Vaughn Tolle said:

 

Looks like the trip to Greensburg provided the chance for a good photop for the President, Senators Brownback and Roberts, et al. Speaking for myself only, were I a resident of Greesnburg, I'd be polite, while hoping they get the heck out of there ASAP so I could get back to salvaging that which is salvable.

 

Julie said:

 

I don't know that I could be as gracious as VT. I'd be busy picking up the pieces and if I was stopped, I may give a few moments but I'd ask where their work gloves were and if they really cared about the people of the community then they'd be doing what needed to be done instead of talking about the problems.
I see the politicians talking about what a shame the tornado hit. I see them talking about the needs of the community. But that's it - talk, and talk is cheap. I'll believe that they're doing something when I see it.
(It was nice seeing Sebelius calling bush on the carpet about the Nat'l Guard.)

 

lindainks55 said:

 

Julie, I think I would not be as polite, kind or gracious as Vaughn either. I'd probably say, here's your shovel, you did bring your own gloves, didn't you?

I just heard the pres say he was there to lift spirits. His presence would not lift my spirits. ;-(

The fact that Kansas had indeed asked for more than radios didn't get near the coverage as the first position taken by The White House!

 

Rox said:

 

All I can do is ditto Julie and Linda. Well said, ladies!

 

Nathan said:

 

Well,

I just returned from Greenburg today.

My unit decided that we would pack up our two government vehicles and drive down to help. Technically we could not be asked to help, but my CO figured we could go ahead and volunteer.

We got there this morning after a few traffic blocks and sat around while our CO figured out how we could help.

Let me tell you, this place is much worse in person than in pictures. It is a miracle that so few lost their lives.

We started off by helping move some equipment from the courthouse and then cleared the entrance to the High School locker rooms so they could use them as a makeshift shelter.

After that...

Well, they didn't have anything for us to do.

Don't get me wrong, there is alot to do. Just no guidance on doing it.

So we started walking down the street and stopped at the first house where people were working.

It was the mayors home no less!

We started to help clear a path from the home to the street and remove all the antique furniture and things which were not damaged.

We did this for about an hour and a half then our CO got a call from the National Gaurd to politely leave.

Because we were active duty Marines they technically had no command and control over us and thus wanted us to go.

So we left.

Just like many things, this was a bunch of National Gaurd troops, Highway Patrol, and others standing around doing nothing.

Yes nothing.

Even the people we were helping at the Mayors home said that they were surprised that so many were not really doing anything for the past several days.

As far as the towns people and President Bush?

They were all lined up and looking excited to meet the President.

So, I hate to dissapoint your fantasies of rebuking the President as if it was of no importance his only coming to comfort the people.

 

WSClark said:

 

If my home had just been destroyed by a tornado and friends of mine had been killed as well, the absolute last person on Earth I would want to see is George W Bush.

 

sunbefree said:

 

Let's hope that opportunity never arises for you WSClark.

When a crisis is at hand, it's time to throw politics over the side. Being petty or indifferent is self serving and apathetic.

Throw a buck or two in the Greensburg donation bucket and be a good neighbor.

That's all one needs to do and enjoy your right to remain silent on the issue rather than be annoyingly contrary.

 

WSClark said:

 

Throw a buck or two in the Greensburg donation bucket and be a good neighbor.

I have already made a contribution Sun - what would make you think that I didn't?

And why should I remain silent?