thank goodness...for the progress....come on we all need the coast back....i'll see ya'll!!!

Dear LORD GOD All Mighty I pray with all my heart and soul that your loving grace and peace shine upon the people of Waveland and Bay St Louis Ms. May GODS grace and peace be with you from our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. amen. Many of you have become close friends of ours. We love every one of you and share your pain in our hearts here in Alabama. I will never forget the humble feeling that we got from your loving hearts of compassion "CHRIST" when we came and feed people and brought supplies at the corner of Hwy 90 and 603 at the Exxon Station and Right-Aid. Hundreds of people linger in my mind and prayers, one of the most memerable was the day I gave a lady the HOLY BIBLE and as she started to cry so did I and told me that this means more to her than anything anyboby else has done. We Just stood there and cried, embraced in each other arms ; HUMBLE, CARING, CHRISTIAN people. That what you'll find in Waveland and Bay St Louis. I just want everybody in America to know that JESUS CHRIST is alive and is working miricles in Hancock County Ms everyday. If the CHRISTIANS had not shown up after Katrina I realy don't know what would have happened to these people. GOD THE FATHER and lives in our hearts.
CAN YOU FEEL HIS LOVE....

Thank you for your story on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While we sympathize with the plight of those in New Orleans, it seems as if the news media has forgotten Mississippi. For 70 miles, from the LA line to the AL line, The Mississippi Gulf Coast is devastated. Slabs and piles of debris are all that are left of a once beautiful area. The lucky ones are living in FEMA trailers, but many are still camping out in tents waiting for assistance - and it's cold!

Every time we turn on the television we see stories about New Orleans. But rarely is there a story about Mississippi, a place where people are pulling together to resurrect their beloved coast, where state government has declined to point fingers and just got about the business of helping our people, where our police and firefighters were heroes who stayed to help the people they serve, where wonderful people from all over the country have come to help. I guess all that is not newsworthy.

Thank you - again - so much for those in local, state and national leadership who listened and learned from the history lessons we presented from the past - and how we can save lives in these kinds of events.

We applaude the efforts of ind citizens and faith based org's who have provided the help, love, and support needed too, as well as the media who have not forgotten the importance of sharing the light on /of a very, very difficult situation.

Stephen Rene
www.eBusinessProfessionals.us
www.ParentsWhoCare.us
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What happen to the people in New Orleans, and Mississippi gulf coast was the worst thing that ever happen to black people. Some how the levy broke, by water or by man. Thousand of black people where kill by the ocean, and thousand was kill by our president. Bush watch thousand of black people die. This is a shame, our president that supposes to protect us, watch thousand of black people die. Because he don’t like black people. I couldn’t believe it with my own eyes, that our government will let black American people die, and wouldn’t help them. For a week they went without water food and shelter after storm. Bush helps another country out. Billion of dollars that our government sent to Israel, billion of dollars sent to India for the tsunmi. But million of black and poor white people lose their home and job when the storm hit.
What happen to the fema trailer for the black people and poor white to live in, because their home was destroy? Again the government fails the people. Bush is a killer, liar, and he destroyed many people lives. I believe with all my heart that bush had a lot to do with 911. The truth will come out. Bush is an evil man. He is cold hearted, and cheated his way in the white house. Republican are lairs and theft, democrats are lazy and worthless. This country is so mess up. The people can’t and want standup for them and put their trust in men’s that is evil. What ever happen to this country, we deserve it.

I DON'T BELIEVE MY HEART HAS EVER BEEN AS HEAVY AS IT WAS FOLLOWING KATRINA . I FEEL VERY SORRY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE STORM . I LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA ,SO I'VE PERSONALLY BEEN AFFECTED BY ALL THE AFTER EFFECTS THAT COME FROM A CATASTROPHY .I ONLY HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL LEARN TO PREPARE OR GET OUT OF THE WAY !! IF THEY DEPEND ON SOMEBODY ELSE TO HELP THEM (GOVT,GOD,FEMA )THEY ARE SETTING THEMSELVES UP FOR DISAPPOINTMENT . PLEASE ,PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED . I THINK WE WILL SEE MORE STORMS AND MORE TRAGEDY IN COMING YEARS, UNFORTUNATELY ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE WHO DONATED MONEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO BE SO GENEROUS EVERY YEAR.

The Gulfcoast and its citizens have had to endure a terrible natural disaster that caught the nation and its leaders offguard.My prayers and wishes is for the victims and for those who have helped out the best they could. I agree with David from Fl.except for the referance to God,KEEP PRAYING HE IS LISTENING!

I can't believe you would actually post the ignorant rantings of "mary had a little lamb" This person is obviously deranged and not at all well informed. As a resident of the devasted Mississippi Gulf Coast, I can assure "mary" that the hurricane did not only affect black people. Her information is obviously flawed. I think that one needs to look at the leadership in New Orleans--it was the mayor (who is black) who failed the citizens of NO. I truly resent the racial slurs and vitriol directed at George Bush. People like "Mary" should not be allowed to post such hateful and hurtful things.

