Two million cubic yards of debris?? How big is that?? My mind can't even begin to visualize the enormity of the cleanup. NBC keep on with this reporting. We cannot allow the American public to fall back on it's short-sighted memory. So many responses have blamed the Bush government, politics in general, and the people who have suffered losses for not going out and getting a job. Get real. Where are the jobs when nothing is left. I'm not saying we owe everyone everything, but there has to be some way to help people who have a $100,000 mortgage or larger with nothing to show for it but a bare (debris, not counted) piece of land. We give and give to other countries, so it's time to give to our own citizens. Our current government has not met it's obligations. Hopefully we will have a longer memory this time. I know I will.

To all the survivors, you are in my prayers daily, and i hope that somehow you have peace in the holiday season, as for the "multi-billion $ ins. debate, there should not be one. All the damage was from a HURRICANE. 100% WIND DRIVEN. These thousands of people, for many years paid (probably high to begin with, due to where they live) insurance. For these insurance companies to welch on their OBLIGATION, to pay these people the proper amounts to rebuild. THIS WAS NOT A FLOOD!!!!!!!!!!! P A Y T H E S E P E O P L E!!!!!

Thank you for telling the story of towns other than New Orleans. I volunteered for hurricane Rita relief. You can multiply this cost and this loss by hundreds if you count up all of the small towns damaged not only by Katrina but also by Rita. Unfortunatly Katrina is still receiving most of the publicity and funding. How about Hurricane Rita. How about those folks in Texas too.

Thanks to all who don't even live in our area! I live in Pensacola, FL. We survived hurricane Ivan in September of 2004, We are still trying to "fix" things, and we hope to finish before Christmas of 2005! Please be patient of us "hurricane left-overs" as we work dillegently work to try to repair what is "re-pairable" of what we are left with...along with trying to earn a living. Please remember that we should not be forgotten......

I have an interesting idea to solving the rebuilding issue, at least in terms of housing. You open a factory in town for modular buildings (panelized or modular construction, not trailers), and employ the people of the town in the factory. The collectively work to produce new buildings for the town, and the construction quality stays high because it is controlled not by FEMA or shitty contractors, but by the people who are invested in the city. Then, after the rebuilding process is over, you have an economic engine to provide money and jobs for the town, by continuing to build these pre-fabricated buildings and export them to surrounding areas or other parts of the country. You could even expand that to some other building products, like building doors or something that is not location-dependent. I'm in architecture school, and if you look at the 2005 Solar Decathlon that was sponsored by the Dept of Energy this year, many of the tools for rebuilding in a way that is beneficial in the long term for the area's residents can be found. This is an opportunity to improve the situation, not simply rebuild quickly without factoring in the long term impact.

There are plenty of jobs here on the Mississippi Coast. The problem is that people can sit back and get money from FEMA and other sources without have to work for it. Business's are hurting for workers. It is so bad that Burger King is offering a signon bonus to get people to work and no one is taking advanage of it

What a great idea, Andrew.
I believe more use of modular/prefab housing is long overdue, there are some great examples of what is currently available on the web.
Your project would really help not only now, locally, but in disasters in the future, as this could be up and running to supply others.
My house in Waveland was flooded up to 10 feet, but can be rebuilt, am working on that now.
There are so many smart people out there with great ideas, keep them coming

Obviously, these people would not have had water in their homes had it not been for Hurricane Katrina. The insurance companies gladly took their premiums for years without paying out, now they are refusing to help these people due to small print in the contracts. Something needs to be done to protect people from the unfairness of these regulations. Where is the help promised by President Bush in the after math of the storm?

Ken: I've heard of that signing bonus - you only get it if you agree to work for Burger King for a year. Working in fast food is not a fun job, even if it is a bit of money. Trust me, I've done it. It's quite possibly some of the hardest work our society, and certainly some of the most thankless. Many people who are looking for jobs are looking to move up from what they may have been working at before the huricane. This may mean that you have to wait longer for your burger, but if the people who take the initiative to get jobs and improve their socioeconomic standing, I say good on them.

Great post by Ken! You are exactly right. Several hotels were recently asked how many hurricane victims that were staying in these hotels had gone to hotel management and asked for employment, and the response from each hotel was the same ... NONE. Many of these people are now just waiting for a check. I mean come on. What happened to having insurance on your property? Now, we the taxpayers are supposed to take care of them? Are we as a nation going to start handling every natural disaster large and small like this? Why just the big ones? You better believe if this happens in my town, then I expect the same benefits. There is a reason that many people didn't live in New Orleans --- it's called below sea level! Think about it.

Also, the great Mayor of N.O. who seems to be so anti George W. Bush, is laying off city workers. If there is so much clean up left to be done, why would he start laying off people??? Just something else to blame on someone else.

I agree with Ken..that now their are plenty of work to be had...yet, I believe those that complained before Katrina that they cant find work..are gonna milk FEMA for every dime...then pick up on the moaning and groaning that they can't find work....Its a shame..that their are many honest and moral people trying to make good of a bad situation..only to have the scammers and lazy beggers hurting the true effort of Many....I hope FEMA set aside a few million to 'research and prosecute' the many that are scamming the Government.

Please try to let the people of our country know that Katrina's winds have not subsided. I was there w/ a disaster relief team 4 weeks ago and there is a long horribly difficult road ahead. ..Problem...the rest of the US thinks it is over and all is well. Upon returning to CA we tried to get news coverage of the ongoing disaster and were blatantly shut down w/"old news'..not intereted...'Katinia is over'... IT IS NOT OVER...The nightmares continue and I challenge anyone who thinks differstly to go there and volunteer to help for a couple weeks and then...come back and say the disaster is over. THe disaster is not over...it is ongoing.
Plese if you believe in anything...help....They need hands and $ and organization and LOVE.
Please help...Get the word out...Katrina's winds are still devistating out county.

