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THE FLOODS

'We Are the Lucky Ones'

Whether they've lost homes or businesses, many Iowans still feel blessed because they survived--and have good neighbors.

By Jamie Reno | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jun 16, 2008 | Updated: 5:44  p.m. ET Jul 5, 2008

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  • Posted By: fan_chor-cheung @ 06/26/2008 5:57:16 PM

    Comment: The Mississippi flood which include the flood at Iowa and subsequently those in Illinois was God's disapproval of Obama as presidential candidate. The flood at Illinois on June 18, 2008 was especially serious. The flood water has broken many dikes and levees. Iowa was the first state in the primary presidential election for Obama and Illinois is Obama's home state. In May 2008 when the Democrat governor of Oklahoma endorsed Obama, in two days tornadoes on Oklahoma killed 100 people and destroyed $1 billion of properties. This had confirm that there is a God/Environment and He is against Obama. God even hates the aphabet "O". The fact that Iowa similar "I. O. Wa." or "I. O. U." probably means the Black community may have owed Washington or the U. S government or the American people in general something very important. What they are, many of you should be able to determine yourselves? I am here only to help you understand the messages from the Environment so that future disasters can be averted. Future disasters to the U. S. will certainly confirm my prophecy.

    • Posted By: New Hartford Survivor @ 07/17/2008 2:16:38 PM

      Comment: Idiot, God does not strike at people because of a presidential canidate. What kind of a moron thinks that way? Certainly not any true christian would say that, they would know that is not how God operates.

  • Posted By: nodano @ 06/19/2008 6:33:37 PM

    Comment: I am not white. I am not Christian. I am not whatever stereotype you have of people from the Midwest. I came to this country as an immigrant child and I had the privilege and honor of growing up in Iowa where people genuinely looked out for each other and accepted me without question. I can only be proud of my home state for coping well with this disaster.

  • Posted By: mandymama @ 06/18/2008 10:56:53 AM

    Comment: I remember watching the coverage of Katrina and saying to my husband "that would never happen here if the city was underwater." And it didn't.

    Do you know why? It's a different world. Many of these towns and cities in Iowa have 80-90%+ church membership. People are involved in their neighborhoods and communities. They help their elderly neighbors and those with babies because they are likely to be their family, their friend's family or just someone they talk to regularly at church or the store. Preachers feel responsible for their congregations and will make sure that each member is checked on. Ordinary people helping out ordinary people.

    This happened in New Orleans too. I'm certain of it. There were great stories of heroics, but the looting and the raping and murdering overtook it all. That wouldn't happen here. A bunch of farm boys would risk their necks, grab the people doing that and hog tie them until the proper authorities could take care of them.

    People in larger cities tend to be more disconnected with their community. They don't have a personal stake in peoples lives and don't feel a social responsibility to their neighbors or their community.

    I also wouldn't raise my kids children anywhere else.

  • Posted By: 1970sGypsy @ 06/17/2008 5:35:15 PM

    Comment: Like it not, how can anyone help but make negative comparisons between this disaster and Katrina? Images of college kids packing sandbags to save historical documents versus images of grinning looters, (with stereos and TVs, by the way, not food for their babies) wading through waist high water with armloads of stolen property? Katrina set a precedent for everything bad, which is why it stays in the headlines, when so many other disasters have come and gone. No other Katrina-ravaged city got the publicity that New Orleans did, and that???s a reputation the city will have to live down. Avagrell, your main battle will be with the media, to get them to focus on New Orleans and her hardworking, devoted people first, with the K word put in its proper place???in ancient history by today???standards. It would be an inspiration to see a city revive itself against such great odds. And, Natecat, I WAS there, and I slept in my truck for two months. While working in the area, I was offered everything possible by the so-called victims, from looted jewelry to cut-rate Mississippi motel rooms provided to them by the government. Few could help themselves, unless it was to someone else???s property. The agencies and individuals who did assist, like those who went from house to house looking for the bodies of those left behind, only received blame from the same relatives who abandoned their elderly and disabled to drown. For those of you good citizens frustrated by what you see as Katrina bashing, please understand millions saw pictures of chaos, looting and constant blame. There were very few feel-good stories about courageous rescues or those making the best of it. I???ve lived through fifty years of hurricanes in my home state of Florida, and personally never saw anything to compare behavior-wise to Katrina???s aftermath. I would welcome any good news about New Orleans??? recovery at this date. It was one of my favorite cities for over three decades Meanwhile, back to Iowa, please?

