The Black Informant

Taking care of our peeps (Updated throughout the day!)

Like many Americans these past few days, I find myself glued to my television trying to get the absolute latest on the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Fortunately, the family I do have in that region live in a part of Louisiana that has not been affected as bad as some of the other areas down there.

I have been moved by stories like Harvey Jackson’s account where he had to make the decision to let his wife go due to swift moving waters which eventually overtook his house and everything that he owned. His wife’s parting words to him: “You can’t hold me. Just take care of the kids and the grandkids.” (I was able to locate the video of Harvey Jackson on the BBC website–A definite tear-jerker)

There have been other widespread accounts of numbers of bodies found floating amongst the debris left over by the storm. Then there is also the immediate danger of widespread looting, spread of disease, lack of drinking water, food, electricity, transportation, limited telecom service, etc.

Wanting to hear what others were saying about this whole situation, as usual I did a quick scan of both the blogsphere and the Net in general. To my dismay I quickly discovered that the cyber finger pointing had already begun. Yes, those of us who live far away from this devastation in the comfort of our safe homes and offices are still able to muster up enough gall to turn this into yet another political issue. In my search I saw everything from the whole thing being blamed on racism to it just being (all together now) “Bush’s fault“. The worst that I have seen are the people who are saying “Well, America is getting what it deserves”. Yes, these are the same idiots who of course have never lost a loved one in a tragedy. Challenge these individuals to move their rusty, dusty behind from their PCs and tell that to the thousands that are packed in the Superdome, or better yet, to people like Harvey Jackson. And the response?

Yeah, just the sound of crickets.

Family, this is not the time.

TRUST ME, I too have noticed a whole boat-load of issues surrounding the whole situation that I feel need to be aired out. But I think I am going to put all of that on hold for now. Right now, let’s focus on the not the “issues”, but the people themselves.

The truth is, there are going to be MANY folks like Harvey Jackson that are going to come home to a place where they will have no employment, no place to live, lost family members, etc. I think this is a great time to put the whole “it takes a village” thing to the test.

Recently, I came across this charity service called Charity Navigator. In a nutshell, this organization looks at many of the charities that are out there and rates them based on a set criteria. This is a great tool because you can have some assurance that the money you donate is going to an organization with a reputable track record.

Let’s do all that we can to help our peeps!

Paul at Wizbang shares similar views.

UPDATE: 11:00 PST

Shay over at BookerRising reflects my sentiments almost to a T (Read)

Louisianna governor calls for evacuation of New Orleans

“Rescue attempts were hindered as looters started ransacking shops, carrying away boxes of beer, food and electronic goods.” (more…)

“Between the beach and the railroad … every house is just gone,” Barbour told NBC television. “Ninety percent of the structures are totally just gone. Debris (is) knee deep, waist deep, hip deep.” (more…)

Cobb’s people are okay. He also has some pictures from the net.

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UPDATE 11:30 PST

(if you are trying to locate relatives, this might be a good start)

Katrina: Missing Persons Board (LaShawn is also following this story)

Hurricane Katrina Information Center
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Refugees from New Orleans headed to Houston

UPDATE: 12:07 PST

Many props to Shepard Smith of Fox News. He is the first reporter that I have seen that is pointing out how this is affecting the people in the projects. Much, much frustration.

UPDATE 1:26 PST

T.D. Jakes is on Neil Cavuto discussing how his ministry is helping the victims (he mentioned something about his ministry delivering 40 tons of food, providing counseling, etc.). He also made an appeal to America to pursue this situation with the same tenacity as we did with the Tsunami overseas.

**AMEN!!!!***

Call the man what you will, but he is definitely doing something unlike many of his naysayers!
Cavuto’s show usually rebroadcasts. Check your local listings.

Cash donations from major companies:

Home Depot $1.5 M
Capital One, Office Depot, Citgo, Amereda Hess (matching emp. cont.), and J.P. Morgan (matching emp. cont.)–all $1 M each

Target stores - Also adding $1M plus handing out energy bars and supplies.
Wal- Mart also adding $1M plus accepting donations at local stores in your area

Other companies sending relief in the form of goods and services:

DuPont, CVS, Kimberly Clark, Kellogs, Nissan N. America

Cingular setting up free emergency calling stations.

Free miles offered by United Airlines for anyone making donations (check with them for details)

Petco holding fundraiser for animal victims

(latest update obtained by FoxNews TV)

UPDATE: 1:56PM PST

Hollywood responds.

The NBC Universal Television Group, which has been active in raising money during previous national disasters, has scheduled a live benefit special, A Concert For Hurricane Relief, in high-definition on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC at 8 p.m. Friday. (more…)

UPDATE: 3:28 PST

Trying to find some good news other than saying that this could have been worse.

“We know there is a significant number of dead bodies in the water,” and other people dead in attics, Mayor Ray Nagin said. Asked how many, he said: “Minimum, hundreds. Most likely, thousands.” (more…)