Mr. Rich, I really don't think you have a clue! It's not an issue of people NOT having insurance, it's the insurance companies trying to find a way out of PAYING. Think about it - if it weren't for the HURRICANE there wouldn't have been FLOODING. The water didn't rise and submerge without the wind forces from the hurricane. This just reinforces my opinion of the insurance industry being a monopoly. How can individuals possibly fight these huge corporations and expect to win? There may be a few out of the many many displaced people that are sitting back awaiting government help but for the most part the people of the coast are doing whatever they can to accept the facts and move on. Mr. Rich, have you ever been to the Mississippi Coast? Have you ever experienced such devastation? Have you ever heard that if an employer (the New Orleans City Government) looses their stream of income (tourism)they have no choice but to lay off it's workers? Would you work for free? Have you ever heard of the saying "Think before you speak"? God bless and keep those that lost so much on the coast due to the hurricane(s); I've been keeping you all in my prayers.

I can't help but wonder about these people who are so quick to judge how others handle life-altering changes. How can anyone judge the survivors of this devastating situation so harshly? You want them to work for Burger King making minimum wage while they try to fight with insurance companies, rebuild their homes and keep their families from falling apart? You want to judge them for the depression they must be going through, especially this time of year when the focus is usually on family and home, while their families are scattered all over this nation and their homes aren't even worth using for kindling to keep warm? If Burger King wants to offer an incentive to workers tell them to take some of the billions of dollars we've paid them over the years and build the new employee a home so that they can keep their family safe in a warm environment while they go flip burgers for minimum wage. Apparently the people making these horrible comments regarding the survivors of the hurricanes have never owned homes or raised families. If you want to judge someone then judge the insurance companies who collected money from these people for decades under false claims of protecting them or the federal government that their taxes support who now is falling desperate short of their responsibilities to these same tax payers. People who work their whole lives to own homes pay taxes, far more than those who obviously don't know what homeownership is. People who raise families have large out of pocket expenses to support these families, unlike those who don't know what supporting a family requires. Judge those in the position to help and fail, not those who are fortunate to survive and are only asking that they receive the services they paid for all these years.

Andrew has a great idea. Companies like Crown Zelerbach, Ranyour,Weyerhauser, Georgia Pacific to name a few can or should jump on this like white on rice. Great for business and sure as hell would help the employment position. SBA should also get involved.
This would also take care of the timber land that was destroyed and may go to waste.How many million bdft is on the ground and not harvetsed yet?
They do make portable lumber mills if the main mills can not handle the input. More employment for the local people. Southern Yellow and Long leaf pines are strong trees for construction and house building.
Modular homes are also much stronger than the common stick built or platform construction.It is time for the local citizens to start the ball rolling and address these issues with their local and federal officials.
REMEMBER THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE MOST GREASE!!!!!

I have written this before, but it needs repeating. I had a home on Lafitte Dr in Waveland, 700 ft from the beach, 13.5 ft above sea level. My home is now a stripped slab. Audubon Insurance Group (AIG) was my Mississippi Wind and Hail policy insurer. I had NO flood insurance. AIG has determined that a tornado ripped through Waveland, south of the tracks, PRIOR to the surge. AIG paid my claim in full due to WIND damage PRIOR to the surge. I hope this helps every person in Waveland and Bay St. Louis. I have told my story to Marty Wolk, MSNBC writter. God Bless you all.

I would like to echo JD's comments. My mother had a house on Cedar Point in BSL. State Farm's field engineer called to verify its location and said, in his opinion, only a tornado prior to the hurricane could have caused the devastation. Unfortunately, that was a month ago and she is still waiting for State Farm to pay her claim. This area was in the eyewall of the hurricane. Only someone trying to avoid paying claims would say the damage was from water, not wind.

Flood insurance is the most inexpensive homeowners or renters insurance you can buy. Not having it is like not having life insurance. It is a personal choice if you are not in the 100 year flood plan. Don't expect to get paid for coverage you don't have. My son went to work in Louisiana for several weeks. The people there wouldn't work. They were collecting from FEMA. But it is very sad to see only slabs where homes used to be. I have only one question. Are the people in Hotels ex home owners or apartment renters? The problem to be addressed is how do you get everyone back to work and in proper housing?

Not an easy answer much easier to let someone else take care of it.

Andrew from Ithaca,NY so far is the only one with the best idea, I am sorry for the ones dealing with insurance but I lived thru Andrew and let me tell you it took 6 months before any help and I am not trying to side with the insurance companies but they got burned, alot of people claiming something that was not theirs.And also I know of a lot people still trying to get their insurance money. I lost my home to Charlie in 2004, and we are not in a home yet, but one thing I will tell you is that if you don't get to working and rebuilding your own community you will never get out of that devasted feeling. and people are complaining about working for Burger King - well when you know that more than 70% of the population in the worst devasted area was on wellfare to begin with what do you expect and I did not include in that percentage the elderly or sick or handicap. I don't know it just sad every one all ways so fast to blame some one or something else. i wonder what people did when they didn't have FEMA or insurance companies?

Merry Christmas to all...
You are in my Prayers everyday..the little one...the elderly....the young and the old...you are all God's children and He will never leave or forsake you...
Keep the Faith..God will not give you more than you will ever be able to handle...
I wish only for all to have a happy healthy..and Blessed Holiday..with Family and Friends...
not wind and rain...Had enough of that this year...
just love and laugh...and let the laughter heal your hearts and families...
God Bless you Everyone..

I can't believe that folks are rebuilding there along the coast. I am astounded that they can even borrow money to do so.

The National Hurricane Center says that we are in for at least ten more years of increased hurricane activity, and from what I have seen, most other scientists who believe in global warming think it will be a big problem for a much longer period of time.

Look at last year, look at this year, do you really want to stay anywhere near Mobile Bay? Do you really want to be on the Gulf Coast at all?

I think at this point it has become a nice place to visit where no sensible person would want to live. I certainly do not want to keep subsidizing them to live there, knowing the liklihood that its just going to get trashed again sometime in the next few years.

