Where Is FEMA? How Disaster Relief Is Failing Americans

[@jameshumphries7272]

Always plenty of money for war but never enough to help our own citizens. Disgraceful and pathetic.

[@bevhills4877]

Public Assistance Grants. FEMA has obligated more than $292 million for 47 grants to support the Tropical Storm Helene recovery in North Carolina.Dec 9, 2024 North Carolina Faces the Effects After Republican Legislators Blocked Resilient Building Codes, Losing Millions in FEMA Funding RALEIGH A year after legislative REPUBLICANS blocked the implementation of more resilient building codes, the financial consequences across North Carolina are becoming clear. Communities across the state missed out on an estimated $70 million in federal FEMA funds this year due to the Republican veto override of HB 488 in 2023. Access to affordable homeowners insurance will become more scarce in many areas as well due to Republicans and special interest blocking new resilient building codes. “Legislative Republicans moved North Carolina backward by recklessly blocking new building codes that would require new homes to be more resilient and efficient,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “As a result, it will become harder to find home insurance and we’re missing out on tens of millions of dollars in federal recovery funds. That’s a lose-lose for our state, particularly when storms hit.” And then North Carolina voted for Republicans again You got what you voted for.. hope you’re happy because you only seem to care about yourselves so pick yourselves up by your bootstraps mo fos

[@Knaeben]

And people just voted in a government that is going to make it 1000x worse.

[@berinmind]

War and illegal immigrants

[@Cory_Springer]

helping our own citizens is SoCiAlIsM

[@vg7985]

They should have their OWN insurance. There is always an answer ….

[@o0SupahMario0o]

Sadly, nothing will be done because human suffering is profitable.

[@Nucleric]

you are right

[@PlagueGuy]

Not with that sheepish attitude.

[@cultureal9544]

Yes profits for the ultra rich Because people keep PAYING into insurance companies that get riches ... write to ban insurance companies

[@cultureal9544]

Yes because insurance companies are getting PAID by PEOPLE ... ban all Insurances in America as they are not ACTUALLY HELPING PEOPLE

[@Bruinschuss]

You can do something, join a union if you can and focus on your local politics, those things affect you directly everyday and you can meet and speak with local government face to face. Attend your council meetings on the issues important to you. You're an American, and our founders gave us the right but also the responsibility to be active in our governance. I think most people would be surprised at what you can get done just by showing up. Have an impact where you can within your means, because a thousand ants will eat an elephant, as the proverb goes. And if you're truly effed, we as Americans can always be Luigi. That is what the 2nd Amendment is meant for.

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

I got two words Puerto Rico. 5 years out people still have tents for roofs. In the USVI and PR we were without water and power for over a year. 3000 people died. Their experience doesn’t surprise me in the least. This has been our life experience. I hope this helps all of us.

[@barrelofmonkeys-d3nn]

the low-end guesstimate of Homeless Americans is 653,104. Many from natural disasters. Thousands upon thousands die from living on the streets and yet our taxes goto other projects that do not help us Americans. Best of Luck!

[@Mr.Coffee20255]

😮

[@joefer5360]

Until the United States wants to "modernize" the Spanish and US Virgin Islands and every single illegal structure is demo'd and illegal builder is imprisoned. Puerto Rico is on the brink of being gentrified for the worse. Hawaii 2.0 - with the natives being pushed to the "mainland".

[@myhandlewastakenandIgaveup]

Private equity is just rubbing it's fingers together in anticipation of the windfall it will have.

[@keithfoundfun]

Asheville is a desirable (home) investment, just like Lahaina…remember that disaster?

[@benjaminhigham3624]

@@keithfoundfundid private equity start to buy homes in Hawaii after the fires?

[@munk_ken]

North Carolina needs to create laws to block private equity from buying up businesses and land in these impacted areas before it's too late otherwise there will never be a recovery.

[@munk_ken]

@@benjaminhigham3624 Yeah, I looked it up and that's precisely what private equity did and they're predating on the average person because of it.

[@DeborahDaniels-f3y]

Yep just like flies feeding off the misfortunes of others !