It is a shame how people think that everything is about race. Sooner or later we should do away with statements about race and make them about people. Quit blaming the wrong people for things when you don't understand the whole story. You choose where you live and how you live, so blame yourself for your life. You choose to live it like you do or you choose to change it for the better. What happened was tragic but what keeps happening afterwards is down right disgraceful. All anyone can do know is move forward and try to make things better.

The response to America during this horrible hurricane bombardment is somewhat similar to the nation's response to the attack at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Fellow Americans were hurting badly and America
responded out of love and there was a committment to
win the battle. This must begin in the rebuilding of
our churches and then into the communities in all the land, and then we will be on high ground that
will hold in all storms. My prayers for those in the
South and God is with them.

It's about time something was said about MS. All I have been hearing is New Orleans. I'm happy to hear that progress is finally being made. I know nothing will ever be the same, but Katrina will always be in our hearts and minds as things try to get back to normal and we who surived are called the lucky ones.

Wait until MHALL finds out about the Easter Bunny. I guess that will be govt's fault also. The post is obviously the rantings of someone who is posing. Trying to set a political tone to the diaster when the truth is that those who stayed in New Orleans chose to do so on their own accord. Whatever their rationalization is they chose to stay. The National Weather Service warned us, the state warned us and issued evacuation orders and the local officials warned us. If you live in a bowl you get out before the storm hits. I have lived here all my life and I knew that from the time I was old enough to crawl.

I received an email from a friend who is working in the south. With his permission, I'd like to share this with everyone. It's important that those who have any kind of pull, connections to the media...get the word out........People still need help! Let's not forget those who aren't being heard.

"It seems so long ago that I've had time for myself, time just to sit and think of home. I wish I could say that I am doing as well as you. There are times since I've had time to really look at what was left behind after the hurricane the thousands of people that have been affected will never really recover. The emotional and mental suffering is still a raw open wound for most if not all these people.
The effort of finding water, food clothing is a major event. Peoples days are planned around making the trip to these shelters to receive the basic necessities just to survive. As I was driving through these little towns or what used to be a town you can't help but think what has been wiped off the face of the earth forever. Families still looking for other family members and for the aged it's even harder. Nursing homes set up in make shift buildings one today was a series of tents and a few trailers. Most of the schools I saw today have been taken over by other federal or state agencies. I haven't seen kids playing in a school ground since I've been down here. I know what we are doing is important and some day I can only hope and pray that some of the memories and the suffering will fade. I'll keep looking for the positive! I keep looking for each and every sunrise and sunset. I have found my quite places where I know I am alone and I let it go find my peace and continue with what needs to be done. There never seems to be an end to the half thoughts or half finished coffee cups laying around verywhere."

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOU REPORTING ON THE HURRICANE KATRINA LOSSES ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST. MANY ARE STILL DIGGING OUT.

WE ARE SADDEND BY THE LOSSES IN NEW ORLEANS. THE BIG EASY IS A FAVORITE FOR MANY OF US TO VISIT ON THE WEEKENDS. I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH THE BIG EASY SINCE I WAS JUST A YOUNG KID. THE THRILL OF TAKING THE STEAMBOAT DOWN TO THE NEW ORLEANS ZOO IS FAVORITE OF MINE. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD A FRENCH BEIGNET FROM THE CAFE DUMONDE DOWN IN THE FRENCH QUARTER YOU HAVE NOT ENJOYED LIVING.

It was a tough New Year's for us this year as like many others throughout the Gulf region. We (I) normally made a trek to Bay St Louis for Mr. Ernie's "The Good Life" New Years party to meet and great our family of friends throughout the Bay-Waveland area. Living in the Bay area for a year or so and working at TGL, part-time, I became an adopted son of the people and I have never looked back. We were vacationing in the area and had to depart because of Katrina. During my time in Iraq, other than my immediate family, my heart and prayers were with my Bay-Waveland family and their recovery.

Prior to retiring from the Marine Corps this year, no matter where we were stationed; LA, TX or PA, the Holidays, special events and the summers were a special time in the Bay-waveland area.

Missing the annual Marine Corps Birthday party at Mr. Ernies was a tough one. I am glad to hear that many got together, at what once was TGL, to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday in November. Semper Fi!!

My prayers and thoughts go out to my Gulf Coast family and what they are going through. Not a day goes by that I (we) don't think of you.

I wish for a good and fresh new year for you all. I look forward to returning back to the area for a sense of normalcy of life.

we all had some bad storms here as well but i do wish the best for everyone on the gulf coast may god be with you all in the coming years

Thanks Mike for another great story. We are making strides, be it baby steps or giant steps. Sometimes its hard to see amidst the debris, but if you really look you can see the progress. Hopefully 2006 will be a year of renewal and rebuilding. Thanks again MSNBC for giving us a face, a voice and a name. As for MHALL, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!