Head inland folks. Jackson is about as close to the beach as you really want to be. I did, I left Galveston for Ohio with my family. I was really glad to be feeling sorry for someone else instead of worrying about my own.

Do you know that hundreds of Fema trailers are sitting on Route 32 in Robertsdale Al right now. People need a place to live and these trailers sit idle.. We live in the US. Please help our own citizens. Help the shrimpers in Bayou La Batre get their boats back in the water so they can produce. Fema is a joke.

hey what's wrong with working at B.K. or anywhere that doesn't pay a 5 figure salary? People who have say on their sorry butts.having babies for another check,will not work.They didn't own a home anyway, Gov. paid rent,living in hotels is like a palace to them. those who OWNED homes are the ones to be helped. not the worthless people who are mad that Gov.( ME)is not totally supporting this yet another bunch of welfare(my taxes,I'm a single 62 y.o.Sr.citizen)and FEMA is part of my tax. Help those who help themselves
Tell Miss Canada, Christine, to just harboring criminals and keep her nose out of OUR American business
Judy V. Augusta, GA

hey what's wrong with working at B.K. or anywhere that doesn't pay a 5 figure salary? People who have say on their sorry butts.having babies for another check,will not work.They didn't own a home anyway, Gov. paid rent,living in hotels is like a palace to them. those who OWNED homes are the ones to be helped. not the worthless people who are mad that Gov.( ME)is not totally supporting this yet another bunch of welfare(my taxes,I'm a single 62 y.o.Sr.citizen)and FEMA is part of my tax. Help those who help themselves
Tell Miss Canada, Christine, to just harboring criminals and keep her nose out of OUR American business
Judy V. Augusta, GA

We here in Atlanta have seen our fair share from New Orleans as well. Why are they here I wonder? why do they not go back home and be counter productive by helping rebuild. I know that 60% of those who live in other states now didnt have a house, or apartment they could call their own. That they got by having welfare in the first place. Or section 8 of some kind. It is funny I keep hearing about how this is a racist problem, but yet there were all nationalities and races affected by the hurricane together, at the same time. I didnt see a big wave coming thru town singing hate songs against one race. If I was in New Orleans right now, my message to those who are elsewhere and not coming back unless they had a home to live in would be this...."If you stayed away while we rebuilt, then dont come back."

I am from Gulfport, MS currently in Iraq. I have family and property there. I was told that I may have nothing to come back to. People still there are trying to rebuild, not only thier homes, but thier lives and dignity. People lost homes, jobs, but don't forget loved ones and friends. I don't know what to expect when I return. I am just hoping that all the people I care about are alive and well. I am tired of hearing of New Orleans. I have family in Slidell who are still without a home. I had to help my family with the money I am earning to keep them afloat. I was told that I have the option to go home... What could I do but be another mouth to feed. I won't get a cent from FEMA to help me. Sorry, I am venting "misplaced" anger while others are still suffering. I pay taxes, State and Federal, so when things like this happen the people who need assistance are taken care of, not to die because of lack of shelter or food. I am over here to give these people hope that they will be able to enjoy a time of peace.

Alot of you people don`t know what`s really going on down here on the MS coast. 75% of the people aren`t on welfare. The people are not sitting around waiting on FIMA (federal incompetent management agency) checks. I registered with fima 4 days after the storm, 3 months later I finally got some help(2000 dollars) I pay 4 times that in federal taxes every year. FIMa don`t just give tons of money away even to people like myself that lost eveything. They do give tons of money to the contractors like Bechtel(they are the ones in charge of delivery and set up of temporary housing). You should witness them milking the taxpayer, you would really be upset.
The motel rooms 90% of the storm victims are staying in are away from the coast. The motels we have are full of relief workers(phone,power,cable,etc.) I was homeless for 2 1/2 months and going to work. I finally found a motel room 2 weeks before I got the fima camper and I paid the 95 dollars per night with my own money.
Burger King and other businesses probably can`t get enough help because alot of people are out of town. I`m sure there are some people that could work that don`t, but it`s no worse than the rest of the country.
I`m having problems collecting from my insurance on wind damage. The 1st adjuster couldn`t make it, the 2nd claims to have lost my paper work, the 3rd couldn`t make it, and I told the fourth to hold off because I`m going to hire a public adjuster. They are slow rolling to try to get people to give up and accept less than they should. I can tell you that my insurance is not on my side.

After our disaster in New York City I was aware of a "plan" to remove debris, for some reason I have not heard of a time table or a "plan" for the disaster areas from Katrina.

I like others do not believe that the government should pay the whole bill. But, also I think that foreign aid should be stopped until we have our own disaster under control.

It seems to me if you do not feed yourself first, you will not be strong enough to help others.

Americans are the mnost generous people in the world. They would all help and continue to help if there were a way. I think the Administration should set up a "Pheonix Corps" similar to the Peace Corps, and persons would volunteer to help, and the job would get done.

And if the folks in the present adminstration are too dumb to figure it out,and set it up, there are three examples in our own history, that I can think of,that could be used as models.

I once heard Jesse Jackson say "You may not be responsible for being on the ground, but you are responsible for getting up"

Lets pick ourselves up brush ourselves off, and get the work done.

I actually came up with an idea for prefabricated transitional housing. The general premise is that the sections can be transported in containers and then assembled on site without heavy machinery. I'm currently in the process of building a website to showcase it.