[@GarethMonteiro-ul5mj]

It's wild that people trust insurance companies more than government. Insurance companies in this country are built to make giant profits off of us, yet we do nothing to really regulate them. And whose names are on all the huge new stadiums and buildings as sponsors? Those insurance companies.

[@The_Opinion_of_Matt]

All insurance is a scam. It didn't used to be, but the scam model is the most profitable.

[@Happy_Biker]

FEMA's budget should be raised immediately to at least $100 Billion per year. And a special assistance fund for WNC of however many billions more are needed there to clean up and help people.

[@tomfromoz8527]

Find out who your state insurance ombudsman is and learn all you can about the rules insurance companies *must* follow. The ombudsman is _kryptonite_ to insurance companies!

[@skylerlightning4620]

Unfortunately it government that trust insurance not other way around as government relies way more on private companies than itself which why it getting further into debt.

[@spongeintheshoe]

Whenever someone says they don’t trust the government, ask them if they’re willing to put more trust in private companies.

[@kradwonders]

The problem is we are a “me” country not a “we” country. The attitude is why should I pay taxes for somebody else’s problems, I’ll take care of myself. Therefore, governments are not willing to set aside enough money to really help when help is needed. May be it’s time for that to change? If we can spend billions on a bomber how about similar amounts on helping each other?

[@MEKIDAME]

BINGO!!!!!

[@jslchan9734]

But America loves to start and finance wars in other people’s countries.

[@vatefairefoutre0]

very true. I've lived in several countries around the world and America is proven to have the most rugged individualism. there's some pros to this but obviously many huge cons. I wish more Americans realized that even from a "selfish me me" perspective... if everyone else in your community are suffering, this will DEFINITELY effect you too. you aren't just disconnected from societal fabric no matter how hard you try. maybe if you were some mountain man I suppose. even from a selfish American perspective... why don't they get things will effect them? like, more crime, mental illness, and stress in your country all around you, worse infrastructure everywhere, worse service everywhere you go... etc etc.

[@hopeinHim5160]

Yes ,💔🥺

[@catdooley4616]

That is not true, we have thousands of programs that the government is paying for. Many of them were supposed to be for temporary assistance and they have turned into where it is an issue generation after generation. I am all for helping people down on their luck, but when you have the same family on welfare programs for generations that becomes a huge problem. Do I think billionaires should pay more, yes, but I also think the lazy should get off their butts and start doing something productive.

[@Atimatimukti]

No surprise. The USA is a poor country. No money fot healthcare, education, etc.. your taxes have to help the poor billionaires

[@olgakim4848]

The US has buttloads of money.

[@alexscott6095]

If we helped regular working class Americans, how could we fund programs like tax breaks for private jets? Maybe trump will be able to pass a tax break for the poor billionaires to buy new yachts.

[@bubba842]

​@@olgakim4848There is very little money. No where near enough to go around. The government is running a $2 trillion a year defecit. That means they are borrowing money just to keep the country barely functioning. You have backwards socialism In America. The corporations get all the bailouts and government help, while 99% of the population get nothing, not even functioning schools.

[@outtahere156]

@@olgakim4848 The American people don't. It all belongs to an elite group of billionaires that have no allegiance to our country

[@jamesmclamb8578]

You guys are full of it. Go down to the low-income neighborhoods and really look deep. Yes, the extremely rich don't pay their fair share when it comes to percentages. I will agree with you whole-heartedly. But the low-income American has learned to just sit on their asses and let big government take care of all their needs: income, healthcare, rent, food, cell phones, etc. And every bit of it is done completely legal. We ARE a welfare state. Both the super rich and poor have learned how to work the system to their advantage to ride the backs of the middle class all the way. Until we start addressing that, we won't get anywhere.

[@antonleimbach648]

This is America. We do not help each other we are here to keep the wealthy happy. Welfare is only for corporations, not people.

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

The money needs to come from somewhere... About 10,000 people need to be poor so that one person can be moderately rich. Government helping out is bad because that's communism.

[@barbarawarren9443]

Truth. Candid. Why don't people understand this?

