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1 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:17:25am

The Navy is responding in a big way. A carrier is enroute loaded with helos.

US Navy, A Global Force for Good

2 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:18:00am

Yes, actually, hell can get worse.

(But you could make it better.)

3 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:19:58am

re: #1 rwdflynavy

The Navy is responding in a big way. A carrier is enroute loaded with helos.

Hospital Ship Comfort is going to be there as soon as it can be prepped.

4 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:21:06am

bbiaw. Chores to do and all that.

5 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:21:12am

re: #3 SteveC

Hospital Ship Comfort is going to be there as soon as it can be prepped.

I had never heard of the Comfort before today, but I have to say, it has to be one of the grandest ships in the entire United States Navy. Could you imagine a more welcome sight than that sleek vessel steaming into harbor?

6 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:21:20am

I'm surprised we haven't heard about a cuban response yet

7 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:21:22am

re: #1 rwdflynavy

Via NavyNews Twitter: USS Carl Vinson to head to Haiti.

More US resources being marshaled here.

More video, news, and updates here.

8 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:22:19am

re: #5 thedopefishlives

The USNS Comfort, along with the USNS Mercy are hospital ships that are complete medical facilities - operating rooms, isolation wards, surgical suites, icus, etc. along with supplies and equipment to assist in relief and recovery efforts.

9 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:22:36am

re: #8 lawhawk

The USNS Comfort, along with the USNS Mercy are hospital ships that are complete medical facilities - operating rooms, isolation wards, surgical suites, icus, etc. along with supplies and equipment to assist in relief and recovery efforts.

I know, I saw the link downstairs. Truly amazing.

10 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:22:39am

What about our embassy?

11 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:22:56am

I'm not promoting my faith, I just happened to know this article was here:

[Link: www.mormontimes.com...]

12 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:23:25am

re: #2 EmmmieG

Yes, actually, hell can get worse.

(But you could make it better.)

I just donated $50.00 to the Am/Int'l Red Cross. Unfortunately that's about all I can do for now...Maybe later in the week I can do more.

13 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:23:39am

re: #10 MandyManners

What about our embassy?

I heard on the news last night that our embassy down there was in pretty good shape.

14 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:23:51am

Big picture warning.

USNS Comfort

15 soap_man  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:24:03am

CNN is reporting "hundreds of thousands dead." Say a prayer, or do whatever it is you can do.

re: #1 rwdflynavy

The Navy is responding in a big way. A carrier is enroute loaded with helos.

US Navy, A Global Force for Good

As critical as I can be of U.S. policy, moments like this fill me with pride. This is something we can all unite behind.

16 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:24:06am

re: #1 rwdflynavy

My grandfather (ACOE, WWII) was of the opinion that the US Military was at its finest when doing humanitarian work, that there was no better use for concentrated force than fighting against tragedy and the chaos and horror of the world.

Godspeed to all those steaming for Haiti.

17 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:24:22am

Word is the entire UN building and staff were lost.

18 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:24:24am

re: #10 MandyManners

What about our embassy?

I hope they're okay. I haven't heard.

19 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:25:24am

re: #8 lawhawk

The USNS Comfort, along with the USNS Mercy are hospital ships that are complete medical facilities - operating rooms, isolation wards, surgical suites, icus, etc. along with supplies and equipment to assist in relief and recovery efforts.

They're also absolutely huge. Converted from oil tankers, they are currently the 3rd largest ships in the navy if I remember correctly. Having seen one here on a port of call, they are shockingly huge.

21 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:25:33am

re: #5 thedopefishlives

I had never heard of the Comfort before today, but I have to say, it has to be one of the grandest ships in the entire United States Navy. Could you imagine a more welcome sight than that sleek vessel steaming into harbor?

The problem is, when not in use they almost deactivate Comfort. It will take 5 days to staff and stock her, then sailing time from Baltimore... a week, at the earliest.

The UN ofiices are destroyed. The Red Cross building is down. Doctors Without Borders reported last night (via twitter) that they had major damage and staff unaccounted for. (All good points for personal preparedness, no matter where you are.)

22 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:25:41am

re: #18 Dragon_Lady

I hope they're okay. I haven't heard.

They said on the Twitter link posted by Lawhawk that concerned Americans should contact the Embassy. I would assume that means they're at least operational.

23 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:25:52am

re: #13 JasonA

I heard on the news last night that our embassy down there was in pretty good shape.

I bet we built it ourselves.

24 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:26:33am

France fears everyone inside U.N. HQ in Haiti dead

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Wednesday he feared everyone inside the United Nations headquarters in Haiti were killed when the building was destroyed by a powerful earthquake.

"The U.N. building has collapsed and it seems that all those who were in the building, including my friend Heni Annabi who was the special envoy at the United Nations ... are dead," Kouchner told France's RTL radio.

However, he said Haiti's President Rene Preval had managed to escape his collapsing palace during the earthquake that rocked Porte-au-Prince on Tuesday.

The U.N. itself has said the people in its building were unaccounted for.

25 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:03am

re: #14 Varek Raith

Big picture warning.

USNS Comfort

You aren't kidding!

26 McSpiff  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:06am

re: #23 MandyManners

I bet we built it ourselves.

Agreed, seems like an obvious target for an attack if not.

27 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:07am

re: #19 McSpiff

They're also absolutely huge. Converted from oil tankers, they are currently the 3rd largest ships in the navy if I remember correctly. Having seen one here on a port of call, they are shockingly huge.

Only the largest carriers (Nimitz Class, probably) are bigger.

28 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:16am

re: #22 thedopefishlives

They said on the Twitter link posted by Lawhawk that concerned Americans should contact the Embassy. I would assume that means they're at least operational.

Thats a relief!

29 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:34am

re: #18 Dragon_Lady

I hope they're okay. I haven't heard.

There's been some sporadic communication from them. No American deaths reported to date. They're trying to contact Americans on the island, and, I assume, just hunkering down and doing the best they can.

30 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:35am

re: #7 lawhawk

Via NavyNews Twitter: USS Carl Vinson to head to Haiti.

More US resources being marshaled here.

More video, news, and updates here.

I hadn't seen this yet in civilian channels and didn't want to get hit for an OPSEC violation, but this is correct. Vinson was leaving for a trip around South America to home port shift to San Diego. They are diverting to Jax to pick up a whole mess of helos and head down to Haiti. Several surface ships enroute as well.

31 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:36am

re: #21 SteveC

The problem is, when not in use they almost deactivate Comfort. It will take 5 days to staff and stock her, then sailing time from Baltimore... a week, at the earliest.

Nevertheless, the Carl Vinson has at least some basic medical facilities on board, as well as advanced search and rescue capability (most aircraft carriers are so trained and equipped). I'd imagine the Navy can hold their own until the big guns arrive.

32 HAL2010  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:27:39am

One of the tragedies of this story is that some saw it coming.

Fifteen months ago.

The question of the seismic threat to Port-au-Prince is a hot topic. It has been debated in recent days by many people, including high-ranking intellectuals. The conclusions are unanimous: PAP risks being transformed overnight into rubble after a violent quake. "For two centuries, no major earthquake has been recorded in the Haitian capital. The amount of energy accumulated along the fault runs the risk of an earthquake of 7.2 on the Richter scale. Better not even to talk about, there's no need to panic. But it would be a catastrophe," said the chief of the Bureau of Mines and Energy.

An absolute tragedy, I hope they receive all the help and assistance that they need as quick as possible.

33 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:28:17am

re: #21 SteveC

The problem is, when not in use they almost deactivate Comfort. It will take 5 days to staff and stock her, then sailing time from Baltimore... a week, at the earliest.

The UN ofiices are destroyed. The Red Cross building is down. Doctors Without Borders reported last night (via twitter) that they had major damage and staff unaccounted for. (All good points for personal preparedness, no matter where you are.)

They almost have to downline the ship. Keeping it at full readiness is costly and until the disaster hits there are always more pressing needs for the money.

34 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:28:27am

re: #29 SanFranciscoZionist

There's been some sporadic communication from them. No American deaths reported to date. They're trying to contact Americans on the island, and, I assume, just hunkering down and doing the best they can.

Thanks for the update!

35 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:30:17am

re: #11 EmmmieG

I'm not promoting my faith, I just happened to know this article was here:

[Link: www.mormontimes.com...]

Linky no worky- try this http://www.mormontimes.com/people_news/ Then click the Haiti article.

36 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:30:23am

re: #23 MandyManners

I bet we built it ourselves.

We always build our embassies ourselves. It's a big security issue.

37 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:30:43am

re: #35 DaddyG

Thanks.

38 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:31:10am

re: #32 HAL2010

One of the tragedies of this story is that some saw it coming.

Fifteen months ago.

An absolute tragedy, I hope they receive all the help and assistance that they need as quick as possible.

IIRC, didn't they have a decent size quake just a few years ago?

39 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:31:11am

re: #31 thedopefishlives

Nevertheless, the Carl Vinson has at least some basic medical facilities on board, as well as advanced search and rescue capability (most aircraft carriers are so trained and equipped). I'd imagine the Navy can hold their own until the big guns arrive.

Its got an airstrip, helos, and water purification systems. All good starting points for relief efforts.

40 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:31:53am

re: #39 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Its got an airstrip, helos, and water purification systems. All good starting points for relief efforts.

And the crews have to be trained for wide-area search and rescue, given the nature of sea-based air operations.

41 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:32:10am

Just reposting here, since it's relevant:

Nine people from my church, including the senior paster, his wife, and three children with their parents, and a few others are still in Haiti for a mission trip. The rest of the group flew back yesterday, but these nine are still down there.

For those who pray, please pray for their safety, their ability to help in any way they can, and a chance to fly back home soon.

42 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:32:46am

re: #36 RogueOne

We always build our embassies ourselves. It's a big security issue.

When you say "build it ourselves" does that refer to the building's design or do we actually send Americans in to do the physical construction?

43 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:32:48am

re: #31 thedopefishlives

Nevertheless, the Carl Vinson has at least some basic medical facilities on board, as well as advanced search and rescue capability (most aircraft carriers are so trained and equipped). I'd imagine the Navy can hold their own until the big guns arrive.

The US Navy is the Big Gun is these matters. Between the Vinson and her escorts there will be enough helos to at least ferry people in and evac some of the worst injured. Perhaps they could even be taken to Gitmo for a time. We built additional medical facilities to accommodate detainees, might be a good chance to use them.

44 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:33:37am

re: #36 RogueOne

We always build our embassies ourselves. It's a big security issue.

Yeah, ever since the Soviets bugged our embassy in Moscow and it was so riddled with listening devices the termite population in Louisiana would be proud!

45 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:33:54am

I have been peering at the pictures closely. One thing is shockingly clear. No re-bar. Urban planners, architects, students of developing nations must take note. Never build anything more important than a tool shed un-reinforced.

The buildings that fall often put debris in the street blocking rescue efforts. This kind of construction should not be allowed at all.

46 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:34:16am

re: #44 Dragon_Lady

Yeah, ever since the Soviets bugged our embassy in Moscow and it was so riddled with listening devices the termite population in Louisiana would be proud!

The Sovs just bugged everything. It was sort of a nervous tic with them.

47 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:34:20am

re: #41 vxbush

I read about the mission groups there last night. It brought to mind what I'd be thinking if this happened in the area where my son is serving a church mission in the Philippines.

My heart was instantly heavy and I've got no money to send so all I can do right now is pray for them.

I am very happy to hear the Navy is sending support.

48 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:34:37am

re: #33 Dark_Falcon

They almost have to downline the ship. Keeping it at full readiness is costly and until the disaster hits there are always more pressing needs for the money.

Yes, that's completely understandable and makes economic sense. But if you expect the ground to stop shaking and the smoke and flames to part long enough for you to see the Comfort sailing into port... it ain't gonna happen. You got to be ready to take care of your own for at least a little while.

49 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:34:48am

re: #42 JasonA

When you say "build it ourselves" does that refer to the building's design or do we actually send Americans in to do the physical construction?

We do the design, which I assume has to be ok'd by the host nation, and the construction ourselves.

50 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:00am

re: #43 Dark_Falcon

The US Navy is the Big Gun is these matters. Between the Vinson and her escorts there will be enough helos to at least ferry people in and evac some of the worst injured. Perhaps they could even be taken to Gitmo for a time. We built additional medical facilities to accommodate detainees, might be a good chance to use them.

Well, I just meant that the medical crews would most likely be aboard the floating hospital, along with the advanced medical equipment. When it comes to search and rescue and operational relief, there's not a more welcome sight in the world than an aircraft carrier.

51 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:07am

re: #14 Varek Raith

Big picture warning.

USNS Comfort

Yes! Big picture but worth the wait.

52 vxbush  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:15am

re: #47 DaddyG

I read about the mission groups there last night. It brought to mind what I'd be thinking if this happened in the area where my son is serving a church mission in the Philippines.

My heart was instantly heavy and I've got no money to send so all I can do right now is pray for them.

I am very happy to hear the Navy is sending support.

Prayer is a great start, DaddyG.

53 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:32am

re: #47 DaddyG

I read about the mission groups there last night. It brought to mind what I'd be thinking if this happened in the area where my son is serving a church mission in the Philippines.

My heart was instantly heavy and I've got no money to send so all I can do right now is pray for them.

I am very happy to hear the Navy is sending support.

I've got a small amount to spare, and I'll make sure to send it today.

54 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:37am

re: #42 JasonA

When you say "build it ourselves" does that refer to the building's design or do we actually send Americans in to do the physical construction?

