Local Connections

"How devastating is it? It’s more devastating than Hurricane Ivan 10 times over." -- Pensacola relative of a tsunami survivor

Downthread, I promised more information on yesterday's news that Gulf Breeze Mayor Buzz Eddy is soliciting donations for Asian tsunami victims. Here it is:
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In an interview broadcast Friday morning, Eddy told local NPR affiliate WUWF-FM that the city hopes to raise $6,000, or an average of one dollar per Gulf Breeze resident, for Tsunami relief. After collecting donations, the mayor said the city will assess the situation and send the money to "one or more care organizations."

For those who prefer making direct donations, the New York Times provides a list of respected world relief charities.

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The Pilot, a North Carolina newspaper, has an on-line interview with Pensacola native Malina Gabriel, whose aunt barely survived the Asian tsunami. Here's a snippet:

Malina lives in Pensacola, Fla., and was home visiting for Christmas when she heard the news Sunday. She witnessed the destruction of Hurricane Ivan earlier this year, but said it pales in comparison to the disaster that’s befallen her father’s homeland.

"It was devastating to see what happened to our beaches and the families around us," she said. "We didn’t find out until the day after Christmas what had happened over there."
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"We’re so fortunate to have the things we do and they’re not as fortunate as we are. To have this happen. How devastating is it? It’s more devastating than Hurricane Ivan 10 times over. You just can’t imagine what it’s like to watch it on TV and see my father’s country be swept away. The entire side of the country where he’s from is gone."

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Can anyone doubt that sending Jeb Bush to Asia "as co-chairman of a U.S. delegation with Secretary of State Colin Powell" is the opening shot in the 2008 presidential campaign? Why else would the Florida Governor travel half way around the world to glance at what he could see right here at home, up close and personal?

The governor was chosen by his brother, President Bush, because of his experience with the four hurricanes that caused extensive damage to Florida in 2004. He will serve as co-chairman of a U.S. delegation with Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The White House issued a statement Thursday citing Gov. Bush's "extensive experience in the state of Florida with relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following natural disasters."

"Extensive experience," eh? Well, let's hope for the sake of the tsunami victims that Jeb doesn't plan on starting an Asian version of Citizens Property Insurance.