Update On Swamp Rat! We Spoke Yesterday.

[DistressedAmerican]

I spoke to Swampy yesterday by phone for over an hour.

He is still in Memphis with his father. He says that it looks like they are going to stay for a while. They signed a lease on an apartment yesterday. He will be offline for a while as he gets settled.

His mother is out and safe. She is staying with a family in Baton Rouge. That is a HUGE relief to him and many of us I am sure.

He has been busy standing in LONG FEMA and Red Cross lines for days. He got a debit card with $600 dollars on it for him and his father. Gonna buy some shoes and clothes.

He is still very worried about his dogs. He left them with a friend that was going to try and ride it out. He left them lots of food but, with the water shut off as long as it was he worries that even if his friend did not have to flee that he may not have been able to keep them supplied. He has been on the phone all week with animal rescue folks. Needless to say they are completely overrun these days.

He is very sad about his town going down like this. We talked a lot about his friends that are now dispersed and may never reenter his life. He is very sad about the Zoo. The poor guy is an animal lover like myself and is really saddened by how they were effected.

Even with all of this loss, the guy is far more concerned about some of the other DUers effected like merh, maddie and others! What a fucking guy!!!

Does anyone have info on them and the condition of the others effected these days?

We have a massive community here at DU. One thing that keeps me coming back is the generosity of its members. We need to adopt out displaced DUers and help them get back on their feet!

Thanks to all of you from myself and I'm sure Swamp Rat as well.

p.s. On a more frivolous note, he hates Dave Mathews Band. Lame ass frat boy music. Blew him off some time ago to go see Celia Cruz play in all of her 78 year old glory! Good choice guy!

[ernstbass]

1. I hope he finds the dogs soon!!

[FreedomAngel82]

12. Me too

Glad other than that he's okay. :)

[benburch]

2. Swamp Rat is a total class act.

When he's going again, I plan on giving him his own website on my servers.

[Nothing Without Hope]

67. That is such a splendid idea for him and for all of us. Does he know

about it yet? Oooooh, I feel hugs coming on...
:hug: :hug: :grouphug: :pals: :hug:

[malta blue]

3. glad to hear he is doing ok

WTF is with the $600 debit card? I thought it was supposed to be $2,000? Ah FEMA, again with the lies.

[DistressedAmerican]

7. That is 2000 Per family MAX (Poorly Explained in the media)..

It is prorated based On the number. On average it is working out to a little over 300 per person getting them.

[malta blue]

13. thanks for the clarification on the $$

I REALLY hope he finds his dogs. Imagine what we would be like without Distressed PD and Malta Lu.

Also, I heard that the zoo has fared remarkably well. Zookeepers braved the storm and if I remember correctly, 2 river otters and some game brids have succombed, and they lost a gator (but they are pretty sure they will find it). The primates seem to be suffering the most and that is mostly from lack of visitors. The zoo rep complained about the choppers flying so low.

[soup]

15. shades of the 'bush tax rebate' that wasn't.

Thanks so much for the update. Please let him know we're all thinking of him and the other DUers affected by this.

Holding onto the hope that his dogs will be recovered safely.

[babylonsister]

28. Well, this fact surely needs its own thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4693907&mesg_id=4693907

$2,000 doesn't go far, but split up between a family of however many?

[shanti]

300 per person???

wtf? that is shameful. 300 doesn't buy you crap.

[movie_girl99]

4. thanks for posting the update

I hope all is well for his pets and he gets them back.

[tx_dem41]

5. Thanks for the update, DA.

Swampie and I went to high school together...and I was concerned because he hadn't been responding to my posts lately.

[DistressedAmerican]

8. That Is Interesting. He Said He Had Texas Roots!

[tx_dem41]

16. He and I went to high school together in Uptown New Orleans....

He lived off of Willow St. in Uptown. I was bussed in from Algiers (West Bank). So I met him when he was 15 or so. Not sure where he is orignally from quite frankly.

[opihimoimoi]

6. Best of Luck to ya , Swampy

Sending Mana to add to yours....more power to you....

