Refugee Solution for Hurricane victims

[ShowerSinger]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There are already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?

[amandab]

OMG ShowerSinger - what a brilliant idea!!

I say let the news media know.

[Jules]

ShowerSinger - that's an awesome idea! Make some phone calls!

[ShowerSinger]

Please help me email everyone with this.
Thanks,
Donna in Alabama

[bakerprune64]

Please help me email everyone with this.
Thanks,
Donna in AlabamaWhat a wonderful idea! We had a base here in calif. that sat empty for 10 years. Complete with new barracks, mess hall, etc. what a waste of taxpayers dollars. The only problem I can see is that Alabama supposedly doesn't have any power, statewide and has also had considerable storm related problems...
Alabama



1)Flooding reached 11 feet in Mobile, matching record set in 1917, according to National Weather Service. Water up to roofs of cars in downtown Mobile and bayou communities. Piers ransacked and grand homes flooded along Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.

2)Deaths: Two.

3)About 405,000 homes and businesses without power.

4)Major bridge over the Mobile River partially reopened; it was struck by oil drilling platform that floated away from a shipyard.

It is worth exploring further:)

[LadyLuck]

Great idea, wonder why our wonderful high paid leaders can not think of this.

[BarnGoddess]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There is already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?
Is this near Gadsden? My father was stationed there just before he went overseas in WWII. I was born in Gadsden. I believe my parents lived off base then.

[NewMom2003]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There is already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?

I think this is a wonderful idea!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[concernedperson]

Great idea, ShowerSinger, maybe you should work for FEMA!!!

[lorann]

This is such a good idea. Not like government to consider using what is already on hand, they would rather build something new. Have you passed this along to anyone?

You might hit every major network, the media can get the politicians ear sooner than the average person.

[NK57]

Excellent Idea! I just sent my email out to DC. Maybe someone down there will read it.

[Casshew]

Shower Singer, that is an amazing idea - put those retired bases back to work, fill them up with families & individuals. Everything is there - how difficult could it be to utilize?

I have sent some emails out too - I think you are brilliant :) :blowkiss:

[Mabel]

Shower Singer, that is an amazing idea - put those retired bases back to work, fill them up with families & individuals. Everything is there - how difficult could it be to utilize?

I have sent some emails out too - I think you are brilliant :) :blowkiss:

CNN has been reading some viewer emails on air. Why don't you try contacting them, if you haven't already done so? I think it's a fantastic idea and certainly provides a longer term solution than the astrodome.

[ShowerSinger]

Fort McClellan, Alabama
A base that was closed.
Barracks sit empty.
Single-family homes sit empty.
Hospital closed, but there.
Electricity.
Recreational facilities.
NOT THAT FAR FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Privacy for the families.
Don't bus them to a stadium like cattle.
Use the resources. They are the peoples resources.
Please, help spread the word.
Thanks.

[concernedperson]

Fort McClellan, Alabama
A base that was closed.
Barracks sit empty.
Single-family homes sit empty.
Hospital closed, but there.
Electricity.
Recreational facilities.
NOT THAT FAR FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Privacy for the families.
Don't bus them to a stadium like cattle.
Use the resources. They are the peoples resources.
Please, help spread the word.
Thanks.

Have you contacted FEMA? Are you in Alabama? Contact the State. Fort MacPherson will be closed here in Georgia but isn't yet and this would be a lovely facility

[Anngelique]

Fort McClellan, Alabama
A base that was closed.
Barracks sit empty.
Single-family homes sit empty.
Hospital closed, but there.
Electricity.
Recreational facilities.
NOT THAT FAR FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Privacy for the families.
Don't bus them to a stadium like cattle.
Use the resources. They are the peoples resources.
Please, help spread the word.
Thanks.

That is a brilliant idea Shower Singer!

[ShowerSinger]

Email everyone you can! News media, anyone you can think of to get this rolling. It's time to use these resources for our own citizens!
Thank you to everyone for getting involved. You will be blessed for your efforts. It doesn't cost anything, but think about the people who so desperately need our help!
Wouldn't you rather be in a single-family dwelling, or even the barracks with some privacy?
Just get involved by asking our government to use these resources that sit wasting away.
Thank you. (I'm stepping off my soapbox now, to pay some attention to my own family.)
Prayers.

[Easydoesit]

How many closed, or closing military bases are near New Orleans?

[Share-in]

I think that's a fantastic idea too, ShowerSinger.

I've also heard that our naval ships would be another good avenue. I think I heard that the government was going to use "one" of them, BUT why not many of them. They have facilities that are needed there too, including medical help.

Still another one could be "CRUISE SHIPS" :eek: Why not; they would have so many facilities there too. Wouldn't the "looters" aka "losers" have a blast... :( NOT!

I heard that Walmart opened their doors so that the people could get whatever they needed. Hmmmm...some more than others, I would suppose.

