Florida will be up for grabs in 36 hours

[malaise]

The floods and power cuts should finish off DeathSentence and his MAGAt goons,

[Lunabell]

1. I live right in the path.

This is nothing to gloat about. Being without electricity for days/weeks is no fun. Neither is scrounging for fresh water or finding a place for my wife to charge up her jazzy wheelchair. Oh, and the hundreds of dollars worth of food I have to throw out. And trying to find a restaurant that is open. Or getting cash from the atm when there's no power. The list goes on and that's not even mentioning the harm or deaths that will occur.

[SocialDemocrat61]

3. So sorry

Stay safe

[malaise]

5. I am not gloating

I posted warnings about this two Fridays ago.
Bottom line is that this will be a watery mess and his policies will make it worse.

[Lunabell]

7. whatever.

His political loss in this case is a tragic loss to thousands. If you feel good about that, that's on you.

[edisdead]

13. Seriously?

You really think malaise doesn’t know what comes with storms like these? Malaise knows the brutal reality of these storms and can surmise pretty fucking well how a politicians policies will be of assistance or exacerbate the situation.

[Lunabell]

18. Yes. seriously.

We're talking human life. If that's just political to you, then again, that's on your conscience.

[edisdead]

99. Who the hell are you lecturing here?

Nobody is doing anything like what you are accusing people of.

Get a grip.

You are creating drama where there is none.

[Wednesdays]

45. Yeah, Malaise had to deal with a little bit of a hurricane just four weeks ago.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/jamaica-braces-hurricane-beryl-winds-storm-surge-rcna160113

Fortunately, Malaise wasn't injured nor lose any utilities, but I can't say that for the other residents of Jamaica.

[malaise]

60. And we,'rebon the look out

for another system supposed to be heading this way later this week.

I think I have a fair idea about the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

[EYESORE 9001]

17. I see it more as a point of fact

Turnout for voting will likely be affected by this storm. Voter turnout is a perfectly valid topic in this forum. It’s not the weather effin forum.

[Lunabell]

19. Well, thanks for the empathy and caring.

I hope you never have to live through a hurricane. One of my friends still has ptsd from Katrina when there were corpses who made landing in her yard. Yeah, thanks.

[Nimble_Idea]

21. yeah I won't be at the mercy of MAGAt policies so I wouldn't no about that life

[Lunabell]

36. You're lucky.

We've lived this nightmare for years.

[EYESORE 9001]

23. Back it up, please

I don’t know where you get off talking to people like that, but I have the question the motives behind accusing other members of insensitivity or lack of human empathy. I don’t need to prove my empathic bona fides to anyone, and neither does the one other person you’ve attacked in this thread. That I know of. So far.

[Lunabell]

27. You "back it up"

You're way off base about this. People will DIE!! DEAD! There will be corpses and y'all are happy about desatan's probable fuck up where more people may die? For political reasons? I do not understand that way of thinking. It's morbidly warped.

[ananda]

37. Your distress is real!

We are all very concerned and want you to get through this.

I truly believe, though, that DeSantis and Republican policies
in Florida will make it much harder for you.

I am really sorry for that.

[Lunabell]

41. Thank you.

For humanities sake, I hope they don't fuck up the response.

[ananda]

49. Me too. Here in Texas...

you saw what happened in Houston when Abbott
and Patrick wouldn't ask for disaster assistance
and delayed answering Biden's phone call.

It's very difficult living in a red state run by
sociopathic monsters.

[EYESORE 9001]

38. Please, stop

We’re all ostensible adults here. Do you not see how insulting it is to accuse me of being ‘happy’ (your documented word) about death? Do you think I’m a ghoul? Get a grip. We’re discussing voter turnout in the face of a horrific storm. There’s no shortage of open threads for keeping track of the storm’s path or aftermath. Yet here we are. And im being accused of being some sort of being monster. Charming.

