I'm really sorry about the hurricane,

[Eloriel]

BUT ya gotta admit that between Big Dog's little hospitalization episode (and he's gonna be fine, I'm sure), and the hurricane, all mention of the Republicans and their stupid convention got blasted right off teevee. Teehee.

I was giggling like crazy to myself earlier this evening about this. However, as I've been watching said teevee coverage of the storm, it's pretty sobering and I'm not giggling anymore (but I still do relish the cosmic joke and instant karma for the Bushies after their nasty trick to get the Dem convention off the news).

Here's hoping the best for everyone down there and in the storm's path. I'll be eager to hear from them once this thing has gone on its maddeningly desultory way.

[NMDemDist2]

1. it's tough isn't it

i am sorry for those poor folks down there with a horrible one-two punch

but i can't help but feel a little glee that Bush is knocked right off the top stories

let's just pray for the folks in Florida and snicker under our breath at Bushco

ya think?

[teach1st]

2. I'm in Florida...

...and some humor is fine.

My eighty year old father told me that between Charley and Frances, it must mean that God is mad at the Bushes for stealing the elections.

I've been riding out hurricanes for years, and this storm is one of a kind: slow and huge. I really feel for the folks on the Southeast coast with the hours and hours and hours of sustained storm.

[pa28]

43. Hmmm

Looks like Ivan is headed for Texas. Your grandfather may be onto something. ;)

[Renew Deal]

3. I have been upset all day.

Pick your favorite downer:

Hurricane
Russian School Massacre
Clinton
Convention

And plenty of other good stuff.

[Rowdyboy]

4. I really feel sorry for people in Florida...Its been hellacious...But

it happens every year, nearly. I mean, very bad storms hit some part of the south/east coast every year, but this year, the media is going nuts. Round the clock coverage of a diminishing class 2 hurricane with 88 correspondents in different locations? And they all say the same thing. "The wind is blowing powerfully, its raining hard, and, Judy, we encourage people to stay inside..." Duh. They really are going nuts with coverage of storms.

This isn't a Camille; it isn't even a Hugo or an Andrew. Its a big storm but there is really a lot of much more important news happening out there.

Anyone heard a word about Iraq in the last 24 hours? How many more innocent kids on both sides have died while we fixate on rain and wind?

Please, everyone in Florida-I'm not minimizing your nightmare. I've live through hurricanes and their horrendous aftermaths. Its just, this year, I think the media has gone crazy.

God bless you all and stay safe.

[Eloriel]

6. This isn't your average Cat 2 hurricane

The incredibly slow speed is making the effects more like a Cat 4 in some ways.

Someone yesterday referred to it as a buzzsaw, I think merely rhetorically. But damn, that's very much what it seems like -- a buzzsaw stuck in place.

Think of it this way: high winds are one thing, but when they keep on, and on, and on, and on, there's a LOT more damage that gets done. Structures are weakened early on, and the wind keeps going so more destruction is inevitable.

The size of the storm is another issue -- the size of the state of Texas. Put another way, it's about as big as the distance from Atlanta to NYC.

PLUS, they're expecting 10 - 12 inches of rain. I have, in fact, heard as many as 20 inches, tho I don't believe that was this evening.

Now MSBNBC is asking one reporter "There is some concern that the Kennedy Space Center is not going to be able to withstand the force of this storm."

It's ALSO possible it can strengthen. If the eye tightens, the wind speed will pick up.

EDIT: Oooo, they ARE saying 20 inches in some areas. Just heard that again on MSNBC.

[anarchy1999]

17. El, You are on it, dead right. This storm is going to devastate Florida.

My dearest and I are busy making many tin foil hats tonight and tomorrow we will be duct taping and tin foiling our small apartment home. These a holes are out of control.

So said Mr & Ms Anarchy1999

PS/I read all of Ruppert's address, I can't quit crying, screaming and asking for guidance in this nightmare. This is just a movie, right?

[Katarina]

8. No, they haven't gone crazy

Now, I cannot speak for national coverage and I realize that this hurricane is "only" 105 mph but it is big. I've been watching the news all day and when this is all said and done it's going to be bad, really bad. I just sat and watched a 2 story builing burn down on my local news. The winds are so bad that lines are down everywhere and the firefighters were in so much danger that they could not stay to put the fire out and chances are it's going to spread to other businesses. This storm is going to be with us for -hours- many, many hours. With Charley it came in, did it's damage and left. This thing is going to pound us. There is already over 2 million people without power. So you go ahead and say the news is fixated on wind and rain. It's about more than that though, it's peoples lives and livelyhoods. But thanks for making us seem so insignificant.

