I live south of Joplin.

[PinkTiger]

I used to work there, until May of 2009, when my job was eliminated. The reason, I know this, was that I was too liberal. I was too vocal. I even found issue with a Republican officeholder who used state-owned email for his campaign, and that labeled me as a dangerous person.
I'm not saying that Joplin deserved what happened to them. Most of the people who were directly in the path of that storm were poor people. The neighborhoods that hit, with a couple of exceptions, were occupied by the working poor; many were rentals. the owners, however, were mostly rich Republicans. This region is overwhelmingly Republican. I'm struggling with emotions here that I don't really understand.
The responses from people in the community have been overwhelmingly generous. And many Republican-held companies have been generous. But many of the people who died or who are now homeless will need help long after the community forgets them. I wish I could help, but I'm broke. I'm still unemployed. And I'm angry.
I don't know what I'm saying, really. I'm just upset. Have been, all week.

[Melissa G]

1. ...

:hug:

[rosesaylavee]

2. Hugs to you

I would most likely have the same mixed emotions... have worked for a RWinger and tho I made his company a lot of money and helped him establish his business here in the community, I feel quite strongly that I was let go for not being R and Christian/not agreeing to attend his mega church tho he said it was to add another project manager with my salary. Just when I think I have moved on from that, I am reminded that I must still have 'stuff' when I see things like this post and I get remnants of the same anger turning up again. Sigh. Back to review and working it out again I guess!

Maybe if you could volunteer your help up there in some way --- maybe that would help you with your healing and also help them?

Hugs to you PT!

:hug:

[PinkTiger]

7. I would If I could.

Unfortunately, I'm not physically able to be much help in the cleanup, and I understand they are turning people away.
I'll be OK. It is just a very upsetting time.

[laylah]

3. ...

:hug:

[BlueIris]

4. Pink! Good to see you posting here, especially if you live near tornado central.

I think the victims of these storms who happen to be Republican are still deserving of our compassion and support.

[PinkTiger]

8. Thanks and I agree

Of course they deserve our support. But at least one person painted on the ruins of their house, "Obama go home."
Why the hate? I didn't vote for GB, but when he was in the region I wasn't snarky.
In my opinion, President Obama should just televise in his appearance and tell these people to forget it.

[Kookaburra]

5. I'm glad you're okay PinkTiger

Sorry you're having such a hard time reconciling your feelings. That seems to be the norm among progressives lately.

Sending you light.

[PinkTiger]

9. Thanks

And thanks for the light. I need it right now.

[Sienna86]

10. The hardest thing to do

in this type of situation where you have been wronged is to abide by your own moral compass. Even though President Obama's visit may not be welcomed by some, he is perhaps focused on his visit bringing attention to the tragedy and the good work that is being done by so many to help others. It may also shine the light on the situation for Congress, so that they may see the devastation and not ignore the need for loans and grants to the area. Most of the people, in my opinion, receive great value in the fact that others care, including the President.

I believe in karma but I do not believe that bad karma was the cause of this natural disaster. I do believe that there is a divine order.

[PinkTiger]

11. Yes.

I also believe in Karma but believe it is more personal than the idea that a region will be punished for its collective behavior. So, instead of the Sodom and Gomorrah syndrome, I really believe a person suffers from his or her own behavior. However, I don't believe it really is measured by disasters. The tornado was a natural phenomenon. Those things happens. Just like the Tsunami in Asia or the earthquakes in Japan.
However, the behavior of the leaders in SW MO could affect the assistance that area receives, as a matter of course.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. ....

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[PinkTiger]

12. I'm better now.

After the President came to Joplin yesterday and nobody was hurt - except for the Westboro Baptist folks, who were boxed in at a local truck stop by bikers and trucks and not allowed in town - LOL - I feel much better about things. I even see signs of Joplin going more to the left.