I was home recently in La. There was some good things I saw and bad. I spoke to people from New Orleans working in the stores in the places I grew up. Which made me feel good. But also I saw trailers that where put into place by FEMA that no one ever moved in.....Whats the deal with this? I guess someone has ananswer somewhere. I spoke to people who invited people to live in their homes from the gulf area. I spoke to guys who work for drilling componies in the gulf region. Their companies helped them and is still helping them rebuild. But yet hotles in the area are still full of victims. Where are thses people going after they are put out. By the way the hotles made big money....the trailers are going to be sold...yep! Hopefully people want be left homeless.

Than tell us what is the story, there are black people still living in tent, and it’s very cold their. Are you all living in a tent, or sleeping on the ground, are you begging for food, and hoping the government help you get back on your feet. Are you the one blaming the victims for living there? Or complaining about how you pay taxes and it not fare to you that the victims use your money. God forbid anything happen to.

and if i sound crazy, so be it, at lest i see the turth.

Mary, PLEASE!!!!! Have you been to any of the towns that were affected by the storm????? Do you realize that Katrina did not look at color when she decidced to wipe out 80% of each of the towns on the Mississippi Gulf Coast???? Did you realize that New Orleans is roughly 72% African American who voted for an African American mayor that was running around after the storm screaming "Who's in charge?" When in fact that was HIS job to evacuate and secure New Orleans? Did you realize that the Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency responsible for erecting the faulty levees in New Orleans that could only withstand a category 3 hurricane? Did you realize that the levee broke in New Orleans with no 30-40 foot tidal surge as there was in Missippi? There are people of many different races that are living in tents still, not just blacks! If you are so concerned, leave fairy tale land and volunteer in a hurricane ravaged area! I am so sick of hearing that this is a race issue. Many were affected black, white, young, and old! GROW UP! USE YOUR REAL NAME! AND GET A LIFE!!! If you are SO unhappy with the way things are going, do something with your life instead of posting.

Rest assure Citizens of Mississippi, the news media has not forgotten any of the residence of Mississippi. There are many accounts and news updates (especially for Bay St. Louis and Waveland) Brian Williams of NBC has made it his mission to report nightly on the goings on in Mississippi. What makes the news are stories of towns and people who are working hard to rebuild and revive their small towns. What does not make the news are the numbers of residents still waiting for assistance, but that is OK we are all being recongized one way or another. Please be patient and understand we will rebuild and be back on track with our lives and business but it is a slow process of rebuilding and recovery. The truth that 'Mary" would like to see or write about should actually be research a bit more, her comments are just that "crazy" they needs to not point the finger or blame, we all need to keep our heads and realize not everyone sees what we do on a daily basis.

I lived part time in New Orleans and part time in Clermont Harbor,MS. My home in N.O. is fine. My parents and in-laws lost their homes in St. Bernard Parish. No place in the N.O. area compares to Clermont Harbor, Waveland and the Bay area. Everything between my house and the beach seems to have washed up onto my property. Most of my house and it's broken contents are in the lot next to mine. With family members to help and work to resume, I've only returned to Clermont harbor 3 times since the storm. Getting news about the area has been impossible, until now that I've found this site. Thanks to all who are participating. Is there any truth to the rumor that permits to rebuild in Clermont Harbor may not be allowed? If so then what will happen to those properties? Also, what steps do I need to take to get my land cleared of all that debris?

Barry,

Check with the County services to request the ROE (right-of-entry) form to have your property cleared of debris. You will need to complete the form, sign, and return. Currently, the Corps of Engineers has been contracted to perform the task of debris removal.

Mary,,, I am a Hurricane Hunter (crew chief),, have been for 24 years,, my home in Pass Christian MS was almost totaled. We, the (Hunters have been telling people for years,, if it gets close,,, run. Unfortunatly alot of people,,of ALL colors don't ever listen. So,, in my opinion,, the ignorants died, not any race creed or color,, ignorant people come in all colors.

Even though I'v emoved away from MS over thirty years ago and now resides in GA. I have relatives that stil live there in Grenada. Thank God they was not directly affected by the hurricane but I still feel a loss because of my connection to the state. I am proud of my state and like it has always been said' We take care of our own". I'm hoping and praying that the country will continue to pray and support these towns any way necessary.

I agree with you Hurricane Dave. Thats right on the mark, the ignorant died. If you spend the time and energy to get your family together and evac from an impending disaster, and nothing happens, you have still played the smart card and insured your safety. What do they teach grade schoolers? Practice your home fire drills. Not everyone wants to think about results of the one time in a hundred when the warnings were all right and the worst happens. That is where it all pays off. It's going to take time to come back and the more times the gulf coast is in the news, hopefully, the less likely people are going to forget and keep on helping. And to "Mary", you are right. This is ONE of the worst things to could ever happen to anyone, anywhere.

I have just returned January 4, 2006 from my native Mississippi Gulf Coast. I had grown up and lived there for over 25 years. Living through many hurricanes a catagory 3 and higher, including Hurricane Camille (She was no Lady) which all of us used as a basis for comparison as to how bad it can get. I thought I was prepared for the damage I was to see, from pictures from the local newpapers, blogs and tv stations on the internet. NOTHING IN THE WORLD, could have prepared me for the most intense, horrific mass destruction of the Mississippi coast has ever seen. This is 4 months after the storm, and it looks like it hit yesterday. Miles of nothing but rubble left piled wherever they could push it, no landmarks, street signs or homes to guide you where you thought you might be. I am still in shock from what I have seen. I found so many friends and school mates and their familes homes wiped out from the storm. My father and his wife lost everything, starting over at the age of 78 in another state. He can't handle rebuilding here. His home for over 50 years. Fighting with FEMA, SBA, his insurance companies, and the flood insurance people. The stress and complications are just too much to handle. People ask, why don't they move, they are just going to get flooded or ruined again? It is their homes, places that have never flooded before, water came in as far as 7 miles inland in some places, to a height of over 15 feet. In spite of all the hardships, lack of water, food, clothing, and shelter, the people of Mississippi truly represent the finest of what people should be made of. I saw people decorating their FEMA trailers with lights and decorations, homes that were destroyed, Christmas wreaths draped on a broken door or hanging where a window was. The resiliance and courage of the people was amazing. The stories of people helping others such as the man who paid for the woman's groceries the day before Christmas. I drove for miles along the beach front from Pass Christian to the Biloxi bridge area. Miles of destruction so complete with no homes or businesses intact or usable. People had their FEMA trailers, tents and RVS parked on their home sites making do with what ever they could find. My heart aches for the people I left behind. The courage and tenacity to rebuild in spite of a great many contractors taking advantage of a bad situation. The price gouging that is going on for rebuilding and repair needs to be stopped. The same goes for the people who are renting homes and apartments. What used to be rented for $400. a month is now going for over a $1,000. why? Because they can and know people will pay for a place to stay. The governor needs to step in and stop this horrible price gouging. When people need a place to stay, while they try to rebuild their lives, raising the rents now is not the time to do it. To those who are doing this, SHAME ON YOU!!!! Taking advantage of this horrible situation. What most outsiders don't understand is, this is not a one time situation, this area is going to take years of rebuilding. So keep the land grabbing real estate people out. Don't sell to just get out, keep the condo kings and the time share people out. Don't let the coast become another Atlantic City. Our beach front homes and Scenic drive should remain that. The building commisions and local governments should be stopped from allowing any changes or new rules being made without it passing from a vote from the people of the area. Unless you want to lose what you have left of the way of life you had, Mississippians had better wake up before your local government starts to sell you down the river. Biloxi has one of the easiest building rules in the area concerning high rises and condos. Better pay attention, the local paper was stating about the way it was going to change for the worse. More condos in the same space. Yay, more traffic and more problems for the local area. Please don't let it become like that. I love the Coast and its people, I pray that the national media pay attention to the area. Keep your story alive in the papers, tv and radio anyway you can. To the people of Mississippi, there are those of us who will help in any way we can, and will try to keep the attention focused on your area. Good luck to all of you and God bless the people of Mississippi. The South shall rise again. God willing.

I can't believe that a single home hasn't been demolished yet due to the layers of politics in Gulfport,Ms.
I traveled 1500 miles to help out in the debris removal effort in Gulfport,Ms.After numerous telephone conversations with a "Disaster relief" company called "Bamaco", staged at the what used to be Sea World as the locals explained to me,they never would give me a straight answer as to what kind of heavy equipment they would like me to bring down, how much manpower,etc., I decided to act on my own judgement and head down with a seemingly legal contract between my company and Bamaco.I played it safe and took just 1 tractor trailer semi dump myself, and kept several associates on standby until I assessed the situation.
Upon arrival Nov.4th 2005, contract in hand, I approached Bamaco's very expensive RV field office, and was stopped by one of the employees.I introduced myself, presented my "contract", explained that I was in continuous contact with several Bamaco representatives since a couple of weeks after the storm, and was reporting for work. This fellow looked at me and said, "Ain't no work for you here, boy..." First of all, I'll be 44 yrs. old in April 2006, so "BOY" didn't sit quite right with me.Secondly, I was informed I would be working in Gulfport SEVERAL WEEKS prior to this day. At that moment, I sensed a strange environment with these people.
This fellow then suggested I go talk to "Billy Joe", if I wanted to work in Gulfport.
Slightly bewildered and confused, I am introduced to Billy Joe, the contractor supposedly in charge of the cleanup effort in several "zones" (areas cut up into designated grids, or zones,)and was informed that I must work under his company if I wanted to work at all.With no formal way to check his credentials, history, etc., I agree and was checked in within 4 hours.
The remaining 2 months would be a time of disgust,anger, and an education unlike one I could only dream of.
I left disappointed on Jan.7th,06 after working in some of the most non-professional scenarios I have ever seen. I have been involved in construction, demolition and trucking for over 25 years, and being from the Northeast,(nothing against the good people of the south, please don't misunderstand me,)in my opinion had this horrific incident happened anywhere on the eastern seaboard of New England, I would almost bet my life that in 6 months the affected areas would be back to finished grade and ready for grass seed.
I have 4 rolls of film depicting the devestated neighborhoods of homes and businesses that I was exposed to, let alone the other 66 miles of Mississippi coastline that was wiped off the map.When I left on Saturday, Jan 7th, NOT ONE SINGLE BUILDING has been demo'd yet.Only the scattered debris from the initial winds we were allowed to remove from these properties.And that was done in such a lame manner I'd need more room to write than this blog.
The demolition was supposed to start in November.Billy Joe would inform us and all of his crews that he now had under his umbrella that "thing's were gonna break loose tomorrow, boys..." I heard that word "tomorrow" until I got disgusted and left.
It is my understanding, based on the input from many locals involved in the political arena there, that demo will not take place until the mayor awards only local contractors with the contract to clean up the rest of the way.I question that theory though, as I have ridden from Pascagula,Ms. to New Orleans in search of work for my equipment and men on standby up north,and the same thing is present all the way across the gulfcoast. Piles of debris in every town, some overwhelming, still remain.
Some blame the mayors. Some blame FEMA. Some blame Bush. I think that everyone is to blame, including the very people whom have lost a home in the aftermath. YOU GOTTA SPEAK UP, PEOPLE...
I see people still living in tents in behind truckstops so as to have access to the restrooms.As I walked through the rubble-strewn properties as I would wait several ridiculous hours for my truck to get loaded,(a function that should take approximately 20 minutes, given normal circumstances,)I came across numerous photo albums filled with people's once happy lives, photos of weddings and parties and newborn children just lying in the contaminated soils of the areas between the beach and the railroad tracks.It touched me to see that, and moreso to be held back from doing more on my part, given my background, to expedite the cleanup process so that the rebuilding can begin.
Don't be fooled by what you see and hear, folks. Things look pretty much the same as they did in October, less some easy-to-reach debris.Meanwhile, Phillips & Jordan received $546,000,000. for this project, and this is what you get.
Where's the money police when you need them?
I have much more to say, but this is a good start to enlighten the public on the truth. I don't have any reason to tell anything other than the truth, because I have washed my hands of all of the corruption, the "good 'ol boy network", and the constant lying and deceit going on in Gulfport alone.
I'm sitting next to the woodstove now, not having to shower in the truckstop, use port-o-potties, and sleep in my truck eating soup every night. No one can say I didn't give it the all American try to help out, but I can see that the ones that have positioned themselves where they are will either prosper or sink farther than even they could have imagined before it's all over.
As Forrest Gump said, " That's all I got to say about that..."

I lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 4 years. I loved the area and I loved the people. My best friend still lives down there. It is so devastating to see what has happened to our beloved Gulf Coast, and I, personally, am quite sick that so much media attention has been focused on New Orleans, where I worked for almost 3 years. What happened to New Orleans is a tragedy, but the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast has been devastated. Hancock County- Waveland, Pearlington, Bay St. Louis - was ground zero. It kills me how much Congress has been willing to spend to rebuild Iraq, but not for their own country where good tax-paying citizens are living in tents. Hurrican Dave, you are right in that people could have and should have gotten out before Katrina hit. But, in all that I have read, in countless obituaries from those killed by Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, most people thought that if their house survived Camille in 1969, it would undoubtedly survive Katrina, and that it what killed most of them. In the words of Mayor A.J. Holloway, "Camille killed more in 2005 than she did back in 1969". People were not being ignorant. They were counting on nothing being worse than Camille, the benchmark of hurricanes until Katrina. No one counted on a storm surge of 35 feet!!

I live in Louisiana, north of New Orleans, we have major damage to houses and the landscape in general. Enough that I have driven down highways and did not reconize anything. But when my husband and I went to Mississippi to visit and check on friends, I sat in the car with my mouth open and tears streaming down my cheeks. The devastation there is mind numbing. There are places where NOTHING is left, the pilings of the houses, and debris in the trees, twisted and tangled clothes, twenty, thirty feet high. I could only think of our lives right after the storm, no electric, no stores open, no phones, cell or landline. Could not get anywhere for the debris in the streets, yet we had a roof over our heads, a roof with damage yes, but still a roof. I just want the world to realise that the effects of this storm will ripple out for years to come. New Orleans was hit hard, yes. And my heart aches for the city, but the Gulfcoast is so much worse. My heart and soul is hurting for the loss of life, not only the ones that died, but the ones that lived thru it lost their way of life, it will never be the same. And I just wanted them to know that there neighbors in Louisiana know what they are going thru. But remember this, we survived. And now we have a historical opportunity to rebuild. Equally, without thought to race or social standing. Just as humans with the common bond of this storm. My best wishes are to all.......

Tommy, your post made me so angry but confirmed the nagging suspicion that so many unscrupulous companies are "working" along the Gulf Coast to clean up. Yeah, working to line their own greedy pockets at the expense of the people who need help so desperately! This is criminal and those involved in this corruption should be prosecuted. Every time I write my Congressman, I get a reply - a form letter telling me how much he is doing to help the victims of the hurricanes - the same form letter has been received three times now. You are right, the people of the area need to SPEAK UP! No longer can people remain complacent and wait around for help that isn't coming. It's been four months - I vote we all gather together and march on Washington en force and MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!

