Politically Motivated Flood Response

[kalm]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAxE1OvN ... F2a3RiYmF2


CBS always lies

[UNI88]

[UNI88]

[UNI88]

[kalm]

MAGA followers are not well.

[Bobcat]

Finally our government is getting what they deserve. A response that they give us.

[UNI88]

Maybe it's time to send the "National Guard, or if really necessary, the military” after these “very bad people, sick people, radical" right lunatics who are threatening FEMA workers.

[BDKJMU]

Rednecks with chain saws have done more to rescue people than FEMA has.

[Caribbean Hen]

Rednecks with chain saws have done more to rescue people than FEMA has.

[UNI88]

[UNI88]

[AshevilleApp]

Its obvious the lack of response to the massive floods in Red states are politically motivated, but is this gonna back fire when Biden and Harris find out there is a flood?

Will voters actually wake up and realize their American tax dollars are sent to Ukraine for laundering and not kept here, for incidents such as this?

The lack of FEMA response is worse than when Bush was in office and it was a super big deal back then, now not so much

I usually stay out of politics, but this caught my eye. FEMA was beginning to mobilize here prior to Helene. They arrived in force by Sunday. I can attest to this because they have been staying at the hotel across the street from me. Could they do more? Probably. How big would you like government to be?

[Bobcat]

Federal government should only deal with infrastructure, military and locking down our borders.

Thats it nothing else

States can deal with the rest, in a limited role as well.

[kalm]

Its obvious the lack of response to the massive floods in Red states are politically motivated, but is this gonna back fire when Biden and Harris find out there is a flood?

Will voters actually wake up and realize their American tax dollars are sent to Ukraine for laundering and not kept here, for incidents such as this?

The lack of FEMA response is worse than when Bush was in office and it was a super big deal back then, now not so much

I usually stay out of politics, but this caught my eye. FEMA was beginning to mobilize here prior to Helene. They arrived in force by Sunday. I can attest to this because they have been staying at the hotel across the street from me. Could they do more? Probably. How big would you like government to be?

Glad to you’re surviving, App.

Nobody wants big government until they truly need it. Tge correct size is highly subjective. Should be smaller and more efficient than it currently is. However in a nation that spans a continent, projects itself militarily and economically worldwide, with a population of 330 million it’s going to be a “big” government regardless.

[BDKJMU]

Its obvious the lack of response to the massive floods in Red states are politically motivated, but is this gonna back fire when Biden and Harris find out there is a flood?

Will voters actually wake up and realize their American tax dollars are sent to Ukraine for laundering and not kept here, for incidents such as this?

The lack of FEMA response is worse than when Bush was in office and it was a super big deal back then, now not so much

I usually stay out of politics, but this caught my eye. FEMA was beginning to mobilize here prior to Helene. They arrived in force by Sunday. I can attest to this because they have been staying at the hotel across the street from me. Could they do more? Probably. How big would you like government to be?

My sister has friends in Gerton. (For those who don’t know it’s 16 miles SE of Asheville. To Gerton’s NW is Fairview (double digit deaths), and to their SE is Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. All in the news because of the deaths and destruction). She texted a screenshot of a Facebook post (I don’t have FB) from this past Sat from someone in Gerton.

Day 15 of the Apocalypse, Ground Zero, Gerton,
NC pop. 231

This is not an angry post. This is a clarification of tacts.

Over the past 2 weeks, no one from the Red Cross has shown up in Gerton to offer support.

No one employed by FEMA or any other government entity has shown up.

FEMA has sent some contractors to assist with road reconstruction, thanks to intervention by Senator Tim Moffitt (R-NC), who lives on top of our mountain.

No one from FEMA has come to Gerton to assist people for applying for disaster relief.

Because, just to review, we still have no power/internet/cell phone service in almost all areas of our fire district. Most people have no way to apply for assistance.

Outside of myself and three other Gerton community members (including the pastor of our Baptist church), there are no professionals assisting us with mental, emotional, or spiritual care.

All of these big disaster organizations, who are supposed to be leading the efforts of our recovery, are nowhere to be found.

It took 4 days for anyone from the outside world to even get to us.

The military has shown up for us, over and over again, landing Chinook's (helicopters with 2 propellers) filled with supplies. Blackhawk helicopters were the first on the scene, assessing damage to our Gorge from above.

The National Guard were the ones evacuating people from our mountain by helicopter. The 101 st Airborne also showed up a few days ago to help clear roads.

NCDOT and Kentucky DOT have worked diligently on our roads. Duke Energy line workers are here every day now working on our power.

Charleston PD, NC State Patrol and others have been manning our check point occasionally since last week, freeing community members and our fire fighters to attend to other pressing needs.

Mennonite Disaster Relief showed up last week, and have been helping with clearing trees off of houses - very technical work that they are doing without the use of cranes.

Hundreds of volunteers, either related to/connected to the Gerton community or simply showing up on their own, have brought in supplies and willing hands.

Many church groups have volunteered, especially Grace Baptist Church out of…..

……fire station, and are delivering 400 hot meals a day to community members and first responders.

Our Volunteer Fire Department has been working non-stop since day one to ensure that every community member is accounted for, cared for, and able to get the support they need.

We are Gerton strong. We are each doing our part to help our community to recover, and will continue to do so when outside support dries up.

This is how we handle things in a small community in Appalachia. We show up and help one another. We don't expect anyone else to help us.

It's discouraging when that lack of support from disaster relief organizations is confirmed.

Everything that has happened in our community over the past two weeks has happened because of people choosing to come together…..

[Bobcat]

The media is covering for that racist Harris and her inept band of pedophiles and corrupt administration members

[kalm]

The media is covering for that racist Harris and her inept band of pedophiles and corrupt administration members

We’ve an early reached this level with you now.

[AshevilleApp]

I usually stay out of politics, but this caught my eye. FEMA was beginning to mobilize here prior to Helene. They arrived in force by Sunday. I can attest to this because they have been staying at the hotel across the street from me. Could they do more? Probably. How big would you like government to be?

My sister has friends in Gerton. (For those who don’t know it’s 16 miles SE of Asheville. To Gerton’s NW is Fairview (double digit deaths), and to their SE is Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. All in the news because of the deaths and destruction). She texted a screenshot of a Facebook post (I don’t have FB) from this past Sat from someone in Gerton.

Day 15 of the Apocalypse, Ground Zero, Gerton,
NC pop. 231

This is not an angry post. This is a clarification of tacts.

Over the past 2 weeks, no one from the Red Cross has shown up in Gerton to offer support.

No one employed by FEMA or any other government entity has shown up.

FEMA has sent some contractors to assist with road reconstruction, thanks to intervention by Senator Tim Moffitt (R-NC), who lives on top of our mountain.

No one from FEMA has come to Gerton to assist people for applying for disaster relief.

Because, just to review, we still have no power/internet/cell phone service in almost all areas of our fire district. Most people have no way to apply for assistance.

Outside of myself and three other Gerton community members (including the pastor of our Baptist church), there are no professionals assisting us with mental, emotional, or spiritual care.

All of these big disaster organizations, who are supposed to be leading the efforts of our recovery, are nowhere to be found.

It took 4 days for anyone from the outside world to even get to us.

The military has shown up for us, over and over again, landing Chinook's (helicopters with 2 propellers) filled with supplies. Blackhawk helicopters were the first on the scene, assessing damage to our Gorge from above.

The National Guard were the ones evacuating people from our mountain by helicopter. The 101 st Airborne also showed up a few days ago to help clear roads.

NCDOT and Kentucky DOT have worked diligently on our roads. Duke Energy line workers are here every day now working on our power.

Charleston PD, NC State Patrol and others have been manning our check point occasionally since last week, freeing community members and our fire fighters to attend to other pressing needs.

Mennonite Disaster Relief showed up last week, and have been helping with clearing trees off of houses - very technical work that they are doing without the use of cranes.

Hundreds of volunteers, either related to/connected to the Gerton community or simply showing up on their own, have brought in supplies and willing hands.

Many church groups have volunteered, especially Grace Baptist Church out of…..

……fire station, and are delivering 400 hot meals a day to community members and first responders.

Our Volunteer Fire Department has been working non-stop since day one to ensure that every community member is accounted for, cared for, and able to get the support they need.

We are Gerton strong. We are each doing our part to help our community to recover, and will continue to do so when outside support dries up.

This is how we handle things in a small community in Appalachia. We show up and help one another. We don't expect anyone else to help us.

It's discouraging when that lack of support from disaster relief organizations is confirmed.

Everything that has happened in our community over the past two weeks has happened because of people choosing to come together…..

I actually know Gerton pretty well, and worked there for a few months several years ago. I also dated a woman from Bat Cave for some time. I'm glad to hear from there because the Rocky Broad River can get angry quick, just like the Swannanoa. And I know they have been cut off.

From your quoted post, Gerton's story is very much like a whole lot of small isolated communities in the region. A lot of roads are gone or severely damaged, and electricity, cell service and water infrastructure have been destroyed. (I had my first shower since September 27th this morning, and I live in a city.)That limits assistance from arriving. But as you posted NCDOT, and Duke Energy (and the cavalry from other areas)have been working to alleviate that. The military has provided assistance as well. That is as it should be.

The bigger picture is that people have come together and provided aid and comfort to each other in a time of crisis. I can't tell you how moved I have been by the kindness and generosity I've seen in the last three weeks. Neighbors are helping each other. Volunteers from all over have donated an amazing amount of food, water and other materials, not to mention their time and energy. I've witnessed the best in people, and it's been gratifying and humbling. But isn't that the way it should be? People helping their own?

I'm not sure which of the disaster relief organizations are being referred to, but I would guess that it is related to lack of road access. I haven't traveled out 74 lately, so I can't say. I do know the bridge to Bat Cave is destroyed, and they are neighbors. But I've been volunteering for one organization called World Central Kitchen that has been active all over the areas damaged by Helene. They have been able to access areas real close to Gerton, such.as Chimney Rock, Broad River, Shumont and Lake Lure. I would guess that if a request was made, and access is possible, they would assist people in Gerton as well. If access is feasible using volunteer drivers.

On to FEMA. First, I think people have the wrong idea about what it's purpose is and the timeline it can provide assistance in. Any government assistance program is going to be slower than private providers because they have more rules and restrictions constraining them. Not to mention funding limits set by Congress. They don't just ride into a community with blank checks and new houses. As a taxpayer, I would think you would want it that way. An example is assuring that people have filed with their insurance companies prior to getting substantial assistance. It's not a nimble program but it can help with longer term solutions to their problems. It's not a panacea though, and was never intended to be.
So God bless Gerton and it's residents. They're facing a very long road to recovery, as is the rest of the hardest hit areas of the region. They will make it, as we all will.

[AshevilleApp]

Federal government should only deal with infrastructure, military and locking down our borders.

Thats it nothing else

States can deal with the rest, in a limited role as well.

And some other stuff. Look up enumerated powers.

[AshevilleApp]

I usually stay out of politics, but this caught my eye. FEMA was beginning to mobilize here prior to Helene. They arrived in force by Sunday. I can attest to this because they have been staying at the hotel across the street from me. Could they do more? Probably. How big would you like government to be?

Glad to you’re surviving, App.

Nobody wants big government until they truly need it. Tge correct size is highly subjective. Should be smaller and more efficient than it currently is. However in a nation that spans a continent, projects itself militarily and economically worldwide, with a population of 330 million it’s going to be a “big” government regardless.

Thanks man!

[Bobcat]

Federal government should only deal with infrastructure, military and locking down our borders.

Thats it nothing else

States can deal with the rest, in a limited role as well.

And some other stuff. Look up enumerated powers.

I know about enumerated powers. Thats why I tasked the Feds with 3 items, they will fail only handling 3 of them let alone 27

[BDKJMU]

My sister has friends in Gerton. (For those who don’t know it’s 16 miles SE of Asheville. To Gerton’s NW is Fairview (double digit deaths), and to their SE is Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. All in the news because of the deaths and destruction). She texted a screenshot of a Facebook post (I don’t have FB) from this past Sat from someone in Gerton.

I actually know Gerton pretty well, and worked there for a few months several years ago. I also dated a woman from Bat Cave for some time. I'm glad to hear from there because the Rocky Broad River can get angry quick, just like the Swannanoa. And I know they have been cut off.

From your quoted post, Gerton's story is very much like a whole lot of small isolated communities in the region. A lot of roads are gone or severely damaged, and electricity, cell service and water infrastructure have been destroyed. (I had my first shower since September 27th this morning, and I live in a city.)That limits assistance from arriving. But as you posted NCDOT, and Duke Energy (and the cavalry from other areas)have been working to alleviate that. The military has provided assistance as well. That is as it should be.

The bigger picture is that people have come together and provided aid and comfort to each other in a time of crisis. I can't tell you how moved I have been by the kindness and generosity I've seen in the last three weeks. Neighbors are helping each other. Volunteers from all over have donated an amazing amount of food, water and other materials, not to mention their time and energy. I've witnessed the best in people, and it's been gratifying and humbling. But isn't that the way it should be? People helping their own?

I'm not sure which of the disaster relief organizations are being referred to, but I would guess that it is related to lack of road access. I haven't traveled out 74 lately, so I can't say. I do know the bridge to Bat Cave is destroyed, and they are neighbors. But I've been volunteering for one organization called World Central Kitchen that has been active all over the areas damaged by Helene. They have been able to access areas real close to Gerton, such.as Chimney Rock, Broad River, Shumont and Lake Lure. I would guess that if a request was made, and access is possible, they would assist people in Gerton as well. If access is feasible using volunteer drivers.

On to FEMA. First, I think people have the wrong idea about what its purpose is and the timeline it can provide assistance in. Any government assistance program is going to be slower than private providers because they have more rules and restrictions constraining them. Not to mention funding limits set by Congress. They don't just ride into a community with blank checks and new houses. As a taxpayer, I would think you would want it that way. An example is assuring that people have filed with their insurance companies prior to getting substantial assistance. It's not a nimble program but it can help with longer term solutions to their problems. It's not a panacea though, and was never intended to be.
So God bless Gerton and it's residents. They're facing a very long road to recovery, as is the rest of the hardest hit areas of the region. They will make it, as we all will.

On the role of FEMA, bolded. Agreed, and that is the problem. I mentioned earlier on this thread. FEMA & Nat Guard take too long to do rapid response. 82nd Airborne and AF has an Immediate Response Force (IRF) constantly on standby out of Bragg that can have 1 of the 3 82nd brigade combat teams anywhere in the world in 18 hours. Believe Marines have something similar. + have Coast Guard. The Reserves (FED) & FEMA and Nat Guard (state) can’t do that because they are civilian and the callup, prep and deployment takes way longer. Also the military doesn’t have the rules and restrictions. If a gov requests and the POTUS orders, there shouldn’t be any Title 10 restrictions. If you have a wartime speed response it’s something the civilian side just can’t do. During WWII combat engineers (my grandfather was one in Europe during WWII) could set up temp bridges that could handle heavy trucks & tanks in literally days if not hours, while under enemy fire. Similar with roads. Now military has mobile power stations with enough juice to power towns. No red tape, environmental impact studies, no securing funding & soliciting for bids, just going out and doing. Don’t see why active military IRF couldn’t be used for immediate SAR, food, meds, clearing etc, even if just a couple weeks, until they are relieved by sufficient NG and Reserves. Why couldn’t the Army Corps and/or Sea Bees be used for temp roads, bridges, power etc until the civilian side can get permanent rebuilt? I’m not talking about riding in with blank checks for peoples houses. That’s less immediate term, and further out where FEMA and insurance is involved.