[@LdyVder]

As I saw on a video about an American expat living in Spain and how their health improved just getting out of the States and the rat race Americans deal with. The comment was: The US isn't a country with citizens, it's a business with workers.

[@Novusod]

There was a charity that was donating tiny homes to the people in need but local governments told them leave. There is definitely some corruption there.

[@stardust949]

You are OUT OF TOUCH then with the amount of DONATIONS, Volunteer Time, Labor, Money, and Machinery---plus Food, Clothing, Fuel, Heaters, etc., etc., etc. that have been GIVEN FROM THE HEARTS and the POCKETS of thousands and thousands of people.

[@kdcutie6246]

It’s not FEMA, it’s the government representatives! Texas had over a million dollars in emergency funds, and refused to provide them to their citizens. Please understand that we do need help, we need to get the billionaires and corrupt representatives out of office but we can’t because they’ve gerrymandered the maps so bad the only voters they have are the ones who vote for them. Misinformation is hurting us more than the lack of FEMA support.

[@mom5catskyle596]

After Katrina, you're really shocked as to how government and private insurance falls so far short than what is needed?

[@HypatiaMuse]

Yep, another chapter of The Shock Doctrine

[@haruhisuzumiya6650]

It's by *design*

[@NorthSeaWisdom]

It shouldn’t be shocking to you or anyone, with all due respect …many people have spoken out over at least 2 decades about, income inequality, corporate consolidation industries, concentration of financial markets , …Trump carved out 155 billion from FEMA in 2019…Elizabeth Warren dug in to fight it but to no avail…as Trump enters office, with Musk in toe ..are going gut the entire safety social net And you won’t have to worry about inflation next year because the global economy will collapse..it had already begun in the EU with Germany and France on the ropes..US stave off collapse in the near term , but we can’t escape it. Some are saying it could a historic collapse Americans have to wake up…be an active participant in your rescue

[@maxwell_edison]

'Insurance' is always fraudulent. That's why we gotta free our boi Luigi

[@Bruinschuss]

Lol none of these people will be insured even if they were

[@DieselDucy]

you guys are some of the best journalists I have ever seen.

[@vashondajames9811]

Agreed

[@gerropannell8504]

Your being sarcastic right ? Like natural disasters are caused my oil companies 😂

[@RiiDii]

As a hypothetical thought experiment, I did the following analysis: As of Q2 2024, the top 1% of wealth holders in the U.S. control about $46.7 trillion in assets. If 25% of their wealth were redistributed, this would amount to roughly $11.7 trillion. The U.S. working-age population (ages 18 to retirement) is approximately 200 million. Dividing the $11.7 trillion evenly among them would provide each person with about $58,500 over two years, or $29,250 per year. The remaining ~35 trillion would barely be a noticeable difference in wealth other than change "who is winning" the wealth game. It seems killing people for profit, I mean, "letting people die," is acceptable and legal capitalism. We don't need conspiracy theories. Raw, unrestricted greed is a clear threat to society. There are no "dots to connect" or "educated guesses." Greed kills, period.

[@peshivirginflower7]

THIS, FORGET ABOUT THE PAST KINGS DICTATORS OLIGARCHS, MOST DIDNT LAST THIER LIFETIME BC OF GREED👿

[@pinqueenmartin9582]

Yes! True!

[@Twolegger]

As a hypothetical though experiment, imagine what would happen if what YOU worked for, what YOU sacrificed for was take (redistributed). Stay away from that third rail Karl Marx. Envy is a sin and day dreaming of taking what belongs to others only leads to bad places.

[@RiiDii]

@@Twolegger That hypothetical is worth considering, but it overlooks an important reality: the current system already redistributes wealth-just in the opposite direction. The "sacrifice" and "hard work" you mention often rest on the broken backs and shattered dreams of others. The real question is whether a system built on such a foundation is sustainable or just. Envy isn’t the issue here; survival is. Wanting enough to eat, a safe home, a family, and the occasional joy isn’t about taking what belongs to others-it’s about basic human dignity. The real problem isn’t redistribution or ideology; it’s unchecked greed. No system-be it capitalism, socialism, or otherwise-can endure when wealth imbalance grows unchecked. Regulation is the tool that prevents this imbalance from tipping society into collapse. Without it, the pursuit of "every last dime" from the bottom will eventually erode the foundation supporting trade, commerce, and even the wealth at the top. My hypothetical thought experiment shows that we’re already on that path-and history suggests where it leads.

