I have been listening to the radio all day today totally engulfed in everything
that has happened in New Orleans. My heart is overewhelmed at the fact that only
five hours away from Atlanta, there is a situation representative of a third
world country. We are the richest, most powerful nation in the world, but we all
know that this situation will not be resolved by our government. David Banner
spent about 30 or 45 minutes on the radio and he made some very relevant points:

-When the Tsunami happened, troops were deployed instantly. It took three days
for rescue troops to be deployed to New Orleans

-We spend money in the club, money on drinks. How about spending money on these
families, these people who now have nothing left.

-Excuses are a waste of time. Anything you can do to help, you should do because
this is our people.

So here is what you can do:

First, give to local organizations that you know are taking food and money
directly to the victims. The American Red Cross and other national organizations
are bureaucratic entities that force people to sometimes meet certain
qualifications before they receive help. Organizations like
www.hoseafeedthehungry.com are hosting several local efforts that don't deal
with as much red tape. For those in Atlanta, there will also be relief efforts
at Greenbriar Mall all day Saturday

Remember all help does not have to be financial. I gave clothes to a lady at my
church who has 45 people friends and family in town that now only own they
clothes they arrived in. Have all of your family members empty out their
closets. We all have clothes and shoes that we know good and well we are not
going to wear anymore. Put them in a bag and send them out.

For those that can afford it, rent a hotel room for a family. Make it a group
effort and have several people help out with the money.

Some people have dedicated their labor day weekend to volunteer in cities where
people have been sent.

Call you local radio stations and find out information about local relief
efforts and ways that you can volunteer.

You may not feel it your responsibility, but were it not for the grace of God
any of us could be in this situation. Because the city of New Orleans has a
large African American population, you can also gurantee that the national
government is not going to lift too many fingers, so we must come together as a
family and help each other out.

Want to be about something? Here is your chance...

Alfred Nfared Vines















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