I believe we use contractors with security clearances. There were notable incidents in the past, such as the US embassy in Moscow IIRC, of local labor adding numerous bugs to the work as the went.

55 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:35:39am

re: #43 Dark_Falcon

The US Navy is the Big Gun is these matters. Between the Vinson and her escorts there will be enough helos to at least ferry people in and evac some of the worst injured. Perhaps they could even be taken to Gitmo for a time. We built additional medical facilities to accommodate detainees, might be a good chance to use them.

Bataan is also going, a helo carrier which normally carriers a Marine Expeditionary Unit of several thousand Marines. This means more helos, more water capability and more supplies/medical capability.

56 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:36:40am

re: #49 RogueOne

re: #54 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Thanks for clearing that part up for me.

57 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:36:43am

carrier - carries.

58 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:36:47am

re: #50 thedopefishlives

Well, I just meant that the medical crews would most likely be aboard the floating hospital, along with the advanced medical equipment. When it comes to search and rescue and operational relief, there's not a more welcome sight in the world than an aircraft carrier.

Unless you're a member of one the city's gangs, in which case you've got a serious problem.

59 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:36:57am

re: #46 SanFranciscoZionist

The Sovs just bugged everything. It was sort of a nervous tic with them.

The soviets went so far as to put bugs in the concrete so when the solid walls were poured the bugs were already in there.

60 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:03am

re: #26 McSpiff

Agreed, seems like an obvious target for an attack if not.

Attack? By whom?

61 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:12am

looting is going to be a major problem...somebody will have to step up with armed troops

62 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:20am

re: #58 Dark_Falcon

Unless you're a member of one the city's gangs, in which case you've got a serious problem.

Granted. Also, I suppose a squadron of C130s buzzing into the airport wouldn't be an unwelcome surprise for the law-abiding citizens.

63 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:21am

re: #42 JasonA

When you say "build it ourselves" does that refer to the building's design or do we actually send Americans in to do the physical construction?


We design the embassies and the locals provide the built in listening devices.

The device was embedded in a carved wooden plaque of the Great Seal of the United States. On August 4, 1945, Soviet school children presented the bugged carving to U.S. Ambassador Averell Harriman, as a "gesture of friendship" to the USSR's World War II ally. It hung in the ambassador’s Moscow residential office until it was exposed in 1952

64 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:27am

The US Coast Guard is also mounting an effort to increase patrols in the waters around Haiti, expecting people to try and flee to the US to seek refuge in all manner of ship and craft that may not be seaworthy.

65 SanFranciscoZionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:37:45am

re: #60 MandyManners

Attack? By whom?

A U.S. embassy? Name the usual suspects.

66 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:38:01am

Utility link to the US Embassy in Haiti for whoever may need it.

67 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:38:15am

NEWS RELEASE: SOUTHCOM to deploy assessment team to Haiti
Posted On: Jan 13 2010 11:12AM

By U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs

MIAMI – U.S. Southern Command will deploy a team of 30 people to Haiti to support U.S. relief efforts in the aftermath of yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

The team, which includes U.S. military engineers, operational planners, and a command and control group and communication specialists, will arrive in Haiti today on two C-130 Hercules aircraft. The team will work with U.S. Embassy personnel as well as Haitian, United Nations and international officials to assess the situation and facilitate follow on U.S. military support.

Other immediate response activities include;

- At first light today, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter evacuated four critically injured U.S. Embassy staff to the Naval Station Guantanamo, Cuba, hospital for further treatment.

- Elements of the U.S. Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing are deploying today to the international airport at Port au Prince, Haiti, to provide air traffic control capability and airfield operations. They are expected to arrive in Haiti this afternoon.

- A U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft from the Forward Operating Location at Comalapa, El Salvador, took off early this morning to conduct an aerial reconnaissance of the area affected by the earthquake.

- The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, is underway and expected to arrive off the coast of Haiti Thursday. Additional U.S. Navy ships are underway to Haiti.

SOUTHCOM is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the U.S. State Department, United States Agency for International Development and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and other national and international agencies to determine how to best respond to this crisis.
...
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people and all those affected by this devastating earthquake,” said U.S. Army Col. James Marshall, command spokesman for SOUTHCOM.

SOUTHCOM @ Twitter: southcomwatch

68 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:38:31am

re: #61 albusteve

Marines:
re: #55 rwdflynavy

69 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:38:42am

re: #47 DaddyG

I am very happy to hear the Navy is sending support.

The Coast Guard is in the mix, too. A friend of mine just completed her service, but she's like an ol' racehorse - she hears the bell she's ready to go!

(Don't tell her I called her an ol' racehorse, she'll whip me!)

70 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:39:37am

re: #67 Gus 802

NEWS RELEASE: SOUTHCOM to deploy assessment team to Haiti
Posted On: Jan 13 2010 11:12AM

By U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs

SOUTHCOM @ Twitter: southcomwatch

Here we go Mr. President!

71 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:39:50am

re: #69 SteveC

(Don't tell her I called her an ol' racehorse, she'll whip me!)

in bed?

72 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:40:15am

@NavyNews/haiti-relief

NavyNews RT @DipNote Gen Fraser, U.S. Southern Command: USS Carl Vinson is underway and expected to arrive off coast of #Haiti tomorrow.

73 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:40:25am

re: #55 rwdflynavy

Bataan is also going, a helo carrier which normally carriers a Marine Expeditionary Unit of several thousand Marines. This means more helos, more water capability and more supplies/medical capability.

Very good. The extra security will be very welcome. Another day, maybe less, before some of the gangs sort themselves out. Port-au-Prince has always had some nasty problems with crime, and part of any relief will need to be security. Thankfully, the USMC got a post-graduate course in that in Iraq so the Marines will do very well, as they always do.

74 Ericus58  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:40:40am

Pulled from BBC - tweet
"melindayiti tweets: talking to Joe in Jacmel...says the city is destroyed, the Alcibiade is missing a part, the Hotel Lamandou... many places damaged... the hospital also seriously damaged and turning people away...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

the last item caught my attention...

75 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:40:56am

re: #72 Gus 802

@NavyNews/haiti-relief

NavyNews RT @DipNote Gen Fraser, U.S. Southern Command: USS Carl Vinson is underway and expected to arrive off coast of #Haiti tomorrow.

That's fast, isn't the Carl Vinson in Norfolk?

76 albusteve  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:07am

re: #68 RogueOne

Marines:
re: #55 rwdflynavy

you can pack alot of food and water in place of a Marine battalion...that remains to be seen I think

77 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:21am

My folks have friends stuck there, missionaries. They just got back to haiti last week. Everyone but 3 sons accounted for.

78 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:30am

re: #74 Ericus58

Pulled from BBC - tweet
"melindayiti tweets: talking to Joe in Jacmel...says the city is destroyed, the Alcibiade is missing a part, the Hotel Lamandou... many places damaged... the hospital also seriously damaged and turning people away...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

the last item caught my attention...

coastal shelf get raised by the quake?

79 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:38am

re: #71 Mad Al-Jaffee

in bed?

I wish! We dated in her Pre coastie days.

80 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:53am

re: #65 SanFranciscoZionist

A U.S. embassy? Name the usual suspects.

My mind was focussed on earthquakes, not assholes.

81 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:41:58am

re: #75 Varek Raith

That's fast, isn't the Carl Vinson in Norfolk?

Don't know, would have to check.

82 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:42:08am

re: #74 Ericus58

Possible sign of a tsunami, though I haven't seen any reports of a tsunami hitting anywhere in the vicinity.

83 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:42:14am

re: #74 Ericus58

Pulled from BBC - tweet
"melindayiti tweets: talking to Joe in Jacmel...says the city is destroyed, the Alcibiade is missing a part, the Hotel Lamandou... many places damaged... the hospital also seriously damaged and turning people away...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

the last item caught my attention...

Oh boy, that's not a good sign....

84 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:42:37am

re: #76 albusteve

you can pack alot of food and water in place of a Marine battalion...that remains to be seen I think

If its already in route, its more likely this was a ship already on float which was diverted, most likely already part of a force with the Carl Vinson.

85 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:42:56am

re: #76 albusteve

you can pack alot of food and water in place of a Marine battalion...that remains to be seen I think

The Marines are used to going into Haiti. They've done it on a regular basis it seems since the early 90's. My brother was deployed there 3 times during that time.

86 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:42:59am

re: #75 Varek Raith

That's fast, isn't the Carl Vinson in Norfolk?

She can steam at about 30 knots and she was about to leave anyway.

87 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:43:11am

re: #75 Varek Raith

Steaming at 40knots from time of deployment, and that its aircraft could start flying sorties a couple hundred miles out, that sounds about right.

88 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:43:53am

re: #86 Dark_Falcon

She can steam at about 30 knots and she was about to leave anyway.

Okay, so she was ready to go already, thanks!

89 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:44:15am

re: #87 lawhawk

Steaming at 40knots from time of deployment, and that its aircraft could start flying sorties a couple hundred miles out, that sounds about right.

30 knots, lawhawk. Only fast attack craft can hit 40 knots in the Navy.

90 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:44:21am

re: #87 lawhawk

Steaming at 40knots from time of deployment, and that its aircraft could start flying sorties a couple hundred miles out, that sounds about right.

Thanks!

91 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:44:45am

re: #89 Dark_Falcon

30 knots, lawhawk. Only fast attack craft can hit 40 knots in the Navy.

That's still a pretty good clip for a ship the size of a carrier.

92 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:44:54am

re: #75 Varek Raith

That's fast, isn't the Carl Vinson in Norfolk?

The latest I saw on her was that Northrup finished a refitting in Norfolk in 2008.

93 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:45:24am

Here's a beautiful story from TPM's feed.

A young American aid worker -- trapped for about 10 hours under the rubble of her mission house that was destroyed in Haiti's earthquake -- has been rescued by her husband.

Frank Thorp told CBS's "The Early Show" by phone from Haiti on Wednesday that he drove 100 miles to Port-au-Prince once he learned of the quake, and dug for over an hour to free his wife, Jillian, and her co-worker Charles Dietsch. The two were trapped under about a foot of concrete, he said.

"It was absolutely terrifying," Thorp said.

94 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:46:16am

re: #91 thedopefishlives

That's still a pretty good clip for a ship the size of a carrier.

We've generally insisted on fast carriers. Even before WWII, the Lexington and Yorktown classes could exceed 30 knots. Carriers need to be able to shift positions quickly, thus speed is essential.

95 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:46:53am

re: #74 Ericus58

...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

Oh, F*ck.

96 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:47:42am

re: #93 JasonA

Here's a beautiful story from TPM's feed.

They got her out? Excellent! I saw the interview with the Husband this morning on CBS and he was on the phone with her for just a few minutes, just long enough to tell him she was trapped.... I'm so glad she's okay.

97 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:47:58am

re: #74 Ericus58

re: #95 SteveC

What is the time stamp on those tweets? Now? Or yesterday?

98 Mocking Jay  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:05am

re: #93 JasonA

Correction, that was from HuffPo. Hard to keep sources straight when I have half a dozen on the screen :)

99 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:06am

re: #95 SteveC

Oh, F*ck.

That's about the right words for it. This is the kind of quake that changes the local geography.

100 SteveC  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:28am

"Inner City Press" - never heard of them - reports that the UN head of mission Hedi Annabi is among the missing.

101 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:36am

re: #75 Varek Raith

That's fast, isn't the Carl Vinson in Norfolk?

As of 30 days it's been undergoing flight deck certification so it's probably closer than Norfolk.

102 SpaceJesus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:36am

here's how to donate to the rescue effort

www.unicefusa.org/haitiquake

103 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:48:44am

re: #1 rwdflynavy

The Navy is responding in a big way. A carrier is enroute loaded with helos.

US Navy, A Global Force for Good

And what's more, the Navy can come to people's rescue in a big way both off our own shores (Haiti), and on the other side of the world (Indonesia tsunami).

104 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:49:21am

Check deployments. The Carl Vinson left Norfolk yesterday as part of a scheduled move to San Diego when it was redirected to Haiti last night.

105 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:49:31am

re: #77 RogueOne

My folks have friends stuck there, missionaries. They just got back to haiti last week. Everyone but 3 sons accounted for.

They're in my prayers.

106 Cineaste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:49:33am

re: #89 Dark_Falcon

30 knots, lawhawk. Only fast attack craft can hit 40 knots in the Navy.

yep - to get up to 40 knots on a bigger boat you pretty much need a gas turbine engine

107 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:49:44am

re: #74 Ericus58

Pulled from BBC - tweet
"melindayiti tweets: talking to Joe in Jacmel...says the city is destroyed, the Alcibiade is missing a part, the Hotel Lamandou... many places damaged... the hospital also seriously damaged and turning people away...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

the last item caught my attention...

Today?

108 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:50:02am

re: #105 The Sanity Inspector

They're in my prayers.

Mine too...

109 Cineaste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:50:36am

re: #74 Ericus58

Pulled from BBC - tweet
"melindayiti tweets: talking to Joe in Jacmel...says the city is destroyed, the Alcibiade is missing a part, the Hotel Lamandou... many places damaged... the hospital also seriously damaged and turning people away...the ocean receded a half mile from the coast"

the last item caught my attention...

apparently one of the hospitals by Pietonville collapsed

110 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:51:45am

re: #77 RogueOne

My folks have friends stuck there, missionaries. They just got back to haiti last week. Everyone but 3 sons accounted for.

Three sons is a lot not to be accounted for. I hope they find them.

111 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:52:32am

re: #104 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Check deployments. The Carl Vinson left Norfolk yesterday as part of a scheduled move to San Diego when it was redirected to Haiti last night.

