Hurricane Helene FEMA and the weak Federal response

[putnam6]

I know many people directly affected by Hurricane Helene, most of the people in these areas are good hard hard-working people salt of the earth, loyal, and upstanding, and like one of them said in a post on X about the Federal government helping, if you are going to bog us down with regulations and guidelines as our neighbors suffer get out of our way, we can take care of our own. 

Hopefully, this thread will become a collection of all the information coming out of Western Carolina, and from all the states affected. Seeing this below was the impetus for posting, among other heartbreaking stories of missing people, neighborhoods, and towns. 750 FEMA bucks for the American taxpayer while... For those noncitizen visitors FEMA spent 960 million in the last 2 years also get disaster assistance.

I'd like to also mention to those concerned this was because of climate change, that Ashville and Chimney Rock were hit with major tropical storm flooding in 1916. Chimney Rock was wiped out then too, and Ashville wasn't even metro and the area had 5 times fewer people. So quit blaming it on the damn combustible engine. 

This is what happens when excessive tropical rain hits the mountains, Helene was so big these areas got rain for 2-3 days it's gonna flow downstream 

https://www.citizen-times.com/picture-ga...395505007/

The Biden and Harris Administration's response has been so weak supposedly James Carville is losing his shit over it, in NSFW comments Carville blistered The White House and Harris's weak and ineffectual responses the past week.

as one commenter said

Carville is right. I'm now seeing dems disputing any and all posts from NC that FEMA is making things worse or not helping. They are more worried about the election, not about the people in WNC.

https://x.com/joma_gc/status/18422326048...68/video/1



FEMA Announces Non-Citizen Aliens Will be Granted Disaster Assistance
If you’re Cuban or Haitian you qualify for assistance.
Congratulations.

As Americans suffer through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and communities in North Carolina continue to search for over 200 missing loved ones lost in flooding, there is a glimmer of hope for non-citizens.
If you are one of the millions of non-citizens that the Biden-Harris regime granted asylum to, you may qualify for FEMA aid.
FEMA will grant illegals assistance including:
* Permanent Residents
* Non-citizens granted asylum
* Certain non-citizens of their spouses or kids
 

A: A qualified non-citizen national includes:

• Legal Permanent Residents (“Green Card” holders).
  
• Non-citizens granted asylum.
  
• Refugees.
  
• Non-citizens whose deportation status is being withheld for at least one year.
  
• Non-citizens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year for urgent humanitarian purposes or significant public benefit.
  
• Cuban/Haitian entrants.
  
• Certain battered non-citizens or their spouses or children.
  
• Certain victims of a severe form of human trafficking, including persons with a “T” or “U” visa.
  

For the rest of you – Kamala is rewarding you with $750 in assistance. That ought to cover your groceries for a week or two.

[Maxmars]

But why is it that the disaster, which is affecting so many, and destroyed so much, has anything to do with political ideology?

Is the suggestion that while people were barraged by decimating powerful natural forces, left without any means to help themselves, we now should withhold help unless you 'qualify' socially somehow?

I get the point your making, and I feel sympathy for the notion (a very real possibility) that the political/ideological cast will use it project social virtue signaling.  This is what they do... it is almost ALL they have done in the past few decades.  Political opportunities are seized during disasters... I heard one of these politicians proclaim that once, a while back.  "It's all about appearances."

But my sympathy for suffering people is not dependent I whether I think they belong here or otherwise. 
When people need help... we help them. 
That was a core "American" value... not so very long ago... we've even helped those who once called themselves our enemies...

Of course, I don't want to see the government going out of its' way to 'find' the undocumented and give them support while other people languish because 'they are only Americans'... which I fear might happen - depending on how hard the party wants to "pretend play" social justice warfare.  Of course this might happen because of the lucrative amounts to be handled... by 'middlemen' and 'political appointees.'  

Politicians are screwing up left and right recently... someone should advise them that they really should stop talking... altogether. 
They suck at it because they have no true content to bring, it's all fed to them by committee. 
Let the committee talk - come out of hiding.

FEMA (and every other federal agency) is supposed to operate without "political" considerations... yet it is the "political appointee" the rules over them...  that's a problem.

[guyfriday]

But why is it that the disaster, which is affecting so many, and destroyed so much, has anything to do with political ideology?

Is the suggestion that while people were barraged by decimating powerful natural forces, left without any means to help themselves, we now should withhold help unless you 'qualify' socially somehow?