[SmokingJacket]

9. Thank you for the update...

I miss Swamp Rat -- but am relieved he's okay. Dang, only $600? I thought they were getting $2K!

I agree about Dave Mathews... rock on Celia Cruz!

[Fleshdancer]

10. We need info on his dogs if we're going to help him....

Agencies are going in and rescuing pets so we should not give up hope. We should help in any way we can. The next time you talk to him, could you ask the following for DU?

How many dogs? Breed, age, names, color, sex, size, unusual markings?, tags?, vet info? Any health problems to be aware of?

Where was this friend that was watching the dogs? What neighborhood? Street name? Can we get a first name on the friend? A last name would be useful but I understand the concern for privacy.

I'm in Texas (Austin). If we find that the dogs were sent to my state, I'll be more than happy to pick them up and drive them to swamp rat or provide foster care until he can keep them.

[DistressedAmerican]

19. I Would Be Happy To Get More Info As Soon As I Talk To Him.

He has not goven up hope. He is still working the problem. Just finding it stressful since everyone is so very busy.

I'll tell him about your kind offer!:toast:

[Fleshdancer]

31. yes, please keep me updated! n/t

[Clark2008]

58. I'll share some of that burden with you.

I'm in Knoxville, TN - 6 hours from Memphis, but I have a HUGE fenced-in back yard.

If you find the dogs and need relief until Swampie is back on his feet - I'll be happy to foster them, too.

My son would LOVE having even MORE doggies around the house.

[babylonsister]

11. Thanks for the update, DA.

I'm glad Swamp Rat is hanging in there. merh and maddy are accounted for. merh has been in touch with JimmyJazz and maddy posted. Now where is BOSSHOG?

[SalmonChantedEvening]

14. Swampy and DA: What DU is all about.

Bless ya both and thanks for the post.

:pals:

[KoKo]

35. Thanks for the Post...Glad to hear Swamp is doing OKay!

[ultraist]

17. Thanks for the update! My best to SwampRat.

:hug:

[PuraVidaDreamin]

18. DA ? for you

what does Swampy need. pm me if
there is something I can do-
I MEAN IT

[DistressedAmerican]

20. Actually I Offered And Offered. He Said That He Is OK For Now.

He really wants us to take care of the other DUers that were hit even harder than he. I knew I loved the guy for more than just his amazing photoshop work!

In times like this he is far more concerned about others! Fucking A! That is an American!

Swamp Rat for president! He is in touch with common man!

[Lochloosa]

21. Here is an update on Maddie

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4694417

[PuraVidaDreamin]

22. great news!

send our good vibes!

[Catherine Vincent]

61. Thank you!

I didnt' know she was posting either.

[AzDar]

23. Bless you and your Pups, Swamp Rat!! n/t

[myrna minx]

24. I'm looking for missing friends...

I am relieved that Swamp is alright. If anyone can help...

My friend is looking for several friends who lived on 52nd and Perrier St. Does anyone know if that area was total wiped out? My friend fears that his dear friends may have stayed in their homes and he fears the worst. I have tried to find them through the Red Cross, but no luck. Anyway, if any of you folks run into or have any word, please PM me or post something. I'll be out of town this weekend, but I will be back online on Monday. Thank you so much.

Michele Wilson
Kizzie Wilson
Evalina Wilson
Miss Evelynn Wilson

Clarence & Florida Villere

Freddie Mack

John & Liddie Perkins
(John Perkins has an album named after him)
http://www.citypages.com/databank/16/784/article2375.as...

Tom & Faith Roche.

Does anyone know if the Elms Mansion (Yankee in Gray) was wiped out? Thanks. Take care all.