Wonderful! Hip hip hooray for the Carl Vinson and her crew!

112 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:54:23am

re: #105 The Sanity Inspector

They're in my prayers.

I know the'll appreciate, they're good people.

My folks also have a very close family friend and his son's family, including his grandkids, are missionaries in Wales. I'm not sure why Wales needs christian missionaries unless they're looking for Iceweasel and Jimmah//

113 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:55:41am

re: #104 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Check deployments. The Carl Vinson left Norfolk yesterday as part of a scheduled move to San Diego when it was redirected to Haiti last night.

Here it is departing -- from yesterday.

114 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:56:22am

re: #112 RogueOne

I know they'll appreciate it, they're good people.

PIMF

115 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:57:07am

re: #99 Dark_Falcon

That's about the right words for it. This is the kind of quake that changes the local geography.

What was that Caribbean pirates' colony that was sunk by an earthquake in the 1600s?

116 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:58:02am

re: #115 The Sanity Inspector

What was that Caribbean pirates' colony that was sunk by an earthquake in the 1600s?

Port Royal?

117 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:58:52am

re: #112 RogueOne

I know the'll appreciate, they're good people.

My folks also have a very close family friend and his son's family, including his grandkids, are missionaries in Wales. I'm not sure why Wales needs christian missionaries unless they're looking for Iceweasel and Jimmah//


I don't know about Christians in general but the LDS missionaries are often needed as much by our own church members as anyone else in their area. :-)

118 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:59:04am

re: #116 Semper Fi

Port Royal?

That sounds right.

119 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 9:59:16am

Another ship coming in, no name yet. From southcom Tweet:

# Gen. Fraser during DoD press conf: Large deck amphibious ship to support disaster relief in Haiti 13 minutes ago from web

120 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:00:03am

re: #117 DaddyG

I don't know about Christians in general but the LDS missionaries are often needed as much by our own church members as anyone else in their area. :-)

I know people make fun of Mormons but disaster relief is almost their specialty.

121 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:01:19am

re: #120 RogueOne

I know people make fun of Mormons but disaster relief is almost their specialty.

And casseroles and quilts. ;)

122 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:01:20am
123 Summer Seale  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:01:43am

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

124 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:02:03am

More Navy-Haiti news here:

Sailors from Naval Station Norfolk to help Haiti victims

NORFOLK - Several ships and hundreds of sailors at Naval Station Norfolk are gearing up to provide humanitarian relief and disaster assistance to Haiti.

The USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, as well as the dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry and USS Carter Hall are preparing to get under way within 48 hours to conduct exercises in order to be prepared to head to Haiti, if called upon, said Ted Brown, a spokesman for U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, which left Newport News on Tuesday, is also headed to the region, Navy officials told CNN.

The Norfolk-based USS Normandy, a guided missile cruiser, will also be available.

125 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:02:08am

re: #122 lawhawk

Holy crap. Haitian PM says death toll could top 100,000.

Wow, that's just brutal.

126 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:02:31am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Ugh.

127 Varek Raith  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:02:48am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Pat Robertson, please STFU.
Thank you!
Sheesh.

128 Summer Seale  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:03:06am

re: #126 Killgore Trout

Ugh.

He's a fuckin' piece of work, isn't he?

He just never learns and never shuts the fuck up. It's amazing.

129 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:03:11am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Blech.

"Go away Pat."

130 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:03:32am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Pat Robertson should learn to stifle himself until at least 24 hours after something terrible happens.

131 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:03:48am

CNN just reported that the PM of Haiti says hundreds of thousands are dead.

132 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:04:30am

re: #130 The Sanity Inspector

I agree.

133 Taqyia2Me  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:04:41am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Geodon for dementia is indicated.
No sarc

134 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:04:59am

re: #115 The Sanity Inspector

What was that Caribbean pirates' colony that was sunk by an earthquake in the 1600s?

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/events/1692_06_07.php

135 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:05:05am

re: #124 Gus 802

More Navy-Haiti news here:

Sailors from Naval Station Norfolk to help Haiti victims

USS Underwood is underway and will be arriving with 2 SH-60B Seahawks aboard. One is from my squadron.

136 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:05:32am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Pat Robertson needs to stop being an attention whore and get off the stage.

137 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:05:42am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Vile motherfucker.

138 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:05:44am

re: #134 DaddyG

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/event s/1692_06_07.php

Awww, you beat me to it! Nice work!

139 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:05:58am

Gonna' step back.

140 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:06:15am

Dear Pat: It's called plate tectonics. It's not good, or bad, it just is.

Here is a map:

[Link: commons.wikimedia.org...]

You will notice that Haiti sits directly over a major fault. Please go back to remedial earth science. Thank you.

141 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:07:08am

re: #135 rwdflynavy

USS Underwood is underway and will be arriving with 2 SH-60B Seahawks aboard. One is from my squadron.

Cool. Lots of iron headed their way.

142 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:07:22am

re: #121 EmmmieG

And casseroles and quilts. ;)

...and green jello desserts - don't forget the green jello!

The LDS (Mormon) Church consolodated many of its local relief efforts during the Great Depression under the guidance of Hugh B Brown (a counselor in the church presidency). The original efforts were about being self sufficient but preparedness ended up having the additional benefit of being able to help others when needed.

Catholic Charities is another group that is quick to respond to events like these.

143 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:08:17am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

He didn't blame the earthquake per se on a pact with the devil, he blamed every bad thing that has happened since the french left on the "Haitians pact with the devil"

144 Ericus58  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:08:52am

this feed was posted earlier, worth monitoring:
[Link: www.cnn.com...]

Images of the UN building is total loss... The HUGE dust cloud over the capital videoed just after the quake was mind-boggling...

Still searching for info on the coastline/shelf.

145 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:08:59am

re: #143 RogueOne

That seems like the same thing....

146 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:09:17am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Well, some of its affiliated organizations are doing good work down there, but CBN remains scum for keeping Robertson around. He should put out to pasture.

147 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:09:17am

re: #133 Taqyia2Me

Geodon for dementia is indicated.
No sarc

I thought surely you were joking until I watched the video.

148 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:10:18am

re: #140 EmmmieG

Dear Pat: It's called plate tectonics. It's not good, or bad, it just is.

Here is a map:

[Link: commons.wikimedia.org...]

You will notice that Haiti sits directly over a major fault. Please go back to remedial earth science. Thank you.

But God can move those plates don't you see ?/

149 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:11:39am

Robertson should shut his pie hole; he again shows his insensitivity and ignorance. Better that he simply say that he'll pray for those in Haiti and that people should give to various charities to ease the suffering.

150 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:11:51am

Rush is mocking on his radio show today.

151 Taqyia2Me  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:11:58am

re: #147 avanti

I thought surely you were joking until I watched the video.

My dad got dementia real bad. This guy has it too.

152 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:12:02am

re: #149 lawhawk

Robertson should shut his pie hole; he again shows his insensitivity and ignorance. Better that he simply say that he'll pray for those in Haiti and that people should give to various charities to ease the suffering.

Amen!

153 Spider mensch  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:12:18am

re: #143 RogueOne

He didn't blame the earthquake per se on a pact with the devil, he blamed every bad thing that has happened since the french left on the "Haitians pact with the devil"

funny I've always blamed every bad thing that happens to the religous right on the pact they made with pat robertson.

154 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:13:11am

re: #140 EmmmieG

Dear Pat: It's called plate tectonics. It's not good, or bad, it just is.

Here is a map:

[Link: commons.wikimedia.org...]

You will notice that Haiti sits directly over a major fault. Please go back to remedial earth science. Thank you.

THAT'S A LIE!1 THE EARTH IS ONLY 6,000 YEARS OLD, AND ALL EARTHQUAKES COME FROM GOD!!11 YOU'LL BURN IN HELL FOR THINKING LIKE YOU DO!!!11111

/Robertson supporter (Its always a good time to wing one at the wingnuts)

155 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:13:21am

re: #145 erraticsphinx

That seems like the same thing...

Sorta, only kinda weirder. I had never heard the story of the hatian pact with the devil to overthrow the french and google is only bringing up christian church pages that say it happened. Does anyone know if the story is even true?

I know I'm a little weird but, if so how cool is that to have in your history books?

156 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:14:01am

re: #153 Spider mensch

funny I've always blamed every bad thing that happens to the religous right on the pact they made with pat robertson.

Quite Concur. I think Robertson is wrong about who God is pissed off by.

157 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:14:52am

re: #155 RogueOne

He's referring to voodoun/santeria, I do believe.

158 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:14:57am

re: #151 Taqyia2Me

My dad got dementia real bad. This guy has it too.

I know that must be difficult for you and your family. I wish you strength my friend.

159 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:14:58am

re: #153 Spider mensch

funny I've always blamed every bad thing that happens to the religous right on the pact they made with pat robertson.


My live TV dream event: Christ shows up on camera and slaps Pat across the face for heresy.

160 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:15:02am

re: #156 Dark_Falcon

Quite Concur. I think Robertson is wrong about who God is pissed off by.

Yeah, I have a feeling that when he gets to the pearly gates he'll find out just how much....

161 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:15:08am

re: #150 erraticsphinx

Rush is mocking on his radio show today.

Mocking WHAT, if I dare ask?

162 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:15:09am

re: #154 Dark_Falcon

YOU'LL BURN IN HELL FOR THINKING LIKE YOU DO!!!11111

She's already condemned to hell for being a Mormon. /fundie

The good news is the Mormons will turn hell into a garden spot within a few years of arriving. Were like the Jews in that respect.

163 SixDegrees  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:15:38am

re: #126 Killgore Trout

re: #127 Varek Raith

re: #129 Gus 802

re: #129 Gus 802

...and many others: I vote we send Robertson to Haiti so he can see who he's criticizing up close and personal. Stick a shovel in his hand, and come back for him in a couple of weeks. Maybe.

He's like a flaming pile of dogshit, with a mouth.

164 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:16:09am

re: #163 SixDegrees

re: #127 Varek Raith

re: #129 Gus 802

re: #129 Gus 802

...and many others: I vote we send Robertson to Haiti so he can see who he's criticizing up close and personal. Stick a shovel in his hand, and come back for him in a couple of weeks. Maybe.

He's like a flaming pile of dogshit, with a mouth.

I'll second that!

165 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:16:20am

re: #159 avanti

My live TV dream event: Christ shows up on camera and slaps Pat across the face for heresy.

CBN headline = Roberston receives laying on of hands from God.

166 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:16:51am

re: #142 DaddyG

...and green jello desserts - don't forget the green jello!

The LDS (Mormon) Church consolodated many of its local relief efforts during the Great Depression under the guidance of Hugh B Brown (a counselor in the church presidency). The original efforts were about being self sufficient but preparedness ended up having the additional benefit of being able to help others when needed.

Catholic Charities is another group that is quick to respond to events like these.

Pretty much all the major church denominations' relief arms are quick out of the box, disaster-wise. Many of the smaller ones' too, though Haiti may be beyond their reach.

167 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:17:05am

re: #143 RogueOne

He didn't blame the earthquake per se on a pact with the devil, he blamed every bad thing that has happened since the french left on the "Haitians pact with the devil"

I suspect there's also some latent racism there too. The Haitians rose up in a slave revolt to free themselves. To condemn their freedom as the work of the devil is pretty disgusting.

168 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:17:09am

re: #157 Obdicut

He's referring to voodoun/santeria, I do believe.

A quick google search brought up almost 3600 links to pages who say the story is true. I've only flipped through the first few pages but I can't find what I would consider an "honest" source.

169 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:17:13am

re: #161 thedopefishlives

Wasn't he bed-ridden like only a week ago?

170 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:17:48am

re: #162 DaddyG

She's already condemned to hell for being a Mormon. /fundie

The good news is the Mormons will turn hell into a garden spot within a few years of arriving. Were like the Jews in that respect.

I'm going to hell, but with all the good help down there I intend to add central AC and a casino.

171 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:17:56am

re: #163 SixDegrees

re: #127 Varek Raith

re: #129 Gus 802

re: #129 Gus 802

...and many others: I vote we send Robertson to Haiti so he can see who he's criticizing up close and personal. Stick a shovel in his hand, and come back for him in a couple of weeks. Maybe.

He's like a flaming pile of dogshit, with a mouth.

Now there's an idea. He can sleep out in the park like the crowds in Haiti did last night and will be doing so for the ensuing weeks.

172 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:18:24am

re: #166 The Sanity Inspector

Pretty much all the major church denominations' relief arms are quick out of the box, disaster-wise. Many of the smaller ones' too, though Haiti may be beyond their reach.


It probably depends on who's got a local missionary presence. IM(not so H)O this is one of the best uses of private and religious organizations. Not so much forming national political parties.

173 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:19:42am

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black....

Fox Nation has a discussion about how Obama reacted quickly to the Haitian earthquake after having ignored the Christmas bomber for 72 hours.

I wonder what the difference is?

Daggett on January 13, 2010 at 12:38 PM


....

Yes, it’s because they’re black.

Or is it because We’re the big guy on the block. This is after all in America’s backyard, dum dum.

- The Cat

P.S. Ok, back to talking to the sane people. So Obama responded quickly, well actually he speeched quickly. Any bets on how long it will take to actually do something?

MirCat on January 13, 2010 at 1:17 PM

174 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:20:09am

re: #172 DaddyG

It probably depends on who's got a local missionary presence. IM(not so H)O this is one of the best uses of private and religious organizations. Not so much forming national political parties.