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 7:51:53 PM

      Comment: Well said 1970sGypsy. Thank you!

  • Posted By: natecat @ 06/17/2008 5:03:22 PM

    Comment: Just to make myself clear. I think the situation in Iowa is very sad and the people there should, and do feel blessed for the help they are getting and giving. But pride is the wrong emotion to feel as it will surely be tested again and again by God. My heart goes out to the people of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and all the places hit by this year's floods, just as my heart went out to the people of New Orleans. However, I do find it sad and it angers me when we judge those who have severly suffered as somehow not doing enought to avoid it.

    May God bless us all.

  • Posted By: brianysings @ 06/17/2008 4:50:13 PM

    Comment: This is certainly not a rich, white, or Iowain issue. Its an everybody issue. I don't think that Iowa should be compared to New Orleans... however, its still a flood. It is still lost lives, homes, neighborhoods, toys... memories....

    God will help us all... don't you get it? He already has helped us... He already has helped those in Iowa.. Those in New Orleans.. Those in Kansas... Those in China.... Those in Iraq... He's everywhere. So regardless of what anyone thinks, there IS NOT a black heaven, a chinese heaven, a white heaven, a german heaven... There is one (1) HEAVEN.. A place where all are equal in the sight of God and Christ. A Place where there will not be any more tears or sorrows, trials, tribulations, or worries.

    There wont be issues or racism or what color of people got the most help. The flood isn't a race issue. The people turn it in to that. Everyone pull together and lets turn our eyes back on God and the prize and things will improve and America will Flourish once again.

    God Bless You is my prayer...

    -Brian, Jasper, Ga

  • Posted By: brianysings @ 06/17/2008 4:50:00 PM

    Comment: This is certainly not a rich, white, or Iowain issue. Its an everybody issue. I don't think that Iowa should be compared to New Orleans... however, its still a flood. It is still lost lives, homes, neighborhoods, toys... memories....

    God will help us all... don't you get it? He already has helped us... He already has helped those in Iowa.. Those in New Orleans.. Those in Kansas... Those in China.... Those in Iraq... He's everywhere. So regardless of what anyone thinks, there IS NOT a black heaven, a chinese heaven, a white heaven, a german heaven... There is one (1) HEAVEN.. A place where all are equal in the sight of God and Christ. A Place where there will not be any more tears or sorrows, trials, tribulations, or worries.

    There wont be issues or racism or what color of people got the most help. The flood isn't a race issue. The people turn it in to that. Everyone pull together and lets turn our eyes back on God and the prize and things will improve and America will Flourish once again.

    God Bless You is my prayer...

    -Brian, Jasper, Ga

  • Posted By: brianysings @ 06/17/2008 4:49:56 PM

    Comment: This is certainly not a rich, white, or Iowain issue. Its an everybody issue. I don't think that Iowa should be compared to New Orleans... however, its still a flood. It is still lost lives, homes, neighborhoods, toys... memories....

    God will help us all... don't you get it? He already has helped us... He already has helped those in Iowa.. Those in New Orleans.. Those in Kansas... Those in China.... Those in Iraq... He's everywhere. So regardless of what anyone thinks, there IS NOT a black heaven, a chinese heaven, a white heaven, a german heaven... There is one (1) HEAVEN.. A place where all are equal in the sight of God and Christ. A Place where there will not be any more tears or sorrows, trials, tribulations, or worries.

    There wont be issues or racism or what color of people got the most help. The flood isn't a race issue. The people turn it in to that. Everyone pull together and lets turn our eyes back on God and the prize and things will improve and America will Flourish once again.

    God Bless You is my prayer...

    -Brian, Jasper, Ga

  • Posted By: totalhip @ 06/17/2008 4:35:07 PM

    Comment: Forget all of the bickering on this board. There is a real lesson that can be learned from the tragic flooding in both Cedar Rapids and New Orleans. The lesson is the peoples response to tragic events. The people of Iowa banded together helping one another through adversity. Neighbors helped neighbors. Thats how its suppose to be when you are a member of the community. On the other hand, the circumstances in New Orleans caused its citizens to depend on the government. This was a disaster. The lesson is that the government cannot solve problems its the will of the people that does.

