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| The The CopyWriters Connection Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | I'm back temporarily - update | Views: 308 | Nov 11, 2005 3:03 am | | I'm back temporarily - update | # | Steven Boaze | | Hello Copywriters,
I've made it back for now and it seems that all is well, but quiet. I hope that all of you are enjoying the co-moderator's as they are doing a great job.
I've got a lot to report on, so let's begin.
Most of you know I have taken on a lot of responsibility. The long hours of managing the "buy out" (the equipment purchase) along with the setting up of our headquarters, and the restlessness that goes with managing the work force (1650 Workers) of constructing 90,000 plus homes and other commercial property.
The area's along the Gulf Coast are nothing but pure rubble. The land is covered with litter, what's left of homes, and whole zip codes are destroyed. It looks like a huge bomb exploded and leveled the entire surface. some localities are wiped clean with nothing but a mail box left standing.
When we arrived, the first to great us was the smell of the air. It had a fragrance of oil, dirt, and death. During the first couple of days, the authorities pulled 37 bodies out of the area. We had to wait until they picked through and cleaned up what they found.
The ground was covered with slick, thick muck and it was slicker than any substance I've ever experienced. The only thing that wasn't slick was the road we traveled on.
The area we are preparing to build back on is clean and clear of debris. The Army Corps of Engineers are doing the clean-up, along with providing the water and electric supply.
Even though Hurricane Katrina left a huge mess, the real catastrophe was watching the people who are in real need. There are people who are living in tents, make-shift buildings and yes, automobiles. They were pleased to see us arrive with homes, but there were those who were helpless as well, and still haven't received any assistance from the Federal and local levels. Most were complaining about their own home owner's Insurance Policies were not going to cover their losses. As I witnessed this, there was nothing I could do to help. Our mission was to set-up Federal housing for HUD.
I cannot really explain the loss and devastation that I witnessed. 9 weeks after the storm, and people are still digging through what's left of their homes and their lives.
I am now on a break, and I will be deploying to Mississippi again next week for another round, except this time we are going to be putting people in homes at a much faster rate. What set us off to a slow start, was FEMA and the re-structuring of their own departments. Now that they seem to know where they are heading, we are making good progress.
Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast with a vengeance. Mother nature had no mercy on the landscape or human life. The magnitude of destruction this Hurricane left in its path is beyond words.
The workers who are with us now, came from New Orleans, which were lending a helping hand to local businesses and people there, told of doing work that they had no experience in. They were asked to perform work they had no knowledge of because there were no Construction Companies left. In New Orleans, home owner's were frantic due to no help, no running water, electricity, and no public service offered as they moved back to start rebuilding.
I must say, that the News Media only reports on things that goes wrong, instead of those things that are going right. They feed off of critical issues that only the masses understand. The hidden issues are not told when it comes to people in need. From what I saw, the local and State Governments are trying their best to provide help and assistance, but the people who are victims, are always begging for some kind of relief. Help is on the way, but it is not soon enough- sadly!
My mission now is to start another group of houses and buildings so that communities will be put back together. There is not enough time or people to handle this amount, however, now that we have a directive and a mission, our objective will take us another 5 years to complete.
More later - Thinking about all of you...
Steven BoazePrivate Reply to Steven Boaze | Nov 11, 2005 5:19 am | | re: I'm back temporarily - update | # | Saniya Kirpalani | | Welcome Back! Though the co-moderators have been doing a sterling job, we do miss you- so welcome back. Additionally congratulations on your achievements and the work you have done during this time away. "I must say, that the News Media only reports on things that goes wrong, instead of those things that are going right." Great Point! Reportage is not yellow and so it should not be jaundiced and skewered with images that hurt our heart and scorch our minds, I have found that reportage that shows 'hope and healing' sells just as well... the adage "if it bleeds it leads... its cliché and passé" especially in today’s world... its not about Lifestyles... its about Mindstyle!
Private Reply to Saniya Kirpalani | Nov 11, 2005 11:28 am | | re: I'm back temporarily - update | # | Cathy Qazalbash | | Hi Steven,
Welcome back! Even if it is only for a little while. The problems that these people are facing makes our life problems pale and seem almost petty. You are doing a great and needed job and may God reward you and your family.
Cathy Q Freelance writer/copywriter http://advertise-your-business.comPrivate Reply to Cathy Qazalbash | |
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