And America Responds (Floridians)

Our state of Florida has also responded. Although we were hit with 2 hurricanes this year and 4 last year, Gov. Jeb Bush has offered and provided assistance to Alabama and Mississippi. (Texas has taken responsibility for Louisiana and New Orleans since that state seems unable to provide leadership.)

I also want to tout two local governments in my neck of the woods here in the North Central part of Florida. Marion County and the City of Ocala have provided first responders in the form of fire, rescue and paramedics. These are small governments, but were among the first to provide assistance to Florida counties concerning Charley and Ivan last year. The day of the hurricane, strike teams were called up and sent to Mississippi and other teams are on stand by right now. This causes problems and distress within the families of these responders, of course, but they know it's the right thing to do. As I've said before, the American people are (mostly) terrific and will put themselves in harm's way to help others.

See also Florida Cracker for what's gone on in South Florida with Katrina, as well has other Florida first responders to Mississippi. She also has many very good posts on New Orleans and elsewhere, and particularly animal rescues.