Thought I'd repost a message from an internet friend. She wrote it for a message board community of roleplaying gamers who are in the throes of debate over the blame game.

Hi,
I used to live in New Orleans and was the one who started this thread (Katrina's long reach). I'm sitting in someone's office trying to escape reality right now and thought I'd tell you some things.

This storm has affected Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama directly. It's also affecting every neighboring state because us refugees have to go somewhere. I'm in Jackson, Mississippi. I'm sleeping on someone's floor and have been for a week. There is no gas so I can't leave. Waits for gas are 24 hours plus. My home in New Orleans is most likely gone along with everything I own. I was 2 months from finishing my PhD there and have no university. No income obviously. BUT. I am fortunate.

The people here are like the walking dead. The misery on faces is impossible to describe. I've been volunteering at the Red Cross making food for shelters. At first I was so angry at the looters. Now I don't care, I hope someone could make use of the food, water and clothes I left in my home. The one thing I've learnt from this is that all that matters is the people. The stories I hear every day are sadder than you can imagine. The people with children are the hardest to listen to. Again a huge BUT. The people are amazing. Everyone wants to help here everyone wants to move on and build a new life.

Yes there is horror for all of us watching the news and realizing what the hurricane didn't destroy, flooding or looters took care of. All I want is to know my friends and neighbors are safe. But most phones still don't work. Okay, I'm rambling entirely. What I wanted to say was that the debates are for later. Right now if any of you can, send help for those who have lost everything. Who is to blame for the horror can wait until people rebuild some semblance of their shattered lives. I cannot describe how it feels to have your entire life torn away and destroyed.

This is also a farewell for now. I've written to billing to cancel my account. As much as I'd LOVE to escape this crappy reality for some gemstone fantasy I won't be able to pay the next bill. I hope anyone else affected is doing well. We will get through.
Nicole.

"I aspire to be the person my dog thinks I am". Anon.