I am a former resident of Long Beach, Ms. Due to Katrina I now live in SC. Ken of Long Beach made a very good statement. Its gonna take the people of the affected areas to pitch in and help rebuild our town. FEMA can only do so much, I was one of the fortunate ones. I came to the low country because of the situation, but I now have suitable housing and a good job, but I didn't forget were I came from. I have donated and helped out when and if I could. There are facts that alot of people are sitting in hotel rooms, hanging out in the lobbies, instead of trying to find alternate housing, or jobs or schools for the kids. Katrina did take alot of lives, alot of property, jobs, admitt it she took alot but we as people have to remember our independence, that she did not take. Get up, get out of those hotels, find jobs (if you evacuated), enroll the kids into school and try and make a new start. There were times I sat up at night and cried, waking up with puffy eyes, but it didn't stop me. I love Long Beach, Ms. and one day plan to return to the town but life goes on. My boyfriend is a carpenter and I am here in SC while he is in New Orleans helping to rebuild. Ladies lets support our husbands in rebuilding ( if applicable )those who help rebuild gets us home faster. Its hard trust me I know I was actually there during the storm. I have walked the streets filled with debris and bodies and sewer, you name it. As for as FEMA is concerned, well i'd rather not comment,plus I don't have enough time, or space on this message. I'm sure alot of you know what I mean. Basically for those who were affected, keep your heads up, stay prayed up, and have faith, it alone can move a mountain. And for those who helped as far as donating to the Red Cross, or other organizations, or has given a helping hand. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am reading a lot of posts from people on the MS Gulfcoast and I have an idea I would like to share. My mother has several properties in Gulfport that were destroyed or severly damaged in Katrina. She fortunately had flood insurance but it did not pay out enough to cover all of her damage. She also had a wind policy but they don't want to pay. If we all compare our stories, especially those of you that have gotten a good pay out from the wind policy, it will help all of the people that didn't have flood insurance or those that didn't get a good payout from the flood insurance policy. She has been fighting tooth and tong for herself and homeowners surrounding her properties to get a decent payout from the wind policy. Several residents surrounding her didn't have flood insurance because they were told by their agents that they didn't need to carry one because where they are located would never flood. If a bunch of the homeowners can get together and work together and share their stories, you could all benefit. Especially if any of you stayed and witnessed the wind damage and will sign affidavits stating this. Please email me at cyberkaf@hotmail.com if you are interested in working with my mother on this issue!

Being in law enforcement, I was on the Mississippi Gulf Coast the day after the storm, and stayed there in four day shifts for the next five weeks. For those who haven't been there in person, it's brutal. Whole neighborhoods are simply gone, with nothing but jumbled up lumber and appliances lying everywhere. In some places, it's a little better now, but there is still a very long way to go. The population on the coast is made up of mostly good, hard working people who don't want to be taken care of, all they ask is simply a little help from the feds for infrastructure, and for the insurance companies to pay what they owe. The rebuilding and starting over they can handle themselves. Unfortunately, there is a minority of people, sadly, a very visible and very vocal minority, who have been taken care of for generations. This group wasn't working before the storm and won't be working after. Please don't paint the whole population of the Mississippi coast with the same brush. The vast majority of our people want nothing more than to get back on their feet and continue leading happy and productive lives.

I am keeping everyone in the gulf states in my prayers. My heart goes out to you.

I am so disgusted by our govenments response to this whole situation. Even though the news does not report about Katrina and it's survivors, I make sure to visit the latest news articles on the web to remind myself that it is not over. It is going to take such a long time.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish there is something more I could do.

My, my, my. I lived through Hurricane Hugo and I empathize with all of you on your losses. Yes, the loss of vegetation is just as hard to swallow knowing it'll take years to be regrown. The respite we got from Hugo was 15+ inches of snow three months to the day after Hugo blew in, just in time for Christmas. As you know, we hadn't hardly any trees for the snow to cling on, but it was beautiful none the less, WE HAD SNOW. As Christmas approaches and you find yourselves in some strange place that you must now call home, may you have a Merry Christmas in the joy of knowing that Christmas is a holiday in which we celebrate the joys of giving as the wise men did to a small babe long ago, a baby which changed our world and everything is now better through him. And for the sects of other religious orders, may your higher power see you through these hard times. I hope that all will some day say what I say now, "I hope God doesn't bless America, I HOPE HE BLESSES US ALL". Whichever name you give your higher power, may he protect you all. Stay warm as the winter season closes in fast.

Again we must continue to "work together to Make a Difference" and WE will if we work on the donations of time, personnel and pure manpower needed to help re-build in these areas.

It is amazing to me that our leaders have not passed more legislation / an act of Congress to make an organization like EEOC / FEMA work together to place those who have gone homeless there - to help put them to work - where they are needed - get perm housed - fed and allowed to provide the help we ALL should want to SEE - is going on much quicker than it is now - down there.

It has been "hit and miss" re-building instead of the all out effort an FDR, JFK or even Pres Reagan would have authorized under Presidential degree and Congress would normally pass to help in this effort.
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Should We ALL not write to them to let them know?

SRene
ParentsWhoCare.us
e-Business-Professionals.us
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If I was offered the chance and someone would make it affordable to go to work there teaching, helping to co-ordinate the re-training effots I would go in a heart beat...will you go there too?

While I feel so sorry for the people of New Orleans,
I believe the people of Mississippi were hit harder.
Thirteen cities on the coast of Mississippi lost at least the first four blocks of their towns and some like Waveland and Bay Saint Louis lost practically the entire town. Homes and buildings over 100 miles inland in the state of Mississippi were damaged because the storm went up through that state. In all of this, the people of Mississippi were a class act. I say that because they were polite and thankful for the help received. I can't say that for the people of New Orleans. Many were unbelievely bad mannered and prayed upon one another and even those trying to help. Then to blame others when they failed to evacuate was even more shameful. The mayor failed to do his job and so did the state leadership. That's the bottom line and they need to face up to their
responsibility and failure to act accordingly.

Today is Dec 15th and we are still waiting on a trailer. We get a phone call every day from fema asking if we have our trailer yet.Instead of calling to find out if we have a trailer find out why we don't. We are still waiting for an inspector. It seems there isn't any communacation between each group. Please organize these people.