I've always been of the opinion that both local and foreign relief is often best effected through religious organizations. They can slip around corrupt governments and place the aid where it's needed far more efficiently than official channels. The only problem is that the official channels are also set up to handle a massive volume of outgoing aid, whereas private and religious networks may not be so robust.

175 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:20:43am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

Too easy. Fish in a barrel. Idjiots.

176 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:21:12am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

Saw that coming. Assholes.

177 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:21:18am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

So what else is new? After all they are full of Hot Air!

178 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:21:20am

CPAC is now a full fledged Birch Society convention.....
Glenn Beck is the Keynote Speaker at CPAC 2010

179 Semper Fi  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:21:24am

Have a great day lizards. Time for my walk. My thoughts and prayers will be on Haiti.

180 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:21:31am

re: #161 thedopefishlives

Mocking Haiti and making wink-wink nod-nod suggestions as to why Obama was so quick to help them.

181 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:22:16am

re: #155 RogueOne

Sorta, only kinda weirder. I had never heard the story of the hatian pact with the devil to overthrow the french and google is only bringing up christian church pages that say it happened. Does anyone know if the story is even true?

I know I'm a little weird but, if so how cool is that to have in your history books?

Although Roman Catholic is the official religion of Haiti, voodoo is probably the national religion. Here in Miami, I'd say the majority of Haitians are Catholic, but not all. The voodoo is like Santeria. Based on the saints, but with black magic from the "old country".

I'm sure that's what's got Robertson's boxers in a wad.

182 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:22:21am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

Jeez, didn't take them long to trot out the reverse-racism card.

re: #180 erraticsphinx

Mocking Haiti and making wink-wink nod-nod suggestions as to why Obama was so quick to help them.

I've officially lost all respect I once had for the man. I used to think he was a good guy and a decent political analyst. Now, he's just another idiot windbag.

183 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:22:30am

Tom Waits was in the Coast Guard.

184 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:22:52am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

they should change the name of that blog to "fetid air" or "foul air"

185 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:23:09am

re: #176 Gus 802

Saw that coming. Assholes.

Kinda like the Bush-Hates-Black-Folks in reverse!

186 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:23:39am

re: #168 RogueOne

A quick google search brought up almost 3600 links to pages who say the story is true. I've only flipped through the first few pages but I can't find what I would consider an "honest" source.

I'm going to attempt to deal with the "pact with the devil" rumor:

According to what I read, right before the slave revolt, there was a gathering of escaped slaves that involved a vodoo priestess. Her rituals and divinations were much of what convinced the slaves that the time for revolt was a hand. There was no "pact with the devil", rather a blending of religions that lead Haiti's enemies to start that rumor to lower the reputation of the newly freed slaves.

187 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:24:18am

re: #181 marjoriemoon

I don't doubt that, I'm just trying to figure if the story is actually true or just a "cherry tree" style legend. I've found a bunch of sources that repeat the story like it's truth but none that I would consider academic.

188 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:24:22am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

Bush would have helped in the same way, all Americans would, it's who we are.

189 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:24:23am

re: #185 marjoriemoon

Kinda like the Bush-Hates-Black-Folks in reverse!

For sure. I was thinking about this a minute ago. This is almost like the dinner table. Not the time for politics or religion.

190 badger1970  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:25:01am

re: #45 Rightwingconspirator

Concrete great for compression not so good for tension.

re: #173 Killgore Trout

The poorest of the poor down in Haiti get crapped upon and all those assholes at Hot Air can think of is politics. Dickweeds!

191 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:25:04am

re: #174 thedopefishlives

I've always been of the opinion that both local and foreign relief is often best effected through religious organizations. They can slip around corrupt governments and place the aid where it's needed far more efficiently than official channels. The only problem is that the official channels are also set up to handle a massive volume of outgoing aid, whereas private and religious networks may not be so robust.


When tornados devistated White county GA a few years back a call went out through our local congregations and the next morning 800 men with chain saws and assorted tools showed up in a local church parking lot. When the FEMA guys showed up with maps of the worst hit areas they saw us and said "who are you guys?" One of us said "800 Mormons with Chain saws -where do you want us?" They had us out of the parking lot in groups of 12 each with a map of an area that needed clean up inside of 20 minutes. That was a cool experience.

I'm worried however that it's not quite as easy to get to a more widespread disaster on an isolated island for local relief. Thank God for the US Navy!

192 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:25:07am

re: #188 avanti

Bush would have helped in the same way, all Americans would, it's who we are.

THAT'S THE FUCKING POINT!

193 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:25:25am

re: #180 erraticsphinx

Mocking Haiti and making wink-wink nod-nod suggestions as to why Obama was so quick to help them.

What a cocksucker.

194 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:26:15am

re: #188 avanti

Bush would have helped in the same way, all Americans would, it's who we are.

Not all. I'm sure there are haters out there who won't act, but they will be a small minority. Even most wingnuts and moonbats will find something to give.

195 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:26:36am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Pat's in for a big surprise when he finally leaves this world. Does anyone else think he never read the Divine Comedy?

196 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:26:42am

Today is the anniversary of the Air Florida Flight 90 crash (into the 14th Street Bridge in DC.)

197 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:27:06am

re: #118 The Sanity Inspector

On Kingston harbor in Jamaica. Earthquake dumped 2/3 of the city into the Caribbean in 1692.

Wiki link

198 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:27:10am

I'm wondering what the anchoress was thinking?

"Shutupshutsupshutup you sound nuts."

Or not. That's just what I would have been thinking.

199 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:27:40am

re: #186 Dark_Falcon

I'm going to attempt to deal with the "pact with the devil" rumor:

According to what I read, right before the slave revolt, there was a gathering of escaped slaves that involved a vodoo priestess. Her rituals and divinations were much of what convinced the slaves that the time for revolt was a hand.

The Christian missionaries certainly weren't passing along God's call for revolt against slavery - someone had to.

200 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:27:47am

re: #188 avanti

Bush would have helped in the same way, all Americans would, it's who we are.

Compassion has been a hallmark of America since its founding. We're the nice guy that everybody rags on until they get sucker-punched and need our help. And we willingly give it, time and again, no matter how much they hate on us, because we're good people at heart.

201 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:28:05am

re: #186 Dark_Falcon

I'm going to attempt to deal with the "pact with the devil" rumor:

According to what I read, right before the slave revolt, there was a gathering of escaped slaves that involved a vodoo priestess. Her rituals and divinations were much of what convinced the slaves that the time for revolt was a hand. There was no "pact with the devil", rather a blending of religions that lead Haiti's enemies to start that rumor to lower the reputation of the newly freed slaves.

So they were in essence praying in their homogenized faith for help.

202 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:28:27am

re: #166 The Sanity Inspector

Pretty much all the major church denominations' relief arms are quick out of the box, disaster-wise. Many of the smaller ones' too, though Haiti may be beyond their reach.

And I hope and trust that everyone reading will give to relief charities based on their effectiveness, not on their confessional status or lack thereof. No one is wearing a medical alert bracelet instructing the ambulance not to take them to a hospital named after a saint. Shouldn't be any such stipulations in this case, either.

203 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:28:33am

re: #195 Idle Drifter

Pat's in for a big surprise when he finally leaves this world. Does anyone else think he never read the Divine Comedy?

He propably thinks that book to be santanic, owning to Dante's Catholicism.

/I wish I was kidding

204 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:29:04am

Coast Guard news:

Coast Guard in Action – January 13, 2010
By cbraesch ⋅ January 13, 2010
Haiti Relief

Around 5 p.m. EST yesterday, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake centered 10 nautical miles south of Port Au Prince, Haiti. CGC Forward arrived off Port Au Prince this morning, equipped with a helicopter flight deck, satellite communications equipment, and the ability to provide coordination to military aircraft in the area. The CGC Mohawk, is scheduled to arrive this afternoon. Two Coast Guard C-130 airplanes from Air Station Clearwater are flying the coast of Western Haiti this morning providing damage assessments and searching for people in need of assistance. Two Coast Guard helicopters are also forward deployed in the area to provide rescue or other assistance as needed.

Two more cutters, CGC Tahoma and CGC Valiant, are standing by for tasking as directed.

The President designated the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Dr. Raj Shah, to be the Unified Disaster Coordinator. United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) has activated a crisis action team to assess the situation and Department of State has implemented the Disaster Response Plan to support efforts in Haiti. Other Department of Homeland Security and U.S. assets are also responding.

205 [deleted]  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:29:26am
206 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:29:57am

re: #201 avanti

So they were in essence praying in their homogenized faith for help.

Yes, that's about right. The priestess believed that their prayers had been answer positively, and thus the time to strike was at hand.

207 Randall Gross  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:30:10am

re: #155 RogueOne

Sorta, only kinda weirder. I had never heard the story of the hatian pact with the devil to overthrow the french and google is only bringing up christian church pages that say it happened. Does anyone know if the story is even true?

I know I'm a little weird but, if so how cool is that to have in your history books?

If you hit the Haitian Revolution page in wiki it will give you the story, it's never been fully confirmed.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

208 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:31:20am

re: #203 Dark_Falcon

He propably thinks that book to be santanic, owning to Dante's Catholicism.

/I wish I was kidding

I hear ya.

209 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:31:51am

The citizens of Haiti will not see a black or white President when they reach out of the rubble for help.

What they will see is a veritable rainbow of men and women ready to help and all of them, black, white, yellow, beige, etc. will have one thing in common. A small patch on their shoulder with red and white stripes and a field of blue with 50 stars upon it.

210 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:31:54am

re: #204 Gus 802

Coast Guard news:

Coast Guard in Action – January 13, 2010
By cbraesch ⋅ January 13, 2010
Haiti Relief

They pulled out the big ships for this one - cutters range a wide variety of size classes, from smaller buoy tenders to cruiser-class sea rescue ships.

211 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:31:57am

Time for housework. BBL

212 Dark_Falcon  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:32:59am

re: #207 Thanos

If you hit the Haitian Revolution page in wiki it will give you the story, it's never been fully confirmed.

[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]

So the priest was a man, not a woman. That I had gotten wrong.

Gotta run. BBL

213 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:33:03am

OK, 205 was nuked.

214 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:34:29am

re: #209 DaddyG

The citizens of Haiti will not see a black or white President when they reach out of the rubble for help.

What they will see is a veritable rainbow of men and women ready to help and all of them, black, white, yellow, beige, etc. will have one thing in common. A small patch on their shoulder with red and white stripes and a field of blue with 50 stars upon it.

Well said.

215 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:35:16am

From a Malkin commenter:

Most people do not know that the country was dedicated to the devil – twice. The country used to be 98% voodoo. Since missionaries have been going to Haiti, the precentage is now about 50/50 voodoo/Christian. God is doing a work, don’t blame Him.

216 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:36:08am

re: #213 Idle Drifter

OK, 205 was nuked.


Something intemperate about harm coming to someone. Probably not unpopular sentiments but da rulez is da rulez and Charles is fair.

217 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:36:49am

re: #215 Mad Al-Jaffee

From a Malkin commenter:

Ho-lee shee-it. What an ignorant twit.

218 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:37:14am

re: #200 thedopefishlives

Compassion has been a hallmark of America since its founding. We're the nice guy that everybody rags on until they get sucker-punched and need our help. And we willingly give it, time and again, no matter how much they hate on us, because we're good people at heart.

And those that think our political differences will divide us in a time of crisis will be amazed to see all the wagons circle together.

219 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:38:44am

Newest reports are saying might be as many as 500,000 dead.

220 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:39:23am

re: #215 Mad Al-Jaffee

What a goddamn psycho.

221 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:39:36am

re: #216 DaddyG

Somethings are probly left unread and unknown. Good thing no one quoted 205.

222 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:40:02am

re: #219 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Newest reports are saying might be as many as 500,000 dead.

Dear God help them. :-(

223 simoom  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:41:00am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Ugg. I've been following various Haiti relief stories on mainstream news sites this morning and saw in the comment sections the same sort of stomach turning arguments.

I suppose the Hot Air-types felt the need to spread their "insights" outside their insular communities.

224 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:41:53am

Rush is basically channeling the Hot Air commenters...
Link

225 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:41:58am

re: #215 Mad Al-Jaffee

From a Malkin commenter:

Wow.

226 badger1970  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:42:01am

re: #219 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Is Port-Au-Prince that densely populated?

227 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:42:08am

re: #218 avanti

Sort of like a family, isn't it? Lots of quarreling and bickering at the dinner table, but when something important comes up everyone rolls up their sleeves and pulls together.

228 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:42:18am

Good Haiti/US ties, history 101.

link.

229 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:42:59am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

"And the Devil said 'Ok'..."

*facepalm*...So this clown now speaks for the Devil also...

I can't get started...

230 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:43:49am

re: #226 badger1970

Is Port-Au-Prince that densely populated?

1.7 million in the city and surrounding townships, but that figure might be Haiti wide.

231 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:43:52am

re: #226 badger1970

Apparently so.

232 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:44:07am

re: #224 erraticsphinx

Rush is basically channeling the Hot Air commenters...
Link

My god....they just won't stop.

233 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:44:09am

re: #223 simoom

Ugg. I've been following various Haiti relief stories on mainstream news sites this morning and saw in the comment sections the same sort of stomach turning arguments.

I suppose the Hot Air-types felt the need to spread their "insights" outside their insular communities.

I still hold out hope that the internet is allowing a few of the most stupid of us to blurt out their ignorance to a wide audience. I just can't believe that a critical mass of us are that shallow and that outside of lunch or a quick break the sensible among us are just too busy with real life to monitor and comment all day long.