[Rowdyboy]

12. I'm sorry...I knew that would sound insensensitive and I didn't mean to...

I think Charley was WAY overblown and the media fixation was outrageous...

This monster, however, is starting to resemble Hurricane Mitch. Remember 1998 when Mitch stalled off Honduras for a week or so and pounded the whole country? It was nightmarish and I really hope this doesn't happen here.

Katarina-please accept my apologies for how I sounded. I meant NO disrespect. I survived Camille in Mississippi in 1969 so I'm not ignorant of hurricanes. But, what is there to report? The storm is here, its awful and there's not a damn thing anyone can do until it moves on. Should the media cover it 24/7 to remind us that its still raining and the tides are still surging? What's the gain? There are so many other stories that at least deserve a mention. But do they get it? No, it "Storm Watch 2004".

[Kool Kitty]

9. No, the news hasn't gone crazy, the weather has.

And just when you may think you're going to get a little break, Tropical Storm Ivan is waiting in the wings, revving up his little storm machine and heading for the US on about the same track as Frances. Possibly three hurricanes (if Ivan does indeed get terrible) in about a month? Terrible.

My mother-in-law and her husband (who is elderly and not well) are waiting Frances out in a shelter for people with special and medical needs in Port St. Lucie. Have they mentioned anything about that area?

I was thinking of that too, Katarina. When this is over, what happens to jobs and businesses and such, what do people do? Just a horrible situation.

[Eloriel]

11. It's been pretty hard hit, but not a lot of details

There's no power, of course (but perhaps the shelter has a generator?).

[Kool Kitty]

15. She talked to my husband late yesterday,

and she said that she and Frank were in a shelter that also was taking care of people that were evacuated from the hospital near them, so I believe that they would have some power source, probably a generator, like you said.

I just hope that everyone down there gets through this safely.

[Zan_of_Texas]

19. The Gulf Coast, Florida panhandle and beyond should not snooze yet.

Our hurricane expert here said that it is possible the storm could plow through Florida, exit on the Gulf Side, regain strength, and hit some more targets on the north side of the Gulf. So, you Panhandle folks need to stay alert!

[Katarina]

13. I haven't heard much about Port St. Lucie but

if she is in a special needs shelter, I am sure she is fine. I will keep her in my thoughts. :hug:

My mom is in the daytona area and is getting pounded right now. She is in an older mobile home. I tried to get her to come stay with us (we are a little bit more north) but she refused. She wanted to stay at home. What can you do? She had made up her mind and that was it. I just have to keep calling to make sure she is ok.

Ivan scares me. I can't do this again. My nerves are shot. Hugs to everyone who has family in the middle of this hell storm. :grouphug:

[althecat]

5. Speaking of the Teevee... out here in NZ CNN is going nuts

They seem to have nonstop coverage of what a wonderful chap * is.... interviews with pickels amd dimson about the birth of twins.... * on the stump in Ohio.... *'s wonderful performance in the polls... it is getting very very obvious.

[Cleita]

7. Jeez do you have to put up with that down there as well?

[althecat]

10. It got me thinking a bit after I watched the twins RNC performance

Clearly all that horsing around was scripted... jokes at Karl and Karens expense.... it is all about making * seem like an ordinary Joe who just happens to have been called upon to lead his nation. In otherwords pure propaganda.... that said it is damned slick... what is truly frightening is that the media seem to be completely keyed into the message already and we are three months out from the election. If they are this compliant already I think it gives a clear indication of what is coming.

[Cha]

40. Whatever the twins meant to do...it came off like

the proverbially Lead Balloon! Beavis and Butthead!

[Cha]

39. I just got back from a few days in Canada and

they loved my Kerry/Edwards pin and asked me if I thought we could get rid of bush. I told them we were going get bush out!

I met a couple from England and they said they had been traveling all over..I said .."the USA"? And he said.."everywhere but there!" ..and you could tell by his facial expression why they weren't going there.

I said.."we're having an election soon!"

[althecat]

14. And another thing speaking of Hurricane's this sucker is headed for Japan

Image taken today....

Here's the track

[TahitiNut]

36. That's a typhoon ("big wind"), not a hurricane.

:silly:

[veluthukaran]

16. yes

yes

[Name removed]

18. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Eloriel]

20. Oh, please

That's not what I said.

Here, let me put it this way: I didn't wish for this hurricane, and I think it's horrible and frightening and I know people are suffering. However, the FACT of the hurricane can't be changed. It is what it is, and WHERE it is. And other than prayer and Red Cross donations, there's not a damn thing I can do to help anyone.

All THAT said, it ALSO has had the effect of bumping Bush propaganda right off the cable news 24/7.

