George; thanks for the link.
 
Werner; thanks for your post about the minister's comments.  I'm trying to be careful not to get into a political debate, especially here in this particular thread.  I don't know to what extent the minister's comments may have been taken out of context; this is the first I've heard of them.  And I know nothing about this minister other than the comments in the link.  He may indeed have been a bit callous in his comments; since I did not see the whole interview, I don't know.  In my view, the people of the gulf region affected by the storm are deserving of our compassion, our attention and our help; and I encourage that all in our group who are in a position to help go to the Red Cross site and donate.  Whether or not the minister's comments were callous, they are not wholly inaccurate.  Many Americans, including state governors of both major political parties, support mandating emission controls.  Both the current Republican administration and the preceding Democratic administration, chose not to sign the Kyoto accords.  The current administration does not favor mandated controls; it is their position that such controls would slow the economy.  While the current focus should be to render assistance to the people of the disaster area, one long term result will probably be a renewed focus on global warming and a commitment from the leaders of the American people to do something about it.  While the minister's comments may have been callous, at least your leaders are doing something about the problem; ours are not.

Michael -
I hope all is well and that you and your family recover from this.  It is a HUGE disaster.  New Orleans is a GREAT town in so many ways.  My thoughts are definitely with you.
 
And not to stray to far from the reservation...just a reminder that in 1886 a record 7 hurricanes made landfall on the US...one of which was a category 4.  I wonder what boogeyman they blamed then for the hurricanes?  
 
Troy

Michael:
 
Political debates aside, my condolences and best wishes to you and your family in your time of need.

Michael:  You have my greatest sympathy for your troubles and prayers for your family.
 
Bill

Brother Michael:
Since the time I heard of the impending hurricane, you and your family have been on my mind. All positive feelings and healings your way, in prayer and thought. My heart goes out to you.  
~David

Michael
Hope you've had some good news since your posting Tues..
Like Dave mentioned..this is really no time for political debate.  
On a brighter note, working for a larger carrier, we are starting to see some major companies donating to the relief effort, we've been busy coordinating movement of much needed supplies into that region.
G

Michael, I've been out of town with no computer/email. Sending well wishes to you and your family.
 
Stoney

I'm from southwest of New Orleans we just got power back today I use to live on Magazine St in Uptown and my Mother In Law still does but everyone in my family is O K  but I still don't know if my best friend is alive or dead  my prayers are with you and your your Family

Hi David; it's good to hear from you.  The emotional impact of this tragedy on Americans all across the country has been deep, profound, and truly heartbreaking.

David, it sounds like your house is still there. That's some relief. I'm glad your family is alright and hope there will be news of your friend soon. Dave in his usual eloquent way has expressed much better than I the feeling of helplessness as a bystander to this mess.
 
Sam

Despite the embarassing response from our own Gov't. RE: this terrible catastrophie, the thoughts and prayers from working-class taxpayers like myself are with all of the people affected. Those of us affected personally by the barbarism of 9/11/01 didn't forget the help and support given by the rest of the country, and now it is our turn to give back.  
 
The agency I work for, The Port Authority Of NY/NJ, is matching any donation by it's employees to help those affected by Katrina. That is the least we can do considering all the help we received from everyone after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 destroyed many of my fellow employees and their family's lives and affected us all deeply and profoundly. I hope my small part in this helps someone in need.

Growing up near Houston, and having inlaws in Pensacola, I've spent a LOT of my life running Interstate 10 right thru this disaster area.
 
It's a wild place, in that way the odd mix of heat and humidity and mossy oaks and Cajun music and swamps and the Gulf and black coffee affects you like no where else on earth.  Tabasco sauce. Syrup cake.  Zydeco.  French spoken here.  Oysters.  Wonderful, big-hearted, fun-loving, hard-playing and -working people.  Mardi Gras.  Clifton Chenier.  The Nevilles.  The Meters.  
 
Move further East to Waveland, Pass Christian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile.  Less Creole, more Old South, but still the Gulf influence.  
 
In so many ways, these places were stations in my mind, where I learned so much in the fun times, the music, the food, the places.  And now they shall become stations in my mind where I will learn patience, endurance, resilience, and perserverance.  I only hope they know how many of us are pulling for them, and my deepest prayers are with those of you who are still awaiting word.
 
J o e y

Michael, my fellow New Orlenian I am praying for you and your family.  I too had to leave my Alembics behind.  When we make it through this nightmare we'll have to go get a beer.  If my Alembics survive, you are welcome to them any time.  I know God will be with you and yours.

Jorge; I hope you are doing ok relative to what this disaster has done to all the residents of the area.

anyone hear anything from Michael? I am concerned for his family as well as many others I know in the area.
 
Sean