I am an Insurance agent and frankly am tired of the bashing that Insurance Companies get for not paying for the flooding that went on in all of the hurricanes. That risk is EXCLUDED. Most people didn't have coverage because they didn't believe their property would flood and Insurance companies would happily have provided the coverage had they simply asked and paid the premium. Should Insurance Companies be made to pay for this excluded coverage by the courts ir will simply bankrupt all of the ones that are involved as they were not collecting the necessary premium to cover this risk. Lastly, to those who claim huge profits made by these insurance companies, I suggest you buy their stock and then you will reap your share of these so called profits. Buy the way, earthquakes are excluded as well unless you buy up the coverage.

What a need for compassion for an area that has been hit by such devastation. I have been down there helping with Samaritans Purse to volunteer with the clean up and I am looking forward to going back in 2006. The impacted area goes on for hundreds of miles and I could not comprehend it until I was there. I was touched by the heart’s of the people we were able to help and whatever good we were able to bring to them, they gave back to us even more with gratitude and thanks. You could not pay us enough to do the job we did, yet our entire group did not want to leave and we are all looking forward to volunteer again to help. Kiln, Bayou Talla Fellowship Church, and Waveland you have shown us that what is truly important is your heart and no matter how great the storm is, you are even greater.

i have a question for Mr. Fontenot. why do the insurance companies EXCLUDE everything that causes damage in a hurrican except wind and call it a hurricane policy?

I have written before, but it is still unbelievabe that we have so many people still living in tents and children without proper homes. Are we so jaded and calloused by the horrible new we see daily that we can so easily forget the suffering on the Gulf Coast? Wake up America! We gave Americans who are still suffering. Where is our government that people are still living in tents this long after the disaster?

George is on the right track. If salvage companies try to make money on the destruction not by throwing things away but trying to salvage the value of it, then everyone benefits. We don't waste our resources, the salvage companies charge less for their services because theres money to be had re-selling, and we don't end up with huge landfills of storm debris. Every downed tree is valuable as hardwood, softwood, plywood, or a host of other materials. Every scrapped car is hundreds of dollars in scrap metal. The clothes destroyed by the storm can be recycled all into paper, new cloth, even building insulation. The list goes on and on. There needs to be the establishment of an economic incentive to the rebuilding, because by enstablishing money-making engines in all of the clean-up roles, everybody profits and the destroyed areas recover economically much more quickly because there is more money staying in, or being created by, the local system.

I live in Bay Saint Louis down on Cedar Point. I wish to thank all of you for coming and helping Bay-Waveland. We are now living in a FEMA trailer on our own property. As of yesterday one of our neighbors was still living in a tent on his property. The temperature at night is in the 30's. It is like living in a landfill, the devastation is hard to imagine until you actually see it. There really are not any words to say to all that have helped except thank you.

My home is north of Lake Pontchartrain (New Orleans is south of the lake) and on the MS/LA state line. Katrina whacked us hard. Half of Slidell was inundated with water and so many homes and businesses destroyed. My home was wind-damaged as were so many others. Mega tons of trees down. No power or phones for a month. We only want government help with clean-up and infrastructure. Our local sales taxes are up due to refugees from New Orleans and St. Bernard parish; New Orleans is not so fortunate. How dow they pay for civil services? South of the lake, New Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes were drowned by faulty levees and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet that were Federal projects. Fed miss-construction helped those projects fail; now Fed help is desperately need to fix them right.

I lived in Waveland and was one of the people who had to swim out of my home along with my wife and daughter. The only unusual part of my story is that on Monday, August 22, one week prior to Katrinas' arrival, I underwent open heart surgery at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. I was discharged from the Hospital on Sunday, August 28. Our assisted evacuation never materialized, and we were forced to ride out the storm. I nearly died from complications and was finally evacuated to a hospital in Jackson, MS. I could write a book about dealing with shelter personel, medical personel, and especially government agencies. One thing that I can say for sure is that I never once saw any incidence of racism, and the only bias backed up by fact is that of the Government and news medias focus on New Orleans, a city NOT hit directly by Katrina.

Gene, Thanks for being in Iraq and all your work there. I too am sick of hearing about New Orleans. They need to start the rebuilding process themselves and have an appearance that they care about their town and it's residents (that's really sad for me to say since I was born there). I too live in Slidell and we were as devestated as BSL and Waveland, if not more so. Believe me when I tell you we still need help. We are a small Louisiana town so I guess we get lumped into the category of being New Orleanians but without the actual help, just the bad publicity. We surely haven't received the help that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has and the eye came directly over Slidell as well. The entire south side of town was totally destroyed. But that's OK, as a citizen of Slidell, when all is said and done, at least we know we helped ourselves. Not only that, but we now have alot of people from St. Bernard and the Mississippi gulf coast who now call Slidell home (the north end of town). And although 60% of our own people are homeless, we are embracing those from other communities who lost theirs as well. I would like to thank all the private organizations and faith based groups who helped us out. God Bless you all and please don't forget us. As for the federal government, I'm not sure they knew who the hell we were to begin with.

The media has no REAL idea concerning the lives of the people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I work in a convenience store in a very busy 4 way intersection in Long Beach, Ms.and every day I see truckload after truckload of debris being hauled to asigned destinations.

There are people still living in tents after nearly 4 months since Hurricane Katrina devastated our beautiful Gulf Coast. This is a national shame that the most generous nation on earth can't provide adequate shelter sooner for these victims...FEMA needs to get their act together. I understand they have done alot, however the organization of disaster relief has to be upgraded a great deal. We've been fortunate not to have really cold weather, however it was only last Christmas we has snow on Christmas Day and if these people living in tents don't receive adequate shelter soon then we'll have another crisis on a health related issue.

As for the insurance companies not paying for the damage created by the hurricane...our own state representative, Trent Lott, is battling his own insurance company for this very reason. He lost his home and so did our congressman Gene Taylor. Here's the problem....the coastline (near the beach) wasn't designated as a flood zone. Some policy owners still carried flood insurance while others didn't because they were informed it wasn't neccessary. A "storm surge" is defined as WIND DRIVEN WATER. These homes on the coastline were destroyed as a result of the storm surge and wind. The insurance companies apparently define the storm surge waters as a flood and if they didn't carry flood insurance then they weren't covered.

