Katrina.

[paulf]

Just watched the davastation on Fox.
It is a real tradegy, and now the knock on is happening and I don't know what to do.
All resources are needed for the hit states, Fuel, water, food, do they really need tourists in Florida at such a vital time?
Yes I know the tourist dollars are still needed, BUT this is a very extraordinary
time, never in the past has this been relevant.
911 was different to this, then people needed to keep visting to keep the economy up and show support, BUT now all resources are needed for the people in need.
So like a lot of people I cant decide to go or cancel, any thoughts would be appreciated.

[JuniorMickey]

Florida still needs the tourism. It how our state survives. We do not have a state income tax. Tourism helps pay for our schools, our police and all that good stuff. Our economy was just starting to get back on track and this could throw us back to post-9/11 issues.

Yes the effected states need resources, but without tourism, Florida would be in big trouble.

[Cosmic Reas]

Florida still needs the tourism. It how our state survives. We do not have a state income tax. Tourism helps pay for our schools, our police and all that good stuff. Our economy was just starting to get back on track and this could throw us back to post-9/11 issues.

Yes the effected states need resources, but without tourism, Florida would be in big trouble.

I can see both points of view here, but after a bit of thought I tend to go with Junior Mickey. The Dollars provided by tourists is going to play a part of getting things back on track.

[OKWTink]

It is a tough call. Belfast-jj makes a good point. Heck. When I sit down to dinner in my home with electricity, a/c, hot food, running water and in safety I feel terribly guilty!

I think continuing to visit is certainly a good thing to do. The contributions to the economy can be seen as a type of assistance.

However, I do understand that it could be a sobering time too.

Very hard to say. :sigh:

[OKWTink]

You are helping Belfast-JJ. You may not see it that way, but it is help. Your caring and concern touches people and helps them realize that they are not alone.

Your having posted links to charities, and the updates for the news make a big difference too.

You are helping. :hug: (Now be nice to your wife). :wink:

[madmac]

Just to add my two pennies (two cents) in - we go in 4 weeks and 5 days and I hadn't thought of cancelling until I read todays posts about Katrina, but it doesn't change anything, like everyone has said the tourism is needed and if I can donate some $$$$$ why I am out there then of course I will. I watched BBC 1's commentary on the state of NO last night and it was heartbreaking, its awful to watch people begging for food and water, which I take for granted - I'm sitting feet away from a tap and cupboards full of food and if I could give it to them I would. The worst part was the lady with the three children, the baby is the same age as my daughter and my heart wrenches if I have to make my baby wait two minutes for a feed I cannot imagine how it feels to know there is no food to give - I wish I could just have reached into the tv and pulled them all in to my warm, clean house with running water and electricity. If someone could fly them here I would willingly put them up. :sigh:

[Slowhand]

:iagree: madmac.
You are really stating the thoughts we all share...we don`t know how lucky we are until something like this happens.
I feel so helpless at a time like this.

[Mickeymac]

Don't stop coming. When you get here, embrace life. When you leave, leaves a smile of gratitude behind. Just don't stop coming.

[MystikPiglit]

Don't stop coming. When you get here, embrace life. When you leave, leaves a smile of gratitude behind. Just don't stop coming.

MM - :hug:

Don't stop going anywhere that relies on Tourism. :thumbs:

[tajainaz]

And those of us on the periphery--not directly affected by the tragedies--need to maintain normalcy to the extent possible. Especially if you have or work with children or others with special needs.

Physically, I can't help those in need. I'm doing what I can financially through donations (although I contribute to a number of organizations throughout the year, I always cut back even more when there is a crisis and do what I can), good thoughts, prayers and pixie dust. If that sounds a bit light hearted, it probably is. I like to look at the world in a positive manner--although that viewpoint sometimes is tested quite severely!

My thought would be to go on your holiday and enjoy yourself. But spare a moment or two here and there for good thoughts, prayers and pixie dust for those in need. And if you can manage a monetary donation to one of the organizations helping those in need, even better! :thumbs:

[irish_guy]

yeh i agree for sure.. am off there next week and plan on donating a percentage of my spending money to any cause that is need for N.Orleans and the surrounding areas affected.. its the very least i can do although wish i can do more.. like others the replied i have been saying prayers and thinking good wishes, but also didnt think about canceling my holiday either i know to some it may sound selfish and some may have a hard time enjoying themselves with devestation all around them.. but like soo many have said it survives on tourism so intend to make my first disney experience memorable while also. keeping close to me the problems that are going on just next to me..

[arcamalpha2003]

Just feel so sad about this whole thing going on in new orleans.

A newscaster summed up my thoughts precisely last night, would there be this whole mess if it happened in another area of america?

My initial thoughts were exactly the same, what if it had happened in washington?

Lets hope there is some normality restored in new orleans soon.

[OKWTink]

Just a reminder that although conditions are horrific in New Orleans, there are other areas like Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile (and all areas in between) who are terribly hard hit too. We're seeing New Orleans on the news almost exclusively and that can give us the false impression that the other areas are in less dire straits. Nothing could be further from the truth. :(

They need water, food, medical supplies and help too.

[OKWTink]

Thank you for that link, Belfast-jj. I've been wondering about the Seabee Base and haven't heard anything. We've a Seabee in the family, and he was once stationed there. He's in Iraq right now, though. :worried: His battalion moved out of Gulfport to Port Hueneme, CA.

I'm trying to find out info about the base in Gulfport because I know he'll want to know. Nice information to have to send someone fighting for his country,eh? :tears: