PhotoDude.com

Tue. Dec 27, 2005

Katrina Christmas

Over the past couple of days, I’ve come across several stories about people affected by Katrina, and how they are four months on. Especially at Christmas time.

John Grisham: Silent Nights on the Gulf Coast — “If there is a common Christmas wish from this torn land, it is simply this: Please don’t forget us.”

Spirit of togetherness fills family left reeling by storm — “Christmas has always been magical for the Marcell family of New Orleans, filled with birthdays and wedding anniversaries and generations coming together. This year, though, Christmas was put to the test.”

Operation Eden: Merry Christmas From Pearlington — “Something amazing is happening in my mom’s little town of Pearlington, Mississippi, something inspiring and hopeful, something full of love and renewal. A grass roots movement is growing from the mud and despair of Katrina, and it’s making my heart grow by three sizes just to know it exists. I want to nurture it, protect it, share it with you.”

Nearly four months after Katrina, hundreds of children still missing — “Andrews said there has been no delay, adding that finding children has been a key priority for FEMA. In Louisiana, Fahr said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has had more expertise than FEMA in finding missing children. The national center is still working to locate 485 children who are either missing or out of touch with their parents or guardian.”

Brown’s Turf Wars Sapped FEMA’s Strength — “But Brown’s well-chronicled gaffes in Louisiana had less impact on FEMA than his little-known power struggles in Washington. Brown lost almost all of them — partly because he was widely despised at DHS for his relentless infighting — and FEMA paid a price in money, manpower, missions and prestige.”