I would like to thank all individuals, church groups, charieties, etc. for the outpouring of your contrabutions. prayers and time sacrificed from your families by coming here to aid the victims of this horiffic disaster....your generosity will be remembered forever.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and for all those who have never visited Mississippi I hope you'll see the Gulf Coast rise above this tragedy and see the transformation from complete devastation to an even more beautiful Golden Gulf Coast one could ever imagine.

I just want to thank all the private organizations and church groups that camed down to help us. They are our guardian angels from all over the United States. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
JW BAY ST LOUIS, MS

Thank you for your coverage of these towns!! I have been to the Waveland/Bay St. Louis communities on 3 separate relief missions from Northern Virginia. Each time I am there, I am struck by the peoples' resiliance, their heart, and their strong sense of family and community. The people are so glad to know that they are not forgotten in light of all of the New Orleans coverage. The Waveland/BSL communities will continue to need Federal and private support in the coming months as they rebuild their lives and homes. I look forward to reading your continuing coverage until I can make it back down to the Gulf Coast.

I can never forget new Orleans. I lived there in the 1940s during WW11. Long time ago but Ive never forgotten. To think the neighborhood (Dumaine St on the City park side)I lived in was underwater I couldnt wrap my mind around that.Even to a 12 year old it was in interesting and unusual place. Im hoping to see it become that and more again.

the old new

the wind blew

shook the town through

took the town too

who knew?

some say a few

what did we do to get so black and blue,whoooo!

the new new

the coup: two for two

do you have a clue???

www.planforyououtthenewnew

so what you do

look past the residue

focus past the wind and rain and the coup

what you do is, what you do, make your way back to your place and take your place

among the faithful and true;

leave the--do you-- in the old new

make the new new--do to others like you want them to do you--

and as we build they will come too.

TREES OUTSTRECTCHED OVER ROADS

SICK, READY TO BE RELIEVED OF LIMBS

AND HAULED AWAY.

LONG LIFE UPROOTED

FROM FIERCE, FONDLING WINDS. FLOOD AND RAIN.

WHO WILL STAND IN HER WAKE.

ONLY MORE LEAVES TO RAKE.

The debate raised in the article above is typical of many of the issues faced in trying to recover from every insurance company, be it for hurricane damage due to Katrina, or any of the Florida disasters. The fact is, your insurance company is always your best friend before a disaster, and your worst enemy after. Your best bet is to hire a public adjuster, www.flhelp.com for instance, who is a lawyer capable of taking your side when faced with the distinctions and exceptions that insurance companies prey on, post disaster. Yes, it costs money, but it will bring you peace of mind and a much higher chance of success.

Two of my kids and I were in this area the week before Christmas. We volunteered for a week with Hands On USA. Most people around the country don't realize the magnitude of the destruction and how much help the people of the Mississippi Gulf Region need. After 4 months it's hard to see any progress has been made. Not because people have'nt been working hard, there's just soo much to do.These people need help. Thanks for reporting about the people of Mississippi.I encourage anyone who would like to help to get involved.

I live on the Mississippi Coast. I lived through Hurrican Katrina I stood in line for five hours to get water and ice. The heat index was 105. Had to do this for weeks. The hurricane supplies did not last enough. There weren't any business to purchase supplies. There were no gas stations. IT took 3 weeks to clear the roads to even get to supplies. Not to mention no utilities. If it weren't for volunteers, the national guard and churches we would not have been able to survive. We needed basic essentials just to survive. In order to get these things you needed a car, gas, electric,roads, stores You would have to walk in these shoes to have any idea of what it was like. I have a sick feeling every time a read a negative comment on Hurricane Katrina. I hope that these people never have to endure a disaster like this. It does not discriminate. Does not matter your financial resources or race. It treats everyone the same.

My family and I are residents of Pascagoula, MS. 90% of all houses in our town had flooding/storm surge. Our house had 3 1/2 feet of water. In our family, we have 8 houses, all with mud and only 2 with flood insurance. My husband and I had it and have had it for years but were not required to. We're relatively close to the beach so there was an outside possibility we could have water someday. Because we weren't required to have flood insurance, it was relatively inexpensive. But I cannot tell you how many people we know said their insurance agents discouraged them from buying flood insurance because they shouldn't have needed it based on the flood maps, elevations, etc. Were the agents negligent? How can I say that? This was unprecedented. Surely the lending institutions, who have perhaps the most to lose, would have insisted on flood insurance on the properties on which they hold the mortgage if they'd had an inkling that something like this was on the horizon. Some of you wonder why we don't move. Why should we? Most of us have never had water in our homes before. Ever. Listen: Houses 157 years old didn't just flood....they're completely gone. Our jobs (if we're lucky), our families, our lives are right here. I don't see a mass exodus from California because of the possibility of earthquakes, mudslides, or wild fires. Our daughter and family had storm surge 2 miles inland and nowhere near water. Tell me how she could have anticipated this? Of course, she wasn't required to have flood insurance. But, you know, we are all alive and well. At present, we have a FEMA trailer and are so thankful for it. Another thing we are so thankful for: All the wonderful people from all over this country who have been here, helping, living in worse conditions than we are. How will we ever thank the Red Cross, Salvation Army, National Guard, and police for all they did during those first very difficult weeks? God bless them all! The week of the storm, 3 realtors from Vero Beach, FL, drove up our street pulling a trailer with generators, window air conditioners, gasoline (which was in very short supply), extension cords, etc.....which they were GIVING AWAY to anyone who needed it. And the heat was blistering, even to us. I told these dear men that we were fine but it would really be a blessing if our pregnant daughter and two young grandchildren could be cool. They asked how to find her. When asked what to do with the items once she got power back, they said simply to pass the articles on to someone else who needed them and she did. Three guys just doing what they could do to help others they didn't even know. How great is that? Our experiences with FEMA were all positive. It took a while to get a trailer but we had to have water, sewer, power, and the debris picked up enough so that they could bring a truck in with the trailer to place it on our property. They (managed by the Corps of Engineers) have probably picked up debris on our street at least 10 times. No complaints about that either. There's a cruise ship leased by FEMA at our port being used as temporary housing. There's a FEMA trailer park behind our church for those, I guess, who don't have a place on which to place a trailer. Bechtel was having a Christmas party at our church the week end before Christmas, complete with Santa Claus, handing out toys to those children living in those FEMA trailers behind our church. They didn't have to do that. I thanked one of the Bechtel folks for doing that and, with her eyes filled with tears, she said it was her great privilege to do it. I could go on and on with the stories. I never knew there were that many wonderful people on this earth. I know the system isn't perfect and I know there are people to the west of us still living in tents. But there is a system and I have evidence that it works. There is just sooooo much need. We're in our 50's. It's not going to be fun starting over but we will. The elderly are the ones this is killing, literally. They are the ones we need to help. The rest of us will just have a nervous breakdown once we have the time to do so -- lol. Anyway, thank you for your donations, for your tax dollars. Please know that they are greatly appreciated by many of us here in Katrina Country. We owe you all and hope that in the future, should you need it (and I hope and pray not), we can return the favor.