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[underseasurveyor]

23. Whoaaaaaaaa

:-( What's up with you?

[AuntPatsy]

22. Im not judging you but your analysis is not exactly on target

even though we should be worrying about all those people down there, hurricanes are nothing to joke about...

I hate to even add to this but the facts are, this hurricane will blow by, even though it has taken some air time from Bush, do you not realize that he will infact turn this situation to his advantage by going down there soon after and aiding in those who shall surely need this help? The press will have a field day on how compassionate he is, we still have plenty of time before the elections..

And as far as Poor Clinton, I miss that guy, anyway, the talking heads are already spreading their usual propaganda that without Clinton who will need time to recover, that kerry will surely lose, some are going so far as saying that having Clinton with him was the only thing keeping him afloat, spin they will mark my words..

Lets try and not do the same thing..

My prayers are with all those being in dangers way tonight, as with our dear President Clinton for a full and speedy recovery...

[underseasurveyor]

24. Wha-?

'I'm not judging you but?'
What a patronizing post.

Where are they all coming from :wtf:


edit:typo

[Kanary]

26. It's Saturday night, and some of the loose items are flying around.....

I've noticed this before. Promised myself I'd leave DU alone on Saturday, but ........ here I am.

:hi:

Kanary

[underseasurveyor]

28. Reminds me of the old days

Long ago when we use to hang out at the bar. Instant asshole just add alcohol, and the whole argument and ensuing brawl had absolutely nothing to do with what was said.

Hey what's up?

What did you just call me, asshole?

*BAM*

:eyes: Some things never change, ay.

:hi:

[Kanary]

29. You got the script right. ^_^

Or, as we used to say, "cruising for a bruisin'"

A fight lookin' to happen.....

What I don't understand is why so much of it seems to be drawn to DU.....

:crazy:

I mean, you'd think politics was a volatile sport or sumfin..... :)

Kanary

[underseasurveyor]

31. You mean it's not a volatile sport

Well what the hell am I wearin' all this heavy body armour for?
heh:evilgrin:heh
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
But I'm keepin' my helmet on just in case ;-) Flying bottles upside the head hurt x(

[Kanary]

34. "Well what the hell am I wearin' all this heavy body armour for?"

Cuz it's so stylish?

~~guffaw~~

Ain't it cool to be among friends?

:hi:

Kanary

[AuntPatsy]

30. Maybe a bit patronizing, okay, guilty, ;-) But hey, its a free

country right, and I just added my two "sense"? And I just don't agree with trying to bring this storm into a political rally...people may die, their losing valued possessions that in some aspects can never be replaced again, like the war many are fighting against, why make light of such even if it eases some who are a bit frustrated at the way politics are being run...

[Kanary]

33. Yeah, it's a "free country" to antagonize friends and partners

in a huge political fight to regain this country.

You do, indeed, have all the rights to do so as you wish.

Do schools not teach communication skills regarding how to disagree without creating enemies?

Have we not, as a people, learned *anything* about the desirability of diplomacy as opposed to declaring war? If not, what will it take to learn that important lesson?

Now, in the cold light of day, might be a good time to reconsider these items.

Kanary

[Eloriel]

37. I'm really sorry you took my remarks to be quite so callous

uncaring, insensitive, and inappropriate. I rather wish you'd read my posts (plural) to this thread again, and with a little less resistance and pre-judgment.

Here's my point put yet another way: the hurricane is a fact of life NO ONE could have prevented, and few can do anything to help. It's awful, it's terrible, there's huge devastation and destruction and a LOT of human suffering -- and deaths are inevitable. No one doubts that and certainly no one rejoices in that. However, given the FACT of the hurricane's inevitability, is it so terrible to also note that the hurricane did what the Democrats could not -- push Bush's propaganda machine off TV? Doesn't make me glad for the hurricane, but it DOES make me glad for the 24/7 coverage of it versus Glorious Leader.

As I've watched the coverage yesterday afternoon/evening and today, I am astounded by this hurricane. Thank God it wasn't any stronger, because as I pointed out in another thread, this is no typical Cat 2 Hurricane. It's ultra-slow movement, I truly believe, may be actually causing as much destruction as Andrew did if not more. That's a guess, or a sense I'm getting -- no one I've seen on TV has suggested that. AND IT'S NOT OVER YET!! In fact, it'll hit water, probably strengthen, plow through the panhandle (west of Panama City is the current prediction), then right on up through AL, TN, OH -- causing major flooding, tornadoes, and even more death and destruction.

AND, Ivan is on the way, at a much quicker pace. I can't imagine what will happen if it hits FL too, which at this point is a strong possibility.