234 Obdicut  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:44:26am

re: #219 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

If we count those who will die in the coming weeks and months, I can believe that.

Sigh. If there's any good to come out of this, maybe it can be a renewal of a sense that we humans have one implacable enemy that we need each other's help to face: The cruel, random machinations of chance, embodied in the fury and devastation of nature. We spend so much time fighting each other and building monuments to our vanity.

My grandfather's dying words to my brothers and I: "Take care of each other".

235 avanti  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:44:58am

re: #227 oaktree

Sort of like a family, isn't it? Lots of quarreling and bickering at the dinner table, but when something important comes up everyone rolls up their sleeves and pulls together.

I fall back to my Navy days where you can call your own ship any name in the book, but if a sailor from another ship does the same, call the Shore Patrol.

236 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:45:46am

re: #231 lawhawk

This map throws it into even starker relief. Port au Prince and its immediate environs has a density of 1,000+ persons per square km.

237 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:46:29am

re: #234 Obdicut

If we count those who will die in the coming weeks and months, I can believe that.

Sigh. If there's any good to come out of this, maybe it can be a renewal of a sense that we humans have one implacable enemy that we need each other's help to face: The cruel, random machinations of chance, embodied in the fury and devastation of nature. We spend so much time fighting each other and building monuments to our vanity.

My grandfather's dying words to my brothers and I: "Take care of each other".

Chance is an enemy? Nature is an enemy? Not so.

238 SixDegrees  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:46:54am

re: #223 simoom

Ugg. I've been following various Haiti relief stories on mainstream news sites this morning and saw in the comment sections the same sort of stomach turning arguments.

I suppose the Hot Air-types felt the need to spread their "insights" outside their insular communities.

I don't think that's quite a fair characterization of Hot Air. The comments pulled, above, don't seem to be representative of the comments on Haiti as a whole over there. Like everywhere else, there's quite a lot of offered prayers, wishes for speedy aid and other expressions of hope and horror. It's nowhere near a solid wall of nastiness, and unless it becomes one it shouldn't be portrayed that way.

239 Vambo  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:46:55am

O/T and kind of a big deal...

[Link: www.kansas.com...]

Scott Roeder is allowed by Kansas court to pursue "voluntary manslaughter" defense.
Kansas law defines voluntary manslaughter as the "honest but unreasonable belief" that the use of force was necessary in defense of another. It's called the imperfect self-defense.

So America is soft on terrorism after all.

240 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:48:04am

re: #235 avanti

It's not an uncommon attribute for groups in general in just about any scale from nuclear families to nation-states.

I used to get in trouble because I *would not* defend any action made by one of my fraternity brothers as a knee-jerk reaction.

241 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:48:26am

re: #239 Vambo

O/T and kind of a big deal...

[Link: www.kansas.com...]

Scott Roeder is allowed by Kansas court to pursue "voluntary manslaughter" defense.
Kansas law defines voluntary manslaughter as the "honest but unreasonable belief" that the use of force was necessary in defense of another. It's called the imperfect self-defense.

So America is soft on terrorism after all.

He can try and use it as a defense, but it doesn't mean the jury is going to buy off on it.

242 Oh no...Sand People!  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:49:07am

In my opinion you measure a country's greatness in the way it treats the weakest members.

Not by 'well what's in it for me'...

243 badger1970  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:49:18am

re: #236 lawhawk

It's hard to fathom a number that huge. Thank you for the info.

244 SixDegrees  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:49:47am

re: #239 Vambo

O/T and kind of a big deal...

[Link: www.kansas.com...]

Scott Roeder is allowed by Kansas court to pursue "voluntary manslaughter" defense.
Kansas law defines voluntary manslaughter as the "honest but unreasonable belief" that the use of force was necessary in defense of another. It's called the imperfect self-defense.

So America is soft on terrorism after all.

He wants to turn the courtroom into a podium from which to shout his views. This effectively turns the entire trial into an anti-abortion circus.

245 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:49:56am

re: #239 Vambo

If the prosecutors appeal that, it's likely to be overturned because Kansas law (as decided by the Kansas Supreme Court) that necessity cannot be used as a defense in such instances as murdering someone where that person is not committing a crime.

The judge is attempting to circumvent the existing law on point, but it's only as to a defense. The prosecutors are still going to hit him for capital murder charges.

246 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:50:14am

Disease is going to become a huge problem before any significant help can arrive I fear. About the only good news, very little rain is forecast, but temps are going to be in the lower to mid 90s for highs the next week.

Misery on top of more misery. The Haitian government is shaky at the best of times, is there any functioning government left at this point?

247 SixDegrees  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:50:57am

re: #241 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

He can try and use it as a defense, but it doesn't mean the jury is going to buy off on it.

He doesn't care. He's more than content to martyr himself to his cause. This defense turns the trial into a circus, as noted above, and that is Roeder's intent.

248 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:52:23am

Are the Hot Air and company to assume the same for all the communities within the U.S.A that are destroyed by Huricanes, Earth Quakes, Floods, Fires, etc every year? Well yes, depending on which city or county gets the wrath of nature. Thank God for the real help that goes out to those that have loss so much.

249 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:52:40am

More nastiness from Rush.

Link

250 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:52:57am

Here's part 2 of Totten's interview with Hitch....
An Interview with Christopher Hitchens, Part II

Very interesting, as usual. The first part focuses on Iran and there's some very interesting analysis of Obama and his foreign policy in the second half.

251 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:53:20am

Wrong link,

Here's the right one.

252 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:54:17am

The wikipedia page is doing a pretty good job updating whats going on in Haiti, including international responses and links to relief efforts.

253 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:55:12am

re: #246 bloodstar

Disease is going to become a huge problem before any significant help can arrive

I don't beleive so. most aid will come from the USA, either directly from our gov't or private concerns. It's not similar to a nation lets say in the interior of Africa surrounded countries that don't have the resources nor the infrastruture to get supplies in and people out
Will there be the probability of some spread of disease? Of course, but I don;'t think that will be the major problem

254 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:55:34am

Does anyone know of news about the rest of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) or the non-urban areas of Haiti? How wide spread is the damage.

255 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:55:51am

re: #219 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Newest reports are saying might be as many as 500,000 dead.

Besides the usual relief supplies, looks like Haiti is going to need lots of shovels, gloves, and paper filter masks.

256 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:56:41am

re: #246 bloodstar

Disease is going to become a huge problem before any significant help can arrive I fear. About the only good news, very little rain is forecast, but temps are going to be in the lower to mid 90s for highs the next week.

Misery on top of more misery. The Haitian government is shaky at the best of times, is there any functioning government left at this point?

As it is with these natural disasters, most lives are lost after the crisis is passed. Collapsed buildings, downed power lines, water and sewer not working, no food or water. Of course here in the States we're supposed to have preventions for a lot of things, starting with housing itself to protect you. Haiti doesn't even have that.

257 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:57:13am

re: #254 DaddyG
according to the bbc the dominican was not reporting any substantial damage.

258 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:57:21am

re: #248 Idle Drifter

Are the Hot Air and company to assume the same for all the communities within the U.S.A that are destroyed by Huricanes, Earth Quakes, Floods, Fires, etc every year? Well yes, depending on which city or county gets the wrath of nature. Thank God for the real help that goes out to those that have loss so much.

All the liberal heathens live on the coast :)

259 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:58:23am

re: #255 abolitionist

Besides the usual relief supplies, looks like Haiti is going to need lots of shovels, gloves, and paper filter masks.

Where will they find the land to bury that many people?

260 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:58:30am

re: #254 DaddyG

Does anyone know of news about the rest of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) or the non-urban areas of Haiti? How wide spread is the damage.

DR had some shaking, but nothing major at all. It was also felt in Cuba.

261 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:59:02am

from the footage in the report,it looks like there were alot of un reinforced masonry structures.(bricks,cinderblock)That is the worst kind of construction for an earthquake zone.

262 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 10:59:45am

From the wiki page:

According to a member of the U.S. Geological Survey, based on the strength and location of the quake, about three million people would have been affected. Since the quake occurred under land rather than water, structures and people on the surface were directly exposed to the tremors, particularly since the fault was quite shallow.[30]

263 MittDoesNotCompute  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:00:10am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

F**k Pat Robertson and I don't mean in a good way...

264 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:00:19am

re: #261 Boondock St. Bender

from the footage in the report,it looks like there were alot of un reinforced masonry structures.(bricks,cinderblock)That is the worst kind of construction for an earthquake zone.

It's also cheaper - rebar may be ubiquitous, but it's not cheap compared to jointed masonry. Therein lies a large part of the problem.

265 Slap  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:00:44am

re: #164 Dragon_Lady

Once, in an SNL sketch about witches and a stinky cauldron, a line was used that I used to think was a letter-perfect description of the aroma of a pulp mill:

"Smells like a sumo wrestler took a dump on a burning tire."

Alas, these words are woefully inadequate to describe splat robertson. But they're highly complimentary.

266 Idle Drifter  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:01:48am

re: #258 marjoriemoon

All the liberal heathens live on the coast :)

What of those hit by tornadoes in the middle? You know those mile-wide-shit-wreckers. O_O

267 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:02:02am

re: #258 marjoriemoon

All the liberal heathens live on the coast :)

That's why I am interested in investing in potential oceanfront development in Fresno, CA /

;-) I was just kidding SanFranZionist... really.

268 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:02:28am

re: #264 thedopefishlives

Yes,unfortunately that is why the poorer areas of the world suffer much higher deaths/injuries when disasters happen.

269 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:02:49am

re: #261 Boondock St. Bender

from the footage in the report,it looks like there were alot of un reinforced masonry structures.(bricks,cinderblock)That is the worst kind of construction for an earthquake zone.

Many of the shanty towns are built into the mountains or hills. You can only imagine what that looks like. Well like nothing now. It's probably all gone.

I think it's 80% of Haiti is at or below the poverty line. And it's just so crazy because Haiti is amazingly beautiful as an island. The ocean, the beaches, the mountains and weather. It's a paradise other than its corrupt government. They're technically a democracy and want to move towards a republic, like us, but are not having a good go of it.

270 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:03:03am

re: #263 talon_262

F**k Pat Robertson and I don't mean in a good way...


In Biblical terms he needs to multiply and prosper with himself. (credit: Woody Allen)

271 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:03:27am

re: #267 DaddyG

That's why I am interested in investing in potential oceanfront development in Omaha Nebraska/

;-) I was just kidding SanFranZionist... really.

ftfy due to AGW!
//

272 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:03:43am

re: #266 Idle Drifter

What of those hit by tornadoes in the middle? You know those mile-wide-shit-wreckers. O_O

Hmm... do they get a pass??

273 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:03:44am

re: #265 Slap

I remember that one. My favorite line was Tracy Morgan yelling, "That is nasty! It smells like sasquatch's nuts!!"

274 Slap  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:05:20am

re: #273 Mad Al-Jaffee

I remember that too, and remember thinking "gee, who's smelled sasquatch's nuts, anyway?"

275 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:05:27am

re: #273 Mad Al-Jaffee

I remember that one. My favorite line was Tracy Morgan yelling, "That is nasty! It smells like sasquatch's nuts!!"

Its called Sex Panther. Its made with bits of real panther, so you know its good.

276 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:05:43am

re: #266 Idle Drifter

What of those hit by tornadoes in the middle? You know those mile-wide-shit-wreckers. O_O

Those are due to hippies growing pot in corn fields. /

277 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:06:13am

I'm not venturing on a number of deaths. I have one in my head but I don't want to say it :( I think there's 9 million total people on the island, from something I read yesterday.

278 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:06:15am

re: #269 marjoriemoon

True definately an example of govt. utterly failing the people it should be serving.

279 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:07:00am

re: #274 Slap

I remember that too, and remember thinking "gee, who's smelled sasquatch's nuts, anyway?"

My great grandmother used to use the expression "tastes like sour cat piss" and I would think "How do you tell when cat piss has gone bad?"

280 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:07:12am

re: #274 Slap

I remember that too, and remember thinking "gee, who's smelled sasquatch's nuts, anyway?"

According to The Venture Brothers, Steve Austin.

281 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:07:39am

re: #277 marjoriemoon

I'm not venturing on a number of deaths. I have one in my head but I don't want to say it :( I think there's 9 million total people on the island, from something I read yesterday.


Wikipedia estimates 10,000,000+ as of 2009

282 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:08:15am

re: #281 DaddyG

Wikipedia estimates 10,000,000+ as of 2009

Ah ok, so I guess what I read was older.

283 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:08:19am

OT: but at this point I needed a laugh and this onion story kinda fits in with the Pat Robertson bit:

[Link: www.theonion.com...]


Gay Teen Worried He Might Be Christian

LOUISVILLE, KY—At first glance, high school senior Lucas Faber, 18, seems like any ordinary gay teen. He's a member of his school's swing choir, enjoys shopping at the mall, and has sex with other males his age. But lately, a growing worry has begun to plague this young gay man. A gnawing feeling that, deep down, he may be a fundamentalist, right-wing Christian.

"I don't know what's happening to me," Faber admitted to reporters Monday. "It's like I get these weird urges sometimes, and suddenly I'm tempted to go behind my friends' backs and attend a megachurch service, or censor books in the school library in some way. Even just the thought of organizing a CD-burning turns me on."

Added Faber, "I feel so confused."

284 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:08:39am

re: #279 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

My great grandmother used to use the expression "tastes like sour cat piss" and I would think "How do you tell when cat piss has gone bad?"


No cat has ever stopped licking their butt long enough for that to happen.