[DistressedAmerican]

26. Keep Looking Mynx! We Will Do So As Well!

We all have to do what we can!:grouphug:

[myrna minx]

32. Thanks.

:hug: At least we know that despite the utter failure of our government, we Americans will jump in and help our fellow human being. I am in such awe of all of the goodwill and humanity that has gushed forth from our fellow citizens and the world. Coming together and helping each other is what it is to be an American. For this I am proud. :patriot:

[DistressedAmerican]

38. My MAntra For A Long Time Has Been "Everybody Has To Do What They Can"

Of course I was talking about kicking Bush out. Sadly, now it is about stemming the bleeding he has caused!:cry:

[KamaAina]

36. Is that the 5200 block of Perrier?

Up by Jefferson Ave.? No wonder it took you so long to get to Ignatius! :-) The numbered streets Uptown only go up to 9th. I ran it through Yahoo! Maps and the cross street would be Soniat or Dufossat.

Uptown fared much better than most of the city, as it's on the "high" ground near the river (really!), so it wasn't totally wiped out. There are even reports of yuppies holed up near there with generators and -- get this! -- ice cubes for their highballs. :wtf:

[Clark2008]

59. I saw this on Olbermann!

I remember the name Kizzy...

Oh, hell... call the MSNBC switchboard and see who that was also looking for Kizzy (it was spelled with a "y," but it was Kizzy Wilson) and Michelle Wilson. I know I saw that!

Their family is in Houston - I know that much.

[Generic Other]

25. So relieved that Swamp Rat is high and dry!

What can DUers do to help?

:hug:

[lynettebro440]

27. Anything we can do

just ask. We will try to help them all out as best we can. Hang in there Swampy, this too shall pass.

Kick

:kick:

[xultar]

29. I Love you Swamp Rat!!!

[Richard Steele]

30. Thanks for the news DA!

I'm glad Swampy is able to start getting
things moving, and start putting the pieces
of his life back together,
unlike those poor folks in the FEMA
concentration camps.

Please continue to keep us updated!

[davsand]

33. Good to hear Swampie is hanging in.

I DO hope it all works out ok with his pups--I can't even imagine how awful this has been...

I remember seeing that Frustrated Lefty had checked in (thankfully!) and I was happy to hear that Maddy is ok. Have we heard from Boss Hog and the other DUers out of the Gulf Coast area?



Laura

[DistressedAmerican]

34. Swamp Kicker!

Since he is not here to say it. "FUCK YOU MR. CHENEY!"

[Pachamama]

69. Actually, I think the good citizen of Gulfport said today:

"Go F*ck yourself Mr. Cheney!" (3 times in fact!) :bounce:

[msgadget]

37. Much love to SWAMP RAT!

I'm so glad he's okay. If you hear from him again, let him know how many of us here have been worried about him and the other LA DUers!

:grouphug: :pals:

[Catherine Vincent]

39. Aw, I miss SwampRat.

I hope he gets back posting soon.

[lonestarnot]

40. Swampie we love and miss you! Did you find the dogs? Pass it on...

[Vektor]

41. We love you, Swamp Rat!

So glad to hear that you and yours are doing ok. I'm praying you are reunited with your puppies soon.

[RevCheesehead]

42. Merh is doing fine, all things considered.

I spoke with her yesterday, and she is posting here, when she can.

[DistressedAmerican]

45. That Is Great News!!! I Had Missed The Posts.

If there is anything we can do on that case please let us know.

Generic Other has been working on some ideas for pulling some money togwether for our affected folks. Updates to follow I suspect!

[RevCheesehead]

50. Link to Merh's lounge post yesterday & today

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3968540

[Catherine Vincent]

60. Thanks!

I didn't know she was posting!

[in_cog_ni_to]

43. I'm so glad he and his family are OK! DA, if Swamp ever needs help

please, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am praying he finds his pups. :cry: He must be worried sick. I know I would be. Send my best to Swamp and tell him not to hesitate to ask if he needs help with ANYTHING. OK?

[DistressedAmerican]

47. I will keep folks up to speed on any need that arises. He Assures Me

that he is jine for the time being. He really wants us to make sure all of the others are taken care of right now.

Cheers!:toast:

[Ladyhawk]

44. We love you, Swamp Rat.

Stay safe. Stay sane.

I am so sorry about what happened to you, your city, your family.

I wonder...could we ask Skinner about doing something special for our DUers who suffered due to Katrina? This might be showing favoritism for them over the others who suffered...I've thought about that, but I have already donated for others and DU is a community.