After unveiling the 'plan' in New Orleans today, I asked myself the question, "What about Mississippi?" I'm glad to catch-up on some Mississippi coverage. What disturbs me on the message board are the people who keep attacking the people who were directly affected and that is unfair. Hurricane Dave posted that 'the ignorants died'. I believe he is missing the point. The point is that a major natural disaster hit the Gulf Coast and no one was prepared. The solution is not to point fingers but to work together to find a solution. Did racism play a role? Yes. Did ageism play a role? Yes, why wasn't there a plan to help the nursing homes and hospitals? Did classism play a role? Yes, too many poor people of all ethnic groups were left behind. It was so sad to find out that Hispanic and Asian people did not know they should leave because they did not speak English. Where were the translators? These are all important questions. But, as supporters across the country, we should continue to support, pray, work together and volunteer because all these areas will need us in the coming years.

MSNBC needs to take to heart Tommy Z.'s story and run with it. Nothing takes the wind out of the sail of corruption faster that publicity. You've got reporters in Waveland which is just down the road from Gulfport. This is something that should have hunted down from day one. Corruption is a great news worthy story. If you've got "Billy Joes" trying to turn into little crime lords, they need to be exposed. Then follow the chain of corruption as far up as you can go. See where that leads.

The recovery is moving at a snails pace with very little of the governments money making much of a difference. I made my 3rd trip to New Orleans last weekend and was appalled by the COMPLETE LACK OF PROGRESS. It begs one to question if we are spread too thin globally to take care of our own. It was a sad scene all over town. I also kept hearing complaints about lack of work, which I find absolutely mind blowing considering the amount of work that needs to be done. Apparently because of the insurance companies dragging their feet alot of residents don't have the funds to hire the crews needed to rebuild their residences. This hs led to something which IS NOT BEING COVERED AT ALL ON THE NEWS - The amount of people living in cheap tents spread all over town. City park had tents everywhere. Apparently because of our crooked politicians almost none of the FEMA trailers were placed within the city of NO. So, if you want to stay in your home city - GO BUY A TENT. This really is a terrible day for our country.

Surely the politicos in Jackson & Washington are tracking this MSNBC website. Let's hear from you about the contractor concerns. The Corps of Engineers has had a right of entry to remove my house in Old Town BSL since October & yet it still sits there -- sort of. It's falling in on itself & I think is a safety issue, but so far no action on its removal. I agree with others, especially since I'm temporarily in GA, that if Katrina had happened almost anywhere other than MS, a hell of a lot more would be done by now. Outside of the South it seems like most are tired of hearing about what's going on & have an attitude of indifference. For those of you who are tracking this website, I'm not pointing at you, but ask your families & co-workers and please prove me wrong on my assumptions.

I have seen a great deal of coverage concerning the aftermath of Katrina. I have not seen any coverage concerning the postal systems and its problems with delivering mail to and from the region. We have family in Southeastern Louisiana and we are located in Columbia, South Carolina. When we send the family packages or letters, it takes weeks for them to receive the mail. When they send us letters, we don't even get them unless it is certified or registered mail. My neice sent a letter to my mother in Columbia, South Carolina, in October. We never received the letter and it has not been returned to her in Louisiana. My nephew sent my mother mail the week before Christmas. We still have not received the letter. We have submitted complaints to the USPS and have not gotten any results. Where is the mail going and who has the accountability? We are paying an additional 2 cents for 1st class letter and can't even get one delivered!

Hey Super Dave!!! I thought you were retiring? glad to hear you're ok. Mom and I are in AL, but God we miss home--especially Ernies! Hope to see you soon!-Jamie "JamieSon"

Our church has been sending teams to Waveland, BSL area each month since Oct. The story we keep getting from all the locals is that the only help they are getting is by churches from the eastern half of the country. I have also had direct contact with men hauling those trailers. They are disgusted!!! They have told me of all the money that the government is waisting, they said it is mind blowing. For instance, there is a young man in Mississippi(not from there) that is working at the trailer dump site putting identifying stickers on the trailers, making $2,300 a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is going on in Washington???????????? I don't think one hand knows what the other hand is doing. And I understand he has a lot going on, but what happened to Bush's concern for the south. Instead of putting all the time and energy into petty debates and other countries, lets see him go down and gut a house, because that is all the good folks can afford. The government continues to let insurance companies and outside people dictate the fate of a beloved part of our "ONCE GREAT NATION", and the wonderful people that lived there. People, it is not over. It will literally take years for there to be some sense of normalcy. We in Kokomo, IN are committed to you Waveland and BSL for as long as you need it. Please if any of you reading want to help, contact Shoreline Baptist Church-Charlie or Martee @ 228-493-1272. They will be able to tell you how you can help.

mary had a little lamb......i've taken up for you on other blogs.....but have you gone NUTTZ!!!!....everyone of us has an opinion....but gee this is nothing racial....it happened ....to everyone.....can't you see that..my god...i don't care if you are white or black....rich or poor...ya gotta help each other...put a smile on your face....and just help your fellow man!!!