[Lunabell]

46. Your empathy and caring about this situation continues to amaze me.

Thank you for your kind words and well wishes for me and my disabled wife who are right in the path and have lived through and suffered through many devastating losses. You are a bright star in the DU community. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[EYESORE 9001]

50. Look, I didn't know your situation

and I certainly never wished destruction on anyone. I am genuinely sorry for everything, but I still take issue with the insults. Your perception of insensitivity it obviously quite sharp. I do hope you try to empathize with those unfamiliar with your experience.

[getagrip_already]

48. If there is any good news....

This will be a weak cat 1 storm. Florida has seen dozens upon dozens of these with low levels of damage overall.

Im not minimizing it. There will be damage, power outages, and flooding. Some loss of life.

But it wont be a catastrophic level storm. Power will be restored relatively quickly in all but the hardest hit waterfront areas.

Stay safe. Head inland if you can. Take what cant be replaced and hope for the rest.

This isnt the big one, but its big enough to prepare for.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

96. Yes - it's a blessing that it's only a cat 1. I've been

Through some 3’s, 4’s and 5’s in South Florida. They are nerve-wracking no matter what the category but I would hope your area can deal with that. It would not be a Katrina - not even close. Good luck though! There will be trees falling and a little damage to the pool cages and tiles coming off of roofs. In our last hurricane, a ton of people lost their cars due to the storm surge so try to find some high ground to park your car on.

[Dorian Gray]

107. Hopefully people are heeding warnings

and getting out. Their lives are more important than their property.

I think with nerves and fears about storms, commenting on how things will land politically can feel like a lack of caring about a community. But we are also a political board; that's the lens most of us see things through.

When Sandy did a lot of damage to NJ and NYC, a lot of us in the NY/NJ area had little patience for politics immediately. We wanted a real response. But the politics of it did play out, and it's not a surprise that people on this site were attuned to that.

[getagrip_already]

114. Yes, i remember the flak christie took for letting obama help

He didnt stand on politics. He gratefully accepted federal aid and even thanked obama.

I dont see desantis doing that, but we will see.

[Kittycatkat]

35. I think his point is people need to know the real life repercussions of bad policy.

Not that anyone is happy, it’s beyond devastating to have your life altered in such a negative way be it financially, physically, mentally or all of the above.
Mother Nature is unpredictable, where republican magat policy is predictable.
You have my sincerest sympathy and caring, stay safe.

[Lunabell]

40. Thank you.

But, I respectfully disagree. His post was almost giddy at the political ramifications of the magats fucking up once again. While the rest of us have to pick up pieces of our lives.

[ananda]

52. It did kinda look that way, but I'm certain that...

it's hard to discern real feelings on social media.

I'm sure that all of us here want you to get through this OK.

[calimary]

63. I don't know how you WOULDN'T suffer severe stress after something like that.

YIKES!!! It’s a deluxe-size serving of Here’s-Something-Bigger-Than-You’ll-EVER-Be. And force-fed to you, too.

Stay safe, you guys. And let us know how you’re doing as soon as you can!

[pat_k]

93. I wish more folks here would check out BraverAngels.org

I have had it with the level of rancor and animosity between "us" and "them." I can't know what was in malaise's mind, but I don't think it was driven by a feeling of respect for "them."

Maybe it started with "them" demonizing "us," but there a whole lot of "them" who felt dismissed and even hated by the "blues" long before Trump came along. Can't we be better?

I think we can. But it takes conscious effort.

One thing that has given me hope in the last few months is attending virtual events organized by BraverAngels.org. It helps me remember that "they" are our fellow American's. Everyone deserves the dignity of being listened to. It's not about discussion to change minds, It's about listening and asking questions to understand. It's helped me explore my own principles and how my life shaped them. And hearing the experiences that have shaped beliefs I'm utterly opposed to provides some insight. There are moderators to facilitate conditions that enable all the participants to walk away feeling, at a minimum, that they were treated with respect.