285 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:08:47am

re: #238 SixDegrees

I don't think that's quite a fair characterization of Hot Air. The comments pulled, above, don't seem to be representative of the comments on Haiti as a whole over there. Like everywhere else, there's quite a lot of offered prayers, wishes for speedy aid and other expressions of hope and horror. It's nowhere near a solid wall of nastiness, and unless it becomes one it shouldn't be portrayed that way.

"Catch 'em being good" is always a charitable attitude.

286 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:08:51am

re: #274 Slap

I remember that too, and remember thinking "gee, who's smelled sasquatch's nuts, anyway?"

Mrs. ...oh forgetit.

287 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:09:28am

re: #282 marjoriemoon

Ah ok, so I guess what I read was older.


Probably official census numbers. Either way it's a heck of a lot of people for an country that size and the state they were already living in is going to make this disaster worse.

288 erraticsphinx  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:10:31am

re: #283 RogueOne

That was hilarious.

289 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:10:53am

re: #284 DaddyG

No cat has ever stopped licking their butt long enough for that to happen.

From one of my favorite movies;

"He's been licking his asshole for the last three straight hours. I submit to you that there is nothing there worth more than an hour's attention. I should think that whatever he is attempting to dislodge is either gone for good, or there to stay. Wouldn't you agree?"

290 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:11:29am

re: #259 MandyManners

Where will they find the land to bury that many people?

Good question. Not to be crass, but I understand the grass is significantly greener at Gettysburg, and it has nothing to do with zoning ordinances for farmland.

291 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:11:46am

re: #289 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir) :-D what is that from?

292 Kragar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:14:00am

re: #291 DaddyG

:-D what is that from?

The Long Kiss Goodnight.

293 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:14:58am

re: #290 abolitionist

Good question. Not to be crass, but I understand the grass is significantly greener at Gettysburg, and it has nothing to do with zoning ordinances for farmland.

Wouldn't the area needed to bury that many bodies take up arable land?

294 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:15:44am

re: #288 erraticsphinx

That was hilarious.

It was on the sidebar to this story:

Colts To Rest Starters For First Game Of Playoffs
[Link: www.theonion.com...]


INDIANAPOLIS—At his weekly press conference Monday, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell announced that he will rest key starters during the divisional round of the AFC playoffs to keep his players fresh for a Super Bowl run. "You can't win the Super Bowl if you don't get there with all your players healthy," said Caldwell, who added that next Saturday quarterback Peyton Manning would probably get the first two series, which will mostly be comprised of running plays. "Dwight [Freeney] and Dallas [Clark] will get about a quarter in the AFC Championship game. But honestly, even if we make it to the Super Bowl, I can't see playing these guys the whole game. The 2010 season is closer than you think." Throughout the entire press conference Manning could be seen in full uniform, stalking and pacing in the back of the room

295 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:16:09am

re: #259 MandyManners

re: #290 abolitionist

Good question. Not to be crass, but I understand the grass is significantly greener at Gettysburg, and it has nothing to do with zoning ordinances for farmland.

Also not to be crass, but depending on how long the bodies are not taken proper care of and to cut down on the spread of diseases they may need to be creamated

296 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:16:14am

re: #287 DaddyG

Probably official census numbers. Either way it's a heck of a lot of people for an country that size and the state they were already living in is going to make this disaster worse.

On top of all that, they are still recovering from devastating hurricanes over the last few years, although we got a reprieve this year. Or maybe one hurricane did graze them this year.

297 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:16:20am

re: #293 MandyManners

Wouldn't the area needed to bury that many bodies take up arable land?

Occupation!

298 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:16:24am

Getting way ahead of ourselves, but... I hope certain overseas observers don't feel compelled to denigrate our relief efforts, like they did in the month after the '04 tsunami.

299 sattv4u2  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:17:10am

re: #298 The Sanity Inspector

Getting way ahead of ourselves, but... I hope certain overseas observers don't feel compelled to denigrate our relief efforts, like they did in the month after the '04 tsunami.

Screw em if they do

300 RogueOne  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:17:25am

re: #295 sattv4u2

re: #290 abolitionist

Also not to be crass, but depending on how long the bodies are not taken proper care of and to cut down on the spread of diseases they may need to be creamated

that's what I would have thought. If they really have 100,000+ dead, they're going to have to do something drastic. That's a pretty horrific situation.

301 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:19:16am

re: #295 sattv4u2

re: #290 abolitionist


Also not to be crass, but depending on how long the bodies are not taken proper care of and to cut down on the spread of diseases they may need to be creamated

Yeah, I've been thinking about what they did to the bodies after that big hurricane in Corpus Christi.

302 2senseplain  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:20:03am

re: #293 MandyManners

You are assuming one body to a grave or that the rows would only go across and not up and down(a traditional practice even in Europe and the Americas according to the tour guide at the historic cemetary in Boston, who mentioned the bodies went about 9 deep, as I recall)or even that they will bury bodies and not ashes or use arable land. In an emergency people act differently and the way you are used to is not the only way to do things.

303 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:20:48am

re: #185 marjoriemoon

Kinda like the Bush-Hates-Black-Folks in reverse!

What did Bush do? //

304 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:21:03am

re: #293 MandyManners

Wouldn't the area needed to bury that many bodies take up arable land?

Many victims may not be identifiable due to delays in recovery. I probably should not try to comment further.

305 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:22:25am

re: #303 Blueheron

What did Bush do? //

Here we go..!

306 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:23:11am

re: #304 abolitionist

Many victims may not be identifiable due to delays in recovery. I probably should not try to comment further.

Much of it depends on how much of the Haitian government is still functional, and how willing the citizenry are to organize themeselves in the government's absence.

307 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:26:02am

re: #275 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Its called Sex Panther. Its made with bits of real panther, so you know its good.


70% of the time, it works everytime.

308 Gus  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:26:10am

Ugh. Twitter drives me crazy. Sometimes my Tweets show up and sometimes they don't.

309 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:26:16am

re: #298 The Sanity Inspector

Getting way ahead of ourselves, but... I hope certain overseas observers don't feel compelled to denigrate our relief efforts, like they did in the month after the '04 tsunami.

Wasn't our initial offer after the '04 tsunami something like $35 million? And after people reacted with "That's it?" we upped the donation to $350 million, saying the 35 million was just for starters?

Yes, that would explain why some people thought we weren't doing as much as we could to start.

What really helped our image after the tsunami in 2004 was Bill Clinton and George HW Bush teaming up to elicit aid.

310 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:27:14am

re: #302 2senseplain

re: #304 abolitionist

I think I have the picture.

311 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:27:43am

In the case of Haiti the government being out of commission could be a silver lining. At least the aid will go to the people who need it and not be diverted to build mansions for a few well conncted bureaucrats.

It would be really nice if the long term help comes with some conditions that it benefit the average citizen.

312 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:29:25am

re: #202 The Sanity Inspector

And I hope and trust that everyone reading will give to relief charities based on their effectiveness, not on their confessional status or lack thereof. No one is wearing a medical alert bracelet instructing the ambulance not to take them to a hospital named after a saint. Shouldn't be any such stipulations in this case, either.


We are donating through our local Jewish Federation.

313 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:30:03am

re: #305 DaddyG

Here we go..!


What?

314 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:30:59am

re: #309 darthstar

Wasn't our initial offer after the '04 tsunami something like $35 million? And after people reacted with "That's it?" we upped the donation to $350 million, saying the 35 million was just for starters?

Yes, that would explain why some people thought we weren't doing as much as we could to start.

What really helped our image after the tsunami in 2004 was Bill Clinton and George HW Bush teaming up to elicit aid.

That being said, I'm not criticizing GWB for how he handled the tsunami (or any other national disaster)...I think going in that direction would be counter-productive at this point. Rather than comparing how President Obama handles the US response to Bush, maybe it would be better to just judge his response on its own merits, and leave the skepticism to those who will ultimately try to benefit politically from this disaster.

315 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:31:06am

Tea Party Movement continues to implode:


The former webmaster of Tea Party Nation, the group sponsoring next month’s National Tea Party convention at Opryland, has written a “whistleblower’s” account of his experience working with the group while it was in its embryonic stages. And what he reveals apparently has led a key tea party leader to remove his group from the sponsor list.

In a post on his personal blog, In Media Res, Kevin Smith, an owner of the web design company HearSAY, writes that Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips took advantage of his volunteer computer experience in the creation of Tea Party Nation’s web architecture and profited from the enterprise.

Smith writes that his “zeal for the movement” meant he delivered Phillips’ web services at a heavily discounted rate at the expense of his own business. He believed that he was working for an nonprofit effort that would only supply founder Phillips with a little extra income to replace income he was losing while working for the movement instead of practicing law, he writes.

Smith reports being shocked when Phillips filed to create Tea Party Nation as a for-profit corporation. Disgusted with Phillips’ decision to continue taking donations for the for-profit company, Smith ultimately resigned.
. . .

More at the link.

316 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:31:20am

re: #313 Blueheron

What?


I was just expecting a real wingding discussion based on the question what did Bush do? (even with the sarc tags) :-)

317 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:32:59am

re: #315 reine.de.tout
Revolutionaries rarely make good administrators.

318 darthstar  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:33:18am

re: #316 DaddyG

I was just expecting a real wingding discussion based on the question what did Bush do? (even with the sarc tags) :-)

As I just said above in my #314, I don't think a comparison of Bush responses to Obama ones would be productive at this point. Fun (for some, maybe), but ultimately not helpful.

319 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:36:10am

re: #318 darthstar

As I just said above in my #314, I don't think a comparison of Bush responses to Obama ones would be productive at this point. Fun (for some, maybe), but ultimately not helpful.

It's an American tradition. The Federalists are still blaming Jefferson for the country going to Hell in a handbasket.

320 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:37:02am

re: #143 RogueOne

His 700 Club used to raise money for a surgical/hospital airplane a big old airliner. I was looking for it online, but only found this. 747 Hospital plane concept

321 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:37:43am

re: #319 DaddyG

They were right!

///

322 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:37:55am

re: #173 Killgore Trout

Hot Air commenters think Obama's only helping Haitians because they're black...

Those comments are awfully mean-spirited.
It's beyond my comprehension how anyone could look at the video and photos coming from Haiti and not want to rush to give aid as quickly as possible to everyone there, whether white, black, purple, orange, whatever.

323 lostlakehiker  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:38:36am

re: #123 Summer

Pat Robertson blames the earthquake in Haiti on a "pact" that the Haitians made with the devil to get rid of the french.
Pharyngula with Video

Unreal! Earthquakes are natural phenomena, not sent by God as punishment. But if, hypothetically, they were indeed meted out as divine wrath, why did the Khmer Rouge get off the hook? Why did the Nazis get off the hook?

Robertson's remarks encourage one to conclude that he's looking for an excuse to instruct his followers not to help out.

Unless there's a shooting war on and the other side won't accept an offer of truce, humanity requires that natural disasters be mitigated by whatever outside help can be arranged.

The first responders here will be military. The U.S. navy, in cooperation with other branches of the service and with foreign forces, has a capability to move fast and move big. Both will be needed. The Red Cross, for instance, is hamstrung by the loss of its own HQ in Haiti.

324 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:39:02am

re: #318 darthstar

As I just said above in my #314, I don't think a comparison of Bush responses to Obama ones would be productive at this point. Fun (for some, maybe), but ultimately not helpful.

I updinged ya, but honestly, I don't think those sorts of comparisons are usually productive at any point, not just this one.

325 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:39:54am

re: #315 reine.de.tout

It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. It's pretty much inevitable that various leaders are going to use the Tea Parties for their own gain but I suspect the flock isn't going to mind being fleeced. As long as they buy into to delusion that they're resisting Obama's radical agenda the masses will go along with it.

326 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:40:08am

Hey, I just heard that So Cal's USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Team is within an hour of leaving for Haiti!

327 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:41:04am
328 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:41:35am

re: #322 reine.de.tout

Do I recall correctly that you have sinus problems? Try a broth made from shiitake mushrooms and ginger. It's delicious and really clears out the sinuses.

329 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:41:48am

re: #325 Killgore Trout

It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. It's pretty much inevitable that various leaders are going to use the Tea Parties for their own gain but I suspect the flock isn't going to mind being fleeced. As long as they buy into to delusion that they're resisting Obama's radical agenda the masses will go along with it.

You may have just made a good argument for the Tea Party being a viable political party. /

330 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:42:10am

re: #325 Killgore Trout

It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. It's pretty much inevitable that various leaders are going to use the Tea Parties for their own gain but I suspect the flock isn't going to mind being fleeced. As long as they buy into to delusion that they're resisting Obama's radical agenda the masses will go along with it.

I think it's entirely possible that there are various groups of "the masses", each loyal to a particular faction. I suspect the would not mind being fleeced by their own people; but won't be so happy if the fleecing is done by a different faction.

As you said, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

331 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:42:40am

re: #327 MandyManners

Avaint said it beautifully in his No. 188.

Avanti's good people.

332 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:43:15am

re: #328 Killgore Trout

Do I recall correctly that you have sinus problems? Try a broth made from shiitake mushrooms and ginger. It's delicious and really clears out the sinuses.


...or go straight for the lump of green wasabe paste. That's the shortcut to clear sinuses.

333 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:43:36am

re: #328 Killgore Trout

Do I recall correctly that you have sinus problems? Try a broth made from shiitake mushrooms and ginger. It's delicious and really clears out the sinuses.

OK, I'll try it!
yes, constant and chronic probs, unrelieved by 2 surgeries and years of allergy shots.
So I'll try anything.