  • Posted By: CRIowa2008 @ 06/17/2008 4:29:23 PM

    Comment: Please don't bring Iowa down. I think some comments were taken the wrong way. I am saddened to see what these comments turned in to. This is about Iowa not Katrina.
    To everyone from Iowa: keep praying, working and helping your community.

  • Posted By: natecat @ 06/17/2008 4:17:48 PM

    Comment: I'm sorry, I thought making $9/hr and $40/year was being employed and I don't remember saying "college" educated, I said educated. Have you ever been to an inner city school in an extremely poor neighborhood? Have you been to one when you 9 years old and hungry? I'm from the midwest and my son went to Iowa State and believe me there are plenty of farmers with there hands out. Do you really think the people in New Orleans don't try to work and feed their children? Do you believe that all of New Orleans black teenagers sit around all day doing drugs? Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you aren't "educated". The people of New Orleans didn't just sit and wait for help. They pleaded for help - for water, food and medicine. The stores weren't open. Most people had left town. No one could get in and no one could get out. You yell at them for not helping themselves and yet you yell because they looted stores for water and food, diapers and blankets. Maybe you people are proud and courageous but you some of you appear to be bigoted and self-centered racists. Not a place where I'd want to raise children.

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 7:42:49 PM

      Comment: No one said anything about race, YOU did. YOU said everyone thinks the "black teenagers sit around all day and do drugs." YOU brought up race, which means you have no other way to defend what you think but to claim all others are racists. Is there some reason you think that all the residents of New Orleans were black? That is NOT the case and it certainly sounds like from your post that you think only black people were victims. It really is sad when someone is a racist themselves and cannot make a point about any subject without whining that everyone else is racist.

  • Posted By: kjarreau@msn.com @ 06/17/2008 4:16:10 PM

    Comment: To sciachir; besides the people who had no means to evacuate either due to lack of dependable transportation, economically challenged, poorly informed of the mandatory evacuation given less than 24 hours, or visitors to the city, many people evacuated. Don't be so ignorant to think that the television you told every reality that occured during Hurrican Katrina. You should be proud of your city and job, but do judge when you are looking from the outside in.

  • Posted By: letsgetalong @ 06/17/2008 3:57:45 PM

    Comment: We're all doomed. This country is not going to hell, it's already there. There is so much divisiveness in our society it will never be "one nation, with liberty and justice for all". Yes I omitted God, he's not been a part of our nation for a very long time.

    • Posted By: DayOfJudgement @ 06/17/2008 4:49:27 PM

      Comment: Why do you feel this way? Is it because our judges have removed Him from our schools? Or maybe because our judges have removed Him from our public places? Could it be because our judges overturn bans and allow gay marriage? Could it be because our judges allow abortion with the most horrific methods? Is it because there is such a glorification of perversity and sex on all forms of media? Shall I go on? God is watching and He is the ultimate judge. Make wise decisions now in how you think and act.

  • Posted By: lorgrube @ 06/17/2008 3:41:16 PM

    Comment: I just moved from Cedar Rapids to south Carolina a month ago... I am horrified at the pictures and video I have seen online. To call friends back there and hear that my previous home was underwater broke my heart. I'm proud to be an Iowan no matter where i may be living. I applaud the media for their coverage... without them we wouldn't know the amount of devastation. The affects of this flooding is going to be very widespread. I grew up in a very rural area of Iowa where most income is made from crops... and the crops are destroyed. I'll be keeping the great people of Iowa in my prayers!