Thanks CNBC for keeping our story alive; while so many other major news organizations have forgotten our calamity. The amusing thing is that America can keep their eyes glued to the television for reality shows and/ or a missing teen in Aruba (not to down play this atrocity) but the largest natural disaster in history hits and the people’s struggles on the MS Gulf Coast just don’t seem to matter much to the news.
The citizens of Bay St. Louis and Waveland definitely took a large blow on the chin the day Katrina struck. Our area, which consists of a melting pot of New Orleans influence, Immigrants, Snow birds, Country folks, Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and countless other cultures that seem to just jell down here in Hancock County. Bay St. Louis and Waveland are truly fine place to live. We have culture, charisma, great food, art, music, spirituality. We are an area that absolutely should be a model on how Americans should exist. We say hello in the grocery store, we attend school functions, we help our neighbors, and support our kids. The citizens of this area are second to none. We are colorful, sporting, confident, and loving, and most of all we are resilient and hard working. We contribute to society, we pay our bills, and we don’t wait on government checks. Sure some bad apples in the bunch, but as a whole we are top notch citizens.
I have been fortunate enough to live in Bay St. Louis my whole life. Born into a family with great deep roots in the “Bay”. I have enjoyed many sunsets in Cedar Point, fished the Bay and it’s tributaries, enjoyed the night life and fine food, but most of all enjoyed the sense of community the Bay has always offered, a true since of belonging. I will say that seeing my town, our town, our Coast, in this shape is truly disheartening. Hearing fellow Americans say we are waiting on checks, don’t want to work, and should have never lived in that area, truly exasperates me. I guarantee, as a citizen of Bay St. Louis, which is a neighbor to Waveland, located in Hancock County, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and part of the greatest country in the world that I pretty much will convey everyone’s consent when saying,
“I sure wish I could go back in time, and make my city whole again!!!”
We are strong, resilient people here in Hancock County, and we will overcome all of the hardships that Katrina has dished out. Bay St. Louis and Waveland may loose some of their small town charm, but life will go on. Our since of community will only become stronger and we the citizens will prevail.

Thanks to the many folks that responded so quickly after the storm: MS Power, with other Southern Companies, countless tree services, National Guard units ( both local and out of state) and Federal police, (both local and out of state), Wildlife and Fisheries (both local and out of state), United States Coast Guard, medical staff at Hancock Medical (continued services in the ER even though place went under water five feet), countless non-profits with supplies and machinery, Waveland Café folks, Management at Wal-Mart for getting back up so fast, and the news groups that reported on our damages and losses. And anyone else that assisted that I may have left out.
Thank everyone who has contributed to in any way to our cause. The many, thoughts, prayers, and contributions from countless, selfless, Americans really assist in keeping the torch burning, as we strive to become whole once again. The many Christmas gifts that our children received form perfect strangers really brought to light how great Americans can be. The countless hours logged by local government officials and representatives are another beacon of hope, leading the battlefront back to wholeness. Thanks to FEMA, as well, for tackling this enormous challenge, attempting to right wrongs, and for being here in our time of need. Thanks so much and God Bless Bay St. Louis, and God Bless America!!!!

It is good to hear that things are at least "inching" in the right direction. I haven't been able to make it to the area, but people who have visited to help tell tales of devistation. My heart goes out to all affected.

Dear Mr. Wilkerson, I just want to compliment you on having the foresight to document the devastation in your community. It is hard to comprehend such horrendous destruction. Thank you.

HANG IN THERE MISSISSIPPI! WE'RE STILL WITH YA'LL IN OUR PRAYERS AND ASSISTANCE!