[@danielturner9832]

Money should not be taken away from the rich to subsidize disaster but those greedy people should have been internally motivated to help and I have not heard of any of that. This government is supposed to be of the people, by the people and for the people but it obviously is not. The failure is government that has plenty of money to expand the empire but nothing for it's citizens.

[@sarahelko]

The 1% will never pay their fair share unless we force them to this is why we need to get billionaires out of our politics

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

2,898,424 North Carolinan voters think we need smaller government though, even as FEMA closes up their showering facilities. Yes, propaganda works, but also North Carolinan MAGAts hate their neighbors or are too stupid to see that conservatism is not the way forward.

[@alanraza2570]

Globally, if you make 32,000$ a year, you're in the top 1%.

[@ktodd037]

You can thank the SC for that.

[@whatsup9260]

@@alanraza2570 take your crap somewhere else, no one anyewhere is an olygarch at 32000$ no governnment official will sell out to you with this little money, the big boys are there for that you sound like a poor who drank the cool aid and wants other to be like him.

[@bluevalkyrie8981]

We need to overturn Citizens United!

[@gingerredshoes]

Many areas of Appalachia have been like "third world countries" for decades due to economic reasons. How can people recover when they had almost nothing already?

[@silverXnoise]

This area isn’t one of them (some Helene hit areas are, but the ones in this video are largely wealthy, even if the most impacted individual residents aren’t). A 1BD apartment is the River Arts District can run well over $1500/mo.

[@ColonizerChan]

@@silverXnoise That’s normal rent nowadays, it’s that bad now with landlords these days. And op ain’t wrong, Appalachia is the poorest region outside the native reservations. But at least the reservations have sovereignty of some kind

[@jackgardner8225]

And they consistently vote against their own self interest because they buy the garbage that republicans are selling. Just look where it has gotten them. And they will turn around and vote for trump.

[@Virrey17]

True

[@jgg204]

Asheville wasn't a destitute Appalachia town.....have you done any homework or are you just spouting nonsense?

[@YcuTubeLiesTooYou]

Paid in $19,000.00 to my insurance company ( vehicle ) my truck went under water ( salt water ) owed $17,500.00 on the truck. Insurance paid out $15,500.00 What's the point of paying insurance if they're the insurance company doesn't even pay out more then you paid in ? And i had gap and they basically abandoned my claim and i cannot afford a lawyer. Something has to change because this whole experience looks like more of a scam on my end then anything. Top it off the insurance note was twice the loan note absolutely nothing makes sense today ...

[@angelsflight1837]

And what happens when billionaires stop bills that fund the government that included money for FEMA

[@Steve-Richter]

Um, maybe communities will help themselves just like they have done throughout the history of the country. FEMA is a relatively recent government agency.

[@vf1923]

@@Steve-Richter Psst, paying taxes into a big pot of money that is distributed through the government when people need help due to disasters IS communities helping communities. Americans helping Americans. Done right, it is the most efficient method, because it means that everyone pays a very little bit every year instead of people who are also hit by the same disaster having to help when they themselves are also struggling under the effects of the same disaster. I'm sure communities are helping each other in all the ways they can, but if your entire settlement has been wiped out "helping yourself" might be a bit tricky.

[@donaldspaulding6973]

They deserve what they voted for!

[@MichelleLanghout]

Yep. Trump exploited their suffering to point out the current administration's failings, and then he and his bff Elon turned around and blocked the money earmarked in the continuing resolution for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

[@MatthewBretton-cu2el]

​@@vf1923 lmao look at you explaining 1+1 to the short bus kids😂😂😂😂

[@TheCjbowman]

I remember researching the funding for Katrina recovery. It was like ten cents on thr dollar left after all the rapacious contractors got through with it. This is just capitalism, folks. It's what we want apparently. We vote like we love billionaires more than our neighbors. Especially in the South.