  • Posted By: 3JsMomma @ 06/17/2008 3:39:45 PM

    Comment: Some of you people are so self-rightous in the way that you write about the people affected by Katrina. What makes you think you are so much better than the people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama? I commend and admire the spirit of cooperation and helping your fellow man; however, that may not be enough. I know that Iowa has suffered floods in the past; but nothing to this extent. Once the floodwaters recede and more and more people realize that they have no where to live and that it may take months or years to rebuild your towns, you may well need - not necessarily want - FEMA's assistance and trailers. As for the celebreties lending their names to help the Katrina victims - Harry Connick, Jr. and Ellen Degeneres are from New Orleans, Tim McGraw is from Louisiana while Faith Hill and Oprah Winnfrey are from Mississippi and were trying to help their hometowns and states. You will have to ask Brad Pitt about his motivations. I live and work in Mississippi where we experience floods, tornados, hurricanes and the occasional earthquake on a regular basis so I have some inkling of the devasting effects of Mother Nature. I am sure that Iowians will take care of and help each other but that may not be enough. As a side note, I would like to add that I live in Vicksburg, Mississippi which is on the Mississippi River and have lots of family and friends that work for the Corp of Engineers. Not all of the levees on the rivers that are flooding are Corp of Engineer levees; some are privately owned and other's may be maintained by the States. So, just because a levee fails does not automatically mean that the Corp is responsible.

  • Posted By: natecat @ 06/17/2008 3:31:32 PM

    Comment: I would only wish that people like 1970sGypsy who are so proud of the "courageous Midwesterners" would someday find themselves in the situation of the people in New Orleans. Plopped down in an inadequate facility during one of the worst hurricanes in history with no food, water, electricity, bathroom facilites or medical supplies. Also, with no way to get out. Let them watch the elderly and children become sick and die from heat and dehydration, smell the stink of death and human feces and cradle the heads of listless babies who have had nothing to drink for days. The people in Iowa may be "nice" but they are also educated, middle class and employed. They had the means to be able to evacute. What if they had to huddle on their rooftops for days waiting for rescuers who never came? Their neighbors would help them if only they weren't in the same desparate situation. Perhaps the Iowan National Guard was off in Iraq when they were needed at home. I am saddened by the flooding in Iowa but I'm am sickened by the response of some people trying to compare what happened there to what happened in Katrina.

    • Posted By: sciachir @ 06/17/2008 3:57:18 PM

      Comment: Excuse me! Although this is a teriffic state (I've lived here my entire life), not everyone, by any means, is employed.. My son is 30 years old, and works at a full-time job making $9/hour... We are also not all college grads. Not everyone here stands with their hands out. The people of New Orleans just sat and waited for help, rather than getting out as requested. I am in my mid-50's and am finally making $40k per year, and I've worked since I was 16 years old. You couldn't ask for a better place to live.

  • Posted By: k_yurcek@hotmail.com @ 06/17/2008 3:30:08 PM

    Comment: It's too bad so many people are throwing pity parties or placing the blame on others on this discussion wall. Did you miss the point of this article? These interviews were inspiring - stories of people devastated and misplaced, yet saying how grateful they are with what they have left! True Midwestern form. I'm not from Iowa, but am beyond happy that Iowans have come together to survive these floods and tornados.

  • Posted By: k_yurcek@hotmail.com @ 06/17/2008 3:23:13 PM

    Comment: I don't understand why everyone is arguing about who is better or worse between Katrina victims, flood victims, Bush, the entire government, etc.! Is everybody missing the situation at hand here - that the people in Iowa just got hit hard? I think the article was pointing out that although they're facing such devastation, they're still staying as positive as they can be and are THANKFUL for what they have left! This inspiring story is obviously lost on those of you who only care about pointing fingers and throwing pity parties. Way to go Iowans for being thankful!

  • Posted By: julie_ann71@hotmail.com @ 06/17/2008 3:11:47 PM

    Comment: While I am happy to see these interviews - it's too bad they did not go farther North in Iowa where there are small towns literally washed away - and these people are picking themselves up and relocating or figuring out how to rebuild - Iowa is truly a great place to live...the people are strong, hardworking NICE people - I wouldn't raise my child anywhere else...

  • Posted By: 1970sGypsy @ 06/17/2008 3:09:42 PM

    Comment: My prayers and best wishes are with the courageous Midwesterners. I had given up on the human race after Katrina. So many elderly left behind to die, while grinning looters shot at helicopters bringing assistance. I still remember the filth and mess left behind at the stadium (good luck, Houston). Some Katrina ???victims??? are already producing their fourth generation of social parasites and of course expect government assistance. They can breed, but that???s about it. The Iowans, however, didn???t wait for help from anybody but themselves, and seem to be managing quite well in this catastrophe. Social History 101, anyone?