Niki, I don't live in the Bay/Waveland area any more, but I love it so and want to thank your church for their compassion and the faithful friendship that they are exhibiting. The need will be present for so long, and it is really heartening to hear of a group with such commitment! .... I would love to see Bush help gut a house too! I was heartened that he actually drove from Waveland down to the Bay, drove right by what was our house. I am horrified by the waste too... and disappointed in our leadership, but not in our people. Americans have good strong hearts and hands. That's what this monster storm is requiring. That people as far as Kokomo, Indiana can care is really amazing. Thank you!

Sad! So Sad! What happened to "our" country? Where everyone helped their neighbors? We shouldn't waste time debating about who's fault it was. It was an act of nature, it happens everyday, somewhere. We need to pull up our boot straps and take care of the USA, and the people who call this home. Help your neighbors, your friends, families.

Tommy Z’s story about the fraud occurring months after Katrina reminded me of the effects after hurricane Charlie last year. I was a resident of Fort Myers, (about 30 minutes away from Port Charlotte) when Charlie ravaged the area. Port Charlotte and Cape Coral were hit pretty hard by the storm. At that time, it was one of the most expensive hurricanes to date. I drove through each city after the storm and realized the destruction. Well into January, State Road 31 had piles of debris through the area. Although, there was and still is plenty of work cleaning up after the hurricane. Some people made a killing off of the unfortunate. I know people who brought home $400 a day easily, by merely cleaning up debris around someone’s home, or cutting down fallen trees. However, that has since come to an end.
The effects of Charlie on the area should have caused someone to raise a concern about the effects of a much bigger hurricane. Charlie caused two rival high schools to attend class at the same campus in a tiered schedule. There was no preparation for Charlie. Charlie was the absolute worst-case scenario for the area that everyone talked about prior to hurricane season. The homes in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte are newer homes, yet still a lot of them were damaged beyond repair. Today, the cities are regaining their steam and are doing well. The scars are still very visible, there are still shredded blue tarps on roofs in Cape Coral but life has returned. These places, which were very much so in the spot light at one point are rarely mentioned now. The people who are still living in FEMA trailers and can not find affordable housing are not being mentioned. Even though, they will most likely be homeless within the next month. I just hope that the areas affected by hurricane Katrina can bounce back, and that the effects and the people effected are never forgotten about.

Larry in AL I was one of those people that picked up food for myself and my family. My sons loved your burgers. Also, the day you offered chicken tenders and french fries was so exciting. Warm food, gee how much joy that brought. (very serious)
Thanks so much for everything you do!!!!

shar, thank you for using the term act of nature and not act of god.

To Lynn,, you and THEY all missed the point,,, we have been telling people what to for YEARS,,, they never listen, I know,,, this is what I do for a living. No one should be even LIVING in New Orleans, the place is below sea level. And no,,, no racicist thing went on there. They just did not heed warnings. The Mayor,, should have made arangements to have all of the poor and the sick bussed out,,, no matter what race.

President Bush should never be allowed to hold his head up in America Again! He has lied to the American public, to American allies who now DO NOT TRUST the US, to US Troops and most of all about all his FRIENDS! This man and his buddies have cost America enough. He will go down as the WORST PRESIDENT in US HISTORY. His first six months in office he was on vacation more than working. The people of America in general, not just New Orleans, not just Alabama, and not just Mississippi, we as a people should stand up and take a stand against this evil dicator who has now taken the government away from the people and given it to the wealthy class. Where is the ONE VOTE MATTERS ideals that this country once stood for. This country is in a bad way, and we all need to stand up-VOTE, and take back our country. If not the only thing left will be the POOR (dem) slaves and the rich/wealthy (rep)Owners. Does this sound familiar? We need to do something in this county before it is too late.

I Pray today and always for those effected by the Storms of Last Year, and hope that you are prepared or are preparing for the next season. I hate to say that! May GOD, your family, and friends help thru in this time. Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what your country can do you out of! If the Federal Government has it's way, the line between the have's and have not's is only going to get bigger.

Take care of yourselves, and ALL OF YOU are in my prayers,

D Keith

I have recently relocated to Biloxi, MS from Florida and Iowa before that. Seeing the state of things even after 3 or 4 months is showing progress is going slow. I look around and wish I could have seen the Gulf Coast in it's finer days. The historical homes, homes in general and business are foundations at best. It seems that mother nature, does what she does best; destroy and start life all over again. The people I live around are still in awstruck, and tears are shed daily. But, there is feeling of hope, and excitement of what the Gulf will one day be again. My heart goes out to the people that lost their homes, lives and families. Reading posts of faults and racial "pointing the finger," leaves me in disgust. There were warnings. People were told to evacuate and that help could not come for days, due to their own safety. It makes me feel ashamed that someone would see such a small thing, the color of skin, be a factor of something no one could control. All we can do is help ourselves and those around us. That's what PEOPLE are suppose to do.