First, let me say that like all humans, I am empathic towards anyone who is suffering from the effects of the hurricanes. All reasonable humans feel bad when they see bad things happen to others, and wish they can help in any ways they can.
Everyone can learn from the emotions that are stirred up by these disasters. There is anger and animosity on all sides, as blame is placed for individual human losses.
Let's look at a few examples. First, the insurance problem. The fact is that the "hurricane" insurance which has been called a scam, is actually not "hurricane" insurance. The policy is called a "Wind" policy. In addition, some comments have referred to the insurance companies hiding behind "fine print" to exclude water damage. In fact, the writing within the policy is at least the same size as the writing which explains what is covered. The exclusion for water damage is from rising water, regardless of what made it rise. Wind, hurricane, or other.
Now, it may be disapointing, and even a bad deal to discover that storm surge from a hurricane is not covered. However, that was the deal with the insurance, plain and simple. I would agree that in somce cases, insurers might take advantage of this, not giving the benefit of the doubt. Also, in hindsight, agents may have been better to explain this better up front. This is easy to see after a disaster like this.
Of course, based on experience, and observing what happens in the world, none of this is unexpected. Even before the hurricanes, it would have been easy to predict that if there was a rare, devastating natural disaster, that insurance companies would not go beyond the letter of what is written into the policy. Who would have really expected them to do anything else?
In fact, the CAN'T do anything else. If an insruance company decided, randomly, to go beyond the coverage specified in the contract, their CEO would likely be sued by shareholders, for giving company money away as charity. Those are the facts, in basic terms. Reality may not be pleasant, in this case.
Now, do these companies make billions? Sure. Do they have a pretty good racket figured out? Of course. Will their executives make millions? Yes. But, they are the ones that figured out how to set up the racket in the first place, arrange the details, and make it legal.
And FEMA, where do I start? A government agency is going to bail out a city of tens of thousands? When was it ever a realistic idea to expect this? First of all, FEAM would not be able to accomplish this, even if it was within their job description. Sure, they might be able to get some levys rebuilt, and help with cleanup. But we are talking about reconstructing tens of thousands of homes, infrastructure, all while the city is without a complete population. It's a job beyond the scope of even a well-run company, much less FEMA.
Natural disasters and accidents happen every day, to different degrees. As humans, we need to expect this, and be prepared. This goes beyond insurance. I don't want to rely on anyone else for anything. Even insurance. I would expect to get something, but would certainly expect that the other party would try and work the settlement to their benefit, within the wording of the contract. If I suffer some catastophe, I will be appreciative of any assistance that others provide. But the final result of how I end up is on me. Hopefully, I will have lived my life thoughtfully and within means to have some cash in the bank for security, some knowledge to make decisions about risk, and plan for the future every day. Like keeping a full tank of gas in my car when a hurricane is coming. Like leaving a few days early before there is a traffic jam. Like knowing that if my house blew away tomorrow, and I received no insurance mone, that I can still find a productive and happy way to live out my life. Even if I have to move elsewhere.
Of course, if I was dealt some severe disaster, I would be extremeley disappointed. I would be sad. I may even ask others for help. But I would not have the mentality that I had anything coming to me from FEMA, SBA, "government", or otherwise. If it came, great, it is appreciated as a welcome benfit from living in this great country. But it is not a "right" I expected, or relied upon.
I wish all humans affected by this tragedy the best success possible. I feel pain when I see what is happening to you all. I also wish all others to learn from this, in that no insurance company, "government", or person can be counted on as a knight in shining armor to save the day. Be ready in life for what bad hand might be dealt to you, while always enjoying life to it's fullest every day. Good luck to us all.

Dave from Boca Raton, I am so glad that someone finally said what needed to be said. Your comment truly spoke to my heart and I pray that it speaks to others as well. It is true that life isn't always pleasant. A dose of reality is a jagged pill for anyone to swallow, but we will never get anywhere if we let life's disappointments stop us in our tracks.

That said, my heart goes out to everyone affected by a natural disaster. You are all in my prayers. May we all find joy in life's little pleasures and may the smiles of our children cause our hearts to overflow. Here's hoping we can make 2006 a wonderful year.

To all those affected by Hurricanes. You are in my prayers and may God bless you in the coming new year. As a Minnesotan I am floored by the way people have been treated after the natural disaster. However I can relate. A few years back Minnesota had the worse outbreak of tornadoes in history my house along with numerous family members houses were destroyed in an instant and our insurance woes led to eight months of fighting before anything got settled. It takes time. Be patient, keep the faith and may your communities be stronger than ever.

Also, my church wants to do a relief trip. If anyone knows who to contact, please post it or leave email contact info. Any postings will be verified by the appropriate personnel.

I have just returned from a mission trip to Biloxi, MS area. Our church group took a 30 hour bus ride from Northern Minnesota. When we arrived in Biloxi, half the group went to Kiln. We worked through Samaritans Purse (A GREAT ORGINIZATION!) That would be my suggestion as far as who to contact before you leave to go the area.
As far as work that needs to be done. Anything and everything you could possibly imagine!(and then some) The people on the Gulf Coast need our prayers! (and our muscle) What I saw was jaw dropping. Miles and miles of houses gone, lives torn apart. Please help if you can. I would like to go on another mission at some point too! To the folks in the Waveland, Kiln and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast you are in my prayers!

Thanksgiving has arrived and passed in 2006 and I'm thankful it's a different scene than in 2005. Although my husband, children, and I weren't able to celebrate due to a death in the family where we had to go out of state and just arrived home Thursday night, we are nevertheless grateful for what we have today considering the outlook just a little over a year ago.

The actual day of celebration is not what's important...it's the gathering of loved ones which is what makes the celebration so meaningful. We will have our Thanksgiving another day....perhaps this weekend.

I would like to again thank all the people and organizations who came to our aid after Hurricane Katrina. Your sacrifices and gifts will be remembered forever.

In Mississippi most of our grocery stores, malls, etc. are operating in full swing, however there are still the 'ghosts' (or remenants)of homes and buildings which occupy the memories of residents. The history of these places which gracefully dotted the Mississippi Gulf Coast has ended, but not erased because there will allways be stories told throughout generations and each will have its own unique picture of the past.

As time progresses there will be new structures, homes, etc and they will carry their own story for history buffs and listeners alike. I can only hope by then we will have advanced technology of these hurricanes, stronger buildings in the event of a direct hit, and preparedness of people far exceeding
the current status.

A note to the 'officials' and 'leaders' who may be reading this post:
"The war of the 'blame game' has to cease. There is NO single individual at fault for what occured as a result of Hurricane Katrina. EACH leader in our communities and government bares the burden of it's people, therefore stop the bickering and have COMMUNICATION as TOP PRIORITY. Concentrate on rebuilding the communities through combined efforts and solutions."

Have a safe and blessed holiday everyone!