[mic730]

I think this is a super idea about using closed bases.
I posted in anotherr forum a list of media people. It is not a complete list but a start.
Thought it could be used here too.
Greta: ontherecord@foxnews.com <ontherecord@foxnews.com>

Dan Abrams: abramsreport@msnbc.com <abramsreport@msnbc.com>

Catherine Crier: info@criercommunications.com <info@criercommunications.com>

Sean Hannity: hannity@foxnews.com <hannity@foxnews.com>

Alan Colmes: colmes@foxnews.com <colmes@foxnews.com>

Bill O'Reilly: oreilly@foxnews.com <oreilly@foxnews.com>

Nancy Grace requires a form to be filled out here is the link:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5c.html?24

This is the email I sent:
Greta;
There are closed military bases all over the country with mess hall, medical facilities, and housing and schools in some cases.
These should be used to give these victims of Katrina a place to live with some privacy also.
Please help get this idea out.
Michelle

[mic730]

Wal-Mart did that and it was free? I am amazed and highly pleased.
The cruise ship idea is being explored and Carnival says they will help if they can get it to work.
Here is a link:
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/08/31/D8CAV3MGC.html


I think that's a fantastic idea too, ShowerSinger.

I've also heard that our naval ships would be another good avenue. I think I heard that the government was going to use "one" of them, BUT why not many of them. They have facilities that are needed there too, including medical help.

Still another one could be "CRUISE SHIPS" :eek: Why not; they would have so many facilities there too. Wouldn't the "looters" aka "losers" have a blast... :( NOT!

I heard that Walmart opened their doors so that the people could get whatever they needed. Hmmmm...some more than others, I would suppose.

[ShowerSinger]

The BIG picture!
More Important Than...
1. Other countries.
These are Americans.
2. Priority SHOULD dictate to our g'ment we're#1
3. Closed military bases are available for housing.
A. Compassion for our own.
B. Basic needs can/will be met to sustain living.

These refugees are AMERICANS!
We ARE the most humane country, of all countries.

These resources ARE available NOW.

Listen Up, Government.
"CHARITY STARTS AT HOME!"

[englishleigh]

GREAT idea, SS!!! You smart thing, you!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[ShowerSinger]

Thanks for pushing the issue. It's time we made our voice heard. Politically, they should embrace the idea. Thank you for your effort, friend!

[SieSie]

:clap: What an excellent idea - I'm composing a letter and emailing the people listed on the links from mic730 (thanks for those!!).

Prayers for everyone affected by this devastation.

[Nore]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There are already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?
-----------------

ShowerSinger,a good idea!! I would hope this would work as so many people will be without homes for a long time.I should think our government could afford to do this....maybe they (gov.) could pretend it is in Iraq...you know~pick up the bill for lighting etc...

[T'sNana]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There are already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?
I think YOU need to run this...That is a GREAT idea!! :woohoo:

[BarnGoddess]

Shower Singer, I caught a snippet on TV very late last night (I had the TV on in the background as I completed my Excel homework) and heard a Senator or Congressman from either LA or MS mentioning something about a closed Air Base to be used for some purpose soon. I'm not sure which one or where as I was half listening. Maybe someone got through with your idea. Maybe someone can find out if what I heard is true.

[jannuncutt]

Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas - closed in 1991.

[BarnGoddess]

Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas - closed in 1991.
Thank you very much Jannuncutt, I knew I heard something. I appreciate it.

[lorann]

The more I think about this, the better it sounds. These people can be shown how to help themselves. These people can be given jobs, cooks, lawn maintenance, just an example of the possibilities. Child care for those that can go out and secure paying jobs. This should be for the true refugees, not looters etc. Those that will not try to help themselves or others can be dealt with. This is long term, not an immediate answer for those still waist deep in filthy water.

[SewingDeb]

I think YOU need to run this...That is a GREAT idea!! :woohoo:

Excellent, excellent idea!! Much better than the Astrodome.

[lynie]

Awesome idea...I so much hope these folks can find a soft place (and dry) to land.... :angel:

[txsvicki]

Right now, there are many people without food and water at the civic center. It's been reported that babies are dying of dehydration. They need to get out of there first and afterwards, I don't think that it would be a good idea at all to force a bunch of people onto some military base and make them help themselves by being cooks and lawn care workers. There are thousand of apartment complexes in every state where they can get low rent housing, food stamps, help with day care, and apply for jobs of their own choosing. These people know how to help themselves already, they just need to get some food and water to survive another hour.

[T'sNana]

The BIG picture!
More Important Than...
1. Other countries.
These are Americans.
2. Priority SHOULD dictate to our g'ment we're#1
3. Closed military bases are available for housing.
A. Compassion for our own.
B. Basic needs can/will be met to sustain living.

These refugees are AMERICANS!
We ARE the most humane country, of all countries.

These resources ARE available NOW.

Listen Up, Government.
"CHARITY STARTS AT HOME!"