  • Posted By: larryecollins @ 06/17/2008 3:08:46 PM

    Comment: I don't think the guy was slamming the PEOPLE of New Orleans but the failed leadership of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Your mayor hid in a hotel suite and your governor failed to execute the state's own emergency plan. Instead, they preferred to rail against FEMA, Washington and Bush. That's not leadership. And THEN the people of New Orleans re-elected the same idiot of a mayor. That DOES make you look stupid and helpless.

    • Posted By: jabar49 @ 06/17/2008 3:19:09 PM

      Comment: yes I think he was slamming the people of New Orleans, as well they should be slammed. Everyone waiting around with their hands out, or looting, which amounts to the same thing..Of course I think you're
      right too, the mayor and govermor were pretty useless also.....and clueless....nothing even close to New Yorkers during their disaster, Kansans during the tornados, or Iowans now.......

  • Posted By: 1970sGypsy @ 06/17/2008 3:08:23 PM

    Comment: My prayers and best wishes are with the courageous Midwesterners. I had given up on the human race after Katrina. So many elderly left behind to die, while grinning looters shot at helicopters bringing assistance. I still remember the filth and mess left behind at the stadium (good luck, Houston). Some Katrina ???victims??? are already producing their fourth generation of social parasites and of course expect government assistance. They can breed, but that???s about it. The Iowans, however, didn???t wait for help from anybody but themselves, and seem to be managing quite well in this catastrophe. Social History 101, anyone?

  • Posted By: larryecollins @ 06/17/2008 3:07:01 PM

    Comment: I don't think they guy was bashing the PEOPLE of New Orleans, the comparison was the response of the CITY and STATE governments in Louisiana. People placed all the blame of the Federal government, but there would not have been nearly as much for the Feds to do if the City and State had followed their only plans and then marshalled their on resources to help with the problem. Instead, they sat back and railed at Washington and Bush. And THEN they re-elected that same do-nothing mayor of New Orleans who hid out when the city needed him most. Not what you'd call leadership. Re-electing him DID make the people of New Orleans look like they had no sense of ownership of their own problems.

  • Posted By: krys1313 @ 06/17/2008 3:02:29 PM

    Comment: I live around the corner from the Driving Range and it is not in eye shot of the levee that broke on Saturday morning. The levee that broke was at 7th and New York Ave and the Driving Range is on NW 66th Ave and NW 26th St. The levee that broke was what took over the Birdland Area again which is the same area where another levee broke in 1993. The Driving Range was flooded due to the outflow of the Saylorville Dam which is 2 miles North of it. And I am sure he was given mroe notice than an hour and half. This is because Sunday night the Park Rangers were going door to door and we heard about it at 8:30 Sunday night and then Monday night about 7 Polk County Sheriff was going door to door as well. And if he would have been paying attention to his surroundings he would see that everywhere was packing up and getting out. Casey's was closed and out of their store completely by 4 on Tuesday. He had plenty of time to get stuff up and out of there. he stayed open as long as he could so he could earn as much as he could.

  • Posted By: krys1313 @ 06/17/2008 3:01:26 PM

    Comment: I live around the corner from the Driving Range and it is not in eye shot of the levee that broke on Saturday morning. The levee that broke was at 7th and New York Ave and the Driving Range is on NW 66th Ave and NW 26th St. The levee that broke was what took over the Birdland Area again which is the same area where another levee broke in 1993. The Driving Range was flooded due to the outflow of the Saylorville Dam which is 2 miles North of it. And I am sure he was given mroe notice than an hour and half. This is because Sunday night the Park Rangers were going door to door and we heard about it at 8:30 Sunday night and then Monday night about 7 Polk County Sheriff was going door to door as well. And if he would have been paying attention to his surroundings he would see that everywhere was packing up and getting out. Casey's was closed and out of their store completely by 4 on Tuesday. So he had more than enough warning to get out and take whatever precautions he needed to for his business. He was just looking out for the bottom dollar and the longer he stayed open the more money he made.

  • Posted By: shoesOFwar @ 06/17/2008 2:59:28 PM

    Comment: Katrina affected so many more people -- and the damage was both water and wind. I didn't mean to compare disasters -- only the way people respond. Like others have said - when help was asked, Iowans flooded to the scene sometimes causing traffic jams.