334 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:43:37am

re: #323 lostlakehiker

That this happened in our proverbial backyard also hastens the relief efforts from the US Navy and USAF- short flight hop from Florida; shorter transit times from US Navy ports like Norfolk to Haiti.

335 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:43:51am

re: #332 DaddyG

...or go straight for the lump of green wasabe paste. That's the shortcut to clear sinuses.

Horseradish too

336 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:43:59am

re: #309 darthstar

Wasn't our initial offer after the '04 tsunami something like $35 million? And after people reacted with "That's it?" we upped the donation to $350 million, saying the 35 million was just for starters?

Yes, that would explain why some people thought we weren't doing as much as we could to start.

What really helped our image after the tsunami in 2004 was Bill Clinton and George HW Bush teaming up to elicit aid.

We, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, and some few others were on the spot with more than our checkbooks, within days of the quake striking. At the request of the Indonesian government, the carrier group we sent even stopped launching aircraft patrols while in Indonesian waters. This response was sold short by the international liberal media, like a teenager sneering at an insufficient allowance. The domestic media, especially NPR, downplayed our work. Their on-the-spot correspondent described--but did not identify--American & Australian airlift and distribution efforts in the region, in the course of talking about the UN, making it seem like it was the UN which was a dynamo of responsiveness. They then cut to a segment purporting to show White House dithering. The template, above all the template...

337 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:44:31am

re: #332 DaddyG

...or go straight for the lump of green wasabe paste. That's the shortcut to clear sinuses.

The wassabi will only clear you out temporarily. Something odd about the shitake broth is the effects are longer lasting 12-24 hours.

338 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:44:42am

re: #316 DaddyG

I was just expecting a real wingding discussion based on the question what did Bush do? (even with the sarc tags) :-)

Marjorie Moon made a remark I didn't understand. Just asking her for cllarification.

339 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:45:32am

re: #328 Killgore Trout

Do I recall correctly that you have sinus problems? Try a broth made from shiitake mushrooms and ginger. It's delicious and really clears out the sinuses.

How's it work for sinus infections? I get those two or three times a year. Loads of fun let me tell you. //

340 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:45:46am

re: #333 reine.de.tout

Let me know if it works for you. I've been doing it for a week and I'm really impressed.

341 The Sanity Inspector  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:45:50am

re: #314 darthstar

That being said, I'm not criticizing GWB for how he handled the tsunami (or any other national disaster)...I think going in that direction would be counter-productive at this point. Rather than comparing how President Obama handles the US response to Bush, maybe it would be better to just judge his response on its own merits, and leave the skepticism to those who will ultimately try to benefit politically from this disaster.

Agreed. I just hope credit is given where it is due, this time around.

342 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:46:18am

re: #331 reine.de.tout

Avanti's good people.

He got me choked up this morning.

343 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:46:25am

re: #340 Killgore Trout

Let me know if it works for you. I've been doing it for a week and I'm really impressed.

k.
I just sent myself an e-mail with the "recipe" and suggestion. I'll put that on my next shopping list.

344 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:46:37am

re: #337 Killgore Trout

The wassabi will only clear you out temporarily. Something odd about the shitake broth is the effects are longer lasting 12-24 hours.

I will have to try that. Wasabe gives me terrible heartburn anyway!

345 Interesting Times  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:46:53am

re: #333 reine.de.tout

OK, I'll try it!
yes, constant and chronic probs, unrelieved by 2 surgeries and years of allergy shots.
So I'll try anything.

How about this? (I've used it before and it definitely works - only drawback is, because it's natural, you have to finish it within a few months otherwise it loses potency)

346 Only The Lurker Knows  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:47:18am

re: #20 MandyManners

It only let me do it twice. Will try again tomorrow and see if it lets me donate again.

347 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:47:39am

re: #339 Dragon_Lady

How's it work for sinus infections?


It should work. It clears out sinuses and acts as an expectorant. Shitakes also have antibiotic properties for infections too.

348 Daniel Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:48:13am

Look at these guys!
[Link: mercyairlift.org...]

349 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:48:20am

re: #346 Bubblehead II

It only let me do it twice. Will try again tomorrow and see if it lets me donate again.

Dial away!

350 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:48:33am

re: #318 darthstar

As I just said above in my #314, I don't think a comparison of Bush responses to Obama ones would be productive at this point. Fun (for some, maybe), but ultimately not helpful.

Precisely.
I have thought about Obamas response after the attempted plane bombing and his response to Haiti.
It is easy peasy folks.
No one was in need of help after the plane landed.

People are dying in Haiti this very minute.
Duh./

351 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:48:43am

re: #345 publicityStunted

How about this? (I've used it before and it definitely works - only drawback is, because it's natural, you have to finish it within a few months otherwise it loses potency)

I use a neti-pot or this machine.

That's had better effect than anything else.

352 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:49:52am

re: #351 reine.de.tout

Yes, the neti pot works well for me too.

353 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:50:13am

re: #347 Killgore Trout

It should work. It clears out sinuses and acts as an expectorant. Shitakes also have antibiotic properties for infections too.

That natural antibiotic effect is what I need, since I'm allergic to almost all prescription antibiotics. I have to take them with steroids to reduce the side effects. I'm an absolute basket-case.

354 Interesting Times  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:50:14am
355 b_sharp  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:50:45am

re: #15 soap_man

CNN is reporting "hundreds of thousands dead." Say a prayer, or do whatever it is you can do.

As critical as I can be of U.S. policy, moments like this fill me with pride. This is something we can all unite behind.

I hope that is an exaggeration, even the loss of one is bad, thousands is horrible. The thought of a loss of over one hundred thousand is unimaginably painful.

356 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:51:06am

re: #351 reine.de.tout

I use a neti-pot or this machine.

That's had better effect than anything else.

Red-hot poker.

357 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:51:09am

re: #347 Killgore Trout

It should work. It clears out sinuses and acts as an expectorant. Shitakes also have antibiotic properties for infections too.

You hear that RWC? I'm going to have to try it! RWC came up with microwaving a tiny amount of hard alcohol, brandy to be exact, in a mason jar and inhaling the fumes. It works, but it also hurts like nothing else I know! I'd rather avoid the pain if possible, the headache is bad enough.

358 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:51:13am

re: #336 The Sanity Inspector

We, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, and some few others were on the spot with more than our checkbooks, within days of the quake striking. At the request of the Indonesian government, the carrier group we sent even stopped launching aircraft patrols while in Indonesian waters. This response was sold short by the international liberal media, like a teenager sneering at an insufficient allowance. The domestic media, especially NPR, downplayed our work. Their on-the-spot correspondent described--but did not identify--American & Australian airlift and distribution efforts in the region, in the course of talking about the UN, making it seem like it was the UN which was a dynamo of responsiveness. They then cut to a segment purporting to show White House dithering. The template, above all the template...

The Israelis were turned away.

359 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:51:19am

re: #348 Rightwingconspirator

Look at these guys!
[Link: mercyairlift.org...]


Cool! Are their arifields in Haiti that are still in tact enough to support a civillian aircraft?

360 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:51:59am

LIT! DOOBIE BIRTHDAY CANDLES

Just in time for my B'Day this month.

361 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:52:29am

re: #354 publicityStunted

Haitian relief donation link for Doctors Without Borders if it hasn't been posted already

The page must be viewed over a secure channel

362 b_sharp  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:52:41am

re: #23 MandyManners

I bet we built it ourselves.

Is this the best time to be self congratulatory?

363 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:52:50am

re: #357 Dragon_Lady

You hear that RWC? I'm going to have to try it! RWC came up with microwaving a tiny amount of hard alcohol, brandy to be exact, in a mason jar and inhaling the fumes. It works, but it also hurts like nothing else I know! I'd rather avoid the pain if possible, the headache is bad enough.

Oh, dragon lady - you must try the neti-pot (available at your pharmacy).
I don't use the packets of mix, I just use a small amount of salt and warm water, as per my doctor's suggestion. It's wunnerful.

364 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:53:29am

re: #348 Rightwingconspirator

Look at these guys!
[Link: mercyairlift.org...]

Very cool RWC!

365 prairiefire  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:53:56am

A senator from Haiti's government reported to NPR that he believes 500,000 are dead.
The people need relief immediately. The US had determined that the airport and tower survived damage. The air strip is able to land relief planes.

366 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:54:58am

re: #363 reine.de.tout

Oh, dragon lady - you must try the neti-pot (available at your pharmacy).
I don't use the packets of mix, I just use a small amount of salt and warm water, as per my doctor's suggestion. It's wunnerful.

Ya know, I think I'll go get one of those neti-pot things! It would sure beat the burn of hot alcohol!

367 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:55:24am

re: #362 b_sharp

Is this the best time to be self congratulatory?

Huh? Since when is observation self-congratulatory?

368 Interesting Times  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:56:03am

re: #361 MandyManners

The page must be viewed over a secure channel

Hmmm, maybe direct-linking doesn't work. You can get to it from the "Donate Now" link on their homepage, beneath the main image

369 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:56:08am

re: #340 Killgore Trout

Let me know if it works for you. I've been doing it for a week and I'm really impressed.


I don't know about the mushrooms but I do know ginger is good for inflamation.

370 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:56:29am

re: #368 publicityStunted

Hmmm, maybe direct-linking doesn't work. You can get to it from the "Donate Now" link on their homepage, beneath the main image

Thanks!

371 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:57:11am

re: #369 Blueheron

I don't know about the mushrooms but I do know ginger is good for inflamation.

Of course large doses of alcohol are good for not giving a sh...

372 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:58:26am

re: #371 DaddyG

Of course large doses of alcohol are good for not giving a sh...

That reminds me that men assigned to recover, pile and burn the bodies in Corpus Christi got rations of booze.

373 Soap_Man  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 11:58:50am

re: #355 b_sharp

I hope that is an exaggeration, even the loss of one is bad, thousands is horrible. The thought of a loss of over one hundred thousand is unimaginably painful.

I hoping that is a high estimate. Often in disasters, the death toll drops some as those missing and presumed to be dead turn up wounded but alive.

We can hope for that.

374 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:00:02pm

re: #367 MandyManners

Huh? Since when is observation self-congratulatory?

You apparently are not saddened enough.

They have police for everything.

375 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:00:04pm

re: #360 Ben Hur

LIT! DOOBIE BIRTHDAY CANDLES

Just in time for my B'Day this month.

Are they scented?

376 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:00:23pm

re: #373 Soap_Man

I hoping that is a high estimate. Often in disasters, the death toll drops some as those missing and presumed to be dead turn up wounded but alive.

We can hope for that.

Their houses were built from un-reinforced concrete. I'm not too hopeful.

377 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:00:51pm

re: #371 DaddyG

Of course large doses of alcohol are good for not giving a sh...

Oh yeah ....with a touch of ginger :)

378 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:01:09pm

Poor Haïti.

Will the corporations that run the place as a pool of 38¢-per-diem wage slaves jump in to help?

Don't hold your breath.

379 Mad Al-Jaffee  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:01:14pm

re: #369 Blueheron

I don't know about the mushrooms but I do know ginger is good for inflamation.

Ginger from Gilligan's Island?

380 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:01:27pm

re: #353 reine.de.tout

That natural antibiotic effect is what I need, since I'm allergic to almost all prescription antibiotics. I have to take them with steroids to reduce the side effects. I'm an absolute basket-case.

Here's the wiki article on shiitakes that lists the chemical compounds. They should be pretty safe for you but maybe just try a little bit at first but I've been drinking 2-3 glasses a day and I'm feeling better than I have in years. My sinuses must have been affecting my oxygen intake and my energy level way getting really low.

381 Randall Gross  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:01:40pm

re: #339 Dragon_Lady

How's it work for sinus infections? I get those two or three times a year. Loads of fun let me tell you. //

You might try one of the light saline nose sprays, you can get generic versions cheap at the supermarket. It's just a bit of salt and water.

382 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:02:33pm

re: #374 Ben Hur

You apparently are not saddened enough.

They have police for everything.

*snicker*

383 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:02:52pm

re: #379 Mad Al-Jaffee

Ginger from Gilligan's Island?

In bed? .....rim shot...

384 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:03:02pm

re: #378 Cato the Elder

Poor Haïti.

Will the corporations that run the place as a pool of 38¢-per-diem wage slaves jump in to help?

Don't hold your breath.

Could you name those corporations?

385 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:03:29pm

re: #379 Mad Al-Jaffee

Ginger from Gilligan's Island?

She had the opposite affect.

386 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:03:49pm

re: #378 Cato the Elder

Welcome back.

Even I was concerned. (really)

Your presence is requested on the next thread.

387 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:05:07pm

re: #380 Killgore Trout

Here's the wiki article on shiitakes that lists the chemical compounds. They should be pretty safe for you but maybe just try a little bit at first but I've been drinking 2-3 glasses a day and I'm feeling better than I have in years. My sinuses must have been affecting my oxygen intake and my energy level way getting really low.


So could you post the remedy again for those like me who weren't paying attention?

388 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:05:29pm

re: #372 MandyManners

That reminds me that men assigned to recover, pile and burn the bodies in Corpus Christi got rations of booze.


Wow. That makes sense. Unfortunately Haitians standard of living is probably none too dissimilar than that of the Texas barrier islands in 1900 while their population is 10s larger in orger of magnitude.

Even though the 500,000 figure may be an exaggeration the final toll will be terrible.

389 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:06:45pm

re: #380 Killgore Trout
so what you steep some mushrooms and ginger together?how much?

390 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:07:29pm

re: #387 Blueheron

So could you post the remedy again for those like me who weren't paying attention?