I get the point your making, and I feel sympathy for the notion (a very real possibility) that the political/ideological cast will use it project social virtue signaling.  This is what they do... it is almost ALL they have done in the past few decades.  Political opportunities are seized during disasters... I heard one of these politicians proclaim that once, a while back.  "It's all about appearances."

But my sympathy for suffering people is not dependent I whether I think they belong here or otherwise. 
When people need help... we help them. 
That was a core "American" value... not so very long ago... we've even helped those who once called themselves our enemies...

Of course, I don't want to see the government going out of its' way to 'find' the undocumented and give them support while other people languish because 'they are only Americans'... which I fear might happen - depending on how hard the party wants to "pretend play" social justice warfare.  Of course this might happen because of the lucrative amounts to be handled... by 'middlemen' and 'political appointees.'  

Politicians are screwing up left and right recently... someone should advise them that they really should stop talking... altogether. 
They suck at it because they have no true content to bring, it's all fed to them by committee. 
Let the committee talk - come out of hiding.

FEMA (and every other federal agency) is supposed to operate without "political" considerations... yet it is the "political appointee" the rules over them...  that's a problem.

I'm willing to bet that the rumors that FEMA was being used to launder money out of the taxpayer's hand, might be why all the fuss about lack of money is getting tossed around. Politics only became a thing when political players saw it as an advantage to exploit instead of helping the people. "Never let a crisis go to waste" is becoming the official FEMA motto at this point. 

All this fuss about impeding private citizens from helping out and limiting reports, which backfired grossly, is waking people up to a failed government, and sadly seems to be creating sparks near that "Civil War" powder keg.

[IdeomotorPrisoner]

Yeah, The October Surprise is going to be my nightmare, but hard to redirect how things trend. Biden/Harris get a Katrina. We'll it's kinda getting forced into being a Katrina.

And it doesn't even have to be true..

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-e...spiracies/

Politicians and others have spread false information about the response to the storm on social media. For example, some have claimed that the agency has run out of disaster response money and that storm victims can only receive $750 in federal assistance.

Several right-wing influencers have used their large online followings to amplify these claims on X, which has declined to remove these posts or label them as misleading. The trend underscores how election-year politics — combined with lax misinformation policies by major tech platforms — are complicating efforts to keep communities safe.

Some of these influencers that care more about spreading misinformation to manipulate opinion during tragedy, all to trash the FEMA response (to go after immigration policy) all whilst they slap on some foundation of faux-concern, are fucking heartless. Worse than using a mass shooting to ban the weapon used.

"Oh look a disaster. Let's use anything FEMA does that's lacking to call democrats inept and blame immigration somehow. Let's also virtue signal our empathy like we care about anything else but using this to sway people's opinion."

Define callous.

Yet a republican NC Senator had some great things to say.

“I’m actually impressed with how much attention was paid to a region that wasn’t likely to have experienced the impact that they did,” Tillis told reporters, adding, “I’m out here to say that we’re doing a good job, and those who may not be on the ground, who are making those assessments, ought to get on the ground.”

I have also read some isolated communities are just cut off and really hard to reach. And it's nothing more than the logistics of reaching them.

But Newsweek is dead center on the bias and I agree with their assessment.

https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-f...en-1963998

[Maxmars]

I am one of those people who really don't buy into the 'civil war' idea, but I don't want to take it too far off topic.

The problem with FEMA is that it is just about unaccountable.  It must be... because when tragedies like this occur, the very first words out of their agency is always "Ooooh... yeah... about that... you know that money we have been given over all this time to be prepared... it's pretty much gone... we're gonna need more money."

Compound that with... "We are the gatekeepers of assistance... no one can help unless we are the one's handing it out"...

Yes, there is something amiss there...

[putnam6]

OK Maxmars WTH should I put this story? In the humor area. DI has very few posts on this story thats happening right now. 

The juxtaposition between $750 for helping the American taxpayer and offering prime care to noncitizens I guess is not a concern when dozens are still isolated throughout western North Carolina

This isn't new and my ire isn't just based on political parties. All disasters natural or manmade usually highlight the ability of the administration in office. Trump was admonished for his COVID response? yes or no? again rightfully so. This is a prime function of the Federal government the one time Americans want them to come in and help, and yeah when they screw up they deserve to get called out. YES NO MAYBE 

Much like Katrina people are still dying a week later because help can't get to them. Hell Ashville was full of Democrats it was the blue spot in red Western NC. It should be an excellent situation to see Harris in action instead of awkward speeches and ramblings. 