    Maybe a part of the Iowan response will be influenced by the way the government mishandled Katrina's victims --- and rather than wait around for the government assistance which may -- or may NOT -- be coming, Iowans will muck in and just start working towards a better day... what we're all dreaming of is one of those boring days when nothing remarkable happens. My daughter wears a t-shirt given her by a Missouri friend that says, " IOWA: Nothing to do since 1872" Boring looks pretty good right now.

  • Posted By: agavrell @ 06/17/2008 2:53:56 PM

    Comment: What the hell is wrong with you people? People here in New Orleans have organized on a scale rarely seen before. Neighborhood associations have swelled in membership and everyone is working hard to rebuild despite mountains of red tape. If you think that the Stafford Act will suddenly work in Iowa when it didn't in New Orleans, you are delusional. Commenting on the quality or character of people who suffered during Katrina is disgusting. When tornados destryoed yet another neighborhood in New Orleans last year, everyone pitched in immediately to provide food and shelter for those who lost their homes (some for the second time) and to help them rebuild. You don't have to be rich, white, or from Iowa to be charitable, generous and hardworking. I hope that Iowans rebuild rapidly and I am glad that they have avoided the chaos of Katrina, but lay off the New Orleans bashing. It speaks poorly of you.

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 3:33:24 PM

      Comment: What the hell is wrong with you? They are organized now? What about then? The people of New Orleans had AMPLE warning of the disaster and chose to stay. Katrina was a natural disaster hurricane and NOT the fault of the government. After the disaster hit, there were murders, robberies, violent assaults, looting and ID theft, all because of the opportunity to commit the crime was there. Not acknowledging the complete and total difference in those who help themselves and those who expect someone else to worry about it speaks poorly of YOU!

  • Posted By: tiennesmile @ 06/17/2008 2:50:25 PM

    Comment: That's what I admire about Americans. They always think in positive way. May God bless you all.

  • Posted By: MelissaSunshine @ 06/17/2008 2:48:41 PM

    Comment: God helps all whether you have the ability or capability of helping yourself. While and flood is tragic and the lost of life and homes is a tragedy, you can not compare Katrina to Iowa. The victims of Katrina were let down in more ways than one from poor execution of a solid evacuation plan to PREVENTION with better levies. Our government seems to be able to prepare to place us in a war that has cost us billions of dollars and thousands of precious lives, and help millions of people in Iraq who have never stood up to help themselves, so how can you make an excuse for a pathetic display of our governments capabilities of being able to handle just about anything. The victims of Katrina as well as Iowa are just that VICTIMS. No blame should be placed on a victim who is faced with a uncontrollable situation such as acts of nature. This attitude is what is wrong with the world. We try to pick and choose or decide who deserves help and if they meet the ???qualifications???. At the end of the day we ALL need help regardless of whether we deserve it or not. God helps us all and Lord knows most of the time we don???t deserve it but never the less God is love, support, and help NO MATTER WHAT. Please don???t get on your knees at night and pray for help when you judge other ???qualifications??? for help.

  • Posted By: akeicher@dtlinc.com @ 06/17/2008 2:44:13 PM

    Comment: I can also proudly claim to be born and raised here in Iowa. I have raised my own family here, with four kids who are each beginning the next phases of their lives in Iowa. We are a state with communities that help each other in serious times of need. Parkersburg, IA, which was hit with an F5 tornado just weeks ago, still has volunteers helping them. Those same volunteers, and many others, will forge ahead to rebuild and bring all parts of Iowa to it's former glory after all of this devistating weather has taken its toll. As to celebrity assistance, we would welcome whatever they could provide. I do know that Tony Stewart pledged all of his winnings from last Saturday's Nascar race to the Iowa flood victims. I know that the NFL was selling ball caps for the Parkersburg Relief Fund. We can't be too proud to accept whatever help, from whomever offers it, is given when it is desperately needed. Look at Cedar Rapids, IA. That is a tragedy in itself. Whatever assistance we can get should be well received. Maybe we won't get the attention that other victims have received in the past, but Iowans will be thankful for all the help, love and togetherness that is given in our time of need.

  • Posted By: shoesOFwar @ 06/17/2008 2:35:58 PM

    Comment: Iowans are hard working people and they face disaster like they face everything else. They go to work. When I was younger I lived out in San Francisco and at one point found myself out of a job. I found another job. Someone asked me why I didn't apply for unemployment benefits. Gosh, it never occurred to me - rather than line up for benefits I just went and got myself another job. I look at government beneits as being for someone else - someone without ANY other option.

