chose to stay because they knew that the city would be empty and it would give them a chance to do the things they are doing. So with knowing this I have decided not to focas my thoughts on just LA but to give all I can to the people who got out and are right here in my town. We have several places here in my town that are housing people from LA. These people heard the storm was coming, got their family and belongings loaded up and made their way here. I am donating blood this afternoon and then my neighborhood association is getting together this evening and taking food, clothes, soap, ect. to the donation drop here in Bryan. We want to help everyone but you can only help the people who are in helping range. Do not feel bad TC. We love you and we know your home state is not all that we see on TV.

SquirrellyCakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
SquirrellyCakes Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:09pm
post #8 of 19

Hey my Turtle Lady friend,
First of all, kudos to you for being the type of person you are, always willing to help! You are just amazing!
Secondly, from what I am hearing, the reason the other areas are not being covered is because there are either not CNN reporters there or communications are down or no word is getting out about these other places. I suppose too, the fact that the whole city is in jepardy too, makes the coverage centred there. That is where they were expecting the worse and that is where they sent the reporters and crews. I think as days go by, there will be more attention focused on the other sites. but I can imagine it must be frustrating to see.
Oh heavens, do you really think that if the same thing happened anywhere else in the country or in my country or anywhere else in the world, in a city of that size and population, that anything would be any different? Now you stop worrying this minute about anyone getting the wrong idea of the kind of people there are in your state, you hear, haha! There are gangs and criminals and vultures and leaches everywhere. These kinds of situations bring out the worst and the best in people, you are talking about the worst. Anywhere, where the normal police control is not in effect, you are going to have this kind of lawlessness. Remember Iraq when the government fell and the law inforcers left the cities, the same kind of thing happened only worse. This is just how some folks behave and why we need to have policemen and women. Sometimes you get regular folks behaving with a mob mentality. Some of those people are just dazed and confused and hungry and dirty and thirsty and wet and don't really think about the consequences of their actions. There is tremendous stress there.
Most of us feel sick about the loss and destruction that the hurricane caused over there and the levee breakings made it worse. The looting and man-made destruction is harder to take, I agree, because it is so unnecessary. Those people just are not thinking about the further harm they are causing their neighbours.
Some of the bad behaviour is because the folks don't know what is going on, where to go to get help, the lines of communication being down has made it all worse. The extreme heat and the filth of the water and lack of power and all, makes it even worse. The people have too much time on their hands and that is usually where trouble starts.
I feel for all of them, the ones that left, the ones that couldn't afford to leave or had no means of transportation or were too ill or old or the ones that didn't take the warnings to heart the ones watching this from afar wondering about their families, their friends, their homes, their futures.
But kiddo, you are forgetting that we are not stupid here, haha, we also are hearing about all of the wonderful people working at the shelters, opening up their homes or their city's shelters or sending in water and equipment or rescuing others and such. That is really the American spirit that we are aware of. Those other folks are really a small minority of people that heaven help us, will always make a bad situation worse.
By the way, MarknRox has posted on the site, she is ok kiddo!
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

scoobam Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
scoobam Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:12pm
post #9 of 19

TC... MarkNRox posted last night..

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-61549-.html#61549

Feel free to vent to us all you want!!!
This whole thing is almost unimagineable!! icon_cry.gif

Gingoodies Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Gingoodies Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:19pm
post #10 of 19

Turtleshell... My heart goes out to the people of St. Bernards Parrish.. If I lived close by I would be right next to you taking care of those poor people. Everyone knows the people doing all of the terrible things are not the fine good citizens of LA. They are criminals, and I must believe those shooting at military and police are not of a sane mind.

If there is some way that I can send some needed items to you or your particular shelter.. Toiletries.. towels maybe some clothing that I can collect... non perishable type foods ? I would be more than willing to help.

I know everyone says to donate to the Red Cross.. but I am so much more comfortable knowing that someone is truly benefitting from my donation and that they would be helped sooner rather than later.

You can pm me if there is something I can do.

ThePastryDiva Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ThePastryDiva Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:28pm
post #11 of 19

one of my family members is getting ready to go down and help out for 2 weeks. I am trying to get friends, family, aquaintances and anyone that can to donate some of the most needed items that can be sent on down.

I have heard they need ready to feed baby formula, bug repellant and I thought to add bleach and alcohol...as the water is totally contaminated.

You can use bleach to make the water potable, it doesn't kill the parasites only boiling the water can do that, and the alcohol if nothing else will help out those that have minor cuts and abrasions.

Friday, the local radio stations are willing to come out and pick up the donations so I'm passing along any and all info that I get via my family member to my branch of the peanut gallery..

My prayers are with everyone and if I can tag along for the 2 weeks...my bags are packed and I have 2 strong arms, and a willing spirit.

MainCake Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
MainCake Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:30pm
post #12 of 19

Maybe I'm not getting the full coverage on the situation down there, but I am more concerned about the welfare of the people who are stranded, not the looting. The looters are taking material things. Stuff that can be replaced. I suppose if it were my store being looted, I might feel differently. I just think that help needs to go to people stuck on their rooftops or in their attics with no way out. Forget the looters for now. Looting is a rotten thing to do but preventing more deaths should be the main priority.

