Ignoring Ike

When Hurricane Ike made landfall in the wee hours of Sept. 13, the damage to Galveston was devastating. And the nation paid attention for, well, about a day. The city was nearly wiped out, and it barely caused a blip on the national radar.
Perhaps it was a matter of timing: Ike hit the Texas coast just days before September’s economic freefall began. The financial panic, combined with an intense presidential race, managed to push the devastation off the front pages of most newspapers.
Meanwhile, more than two months later, some Galveston residents are still living in tents because their FEMA mobile homes are tied up in red tape. Dangerous debris is still everywhere, and 75 percent of homes have flood damage. And although The Washington Post reported that 79 percent of Galveston’s inhabitants had returned by November, the hurricane’s economic impact will displace many residents who can’t make a living in the island town anymore. Galveston’s University of Texas Medical Branch was so devastated by the damage that it was announced last week that about 3,000 of its 8,000 Galveston employees will be laid off.
The sad part is that not many people know the extent of the damage caused by Ike. In a world of catastrophes, Galveston isn’t getting the attention or the assistance it deserves. Come on, Americans and the news media: This holiday season, give Galveston the gift it deserves — your attention and help. -Alyson Ward

I have been working the last week in Bridge City which was hit by floods that has left it in ruin . The local grocery store is now a double-double wide trailer now. The downtown area will take at least a year to rebuild, 99% of the damage due to flooding. Most people were left with nothing, so I ask you to thank the Lord above for what you have and give what you can to these Texans whom have been hit by Ike. I will follow with that Info. Thank you .
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