I actually have no problem whatsoever was any of it. We got the same treatment for years by ESPN b/c of Katrina. The media was still playing that card when the Saints won the SB in 2009, five years after Katrina! The Saints got most of it, but LSU did get some symathy votes in 2005. I commend the University of Alabama players for helping in the community in the face of disaster. I believe it is commendable.
I disagree. Maybe that's all you heard, but the reality was exactly the opposite. There were many that were critical of FEMA and the manner in which they handled disbursement of taxpayer funds, but everyone I know understood the scale and scope of the tragedy. Many, like myself and multiple family members and friends, volunteered our personal time and expenses to travel to New orleans and Gulfport to support Katrina cleanup for those impacted. The sad part of the Tuscaloosa tragedy is that it was in no way limited to the University of alabama. It involved many more areas than just T-town. Much of Northern Alabama and Georgia were impacted to a significant degree .... leave it to bama fans to monopolize the media's portrayal of "vicitm."
Trust me, there are even fans of other SEC schools that got sick of the Katrina sympathy. You don't really understand how bad a natural disaster is unless you're involved in it. Most of the country felt bad at first but after a while, just didn't want to hear about it anymore because it no longer was a reality for them like it was for us that were affected by it.
First of all, this is no different than what happened on TV screens all over the country after Katrina. Remember how much they played up Miles' first year as LSU's coach? How often did we see the Superdome images? Or scenes of our players at the PMAC? Bama is not trying to gain sympathy for anything. I live here and have not heard anything like this at all. When this tragedy struck it was responded to by everyone in the state. People everywhere of all backgrounds, schools, professions, religions etc rolled up their collective sleeves and went to work. No one asked for anything. In fact there was such an overwhelming response that they were actually turning people away. No one was looking for a handout, they were looking to give a hand. Asking for nothing! It is my opinion that this subject should not be discussed lightly or without a focus on the human tragedy. To say that "it's just a tornado" is flat out wrong and shows no regard or value for life. Try using that phrase with anyone that had a family member literally plucked from their home never to be seen again. Try telling that to the family who lost their home and all their wordly possessions and is struggling to rebuild. Try telling that to anyone who suffered regardless of the event. In Katrina and during the tornadoes, people suffered. Lives were lost and lives were turned upside down. To make light of it in any way for any reason is wrong no matter how you try to color it. This goes beyond cities, team loyalties, nationalities or any other affiliations. This is a human tragedy and anyone that lives and breathes should take the time to at least pray for anyone that suffered. Better yet, take the time to volunteer or give to those less fortunate. The media should run these spots as often as they need to remind people how quickly and dramatically life can change and suddenly be stripped away. Run them until we have all pulled together and done everything we can to help. We have the power to make a difference and it is a power that needs to be regularly exercised. We could all take a moment to reflect on what's important and find the sympathy in our hearts that will enable us to do something meaningful for someone else. Or you can change the channel and ignore it all pretending that it didn't happen and that it's just a "storm". I can tell you first hand that it was one of the scariest days I've ever experienced. I've never seen a line of storms fire off one tornado after another. In all there were well in excess of 100 tornadoes across the state that day. Everyone was powerless as we sat and prayed for our safety and the safety of others. So, try seeing it through instead of seeing through it. It will make a difference in the life of someone else and it will definitely make a difference in yours.
I agree despite our distaste for each other on the football field, i fully support the people of that area in this tragedy. It was a horrible tragedy. I think its great the Bama team and people got this award. We as Louisianans should be acutely aware of how a natural disaster can destroy families and lives. I sent money to the cause of this, and support the drives and events during Game I to help their community. I tilt my hat to those people. Godspeed to all of them.
Who cares about bad weather in the past? Both states had their share. When you live on the Gulf Coast, you will have bad weather. Who cares. Live with it and stop crying about it for sympathy's sake. I'm tiered of reading crap about tragedies. I went trough hell in the path of Andrew in Jackson, La. for three days. WHO CARES. This is football for the highest stakes in the land, the BCSNCS game. Live the game, not the sympathy. Screw BAMA and Nicky.......... GO LSU. Wish I could be there. Sorry about the tirade, but that's how I feel. Love the game. Love LSU. I do.