What's the adage "It's not what you say it's what you do" she could win the election with a robust reponse

Hell, the Bush administration caught hell for its shitty-ass response rightfully so and FWIW it was played to the hilt politically too, MSM lived in New Orleans FOR A MONTH afterward, not to mention the plethora of conspiracy theories. Hell FEMA was blistered and the conspiracy theories ran wild, most with no merit. A week after Katrina the MSM was peppering every government official with the "hard" questions now with Helene's aftermath it's not happening 

any other attitude, thoughts, or comments here or elsewhere are revisionist history

Do you want me to cite sources about Katrina? I was plugged into that fiasco at the time too, and yeah its pitiful response likely hurt Republicans politically in the midterms and 2008 again rightfully so as this is one of  the government's prime functions



I get it everybody wants DI to be nonpolitical, and not affect the election. Thats fine I guess, the New America. More concerned about hurtful words than real tangible issues. 

Seeing the few here denying what's likely occurring on the ground is telling and disappointing AF. Highlights the election to some is more important, Western Carolina be damned, New Orleans took years and it got a huge Hollywood response because the story stayed on the front page.

We have Americans suffering and our President finally comes out and does a presser on the strike and nary a question for the MSM till the end. It feels like the story is being pushed to the back burner till the election is over. Where was Harris in Michigan talking to a union? 

Perhaps I know too many people whose lives, families, and businesses are directly affected.

Please if this topic upsets the Deny Ignorance mission statement, paradigm or other members let me know I'll remove it and move on.

and FWIW the reason Carville is going "bugchit" is the perception now is so negative it will likely hurt Harris in North Carolina and probably Georgia too. 

 Politico seems to think it's pertinent to include it in a rational political discussion, or we can talk more about the ATS hack 

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/10/04...s-00182448

  
Hurricane Helene hit especially hard in heavily Republican areas of Georgia and North Carolina — a fact that could work to Donald Trump’s disadvantage in the two swing states.
Research has shown that major disasters can influence both voter turnout and voter preference. And Helene has pushed this contest into novel territory: It’s the first catastrophic event in U.S. history to hit two critical swing states within six weeks of a presidential election, based on a POLITICO’s E&E News analysis of data compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Rightfully so..... 

They can do better the world isn't watching but NC, TN, GA, FL, and SC are guessing there aren't enough blue states for the rest to give a damn.

for perspective here are the threads that mention Helene LOL one of them is the "Q" threads, if that's where I need to discuss the topic pretty sure DI can count me out, LOL that's worse than Discord.

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GarySiniseFoundation

@GarySiniseFound


Hurricane Helene has left a 500-mile path of destruction from Florida and Georgia to the Appalachian Mountains. The flooding in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina has made recovery efforts incredibly dangerous. Our first responders and military are on the ground, working tirelessly, but they need your help. Your urgent donation will provide critical supplies like water, food, and life-saving support to affected families and communities. Join us at the Gary Sinise Foundation to assist these heroes in their efforts to rebuild. Together, we can make a difference. Click here to donate today: https://bit.ly/3YaDqJb
[Image: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GZIz9zSXUAA6...me=900x900]

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The Real Brandon

@BluecollarBran


Western Carolina is completely devastated with flooding, power outages, downed trees, bridges collapsed, & over 400 roads closed People are stuck Roy Cooper hasn’t given a address in almost 24 hours. And now he seems to be handing responsibility over to the feds. Such a lack of leadership in a time of need Please pray for the people of Western NC 
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10:48 AM · Sep 28, 2024
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[putnam6]

 
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Jack

@jackunheard

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BREAKING: Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced a bill to force FEMA to redirect all funds from supporting illegal immigrants to disaster relief. No more America Last… let’s get back to America First!  FEMA has spent over $1 billion on accommodating illegal immigrants in recent years, and now they claim there aren’t enough funds for hurricane relief.

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StateofAppalachia

Morning #appalachia Had to run to central VA but will still keep doing what I can. Information update. Supply items needed - A cold front is supposed to come through on monday with nighttime lowes in the mid to upper 40's. Survivors in the Disaster Area will be needing cold weather gear - jackets, sweatshirts, socks/underwear, hats, gloves. Tents and camping gear is also needed. This weekend we are pushing teams out into the region to deliver aid, break roads through to isolated communities, and begin disaster relief.[Image: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/153...bigger.jpg]
StateofAppalachia
@Appalachistani

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StateofAppalachia
@Appalachistani
·
4h
Please DOCUMENT everything, especially interactions with FEMA and TEMA officials. Help is coming even if the feds want to get in the way. If you are trapped and needing relief let us know and we will push aid efforts your way.