[@jenwendy7]

amen

[@Matanumi]

" From every crisis comes an opportunity" basically

[@debbiemarquis3231]

Whyte folks now getting a taste of reality..now they know how it feels to be colored..

[@mctomans]

Corruption isn't capitalism. Capitalism offers the best services and prices. Competition is a good thing. The government is nothing close to be capitalist. Printing money to bailout your buddies isn't capitalism.

[@Roger-vz7ol]

And New Orleans never has recovered. It's a shell of what it used to be. Just take a look at who was hurt the worst by Katrina. That tells the entire story of what is wrong with America. We are a full tilt dytopia now. Good luck to everyone. The party is over and the empire is in full decline.

[@josebou9511]

Over 4,000 people died in Puerto Rico in a hurricane. We got toilet paper. No 750$, no insurance no help. Welcome to our world.

[@robinlaszlo]

Why just the oil companies? Straight up we need to tax billionaires of all types.

[@Artur-sw8er]

It's propaganda

[@NAC_Exec]

They'd just pass it on to us. Prices for everything would increase. Taxing billionaires and raising min wage would stop that.

[@maxwell_edison]

@@NAC_Exec It's hilarious that this sort of cope is exactly how we're in this situation. They have enough money, PERSONALLY, to buy and sell your ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD in the snap of a finger, but you're so worried about prices being passed along. GUESS WHAT DINGBAT - WHY DO YOU THINK THEY'RE RICH TO BEGIN WITH? Because they don't give you a good deal. Because they want to screw you out of money. And all you can do is bend over and take it, too scared of propaganda about price raises. Regulations to stop them from screwing us, and taxes to ensure at least their unchecked riches go to public services instead. We can fix this problem, but it starts at realizing that billionaires NEED to be made LESS POWERFUL, and that the only way to do that is to take their money.

[@uncomfortabletruth3831]

@@NAC_Execno it won’t . Can’t fix stupid, and people are dumber, than progress anticipated.

[@Ttdogi]

Taxes and inflation devastate the middle and the poor class, either way, so genius what is your suggestion, and not just shooting down the idea

[@Akanisen049]

Hi, North Carolinian here! FEMA is helping people far more than just the $750, that's just the minimum if you've been effected in any way. BUT FEMA is SUPER underfunded!!! Their total budget for the entire YEAR is $20bil, helene alone caused (you stated) $54bil in damages!!! They want to help, but literally don't have the funds! And Trump wants to defund FEMA more!!! 😡

[@Trackman71]

Trump hasn’t been in office the past 4 years though. I’m sure the Biden administration could have increased it but they didn’t.

[@chode.chotchney]

They ort to defund your internet

[@victorias935]

​@@Trackman71 Who controls congress and the purse? Trump is telling them not to vote on bills! Are you not paying attention?

[@victorias935]

​@@chode.chotchney Ort? 😂😂 Stay off of social media!

[@TheRealSykx]

@@Trackman71 you're part of the problem. President-elect Musk and Vice President-elect Trump just tried to nuke the continuing resolution for our federal budget because they wanted to REMOVE FEMA budget increases. Pay attention. Do better.

[@MakaykayLAMB]

I’m sorry, hearing a BILLIONAIRE say he’s giving $750 in relief to homeowners who lost their houses is immoral. It’s so wrong on so many levels.

[@ryo-sf]

Trump was actually criticizing the Biden admin for only offering $750 when they’ve given ukraine $300 billion

[@MonsterPig007]

Especially from a POS who pays $0 in federal taxes.

[@nathanielovaughn2145]

What makes you think so? Whomever you're referring to has the option to give nothing.

[@petersulewski]

@@nathanielovaughn2145 i'm sure said billionaire identifies as a "Christian" and touts those values when speaking at GOP conventions so if said Christian has read and follows the teachings of Christ then yeah only 750 is immoral based on their espoused value system

[@MonsterPig007]

@@nathanielovaughn2145 you've been brainwashed, please stop watching Fox News. your brain has melted.