I'm not taking ANY of this lightly. But I nevertheless REMAIN amused that it's pushing Bush off TV. If people don't like that, I'm sorry.

[charliebrown]

25. I feel sorry that you can't seperate life from politics.

I worry about lives lost and things lost to this storm. I dont care who is pres and I too have mr. clinton in my prayers.

I do not and will Never hope for a deadly storm to effect a political problem.

I will not be back on tonight cause this(even if I am wrong this time), is the overwhelming point of this site. Lockstep or leave.

SAD!!!

[jdj]

27. at the very least, you must give Kobe's "accuser" her due.

That was the death knell.

They actually brought Zell on as a last ditch effort.

[Andromeda]

32. Umm, I don't think Bill Clinton's heart attack

and subsequent by-pass surgery is such a "little hospitalization episode." I'm sure, however, that you weren't trying to be dismissive of the seriousness of it. I, too, believe he will be fine.

Unfortunately, I think the irony of the timing of the hurricane is probably lost on the victims of this cosmic joke. The karmic backlash might not be against Bush if the media make him into an heroic figure who comes to the rescue of displaced citizens who have lost everything.

Bush has the ability to benefit from the hard work and ideas of others and call them his own. He's gotten away with it all his life so let's hope that if he bungles it that it won't have a negative impact on the rescue effort.

[Eloriel]

35. Bush has the ability to benefit from ANYthing and EVERYthing

because they lie routinely, have NO shame, are are basically sociopaths and psychopaths.

[Pallas180]

38. Okay, Checking in from Southeast Florida.

e've been without electric, a/c, lights, and phone since Friday at 9AM.

Think about that when you realize average temp at this time of year is
between 90 and 92 degrees and you are required to shutter up the house and keep windows closed for fear the barometric pressure of the hurricane will blow your roof off if the wind gets inside your house.
there is not a piece of plywood to be found in Southeast Florida, -the people who dont have metal shutters are desperate to cover their windows and doors with plywood. And don't ask about batteries or generators...none to be found at all either.

Food may last in freezer for 36 hours but not 72. When you figure each freezer top has about $200 worth of lost food...

And guess what...no gas in Florida....even if you wanted to leave which
2 million people did...and ran into the storm further up - and no hotel rooms - and no electricity and a/c either....you took the chance of running out of gas on I 95 or the turnpike cause the stations on there had no gas and no food.

Okay that's bad enough ---the worst was worrying if your
roof was going to hold - I dont mean the shingles which went --- I mean the entire wooden roof--now that's anxiety.

However, Eloriel is right. the Bush brothers injected themselves into this.

4 million of us as of today Monday did not have electricity. HomeDepot on the corner had it today, the street lights had it -- the people in their homes did not.
Florida Power and Light was giving the bullshit that they were doing all they could. Really - then how come a smaller Electric company two towns up was able to get the electric on for everyone???

Jeb called in (surprise) FEMA - we are under curfew and martial law -
dont be caught on the street from 8 PM to 6 AM - and Jeb is "talking very sternly to Florida Power and Light - I heard this morning on the
battery powered radio - maybe that's why we got electric power at 3:30
today -- although areas in southeast Florida still dont have it - dummy
brother dimson , ever mindful of the 25 electoral votes in Florida early on yesterday or day before declared all 67 counties of Florida
a disaster area, meaning I guess lower interest rates on loans for repairs..

You think Floridians will forget that he would not allow gas to be unloaded at Port Everglades to fill gas tanks? or generators? I dont think so...

Do you think his brother's declaration of all 67 counties disaster area
will help votes?

Do you think they're doing that for votes?

I think Eloriel is right. I think definitely "political" is what they're doing - because dimson declared the disaster area before the extent of the disaster was known or before it really hit the Southeast and the North West of Florida.

Sunday morning after 2 AM, when they said it wouldn't be gettin any worse it did. There wasn't much damager until then. After 2 AM the winds of 95 to 105 hit us.

For whatever reason most in the Southeast did not lose their roofs. More roofs are lost today, Monday, in North Florida...

So that's the story....I'm going to try to get a generator before Ivan
hits. Anyone out there got one they can spare?

Pallas

[Cha]

41. That was very descriptive, Pallas!

Hope you get that generator, soon~

Of course, "it's political" what they're doing..nothing they do is not. But they couldn't control the timing of these hurricanes...that was the force of Nature..that they are always Screwing with.

[Pallas180]

42. Thanks Zidzi, I

owe a couple of "columns" but it's been difficult to use the computer
with no electricity :) and hard to concentrate on the subject with the
wind flipping your shingles like pancakes. :)