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StateofAppalachia
@Appalachistani
·
4h



Stay safe. God speed, God bless. #StateofAppalachia #appalachian #appalachianstrong #hurricanehelene

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Yeah, The October Surprise is going to be my nightmare, but hard to redirect how things trend. Biden/Harris get a Katrina. We'll it's kinda getting forced into being a Katrina.

And it doesn't even have to be true..

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-e...spiracies/


Some of these influencers that care more about spreading misinformation to manipulate opinion during tragedy, all to trash the FEMA response (to go after immigration policy) all whilst they slap on some foundation of faux-concern, are fucking heartless. Worse than using a mass shooting to ban the weapon used.

"Oh look a disaster. Let's use anything FEMA does that's lacking to call democrats inept and blame immigration somehow. Let's also virtue signal our empathy like we care about anything else but using this to sway people's opinion."

Define callous.

Yet a republican NC Senator had some great things to say.


I have also read some isolated communities are just cut off and really hard to reach. And it's nothing more than the logistics of reaching them.

But Newsweek is dead center on the bias and I agree with their assessment.

https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-f...en-1963998

WOW, so all the Helene FEMA ruckus is just Republican social media influencers posting?

Damn, I always love discussing your viewpoints, I usually learn a lot and can find common ground. 

I'll have to try hard to do that, on this post 

"Forced to be Katrina" sounds rather dismissive, I could be wrong

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When MSNBC reports is this considered factual or is this just social media embellishments?

[IdeomotorPrisoner]

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WOW, so all the Helene FEMA ruckus is just Republican social media influencers posting?

Damn, I always love discussing your viewpoints, I usually learn a lot and can find common ground. 

I'll have to try hard to do that, on this post 

"Forced to be Katrina" sounds rather dismissive, I could be wrong

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When MSNBC reports is this considered factual or is this just social media embellishments?

[Video: https://youtu.be/M8zxSAMQObs?si=XEUYPnedYCi2OYwp]

I have bias too. On display on that one.

There is the argument to be made that I missed.

The FEMA director did say, "We will run out of money before (Nov 30th)" which begs the question, "Well what the hell are they spending the money on?"

He is pretty much saying Helene is going to gut their remaining funds. Or that's just BS to absolve they already ran out of money or are a few weeks away.

And so your argument of stupidly spent funds coming back to bite this administration's budget allocation in the ass becomes valid.

I would say it's a mix. A mix of wasteful budgeting and an extremely costly disaster. It's still being overblown for politics. Almost out of money is out of money. The 25% verifiable has 75% speculation added.

[putnam6]

I appreciate the response and clarification, and I see that some social media places are over the top. In a world where clicks and views get you checks, crypto, and meme coins it's a little bit like I said the nature of the beast.

and yeah one day you need to explain the meme coin craze and if Ive missed the boat.

Isn't Trump introducing another coin? Now that feels like a money grift...

https://www.coindesk.com › markets › 2024 › 05 › 22 › donald-trump-themed-meme-coins-breed-crypto-millionaires-as-maga-token-surgedDonald Trump-Themed Meme Coins Breed Crypto Millionaires as ... - CoinDesk
May 22, 2024The Trump campaign announced it would begin to accept crypto donations, including bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and meme coins dogecoin (DOGE) and shiba inu (SHIB).

[guyfriday]

I'm willing to bet that the rumors that FEMA was being used to launder money out of the taxpayer's hand, might be why all the fuss about lack of money is getting tossed around. Politics only became a thing when political players saw it as an advantage to exploit instead of helping the people. "Never let a crisis go to waste" is becoming the official FEMA motto at this point. 

All this fuss about impeding private citizens from helping out and limiting reports, which backfired grossly, is waking people up to a failed government, and sadly seems to be creating sparks near that "Civil War" powder keg.

I might be quoting myself here, but I stand by my thoughts. There is nearly no true transparency from FEMA about where its funds went, and I think they are playing word games and misdirection's of showing where the money went. Public parties don't have to show how they use money, but most do and in cases like Helene will provide those facts if asked. 

There are also too many cases of money magically showing up when pet projects need funding with zero public disclosure or discussions about how or where these billions came from. Now it looks like FEMA might have been using the migrant crisis to launder money from one hand to another.

Now to the Civil War comment. I'm not saying that we will go into a full on "Brother against Brother" civil war, but the chances of the public shooting at and possibly killing federal worker that are taking, or seemingly taking, supplies set aside for disaster relief get higher and higher with each story/report about how FEMA is acting as the bad guy in preventing the public from helping out in rescues and/or providing relief to those that have been victimized by Helene. This administration's slow/delayed response doesn't help the situation either.