Natural disasters

We here on the east side of the United States are getting our butts kicked right now. First Helene came through and caused life-changing damage, power outages, and major water issues from the panhandle of Florida through into Virginia. And as we now know the mountains of North Carolina got hit like never before. People are still missing. They are hard to reach. Some are presume dead.

Now we are just hours away from Milton smacking into western Florida, and it going straight across that state with severe winds and rains. Flooding will be a huge issue. Structural damage will be devastating. Thousands have already evacuated from its path, temporarily displaced. Maybe permanently in need of new housing.

The day after Helene I heard how bad it was up in the mountains because I live in South Carolina and many here along the coast, in the lowcountry, have family and friends ‘upstate’ near Ashville, Boone, Chimney Rock, and other towns in the western Carolinas. The mountains are home to many but it is also a ‘cooler’ weather getaway for those who live by the shore.

Almost every state has the possibility of some sort of a natural disaster, be it a hurricane, or a tornado, a wildfire, or earthquake. No place is completely safe. This time it was in the mountains.

It took 2 or 3 days for the nation to hear just how bad Helene was up there. Once the media saw the destruction the attention quickly turned into an emergency situation.

One thing about Americans, we have always been sympathetic to those hit by a natural disaster. Maybe it’s because it can happen to anyone, anywhere. We live on land surrounded by water and the power of storms and quakes can be unstoppable.

You believe that, right?

Because, after the news came out about the flooding, the mud slides, the roads and bridges out, and so many people missing, somehow word spread throughout social media that it was yet another political conspiracy. Memes said that weather can be manipulated. What? Posts from conservative media outlets said the president did not send in help like he should, and that FEMA was not distributing funds.

Lies. All lies.

If you believe it, then I want you to first see a therapist, and then second, go back to science class in middle school. If you are one to perpetrate these very mean spirited lies then I hope you get down on your knees and ask for forgiveness.

Natural disasters happen.

Through the years our country has created federal, state, and local agencies to handle the aftermath of them. We have technology now to often see the disasters coming so people can prepare and get out of the way. We are fortunate to live in a time where communication can get word out for help. And, we have thousands and thousands of first responders, crews, big equipment for reconstruction, and more.

So, you now who is spreading the lies. Right? You know which party has in writing in a book called “Project 2025” their projected plans to eliminate the agencies and associations that help in time of natural disasters?

I have gotten pretty fed up with all the lies, all the time, from Trump and the Republicans who seem to bow at his feet. Lie after lie after lie. So much lying that people have lost a sense of reality. They don’t know what is true anymore. They believe because….. ??? I really don’t know!! It’s scary. And, it is to the point of even affecting the people who reach out in times of natural disasters. Those who go in and help in dangerous conditions. The power linemen and women. The medical professionals. Construction workers. Teams to feed and clothe and house those left with nothing. Some paid. Many volunteers.

It is appalling how much lying there is.

It is disgraceful and it is inhumane.

Dare, I say… it is deplorable.