And a little respect goes a long, long way.

Sorry if this is "off track," but I feel like Trump has provoked a meaness in folks on "our side" that is doing more damage to our humanity than we realize.

My thoughts are with you and all the others in the storm's path. May the power outages be shorter than feared and recovery from the losses as rapid as possible when it is all over.

[Kaleva]

97. People have been warned about climate change for decades

I don't understand why folks choose to continue to live in regions expected to be devastated but that's their choice. I do expect those who do stay to be at least prepared for the consequences.

[Lunabell]

104. Send me money and I'll move.

[Kaleva]

106. How much will it cost for you to move and where is your destination?

If you don't know the answers to those questions off the top of your head, you had no intentions of ever moving.

If you took climate change seriously, you'd know the answers

[Lunabell]

116. $25,000

Colorado. I'll send you my address if you're serious.

[Lunabell]

51. Oh cool!

Another school shooting in a red state! Well, that ought to give a political nudge to gun control. We can win political points! Voter turn out! Yay for us!

[Demobrat]

47. I don't see any gloating.

I don’t see any happiness. I see a stated fact. This storm will finish off DeSantis and the MAGAts.

How on earth do you get gloating out of that?

[FarPoint]

57. OUCH....

What are you thinking? Where are your people skills?

[BannonsLiver]

66. People skills?

Like saying Hamas are "freedom fighters just like Mandela"?

[FarPoint]

101. What you said....

Has nothing to do with my reply....

My focus is addressing being respectful to fellow DU'ers.

[allegorical oracle]

24. I'm also in the path. I live alone (widowed) and it's terrifying at night, especially. Hope

nobody asks "Why don't you move?" My home is paid off and I can't afford to move.

Take care.

[Lunabell]

29. Take care.

I hope you stay safe.

[allegorical oracle]

67. Thank you. It's the tornadoes that get spawned the worry me! nt

[malaise]

69. Stay safe

My retired sis and hubby have the identical response
They owe nothing on their home

[allegorical oracle]

74. Thanks. Sorry about misunderstandings re your post. nt

[malaise]

76. Big girls don'tcry

😀

[allegorical oracle]

78. Figured that out already. :)

[Glamrock]

61. Hey Luna!

Stay safe sister! Sending my best vibes…..

[Joinfortmill]

68. I don't think that was meant as gloating. Stay safe

[Lonestarblue]

80. I'm so sorry. I hope everything turns out okay. Stay safe.

[wordstroken]

86. My thoughts are with you and your wife, Lunabell.

Please stay safe.

[AKwannabe]

103. Live in the path

Of whatever …and choose to
You choose
Just sayin

[Lunabell]

105. Send me about $25,000 and I'll move.

[GusBob]

110. 41st rec for ur post

Ignore the haters they will add to ur stress Stay safe

I remember when Katrina hit NO

There was a poster here bragging how it made the weather great in Chicago and he had great golfing

[dem4decades]

2. Why? He's stopping the LWV from registering voters and other suppression. The USSC allows it.

People may be pissed off but Governor White Boots is cementing power, they're losing their ability to make changes. Besides there's too many morons there anyway.

[allegorical oracle]

28. He can ride roughshod over us because the real morons -- Repugs -- keep voting for R legislators. That

gives Repug govs a rubber stamp. Our early primary voting starts August 10th and I'll be there with the Democrats -- we're having a gathering at the county courthouse (where we vote). We're vastly outnumbered -- four-to-one. But we'll push on.

[dem4decades]

62. At least your weather is warm all year, but you can have the place.

[Blue Owl]

4. Looks like 'Lil Ronny really stepped in it this time

[jimfields33]

10. You do know Florida has hurricanes every year.

This is no different than anytime in Florida’s history. Thankfully it won’t be an Andrew from the 90’s.

[Native]

12. hurricane(s) is right!