It involves shitaake and sinuses. Are you absoultely sure you want to know? /

391 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:08:14pm

re: #390 DaddyG

It involves shitaake and sinuses. Are you absoultely sure you want to know? /

Yes please.

392 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:08:27pm

re: #390 DaddyG

It involves shitaake and sinuses. Are you absoultely sure you want to know? /

Like this?!?!

Image: head-up-ass.jpg

393 reine.de.tout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:09:21pm

re: #380 Killgore Trout

Here's the wiki article on shiitakes that lists the chemical compounds. They should be pretty safe for you but maybe just try a little bit at first but I've been drinking 2-3 glasses a day and I'm feeling better than I have in years. My sinuses must have been affecting my oxygen intake and my energy level way getting really low.

That should all be OK for me.
I will definitely try it.

394 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:09:22pm

re: #384 MandyManners
one of them used to be major league baseball.(or the ball producers at least)baseballs were made there until the later 90's i believe then they moved production to the dominican

395 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:09:29pm

re: #392 Ben Hur

Like this?!?!

[Link: www.dangerouslyawesome.com...]

You are sooooooo bad!

396 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:09:32pm

re: #338 Blueheron

Marjorie Moon made a remark I didn't understand. Just asking her for cllarification.

Oh you were? Ack, I missed it!

Sorry, I had some surgery yesterday and I'm feeling a little froggy. hehe get it? Lizard? Froggy?

397 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:09:50pm

re: #392 Ben Hur

Like this?!?!

[Link: www.dangerouslyawesome.com...]


Gross!

398 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:10:02pm

re: #396 marjoriemoon

Oh you were? Ack, I missed it!

Sorry, I had some surgery yesterday and I'm feeling a little froggy. hehe get it? Lizard? Froggy?

Ribbit!

399 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:10:21pm

re: #397 Blueheron

Gross!

But it will clear you up in no time!

400 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:10:29pm

re: #394 Boondock St. Bender

one of them used to be major league baseball.(or the ball producers at least)baseballs were made there until the later 90's i believe then they moved production to the dominican

Wilson?

401 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:11:28pm

re: #396 marjoriemoon

Oh you were? Ack, I missed it!

Sorry, I had some surgery yesterday and I'm feeling a little froggy. hehe get it? Lizard? Froggy?


's OK I forgot the question :))

402 Ben Hur  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:11:57pm

re: #400 MandyManners

Wilson?

You rang?

403 Boondock St. Bender  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:12:04pm

re: #400 MandyManners
no,(trying to look it up )rawlings...if i remember correctly.cheap labor..and they hand made awesome baseballs.

404 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:13:14pm

CYA Charles has put up a Palin thread.

405 Darth Vader Gargoyle  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:13:36pm

re: #384 MandyManners

Could you name those corporations?

Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated

406 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:13:53pm

re: #387 Blueheron

So could you post the remedy again for those like me who weren't paying attention?

Just simmer dried shiitakes and a little bit of fresh ginger for about 15-20 minutes. Really clears out the sinuses. Give it a try, I'm pretty surprised how well it works. It's a lasting effect too, not just temporary. 2-3 glasses will clear me out for 24 hours or more.

407 DaddyG  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:14:36pm

re: #400 MandyManners

Wilson?

Didn't Tom Hanks lost Wilson in the Pacific. /

408 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:14:50pm

re: #406 Killgore Trout

Just simmer dried shiitakes and a little bit of fresh ginger for about 15-20 minutes. Really clears out the sinuses. Give it a try, I'm pretty surprised how well it works. It's a lasting effect too, not just temporary. 2-3 glasses will clear me out for 24 hours or more.

How much H2O we talkin here?

409 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:15:05pm

re: #406 Killgore Trout

Just simmer dried shiitakes and a little bit of fresh ginger for about 15-20 minutes. Really clears out the sinuses. Give it a try, I'm pretty surprised how well it works. It's a lasting effect too, not just temporary. 2-3 glasses will clear me out for 24 hours or more.

Thanks I will try it.

410 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:15:06pm

re: #402 Ben Hur

You rang?

You so funny.

411 What, me worry?  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:16:35pm

re: #401 Blueheron

's OK I forgot the question :))

Oh What did Bush do?

My comment about Bush not liking Black people was in response to folks saying Obama only likes Black people. Is that it?

I just thought it ironic that they would get upset at someone accusing Bush of racism but turn around and accuse Obama of it, well reverse racism I guess. Or maybe they think Obama Hates White People which is also utterly ridiculous.

412 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:16:46pm

re: #405 rwdflynavy

Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated

I think that's one of The Kid's favorites.

413 MandyManners  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:18:10pm

re: #407 DaddyG

Didn't Tom Hanks lost Wilson in the Pacific. /

One of the strangest movies I've ever seen.

414 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:19:02pm

re: #413 MandyManners

One of the strangest movies I've ever seen.

I really thought the ending was both sad and strange. Not one I'm inclined to see again.

415 Blueheron  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:20:04pm

re: #411 marjoriemoon

Oh What did Bush do?

My comment about Bush not liking Black people was in response to folks saying Obama only likes Black people. Is that it?

I just thought it ironic that they would get upset at someone accusing Bush of racism but turn around and accuse Obama of it, well reverse racism I guess. Or maybe they think Obama Hates White People which is also utterly ridiculous.


There's the problem. Some people just don't think.

416 Killgore Trout  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:23:01pm

re: #408 Dragon_Lady

How much H2O we talkin here?

I put 4-6 shiitakes in with about a quart of water but the exact proportions aren't really important. You could make it stronger of weaker according to taste. The ginger is optional and just there for flavor but I think it also adds a little vitamin C. I started drinking it for stomach problems, clearing out my sinuses was just an unexpected side effect.

417 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:24:29pm

re: #416 Killgore Trout

I put 4-6 shiitakes in with about a quart of water but the exact proportions aren't really important. You could make it stronger of weaker according to taste. The ginger is optional and just there for flavor but I think it also adds a little vitamin C. I started drinking it for stomach problems, clearing out my sinuses was just an unexpected side effect.

Well! We'll just have to try it! I'll let you know.

418 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:25:02pm

re: #384 MandyManners

Could you name those corporations?

Sure.

There was even a riff about this in the latest James Bond movie. When James Bond starts noticing third-world exploitation (slave labor), you've got a problem, Wal-Mart.

For U.S. companies, the best deals are made in Haiti.

In a country where the legal minimum wage is a meager $2.40 a day, more than half of the 50 assembly firms operating in Haiti are not paying even that, according to a recently released report by the New York-based National Labor Committee (NLC), a human rights and labour group.

From Disney's Pocahontas pajamas to Hanes underclothes, Haitian workers are making pennies an hour producing items for the U.S. market.

For each Pocahontas pajamas priced at $11.97 in Wal-Mart, a Haitian worker receives only 7 cents, according to the report titled "The U.S. in Haiti: How to Get Rich on 11 cents an Hour."

The report details how major U.S. corporations like Disney, Wal- Mart and J.C. Penney are profiting from the exploitation of Haitian workers.

Calling the report's allegations a "misunderstanding," a Disney spokesman said: "We care very deeply about the conditions in which our products are made." He added that Disney requires any factory producing its products to obey local labor laws.

Many of Haiti's assembly factories are clustered in industrial parks along the road to Haiti's national airport. The average factory is hot, crowded, and poorly ventilated. Workers labour as much as 70 hours a week in these conditions.

And a worker lucky enough to be paid the minimum wage earns only $14.40 in a six-day work-week, the report states.

Approximately 10 plants in Haiti produce for Disney, though the contracting may have several layers. Disney contracts out to L.V. Myles Corp., a sleep-wear company, which sub-contracts out to Haitian-owned companies.

According to the NLC report, the company owned outright by L. V. Myles does pay the minimum wage to its employees, but companies that L.V. Myles subcontracts with, do not.

Paul Miller, president of L.V. Myles, contends that his company complies with all Haitian laws. He said it is the company's understanding that the Haitian contractors are paying the minimum wage, but: "Of course it is very hard to police the pay of an unrelated company."

Eric Verhoogen, a labour researcher who authored the report, said it would not be difficult for L.V. Myles to investigate abuses by its subcontractors. One such Haitian-owned company producing Disney pajamas pays its workers 12 cents an hour. It is located just 200 metres from the company owned by L.V. Myles.

"Disney should get down there and police its own factories," said Verhoogen. "All it would take is one phone call from Disney and the conditions would be improved."

In May, 1995, President Jean-Bertrand Aristide raised the minimum wage in Haiti to 2 dollars and 40 cents a day. Many companies, resentful of the increase, bypassed the law by raising the quota of factory piece-rates.

Under this system, workers are paid per item that they sew. As a result, workers are unable to meet their quotas, and continue to receive less than the minimum wage, according to the report.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has long tried to promote assembly industries in Haiti which rely on cheap labour, was not enthusiastic about Aristide's decision to boost the minimum wage.

USAID, which fervently promoted foreign investment in Haiti during the years of the Duvalier dictatorship, abruptly halted its support when Aristide became president in 1991.

[...]

419 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:27:20pm

re: #416 Killgore Trout

I put 4-6 shiitakes in with about a quart of water but the exact proportions aren't really important. You could make it stronger of weaker according to taste. The ginger is optional and just there for flavor but I think it also adds a little vitamin C. I started drinking it for stomach problems, clearing out my sinuses was just an unexpected side effect.

Oh, by the way, thanks! I really appreciate it!

420 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:27:40pm

re: #394 Boondock St. Bender

one of them used to be major league baseball.(or the ball producers at least)baseballs were made there until the later 90's i believe then they moved production to the dominican

Someone reported yesterday they moved production to Costa Rica.

421 b_sharp  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:33:33pm

Pat Robertson says the death of potentially ~100,000 human beings may be a blessing in disguise because it will allow the buildings and infrastructure to be rebuilt.

He disgusts me.

422 captdiggs  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:35:26pm

Horrendous.
I just did a Red Cross donation for the effort.
The death toll is going to be high. I heard that there are no functioning hospitals.

423 b_sharp  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:44:48pm

re: #367 MandyManners

Huh? Since when is observation self-congratulatory?

Your statement wasn't just an observation, it was a comparison of the amount of corruption or lack of building codes between US and Haitian builders, or simply that Americans can build better buildings than the Haitians. In any event you did make a comparison. You may not have intended it to look that way but my visceral reaction was to think it is the wrong time to point it out.

I perhaps should have waited until the gut wrenching realization of the size of the tragedy passed before commenting, but I didn't.

424 lawhawk  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 12:52:03pm

Expect the UN efforts and coordinating activities to be slowed because the UN mission got hammered in the quake. The top envoy was among those killed, and more than 100 others are missing.

That means that the UN will have to locate others to work with those local government officials and make necessary arrangements.

425 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:37:00pm

FOX says we maybe sending in ground troops to Haiti! Good Lord, doesn't our government understand the meaning of the phrase "Stretched to the limit"? Our military is definatly stretched to the breaking point, whats going to happen if we get slammed here?

426 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:44:59pm

re: #423 b_sharp

Your statement wasn't just an observation, it was a comparison of the amount of corruption or lack of building codes between US and Haitian builders, or simply that Americans can build better buildings than the Haitians. In any event you did make a comparison. You may not have intended it to look that way but my visceral reaction was to think it is the wrong time to point it out.

I perhaps should have waited until the gut wrenching realization of the size of the tragedy passed before commenting, but I didn't.

I don't think she meant it that way at all, did you Mandy? I'm betting that Mandy meant that we have more experience with tragic earthquakes and their effect on structures and we tend to pay more attention to geologic forces than most countries do. We are also capable of greater engineering breakthroughs because of our monetary resources. Am I right Mandy?

427 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:45:49pm

re: #425 Dragon_Lady

FOX says we maybe sending in ground troops to Haiti! Good Lord, doesn't our government understand the meaning of the phrase "Stretched to the limit"? Our military is definatly stretched to the breaking point, whats going to happen if we get slammed here?

Perhaps without intent to be policeman to some 9 million, but for a don't-even-think-about-it message so some actual and potential enemies?

428 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:47:28pm

pimf: to some

429 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:49:09pm

re: #427 abolitionist

Perhaps without intent to be policeman to some 9 million, but for a don't-even-think-about-it message so some actual and potential enemies?

You do have a good point, but out guys in uniform are tired and stressed out. I just don't want to add to the burnout their already experiencing if we can at all help it.

430 Donna Ballard  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 2:53:08pm

re: #428 abolitionist

pimf: to some

Huh? Care to translate for me? I'm a NOOB so I still don't get some of the acronyms.

431 abolitionist  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 3:00:07pm

re: #430 Dragon_Lady

Huh? Care to translate for me? I'm a NOOB so I still don't get some of the acronyms.

pimf = preview is my friend
I messed up something. (I should have preview more carefully.) The entire corrected sentence, with correction shown:
Perhaps without intent to be policeman to some 9 million, but for a don't-even-think-about-it message so to some actual and potential enemies?

432 Cato the Elder  Wed, Jan 13, 2010 7:40:33pm

re: #422 captdiggs

Horrendous.
I just did a Red Cross donation for the effort.
The death toll is going to be high. I heard that there are no functioning hospitals.

That's because black Haitians who word for $0.12/hour making crap for Wal-Mart to sell at a 1,000-percent markup don't need health care.

What are you, a bleeding heart?

433 gandalf.il  Sat, Jan 16, 2010 4:23:10pm

Israel send a medical team and a rescue team to Haiti


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