The stages -- I've done disbelief and anger; think depression's setting in

[DeepModem Mom]

I can't get pictures out of my head of people trapped and abandoned, starving and/or thirsting to death, when it didn't have to be so. And officials, grown men, breaking down on TV. And, I'm sorry, but people having to abandon their pets to God knows what. I was so angry before I couldn't cry. Now I can.

And there seem to be enough peddlers of lies and misinformation that, even though most of the press is standing up for the first time in a very long time as independent human beings, I'm afraid most people are not outraged at those responsible for failing these people in NO and along our Coast. At least that's what I'm hearing as I eavesdrop on overheard conversations, and look at some polls posted here.

I'm usually one of the first here to urge people not to be callous at the death of almost anyone. But I have to mute my TV when they start reporting on Rehnquist. He dedicated his life to bringing this country to what we are seeing in New Orleans. It's been a long journey to NO, but we are there. We are there, and I type, as my fellow Americans die, sentenced to death by their own country.

[DianeG5385]

1. Just don't get to acceptance or we are doomed

Anger is the operative emotion. When your government fails you so utterly, it's time for the people to take the gov't into their own hands. Read the Declaration of independence lately???

[The2ndWheel]

7. How?

How do you plan on taking this government into your hands?

[ananda]

2. amazing synchronicity, eh..

I think it's very interesting that Rehnquist should die right now, along with the NOLA he helped to create.

And it's only going to get worse with two SCOTUS appointees coming from Bush.

It does tend to put one in deep mourning for what our country could have been....

Sue

[SmokingJacket]

3. I'm still reeling in disbelief.

I just saw a picture of a dead woman lying, abandoned, on a corner in a neighborhood I know well -- completely freaked me out.

The more I think, the worse it gets.

[hlthe2b]

4. Yup... can't stop crying today...

I know we all have to be strong to fight the fight for those whose lives have been devastated... We have to send strength and support to those who may question if life is worth continuing...

Right now, I don't have that to give... I am so ashamed of our country. We all are responsible. And, I am devastated.

I will work past the paralysis brought on my depression, guilt, sadness, disbelief. But, I don't know where the strength will come. I can't quite get past the hate for those who turned a blind eye and selfishly ignored what would happen for their own benefit, right now.

The worst part of all, is feeling so damned helpless.

[KeepItReal]

5. Screw those stages. Stay angry. If you need inspiration, give me an email.

The last stage is supposed to be "Acceptance" right?

Are we all just supposed to accept that fact that government incompetence led to abandonment for days and those deaths of people in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama?

Are we supposed to accept Chertoff lying (on Face the Nation) about the levee breaking on Tuesday, when it broke on MONDAY?

Are we supposed to accept a failed horse show promoter running FEMA?

I will not get to that last stage of grief until a lot of things change first.

[DeepModem Mom]

You're right -- I'm with post #4, and I can't stop crying just now --

but I don't think I could make it to acceptance. I will never accept this illegitimate government.

[NRaleighLiberal]

6. Hard truth is that for many - those who can't empathize, esp.

those who either hide behind their religion, are blind to the failures of Bush*, those who are comfortable and disconnected, this is still just a TV tragedy. Until something like this happens to them, they will remain amongst the walking, living dead.

We have heart, brains, now anger - we can't let this go.

[Nite Owl]

8. I'm feeling that way too.

I can't imagine why they would do this, this would have been such a way for him to bring those poll numbers back up. I keep thinking about how if they would let this happen, the utter lack, of response, the giving Hallibutin the contracts, the fundraisers just what is that they have in store for the rest of us. It's all so blatant the complete lack of disregard for life, the lack of compassion. And with the dems not out there outraged I feel very alone. It's all up to us, we have no one to fight with us or for us. Maybe that's the acceptance part, we have to do this not just against the policies of the repukes but with our own party also.

[DURHAM D]

9. I was angry and instead of slipping into depression I got busy.

As much as I hate repugs I assumed that we had some people in place that were at least competent. It became overwhelmingly clear by last Wednesday that we don't have any grownups in Washingon.

So, I took the day off from work on Thursday and did the following: Bought a generator and fuel, bottled water, canned goods and stored in the garage. I went to my bank and got cash (I always use debit but they don't work when we don't have electricity)and will always keep cash from now on. I called a tree man to come next week and remove several tall pines that I am afraid will fall on my house in case of a hurricane, wind storm or ice storm. I took pics of my furnishings, etc and placed a dup set in my safe deposit box. I bought a small safe and anchored it to the floor (not sure that was the right thing) and placed important items in same. I called my insurance agent to discuss my home and auto coverage. Spoke with my repugs siblings and got them to understand how their views had brought us to this.

Also, I picked out a color and am currently repainting my living room. I am as ready as I can be for what, I don't know.

[deadparrot]

10. Feeling the same way. Just plain misery.

Miserable at the fact that people are still dying.
Miserable at the fact that Rehnquist has taken a good chunk of hurricane coverage off the news.
Miserable at the fact that George W. Bush always gets saved from a tough situation, and for all his preaching about "personal accountability," is never held accountable for his actions.
Miserable that he now gets to appoint two whackjobs to the SCOTUS.

Yeah, I've had kind of a shitty day.

[ThoughtCriminal]

11. I'm going to stick with anger

Until Republicans have the political significance of WHIGS.