Storms in the South

I have been watching the news coverage about the storms and flooding in the South. Of course, I have to go to the websites of local newspapers to get any information, no national media or media in other parts of the country covered anything but the initial report.

It breaks my heart to see the images and hear the stories. I am lucky in that my family did not suffer too much damage.

I wonder though, will the government actually help this situation or will it be another issue like Katrina. Although to be fair, most of that issue was with the government of Louisiana and New Orleans. The towns in Mississippi that were wiped out of existence actually had an easier time dealing with their state government.

Gulf Oil Spill Video

This is a video taken by a pilot flying over the Gulf.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=524_1273510578

The job of Congress

An article on Foxnews.com quotes Obama as saying "ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday that there "may not be an appetite" in Congress to deal with immigration immediately after going through a tough legislative year."

May not be an "appetite"? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that their job? Isn't that why they were sent to D.C.? I mean, if I told my boss, well, I just don't have an appetite to do that project right now, do you think he would be, oh, ok? No, he'd probably say well then don't bother coming in the rest of your life!

These people need to remember that WE are their boss, not the other way around. That their job is there at OUR discretion and not theirs.

Write your Congressmen and Senators, tell them that they are the employee and WE are the boss, and this is the project I expect you to do!

VA Hospitals

I just saw this article, it doesn't surprise me. It should not be this difficult for our Veterans to get their benefits. They volunteered for military service, the least we can do is take care of them afterwards. And here's something else to think about. If the government can't take care of a small percentage of our population through the VA, how can we honestly believe that this new health care program will work for everyone else?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/04/19/veterans-health-claims-menstrual-disorder/

Prayer

National Day of Prayer is scheduled for May 6, 2010.

Power Loss

I was on Facebook the other day and saw a post from an old friend. She said that her power had gone out due to a storm, but that she was so happy her laptop had battery power.

I read that and thought it was kinda sad. We have become so dependent on technology that we have forgotten how to live without it. I immediately thought of several things that could be done if you lost power, and all without using technology.

You could light some candles and sit around with your family and tell stories. They could be any kinda of stories. Family history, scary stories, or you could play a game where each person makes up part of the story. You could play a board game or cards. Sing songs. Read from the Bible.

Those are just the things off of the top of my head. I'm sure with some more thought, you could come up with more ideas. The point is, be creative. Don't rely on technology, it may not always be there.

Food

One step we can take to becoming more self-sufficent is to have a garden. If you have some yard space, it will be a little easier. But, if you are in an apartment or somewhere with out one, you can still have a little garden. You can get some window boxes or large planter or pots to grow some fresh herbs. You might be able to grow a tomato plant if you have a big enough pot. Berry fruits would be good to grow.

I also see those special indoor pots for herbs an the ones that you hang outside and grow tomatoes upside down. I don't know how well they work, but you can find out.

If you have a backyard it will be a little easier to grow some things. Just try and think of what you use most. Check with your local nursery to see what you can grow without much trouble if you don't have a gree thumb. This should save money in the long run, it make take a small investment to get started) and you will know that you are getting fresh food free from chemicals and you will know exactly how it was handled, where its been, and how many people may have tocuhed it before it got to you kitchen.