[@michellej1947]

Love all America's billionaires that have the means but sit and laugh at us. Luigi just makes sense

[@track1949]

Luigi is unlikely to go free unless some foolish person tries to break him out.😅

[@Red-ej6he]

Try billionaires.

[@Perfidion]

Yeah, that's what I don't get. I mean, if you were sitting on a giant mountain of cash, and you had the means to aid your fellow citizens in their most dire of circumstances, and you chose not to... what kind of callous, self-absorbed vulture would you be, really? Elon Musk could fix this with the change he finds down the back of his couch. The good billionaires could do with the resources they have at their disposal is immeasurable, but they absolutely don't care. "Oh no. Some peasants are living in a tent because their homes and livelihoods washed away in a flood? That's sad. Hey, have you seen my new yacht?!"

[@UnknownPascal-sc2nk]

He was also charged with terrorism but Dylan Roof was not.

[@lacdirk]

@@track1949 True. But there's an awful lot more desperate and angry gun owners in the US than there are CEOs.

[@yeceniaperez1165]

It happened in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria hit and they were abandoned by trump. No electricity, water, people dying. Yes, sad

[@jladd6286]

Aw, come on, he tossed paper towels...

[@bluebandites]

Aw come on trump was tossing paper towels that surly helped right

[@kiwicol7383]

I’m sure trump will go to North Carolina and toss out more paper towels 😂😂

[@MEKIDAME]

Not sad. ENRAGING it is.

[@runna-x5h]

He sent plenty,look up corruption in pr

[@YvetteCarmen]

I hope we all know that it doesn't matter who is in the 'top job' because this is a systemic problem -- greed. We have allowed many of our economic sectors, to take advantage of the American people. It's disgusting and frightening for the future of our country. My husband and I will be retiring in the next two years in another country. We are absolutely worried that SSI will no longer be funded. we'll have to rely on his pension, a 403 (b) and a very prolific lnvestment account with Tracy Britt Cool Consulting my FA. Our national debt is bloating and expanding every month. Our government needs to get spending under control and cut the federal budget.

[@EdgarBossen]

I went from no money to lnvest with to busting my A** off on Uber eats for four months to raise about $50k to start trading with Tracy Britt Cool Consulting. I am at $128k right now and LOVING that you have to bring this up here

[@islaperez1151]

I know this FA you just mentioned too. Tracy Britt Cool is a portfolio manager and investment advisor. She gained recognition as an employee of Berkshire Hattaway; a renowned investor she is. Ms Tracy has demonstrated expertise in investment strategies and has been involved in managing portfolios and providing guidance to clients.

[@AlianParmelee]

How can i reach this Tracy Britt Cool Consulting, if you don't mind me asking? I've known her by her reputation at Berkshire Hathaway

[@YvetteCarmen]

Well her name is 'Tracy Britt Cool Consulting'. Just research the name. You'd find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment

[@Jasperchurchill]

Great share! Out of curiosity, I searched Tracy Britt Cool Consulting online, found her consulting page ranked at the top, and scheduled a session. I've read many reviews about advisors, but none seem as impressive as hers.

[@irenafarm]

Was up there last week. People are doing their best. The scale of the devastation is unthinkable, though. One correction: FEMA is NOT GONE. There's permanent offices up there, now.

[@Phantomdani]

FEMA is stopping some things like housing in hotels for the displaced and some of the food distribution efforts. The community is preparing to do what we can to keep trying to sustain those most impacted

[@Phantomdani]

www.fema.gov/press-release/20241213/fema-extends-transitional-sheltering-assistance-program

[@nickjohansen9038]

@@Phantomdani I'm sure trump will fix it. LMFAO. FAFO.

[@bluebandites]

@@Phantomdaniwell the republicans should’ve let fema funding bill pass because they blocked it

[@lacdirk]

@@Phantomdani Right. That's how communities in the developing world have to deal with disasters too.

[@MarsMellow84]

You got what you voted for America. It's only going to get worse.

[@donmilo4733]

The Democrats fucked this up

[@ArleeStarr]

Already is. The Dems don't even realize they lost. They're still pushing extreme right wing actions, trying to be more anti-American to entice voters from tRump. LOL

[@wafflecone_wombatdrone]

This is happening under the current admin, the longer we keep acting like this is exclusive to one side the longer this will persist.