[malaise]

26. The problem is historic flooding

This is not a strong hurricane

[malaise]

22. The entire state. Is blanketed with rain

With flood warnings all over. One of my siblings is in the middle of this mess.
DeathSentence will need more than white boots this time.

[flying_wahini]

6. Time for Kamala to make a visit down to Florida. Maybe the retirement place. The Village.

Watch DeSatan gork out. If she does, she should ask him to wear his white boots.

[servermsh]

8. Why wish for this?

Even if crudely rooting for political reasons, why wouldn't Biden be blamed for issues? Just not a good post.

[Skvngr]

11. I didn't get gloating vibes from the op

[edisdead]

15. I missed the wishing for part.

The reality is what it is.

We try to tell these states like Florida and Texas but they don’t listen and people suffer. That’s how it goes unfortunately.

Nobody is hoping for injury and death. But it is inevitable and made worse by republican policies.

[malaise]

33. Biden has already earmarked Federal funding

This will also affect Georgia particularly Savannah and then South Carolina.

[ArkansasDemocrat1]

64. I have relatives in Atlanta Metro, I'm watching this

No flooding, but housing and feeding climate refugees coming from the affected area to an area with services and power will be the issue. Emergency medical, food kitchen, shelter...all in 100 degrees and 90% humidity. People who are medically fragile are going to die.

[flying_wahini]

83. We aren't "wishing for it"! Far from it. But Desantis consistently takes all credit for federal assistance

And failed to even MEET with Biden. Remember? Trump stole FEMA funds, too.
Not wishing for it but if you think that Florida is walking away unscathed from weather disasters you are mistaken.

[lees1975]

9. Florida is already up for grabs.

My guess is that it is already within easy flipping distance and the repression of the past two years will motivate enough people to get to the polls and vote that Harris will win the state by about what Obama did in 2012.

I've lived through three hurricanes and their aftermath, in Texas. I would not wish that on anyone. And in Florida, like Texas, a state that cuts the budget for everything because helping billionaires save money and not pay taxes is a bigger priority than helping out the citizens of the state in a time of need, there will be a lot less help for people because they don't have the resources to help.

We'll get Florida back, because of what's been done to it already. I hope everyone stays safe.

[malaise]

14. Precisely

Rec

[allegorical oracle]

56. My family has lived in FL for six generations. Have seen the politics flip many times. Lawton

Chiles was a great governor. He was born and grew up near where I now live. He knew this state -- where building could be done environmentally and where it couldn't.

Northern Republicans flooded into the state in the 1960s, and didn't even know they were purchasing swampland. Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral (near Ft. Myers) didn't exist when I was growing up. They were literally under water. The St. Pete Times did a series titled "The Swamp Peddlers" decrying the dredging and filling that created those two now-among-the-most-populous cities in the state. State lawmakers didn't listen.

Jeb Bush (and his legislatures) did a lot of damage -- enabling developers to build in areas (barrier islands) that historically flooded -- or even totally washed away periodically. Rick Scott and now DeSatan have just added to the sad state of affairs.

When I worked with FEMA I asked some longtime officials if they could tell me the worst place in the U.S. to have a Cat 5 hurricane. Without hesitating they replied "Tampa Bay". It's now filled with high-rise condos full of aged occupants. There are only three ways out of Pinellas County (St. Pete) -- south across the Skyway bridge, north on US 19, and across the three bridges over Tampa Bay. Just getting those folks evacuated would be a disaster unto itself.

Sadly, history can't be undone.

[malaise]

72. This should be anOP

Rec

[wordstroken]

88. I agree, malaise . . .

Very well written and comprehensive post that explains so much of Florida’s weather-relevant history.
✍️

[malaise]

90. Indeed

[wordstroken]

94. Spot on! Thank you, allegorical oracle, for your educational comments.

I agree with malaise that your post is excellent and should be an OP.


With the exception of my years as travel writer, as well as the required stint at an out-of-state law school, I’ve spent most of my life in Florida; and hear you loud and clear.