As far as funding limits set by Congress, people can talk about allocations all they want, but a lot of people see a couple hundred billion to Ukraine and spent on illegals/migrants, and while American communities suffer.

[BDKJMU]

My sister has friends in Gerton. (For those who don’t know it’s 16 miles SE of Asheville. To Gerton’s NW is Fairview (double digit deaths), and to their SE is Bat Cave, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. All in the news because of the deaths and destruction). She texted a screenshot of a Facebook post (I don’t have FB) from this past Sat from someone in Gerton.

I actually know Gerton pretty well, and worked there for a few months several years ago. I also dated a woman from Bat Cave for some time. I'm glad to hear from there because the Rocky Broad River can get angry quick, just like the Swannanoa. And I know they have been cut off.

From your quoted post, Gerton's story is very much like a whole lot of small isolated communities in the region. A lot of roads are gone or severely damaged, and electricity, cell service and water infrastructure have been destroyed. (I had my first shower since September 27th this morning, and I live in a city.)That limits assistance from arriving. But as you posted NCDOT, and Duke Energy (and the cavalry from other areas)have been working to alleviate that. The military has provided assistance as well. That is as it should be.

The bigger picture is that people have come together and provided aid and comfort to each other in a time of crisis. I can't tell you how moved I have been by the kindness and generosity I've seen in the last three weeks. Neighbors are helping each other. Volunteers from all over have donated an amazing amount of food, water and other materials, not to mention their time and energy. I've witnessed the best in people, and it's been gratifying and humbling. But isn't that the way it should be? People helping their own?

I'm not sure which of the disaster relief organizations are being referred to, but I would guess that it is related to lack of road access. I haven't traveled out 74 lately, so I can't say. I do know the bridge to Bat Cave is destroyed, and they are neighbors. But I've been volunteering for one organization called World Central Kitchen that has been active all over the areas damaged by Helene. They have been able to access areas real close to Gerton, such.as Chimney Rock, Broad River, Shumont and Lake Lure. I would guess that if a request was made, and access is possible, they would assist people in Gerton as well. If access is feasible using volunteer drivers.

On to FEMA. First, I think people have the wrong idea about what it's purpose is and the timeline it can provide assistance in. Any government assistance program is going to be slower than private providers because they have more rules and restrictions constraining them. Not to mention funding limits set by Congress. They don't just ride into a community with blank checks and new houses. As a taxpayer, I would think you would want it that way. An example is assuring that people have filed with their insurance companies prior to getting substantial assistance. It's not a nimble program but it can help with longer term solutions to their problems. It's not a panacea though, and was never intended to be.
So God bless Gerton and it's residents. They're facing a very long road to recovery, as is the rest of the hardest hit areas of the region. They will make it, as we all will.

I didn’t include the last paragraph of the screenshot of the FB post from my earlier post because while it stated funds will go to the Gerton Fire Department & local community, it was to personal Paypal and Venmo. Here is their FB page.
https://facebook.com/100064701510800/

Sorry to hear sounds like you’ve had a rough go of it. Best of luck going forward.

Yes how you’ve laid out is how it should be.
1st help should be family, neighbors, friends, local community. Volunteer & charity.
Then state.
Then fed.

I took a page in my previous response to basically say FEMA is too slow & inefficient for immediate help, and without enough advance notice active military IRF can be there the fastest with the mostest.

