I have several relatives in Florida, and after checking with them, all are well, happily. Three live in Miami which appears to be out of the hurricane path, though as they said, it's impossible to know which way the storm will bend and with this being King Tide season, there could be bad flooding. So, at least two of them have moved to a hotel for the night to be safe. There have been a few power outages, but it hasn't been problematic for them.
The other relative is a cousin (my mother's first cousin) who recently turned 101. So, moving around would have been a burden. But again, happily, she lives in an area that's actually somewhat protected by a small island just off the coast, with a small bay in between, and so it acts as a bit of a barrier. She lives on the fourth floor, and because the building caters to older, independent-living residents, it has generators and ample food. And her caregiver is staying with her. So, good. As I've watched the coverage, a few thoughts have come to mind. I wrote about one yesterday -- how I look forward to Pat Robertson chiming in, as he always does whenever a natural disaster hits a blue state and claims it's God's divine intervention, bringing retribution on the sinners of that that. No doubt he will do the same here, perhaps adding that it's God's anger at how Ron DeSantis treated Disney World. I wish too that there was far more attention paid to how when Ron DeSantis was in the U.S. Congress, he voted against federal aide to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. Because, y'know, that hit liberal East Coast states. But now he's already called in for federal assistance -- which he should -- and President Biden has offered all help that will be needed. Which he should, too, rather than snarkily smear the residents of the state for poor hurricane management, as Trump did with West Coast wildfires. Somewhat related to this, I heard some analyst praise how Biden and DeSantis were "working together" on this, despite being such big political rivals. And my immediate reaction was -- say what???!! Ron DeSantis should get close to zero points (maybe about eight points) for "working together" with President Biden. DeSantis needs federal aide. He's asking for federal assistance. He pretty much has to "work together" with the White House. Because the very last thing he wants to do -- most especially since he's up for re-election in about one month! -- is sashay around that he alone can handle the hurricane and piss off those ready to help him. It's President Biden who is impressively "working together" with a governor who has been going out of his way to undermine the Administration and promote fascism. I also kept thinking that for all those who don't "believe" in science and think Climate Change is a hoax, it's good to remember that meteorology is a science. And hurricanes don't care if you believe in them or not. And finally, as I watch the news and see the crushing winds and rivers of water flowing over towns, I keep wondering why isn't Ron DeSantis telling Floridians that it's their Personal Choice if they want to go outside during the hurricane?? Mind you, I'd think it would be utterly insane to go out, but then I thought it was totally crazy not to get vaccinated. And not to wear masks. And after all, as mind-numbingly nuts as either action would be, at least going outside during a hurricane isn't infectious and won't risk killing others... Y'know, Personal Choice and all.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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