I went to middle and high school with the daughter of wealthy family who started Cape Coral. FWIW, I later learned during a 25-year class reunion that I was one of only two Dems in the entire class. Sadly, my friend and other Dem passed away recently. No more reunions for me.

As an activist, it was an honor and privilege to work closely with and get to know “Walkin' Lawton” Chiles (brilliant man!) and Buddy MacKay when I ran for the Florida Legislature from Pinellas County.

Definitely remember reading “The Swamp Peddlers” exposé series (I believe it was around the time I first started nursing school).

Lived through many hurricanes (from Donna to Charley, Wilma, Irma and Ian), and know the frightening devastation and aftermath. As a widow, I, too own my home and can’t leave.

Thanks again for a great post.

Please stay safe.

[jimfields33]

65. You can't cut taxes in a no state tax state. Oops.

[allegorical oracle]

70. Yeah, no state income tax -- but sales tax on everything but food. nt

[jimfields33]

71. Yeah. Same as most states. 6 percent.

We would have 5 percent but our county in Florida provides a 1 percent addition to the uninsured Floridian's for one of our medical hospital..

[allegorical oracle]

77. Six percent with an added local discretionary tax up to 7.5%. It adds up.nt

[Wednesdays]

75. "...but sales tax on everything but food..."

Oklahoma: "Hold my beer." Sales tax on EVERYTHING! More than 8% in Oklahoma City.

Fortunately, that's about to change in a few weeks.

[allegorical oracle]

81. Good for you! You don't have to put up with DeSatan, either. The book bans, alone, are

hideous. Can't believe he grew up in Florida, and shows such hatred against the people who live here. Despicable.

[Think. Again.]

16. In case any rightwing floridians are lurking...

...you might just want to consider this...

Link to tweet

/

[Conjuay]

20. one could only hope...

[kimbutgar]

25. The only damage I'm wishing for is the destruction of Mar a lago by a massive hurricane.

I hope everyone else stays safe and survives!

That said been to Florida a few times and was not impressed.

[allegorical oracle]

73. Fla's an acquired taste. Sadly, MALago is built like a friggin' fortress. Can only hope

the barrier island it's built on is swept away. In the era of Marjorie M. Post, the buildings often were built with 12-inch-thick walls reinforced with rebar to withstand hurricanes.

[kimbutgar]

98. Ironic that she knew to get builders who knew about hurricanes !

[pwb]

30. I got your point Ma. Climate change?

Nothing to see here?

[Lunabell]

31. For humanitarian reasons

I hope desatan does not fuck it up. I care more about people than politics.

[Wednesdays]

32. "...should finish off DeathSentence and his MAGAt goons..."

Nah, they're like cockroaches. They survive anything.

[malaise]

42. Their luck is running out

The end is nigh

[bucolic_frolic]

34. This sounds like a lightning bolt from God

[ProudMNDemocrat]

39. From what I have read, another strong disturbance in the Eastern Caribbean

Is being monitored. Could be heading towards Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before entering the very warm waters of the Gulf in a week or so.

Hurricane Center is also keeping an eye for strong waves coming off Africa. Florida and Southern Georgia are in for a wet time. I have Friends in Brunswick. They have supplies.

[malaise]

44. We're watching that carefully

[surfered]

43. From someone who lives on the Gulf Coast, good luck to Florida DUers. Hoping any damage is minimal,

[Speaks2]

53. Hmmm

First, good luck to all.
The Florida Dem Party may be the worst state D party in the country. Until/unless they get fixed (spayed/neutered), I have real doubts FLA will be in play.

[pwb]

55. Good to have you

against us. ??????

[Wednesdays]

79. Be nice.

I'll bet that Speaks2 is working really hard to turn the Florida Democratic Party around.