I don't know how anyone could think less of an entire state population because of a small amount of bad people who are taking advantage of a disasterous situation. I don't know anyone who does. And if I did, I'm the type that would step up and argue with them about it! If people do feel that way, it's because of their lack of intelligence.

tcturtleshell Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
tcturtleshell Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 7:56pm
post #13 of 19

Thanks ya'll!! I feel so much better after I "vented" & after Da Momma of Cakes (Squirrelly) gave me a "good" attitude adjustment (ha ha!!)icon_smile.gif

Another big part of the nervousness I have is that my friends sister called me this morning while I was at the shelter. She tried getting back down to Franklinton to get my friend... she had to turn around because Hwy 55 is closed!! Her & her family are coming in from Memphis to stay with us. We are going to try & figure out a way to get to my dear friend, her sister. Ya'll pray we'll be able to pull this off. We are going to take 2 trucks & also buy several gas cans full of gas so we will have enough gas if we do run out. There is no gas below Jackson, Ms. !!! I hope & pray we can get to her. She has 2 kids. Her FIL & MIL are there with her & the MIL has diabetes. We do not know what kind of heath she might be in right now.

Plus... I have been trying to make a wedding cake & groom's cake!! Not doing a very good job. I finally had to turn the tv off so I could concentrate on measuring.

I agree with someone on one of the posts... THE WORLD FEELS LIKE IT HAS BEEN TURNED UPSIDE DOWN. but.... THERE IS HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!! HIS NAME IS JESUS!!!!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ya'll are wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW THAT ROXANNE HAD MADE A POST!!!!!!!!! WHAT A RELIEF!!!!!!! Now IF we could just hear from MelissaBlack!!

Chefgirl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Chefgirl Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 8:13pm
post #14 of 19

I have several awesome friends from NO, I love visiting there and I think the people are wonderful.
After hurricane Charley went across FL last year, my hometown of Wauchula had major devastation. But all the news stations would show was Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte! I would get so mad because the hurricane destroyed many tiny poor towns in south central FL that were getting no coverage. I know how you feel!
God Bless you and all the other volunteers for helping out and being so selfless. This is a great country full of great people!

caketime Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
caketime Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 8:35pm
post #15 of 19

I think most people realize the people in NO who are looting do not emobdy the true spirit of LA. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone down there...if I could go down and volunteer I'd be there in a heartbeat.

I'm thinking good thoughts and wishes for all you...

Ironbaker Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Ironbaker Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 9:41pm
post #16 of 19

TC, I've thought the same and wondered how many other small towns are out there that we aren't hearing about. Bless you all, I continue to pray for everyone who was in the path of Katrina.

There are many things about all of this that are troubling. No thinking person would think everyone in LA is a looter. I also just wanted to say that many did choose to stay for various reasons. Be it stubbornness or what have you. But many also had no means to leave. Regardless, the situation is what it is now and everyone should be saved and helped. I just wish the few idiots would realize they are hindering progress.

usaribbon.gif

charlieinMO Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
charlieinMO Posted 2 Sep 2005 , 2:06am
post #17 of 19

TC, glad everyone could help and that Momma of Cakes set you straight!! LOL. I can't even imagine what you all are going through over there! It is just horrible. I have to say even though they keep showing the looting on tv, the thought never crossed my minded that all LA people were like that!! I am pretty positive that if it happened here in KC it would be happening for sure! I think there is so much more good going on there to help the people. I just wish they could get it there a lot faster!! Prayers are with you and everyone else there. I hope you get in touch with your friend very soon!! Be safe!

Charlotte

SquirrellyCakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
SquirrellyCakes Posted 2 Sep 2005 , 3:27am
post #18 of 19

It does seem to get worse and worse, I must admit. I watched Larry King Live and one of the reporters was on the roof of a police station. He was saying that one police station only had 40% of the police show up for work, the one he was on the roof of had 60%. Apparently the police are not feeling safe and who can blame them! The reporter was on the roof because the police directed him there, they were "defending the police station against snipers"! Well, that is a bit out of hand to say the least. I hope that they soon get reinforcements from all of the other security folks. Guess we had better start praying specifically for the doctors and nurses and medical personnel, the police, the firemen, the volunteers, everyone that is trying to make a really bad situation, better!
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

edcjenv Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
edcjenv Posted 2 Sep 2005 , 3:45am
post #19 of 19

TC You are such an inspiration! I've never even been to LA but I was just asking my hubby why they had to be showing the worst behavior possible out of a group of rebels....his sweet answer....'it's the news jen'

I hate to be negative...but the news focuses on N.O. because that's what gets the ratings....I really don't think they care. I think it's horrible that so many other cities aren't even getting state assistance! I'm sure LA is a beautiful place and I know you can't be the only angel living there....you are all in our prayers...and you have our support. Our church is rallying supplies and I know a sheriff's office nearby raised $22,000 and sent 4 or 5 tractor trailers of supplies down to LA yesterday. Good and evil seem to pour out of the woodwork in crisis....I know the good will overcome.
If you have contact information for your shelter....pm me and I can pass it on to our church.
God Bless!

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%