    The NICE thing about Iowans is that they're NICE. Most people I know here in Iowa pretty much look at everyone else as equal. It's an almost classless society so people are willing and able - even eager -- to jump in and help. And when police and National Guard took charge of the situation --- no one thought to shoot at them -- like what happened after Katrina. Maybe it also helps that the Iowa state of mind is what's left over from the frontier days --- where you look out for each other and help each other. Next disaster, maybe you'll be the one who needs the help!

  • Posted By: Vespasia70 @ 06/17/2008 2:27:18 PM

    Comment: I think the government expected the Katrina people to act like Iowans. When they didn't the g'ment was completely unprepared. God helps those who help themselves.

  • Posted By: CRIowa2008 @ 06/17/2008 2:24:48 PM

    Comment: This is what Iowa is about. Every call out the city has done for help has been answered x 1,000. I couldn't be more proud of our community.

  • Posted By: mathteacher29 @ 06/17/2008 2:17:31 PM

    Comment: Hannigan- Couldn't agree with you more! I am also proud to be born and raised in Iowa. People here really do value hard work and we won't rely on the government to put our lives back together for us! The celebrities won't come, they wouldn't get the same attention here! We care about our neighbors and thus neighborhoods will rebuild themselves! Take Chow Gymnastics, training center for the WORLD'S best gymnast Shawn Johnson. Chow put out a call for help Thursday when he knew his building was going to be underwater. Over 100 people showed up immediately to get all the equipment to safety. After the levee was breached Saturday morning in Birdland people showed up in masses to help at the United Way building! The rest of the country should look at us to see what to do when having a diasaster! It's called caring about your community and your fellow neighbors!

  • Posted By: Hannigan @ 06/17/2008 2:08:30 PM

    Comment: I forgot, this scenario IS different from Katrina. These people are gainfully employed hard working people, not sociatal leeches. They have a work ethic and care about OTHERS, that is why the celebrities will probably not lend support! They will forge ahead on their own, like everyone else has to when faced with disaster. And not blame others for their misfortune.

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 2:57:56 PM

      Comment: Bravo! Well said.

  • Posted By: codeplusr @ 06/17/2008 2:04:36 PM

    Comment: I am proud to see the people of Iowa helping themselves and each other. It renews my faith in people. Don't rely on government to do things for you, they will mess it up, waste money, and find make stupid decisions for you and your freedom. Stay stong and know that there are millions of stong American people praying for you. I don't have much, but I will send a donation to help.

  • Posted By: e179415 @ 06/17/2008 2:03:06 PM

    Comment: I could not agree more with Hannigan....I am proud to be from IOWA

  • Posted By: CRIowa2008 @ 06/17/2008 2:01:10 PM

    Comment: New Hartford Survivor...I couldn't agree with you more. I am so sorry for what you have gone through.

    • Posted By: New Hartford Survivor @ 07/17/2008 2:19:10 PM

      Comment: Enter Your CommentThanks my friend!

  • Posted By: New Hartford Survivor @ 06/17/2008 2:00:08 PM

    Comment: Oops,, sorry , posted twice, didn't know the first one went.

  • Posted By: e179415 @ 06/17/2008 1:59:13 PM

    Comment: Seems a little different then the Katrina victims........

  • Posted By: New Hartford Survivor @ 06/17/2008 1:58:41 PM

    Comment: All this talk about the big cities that were hit by the floods is fine, but what happened to the little town of New Harford?? We were hit by an EF5 tornado, but we were hardly noticed for 2 days, then we were flooded. We have been hit by not one, but TWO major disasters. And nobody says a thing about us. And forget FEMA, we lost everything, including all our trucks, and we were notified that we don't get squat. And BUSH?? that self center money grubbing jerk? He has never given a crap about this country, he is all about lining his pockets and helping his oil buddies. He is the worst president we have EVER had. Tell him to stay out!

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 3:02:28 PM

      Comment: And you also don't have those famous hypocrites whining in your face either. I am praying for you all!