[BDKJMU]

It’s stupid shit like this why people criticize the fed govt. I don’t blame the 13 of 14 CPB agents. I blame the supervisor in charge, along with the dumbass in their social media department who decided to post this. 6+ million views and counting. Check out the comments, as they are getting ratioed into next week.
https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2024/1 ... n-n2180780

[AshevilleApp]

I actually know Gerton pretty well, and worked there for a few months several years ago. I also dated a woman from Bat Cave for some time. I'm glad to hear from there because the Rocky Broad River can get angry quick, just like the Swannanoa. And I know they have been cut off.

From your quoted post, Gerton's story is very much like a whole lot of small isolated communities in the region. A lot of roads are gone or severely damaged, and electricity, cell service and water infrastructure have been destroyed. (I had my first shower since September 27th this morning, and I live in a city.)That limits assistance from arriving. But as you posted NCDOT, and Duke Energy (and the cavalry from other areas)have been working to alleviate that. The military has provided assistance as well. That is as it should be.

The bigger picture is that people have come together and provided aid and comfort to each other in a time of crisis. I can't tell you how moved I have been by the kindness and generosity I've seen in the last three weeks. Neighbors are helping each other. Volunteers from all over have donated an amazing amount of food, water and other materials, not to mention their time and energy. I've witnessed the best in people, and it's been gratifying and humbling. But isn't that the way it should be? People helping their own?

I'm not sure which of the disaster relief organizations are being referred to, but I would guess that it is related to lack of road access. I haven't traveled out 74 lately, so I can't say. I do know the bridge to Bat Cave is destroyed, and they are neighbors. But I've been volunteering for one organization called World Central Kitchen that has been active all over the areas damaged by Helene. They have been able to access areas real close to Gerton, such.as Chimney Rock, Broad River, Shumont and Lake Lure. I would guess that if a request was made, and access is possible, they would assist people in Gerton as well. If access is feasible using volunteer drivers.

On to FEMA. First, I think people have the wrong idea about what it's purpose is and the timeline it can provide assistance in. Any government assistance program is going to be slower than private providers because they have more rules and restrictions constraining them. Not to mention funding limits set by Congress. They don't just ride into a community with blank checks and new houses. As a taxpayer, I would think you would want it that way. An example is assuring that people have filed with their insurance companies prior to getting substantial assistance. It's not a nimble program but it can help with longer term solutions to their problems. It's not a panacea though, and was never intended to be.
So God bless Gerton and it's residents. They're facing a very long road to recovery, as is the rest of the hardest hit areas of the region. They will make it, as we all will.

I didn’t include the last paragraph of the screenshot of the FB post from my earlier post because while it stated funds will go to the Gerton Fire Department & local community, it was to personal Paypal and Venmo. Here is their FB page.
https://facebook.com/100064701510800/

Sorry to hear sounds like you’ve had a rough go of it. Best of luck going forward.

Yes how you’ve laid out is how it should be.
1st help should be family, neighbors, friends, local community. Volunteer & charity.
Then state.
Then fed.

I took a page in my previous response to basically say FEMA is too slow & inefficient for immediate help, and without enough advance notice active military IRF can be there the fastest with the mostest.

Thanks, and I did lay out how it should be. Or as I've seen it. I also think people have too high an expectation of what, and how quickly, significant assistance from FEMA will come. (I do know people who received hotel vouchers and the $750 payment quickly, but that doesn't go very far.) High expectations lead to frustration when they're not met. But the rumors of no FEMA presence or assistance to people is simply wrong.

The idea of quick military deployment for assistance has merit. And there were military personnel here pretty quickly. I can't exactly recall which day, but within the first two or three. Probably National Guard at that time, but both have played a part. I don't know about any legal nuances to a quick mobilization like that, but it's worth exploring.

This thing was/is massive. Flash flooding and landslides are nothing new to the region. But the intensity of the storm and the scope of the area impacted was almost beyond belief. Soaking rain for several days prior set us up for it. Low lying areas were already under water on Wednesday. Then Helene moved in on Friday and took it's time moving through. Hard to prepare for something like that. "The best laid plans of mice and men...."