For the people affected, you are all in my prayers, and I am sorry for all that you've lost.

I've followed the progress of the Katrinna hit townships on the internet since day 1 and knew that it would take along time to rebuild.It is a sad thing to say,but alot of people who were not affected by the storms could care less.I some time have to deal with them and I tell them when the earth quake hits they better not cry or yell for help,because there may not be anyone show up.I was at a friend house when the hurrican went through the southern states and most of us had tears in our eyes and wanted to help with what ever we could.The greed that some of you talk about is everywhere not just down there with the rentals and contrators.I want to work down there and do volunteer.

The week of February 13th, 2006, I drove to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My goal was to visit devastated areas from Waveland to Biloxi and talk to people about what progress had or had not been done. My visions were often blurry as I was constantly wiping my eyes. There were bulldozers and dump trucks and the sounds of hammering and sawing and tossing debris on top of debris. Traffic was heavy and I wondered why because there were very few places left to go. The people who has lost their homes and everything in them were amazingly positive about the situation and even when they talked about paying mortgages on houses and businesses that were no longer there and insurance companies that were failing to pay, hope glimmered from every face and in every word they spoke. The strength that they portrayed was almost supernatural and I had to stop and wonder if indeed it was. There was no whining, no moaning, no complaining, and most were putting aside their losses to help someone else with theirs. In my opinion, every citizen of the states affected by Katrina, whose lives have been able to continue under their own roof, whose children have been able to continue in their own schools, and who have their jobs to depend on, should dedicate time, whether it be an hour, or a day, or a week, whatever, to help someone in the devastated areas who have not been so lucky. We can make a difference, one person, one family, one street, one block, one town at a time.

I am so sick of people using race as a factor in the lack of relief efforts and progress in rebuilding the hurricane ravaged areas. I am a black Florida native who moved to Gulfport, MS in June 2004. I lived through the horrors of Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina. My husband, 2 children and I are temporarily living in Atlanta while our business is being renovated. Let me just say that I saw Hurricane Katrina rip lives away from black, white, vietnamese, and hispanic people. To respond to "Mary's" comments, yes, New Orleans is predominantly black, and a large population of black people were affected by this tragedy, but how then would you begin to explain the lack of relief efforts on the predominantly white Mississippi gulf coast? The relief efforts were poorly executed in New Orleans AND Mississsippi not because of the racial demographics, but because of the government's lack of preparedness (at all local, state, and national levels) for storms of this caliber. America was simply not PREPARED. In 2003 New Orleans was allocated a $7 million federal grant to improve its communication system; yet the mayor chose not to use the city's mobile command center, which is designed for communication during disasters such as Katrina. The government also knew that the levee sytem was unacceptable years before Katrina hit, but did nothing. Why? Your guess is just as good as mine. And as Hurricane Katrina was ripping lives away on August 29th, our dear old President was visiting air force bases and attending country club meetings, obviously poorly advised of the seriousness of this storm. I've heard people say that Mayor Nagin was incompetent because he is black; others have said President Bush is racist and incompetent because he failed to respond to the predominantly black victims. People are incompetent not because of their skin color, but because they are just plain INCOMPETENT!! Hmmm...just a thought...maybe we should really be blaming ourselves for electing these geniuses into office. My opinion is that if black people continue to seperate themselves from any and every situation that happens, racism will continue to exist and we will never be viewed as just AMERICANS!! Furthermore, if you feel that an injustice to blacks has occurred, then get up, stand up for what you believe in and make a difference in the community! The problems in the BLACK community start and end with BLACK people. As with anything, the difference between success and failure is the amount of effort you put forth. To all who helped with Katrina relief, thank you and God bless. THE COAST WILL BE BACK!!!

To all who have had to endure the trials and tribulations of katrina, my prayers are with you. I am 36 and have lived in MS all of my life. I do not live in a flood zone, but I have 3 children who I love with all of my heart. I evacuated them to safety. I wish everyone would have done that. At least they would still have one another even if they lost their home and possessions. Black or White, yellow or red, storms of that magnitude does not care. We can't blame govt., levees, presidents. We can only blame ourselves for not taking the precautions necessary to bring ourselves and our families to safety. Even if I had no transportation, I can walk. If you don't have a car, how do you get to the grocery, or mall? Do you wait for the president to send you a plane ticket, bus ticket, or train ticket? You should have listened to Bob Breck ( if you could pick up N.O. channels) and got the hell out! People, New Orleans, St. Bernard,and Slidell wasn't the only town affected. I watched a 58 year old man who I did not even know sob when he told me he couldn't find his grown son while my husband, myself and our 7 year old son delivered supplies sent to us from a church in Atlanta. My husband works alot in the Waveland Bay St Louis area. These people were also without water and food and shelter but they weren't all black, so let's get over the whole race issue please and they weren't all poor either. but if a storm that big comes your way and there are no stores to shop at and no banks to draw money from it leaves everyone poor, whether you are black or white.