So TRUE!!! I also emailed everyone on the list you provided! You had/have a wonderful idea with the bases!

[ShowerSinger]

The word in Alabama is they are planning, on moving 10,000 people to the barracks at Fort McClellan, AL.
However, the mayor of Anniston is floundering. We shall see.
Thanks to everyone here for their efforts!
(Gonna drag my cranky hormonal butt to bed now.)

[concernedperson]

The word in Alabama is they are planning, on moving 10,000 people to the barracks at Fort McClellan, AL.
However, the mayor of Anniston is floundering. We shall see.
Thanks to everyone here for their efforts!
(Gonna drag my cranky hormonal butt to bed now.)

You did good.

[Nore]

Is this near Gadsden? My father was stationed there just before he went overseas in WWII. I was born in Gadsden. I believe my parent
s lived off base then.
-----------------

Fort McClellan is in upper Northwest Ala. I believe it is near Anniston.

BarnGoddess was your dad in Infantry? 45th Thunderbird Division..

[lorann]

Right now, there are many people without food and water at the civic center. It's been reported that babies are dying of dehydration. They need to get out of there first and afterwards, I don't think that it would be a good idea at all to force a bunch of people onto some military base and make them help themselves by being cooks and lawn care workers. There are thousand of apartment complexes in every state where they can get low rent housing, food stamps, help with day care, and apply for jobs of their own choosing. These people know how to help themselves already, they just need to get some food and water to survive another hour.

During the depression, quonset huts were set up in city parks because there were just too many people that had nowhere to live. The children from one of them went to my school. The father of a friend of mine did the lawn mowing in the park after he came home from work. Some women babysat so both parents could work. Being a cook, babysitter, or gardener are not disgraceful things. Using the military bases would keep the government from building more low rent complexes. These people have no jobs to go back to and unemployment is high all over the country. Those that have skills will have a better chance to help themselves but whether they have skills or not, those bases are there already. I agree, they need food and water and a clean place to sleep. They can't stay in those temporary shelters for very long. I have been on a few military bases, and they are not bad. As their circumstances improve, they can leave.

[lynie]

During the depression, quonset huts were set up in city parks because there were just too many people that had nowhere to live. The children from one of them went to my school. The father of a friend of mine did the lawn mowing in the park after he came home from work. Some women babysat so both parents could work. Being a cook, babysitter, or gardener are not disgraceful things. Using the military bases would keep the government from building more low rent complexes. These people have no jobs to go back to and unemployment is high all over the country. Those that have skills will have a better chance to help themselves but whether they have skills or not, those bases are there already. I agree, they need food and water and a clean place to sleep. They can't stay in those temporary shelters for very long. I have been on a few military bases, and they are not bad. As their circumstances improve, they can leave.

Also, most of the time after a base is closed the area suffers a depression of the economy too. Maybe this could help the citizens out as well....

[Shadow205]

Here's an idea:
Why not relocate these victims to a base the military has closed? There are already single-family residences, barracks, even recreation, hospital, jail facilities. I know, as Fort McClellan in Alabama has already been closed, and most properties sit empty. It seems a logical solution, instead of some stadium. These people need some privacy, too.
What do you think?
It is already being considered. I heard it on Fox or CNN yesterday. I think a closed base in Texas is being looked at.

[*02]

Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX has been opened up for the refugees, they started arriving last night. According to our local news, we have room for 300 families at the base.

[ShowerSinger]

Fantastic! It warms my heart to think we could have made a difference. After all the phone calls and emails, here's a round of applause\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
You guys are awesome!
And lynie, you are right on! It could help the locals.

I think the FEMA guy should be fired. Ridiculous! Pre-planning is paramount for this organization. Or it shouldn't exist at all. What a waste of $'s his salary is. He should forfeit it! Why couldn't they even use some school buses to pick up these people?
(Ut-oh, I'm having a hormonal rush again!)

[bakerprune64]

Fantastic! It warms my heart to think we could have made a difference. After all the phone calls and emails, here's a round of applause\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
You guys are awesome!
And lynie, you are right on! It could help the locals.

I think the FEMA guy should be fired. Ridiculous! Pre-planning is paramount for this organization. Or it shouldn't exist at all. What a waste of $'s his salary is. He should forfeit it! Why couldn't they even use some school buses to pick up these people?
(Ut-oh, I'm having a hormonal rush again!)
This is wonderful news! :clap:

[*02]

I'm not sure what exactly is left out at the base, besides a golf coursehttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/18/18_12_5.gif, after it closed down several years ago the city turned it into Reese Technology Center and have used it for various reasons. They were assembling beds and the like yesterday and showed the women's dorms on the news. It still has to be better than a stadium.

[ShowerSinger]

The powers that be have decided they will only accept 1,000 people at the closed army base, formerly known as Fort McClellan. Big Difference 10k versus 1k.
No big surprise, but all military bases that have been closed need to step up.