[Speaks2]

87. Not FLA

I help out in my own backyard, so to speak.
From everything I've read and seen, the FLA State Party (D) has serious issues. I'm skeptical.
Sorry that I wrote my original comment rudely. My bad!

[Doodley]

54. New Port Richey forecast 5 to 8 inches rain tonight. That is devastating for many people in a large radius. My thoughts

for anyone affected.

[nycbos]

58. One don't jinx it.

Two, how many times have we thought we had a chance in Florida? And how many times have we been wrong?

Florida has the highest percentage of seniors, and they elected a man to be their governor and then their Senator who's company committed the largest Medicare fraud in history.

I don't think we should write off Florida per se. If we're within three or four points in October, we should make a run for it. But, I think announcing it will go blue is wishful thinking to put a charitably

[RandySF]

59. Nope

[RussellCattle]

82. FEMA should hire some of the folks he bussed to D.C. as temp labor and send......

......then down to help with the clean up.

I know, I haven’t thought this through. Just spitballing. Fun, though.

[malaise]

89. Ha

😀

[Naio]

84. Any way ...blessings for only the good ppl of Florida

[Naio]

85. Is MardeMerda in the path yes or yes?

[malaise]

92. No

But there is rain all over the state

[Jk23]

91. I am not sure an evening of rain will destroy the state.

Sorry to disappoint

[Bucky]

100. Jk23, where are you from?

I don't mean this snarkily. I'm just wondering if you're familiar with how hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast.

Here in Houston our power line company (basically a monopolistic trust) has screwed up managing repairs from the last two hurricanes, both of which were relatively mild. And people are pissed. This is something that will impact the next state elections. Will is swing the state lege blue? No, but it might purple the redness of state government.

Florida is a far more swingable state than Texas. I'm not saying it's likely to happen, but I do think that Florida, which Obama won twice, is absolutely worth fighting for.

[Jk23]

102. I am on the gulf coast in Florida.

Light storm surge... some rain... they didn't even close the Skyway for god's sake and they close that for heavy thunder storms.

Honestly, southern Georgia is going to get it a lot worse than Florida is but no one lives there but the poor and minorities so the media won't care.

[whopis01]

108. If you are near the Skyway you are no where near this storm

It passed that area about 90 miles off shore as a tropical stormwith 65mph winds. Keaton Beach, on the other hand, is about to get hit directly with 80+ mph winds.

Parts of Florida are going to get more than “some rain”.

[Warpy]

95. The next storm is projected to head your way

although current models show it turning into a wet Willie and nothing worse. Those are still uncomfortable.

A tropical storm isn't going to hurt DeSatan, not while the crooked preachers are able to whip so many people in that state into a blind frenzy over nothing and distract them from what a total shit and wannabe Batista that man is.

[malaise]

112. Watchingwith interest

[Warpy]

115. Wind shear should be a factor

They can't develop if their tops keep getting blown off. I hope that's the case.

One storm per year is more than enough, and you've already had yours.

[GusBob]

109. Yeah right

Like the time the hurry~cane hit PR and a lot of PR folks moved to Orlando and they were gonna turn Florida blue after Trump lobbed paper towels at them

Didn’t happen and won’t now Miami Dade went purple and the state is solid red

Edit; I used to fish the big bend area. It’s pretty desolate on the coast and inland is the heart of Dixie for Florida. It’s redder than red

[Vinca]

111. But, whatever happens, King Ron says you may not use the term "climate change."

[malaise]

113. Eff him 😀

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219286612

[onenote]

117. This thread turned out to be much ado about next to nothing.

I'm not downplaying the fact that Debby caused substantial property damage and some deaths in Florida. But it wasn't a devastating storm and the recovery, while not complete by any means, has been pretty substantial. From the reports I've seen, around 700,000 people lost power and as of Wednesday, the number of outages was down to less than 60,000. That's not something that will make "Florida up for grabs."

[malaise]

118. True

Damn we still have folks protesting over the return of power five weeks after Beryl.