  • Posted By: CRIowa2008 @ 06/17/2008 1:57:32 PM

    Comment: A couple of other websites that are letting people know how to help:
    www.kcrg.com
    www.gazetteonline.com

  • Posted By: CRIowa2008 @ 06/17/2008 1:56:09 PM

    Comment: Here is how you can help:
    http://2008flood.org/

  • Posted By: New Hartford Survivor @ 06/17/2008 1:54:23 PM

    Comment: You know, this is all good, this coverage of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, but what happened to little New Hartford??? We were hit by an F5 tornado, and we were barely mentioned for 2 days. Then we were flooded, we have had one major disaster on top of another. And we are fogotten. And FEMA?? come on, they aren't giving us a red cent, and we are not well off people. And Bush doen't give a crap about anyone but himself. He is the worst president in history.

    • Posted By: katniblick@live.com @ 06/18/2008 3:23:00 PM

      Comment: Did you forget about Jimmy Carter?

  • Posted By: Hannigan @ 06/17/2008 1:48:10 PM

    Comment: These people will rebuild because they know that is what you do when you fall down, you pick yourself up. They work hard for what they have. The Katrina victims expect others to do that for them. These people will not get the same support because most can do for themselves. Pluse it is NOT PC to help those that can do on thier own. They will restart again and do it in a shorter thime than the Katrina people have been given. It is an issue of how they were raised. Katrina victims were on the system before and use their energy to stay on the system.

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 3:03:52 PM

      Comment: Well said!!

    • Posted By: e179415 @ 06/17/2008 2:00:29 PM

      Comment: AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Posted By: student @ 06/17/2008 1:34:42 PM

    Comment: How can we help? Where do we send supplies?

  • Posted By: robisonjimmy@att.net @ 06/17/2008 1:32:38 PM

    Comment: Hey Willynailer just because you read one feel good story. That doesn't mean you can get on your political high horse. Shame on you for trying to blame the average citizen who felt helpless after the devastation of Katrina! The US government did learn from the Katrina disater that THE US GOV WAS NOT PREPARED for a major disaster. FEMA totally failed in responding quickly enough with aid to the people devastaed by Katrina. Due to their embarrasment ,some heads rolled major changes were made and now they are doing a better job of helping people. Thank Goodness!

  • Posted By: robisonjimmy@att.net @ 06/17/2008 1:31:47 PM

    Comment: Hey Willynailer just because you read one feel good story. That doesn't mean you can get on your political high horse. Shame on you for trying to blame the average citizen who felt helpless after the devastation of Katrina! The US government did learn from the Katrina disater that THE US GOV WAS NOT PREPARED for a major disaster. FEMA totally failed in responding quickly enough with aid to the people devastaed by Katrina. Due to their embarrasment ,some heads rolled major changes were made and now they are doing a better job of helping people. Thank Goodness!

  • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 1:19:46 PM

    Comment: Funny how I don't see Oprah, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Kanye West and all those other hypocrites rushing to Iowa helping out the flood victims. Sad how famous people prove themselves hypoctires by picking and choosing who they help while whining that the at Government has done the very same thing. Since Kanye is so convinced that George Bush does not care about black people, does this mean that Bush does not care about Iowans either?

    • Posted By: RN2be09 @ 06/19/2008 8:11:00 AM

      Comment: Hello? This is not over by any means. I live in extreme southeast Iowa and people are scrambling to fill sandbags still. I am sure that there will be celebrity help. This just happened and it is still going on. Jay Leno is having two shows in Vegas and giving all proceeds to Iowa.

    • Posted By: robisonjimmy@att.net @ 06/17/2008 1:35:08 PM

      Comment: At least Brad and others put there money where there mouth is. Bush is only concerned with saving his crappy legacy. Give it up Dubya it's too late now.

      OBAMA'08

      • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 1:44:45 PM

        Comment: They have not put anything toward the Iowans who are in desperate need. As a matter of fact, they have not said anything at all! My post was obviously lost on you as proven by the crappy candidate you are endorsing. Pity, such a waste of a vote.

        McCain '08!

    • Posted By: SickOfLeeches @ 06/17/2008 1:22:33 PM

      Comment: OOOPs, I made a typo. I meant hypocrites instead of hypoctires. SORRY

  • Posted By: Willynailer @ 06/17/2008 1:15:38 PM

    Comment: How un-Patriotiac can you be. Don't they know you are supposed to sit around on your rear and let the Government do everything. Didn't they learn anything from Katrina.

 
 
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