What do you think?

[DistressedAmerican]

49. PM Generic Other. She's Tossing Some Ideas Around Right Now.

I believe Skinner has been contacted as well.

[GreenPartyVoter]

46. Here's some love for DUs fave rodent

:loveya:

------------------------------------------------------
Ditch Bu$h and save the Gulf: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=106&topic_id=22507&mesg_id=22507

Then save the nation!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm

[Zhade]

48. We love you, Swampy.

Hang in there!

Same for all other DUers affected by this madness.

[Olney Blue]

51. Swamp Rat, I hope you find your pups.....

and I hope Memphis is treating you well.....

:hi:

[Rainscents]

52. Please let us know if Swamp Rat needs anything!

He is going to need our help and other DUers who had lost everything.

[texanwitch]

53. Swamp Rat , I am sure glad that you are alright.

I can't begin to say I know how you feel, your city was a great city. I loved going there, and went as often as I could.

I hope you get to go home again. Take care and lots of :hug:

[stevedeshazer]

54. Thanks for the needed Swamp Rat update

:thumbsup:

[me b zola]

55. Please tell Swamp Rat how much he is loved

My heart was broken and my soul outraged at what has been done to the people of New Orleans.

I think daily of the people who have still not been "found" in the Gulf Coast. There are several DUers who we have still not heard from yet. I am hopeful that they are all safe & sound, busy with trying to put their lives back together.

[Clark2008]

56. I'm on the other end of the state - in Knoxville.

Is there anything I can do to help him out?

What size does he wear? My honey just cleaned out his closet and has some like-new clothes he can no longer wear. We'd be happy to get them to Swampie. Shirts, chords - clothes to go look for jobs in!

Seriously, what does he need?

[walldude]

57. Thanks DA

Tell him we miss him :cry:

[peacebuzzard]

62. Thanks for the update. ((((( Hi SR!)))))

When he locates his pups, tell him I will keep them for him in my home, if he can't keep them in his apt. Or maybe I help out in transporting the pups where he is.

[Cleita]

63. Blowing kisses.

Please keep the updates coming.

[proud patriot]

64. I sure hope he can find his dogs

My heart has been ripped out so many times
durring the last week .

All I can do is send strength and prayers

[Rhiannon12866]

68. Dammit, I thought he found his dogs...

But I'm so glad he's safe. I'll light another candle.:-(

[ClayZ]

65. Lighting a candle for Swamp Rat!

And two more for his dogs!

[HeeBGBz]

66. Thanks for the update

I thought about him often and wondered if he was okay.

[Pachamama]

70. Oh! A Swamp Rodent Appreciation Thread! He's one of my favorite

reasons for visiting the DU....:hug:

His amazing photoshop images keep me going and give imagery to my thoughts about the sociopath lizards who have taken over our country....

(PS: Love the image above with his "guardian angel" O8)

I keep sending lots of good thoughts about him and his family and I have mentioned in threads already that I have high hopes that his dogs survived. If they are anything like their master, they will have survived this hell and will be reunited as soon as possible. :hug:

If the Swamp Rodent needs anything, I wanna help! :hi:

[mogster]

71. Keep up the spirits, SR!

I hope things will be fixed for him :-)

[spuddonna]

72. I hope they find his dogs... :(

Tell Swamp Rat his family and pets are in our prayers... Peace and love to all our DU family who have been displaced from their homes...

[fooj]

73. (((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

Take good care, Swamp Rat! You are loved.

Peace.:hug:

[CrispyQ]

74. Thanks so much for the update!

Swamp Rat, I'm so sorry about your pup-dogs & hope you find them! Love & hugs to you & your family! I'm so glad you are safe & unharmed!

:hug:

[gizmonic]

75. Hang in there, Swampy!

Good to hear SR is safe.

Hope his critters are ok.

:hug: to all the DU'ers out there. We're here for ya! :grouphug: :pals:

[dxstone]

76. Hang in there, noble rodent!

We love ya, Swampy!
d