[@pcatful]

It’s been the same for every disaster. That’s what we got. Katrina, CA fires, Puerto Rico. Congress has to increase funding and FEMA will still only be able to to do so much. I’m sure administration can improve effectiveness. People say there is some graft in contracts (like everywhere forever) that might get cut out. Congress decides how much money is available and how big an agency is.

[@johnchedsey1306]

@@wafflecone_wombatdrone You're right. This is a systemic problem with a failing, corrupt federal government.

[@dmi4942]

Did anyone ever really think insurance was a solution for global climate change?

[@curtbrockhaus6131]

They believe Toyota is the solution for their industrial shortcomings. Rev 13:18 They also believe the bankrupt auto industry should offer money for cleaning-up mud.

People should choose to live in safe areas not where there is flooding over and over.

[@chinookvalley]

We have been warning of these types of weather catastrophes for 50+ years. There is no way FEMA or any other agency will be able to handle what is coming. Sadly, every time someone signs a royalty check from an oil company they are saying, "Drill baby drill". We could have changed our ways, but once again, money wins and the poor lose.

[@MatthewBretton-cu2el]

If by the poor you meant not multi millionaire yeah... constantly voting for Republicans who run on racism, guns and trans fear eventually you are the minority. Lmao Trump forever!!!!!

[@A_Gomes1122]

They literally chanted “drill baby drill” at the most recent Republican National Convention. This was an important election for changing course on climate change, and the dems fumbled it.

[@truthhearit1471]

Trump wants drill baby drill in national forrests.

[@christinepark1398]

It astounds me how miles and miles can be flattened, totally ruined, and people expect it to be all fixed up, back to normal, 3000 houses built and furnished, all the streets and bridges repaired or replaced, all the mess gone, the hundreds of thousands of downed trees cut up and carried away to somewhere. schools and hospitals and workplaces rebuilt and functioning, all in a few months' time as if it never happened. Get real, people. Without a caring society you wouldn't even have the tents you're sheltering in (and cursing daily), the shoes on your feet, and the food you're eating. What's more, this is going to keep on happening because of 80 years of denying climate change and refusing to make even the smallest changes to try to soften some of this harm that 99+ % of scientists assured us was coming. I realize this comment is going to make a lot of people furious but People, denying reality is what made all this happen. It won't even BEGIN to stop getting worse until decades after we start making the necessary changes for our survival. Do you care or not?

[@marksherman1887]

And look who they all voted for!! And who they keep voting for h for!

[@Singlesix6]

@@marksherman1887 Biden is STILL the President. Harris is STILL the VP. Where are they? What have they done? Very little.

[@googleuser868]

What caused the glaciers to melt that left all those beautiful mountains? No humans burning fossil fuels back then.

[@MatthewBretton-cu2el]

Facts dont care about Feelings. Trump forever lmao😂😂😂. This is what the people voted for ... bask in the profits over people Zeitgeist.

[@track1949]

Yes, it's been hot before but there were few humans. The length of time it took for those previous climate changes to occur could be several centuries. Not the 150 years or so it's taking this time.

[@JamesBlanchardCisneros]

Its disgusting and pathetic that the richest country in the world can't take care of their own citizens in times of crisis!

[@lolzasouruhm179]

It’s always funny when politicians act appalled when government funded organizations don’t (can’t) help people enough when the policitans are the ones who put forward legislation that can give the orgs more money to actually help people

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

This. They voted in small government conservatives. This is the result (the shower tents packing up, the debris remaining). 2,898,424 NC voters chose Trump AFTER the hurricane.

[@carlkligerman1981]

@@SpeakerWiggin49EXACTLY. They want small government and then wonder why, and cry foul about it, when that what’s they get! Tax cuts are all well and good until you are desperate and need government programs to be properly funded, huh?

[@ChrisChocol]

​@@SpeakerWiggin49think they stole it. it makes more sense. the dem governor was voted in with about 70% of the vote or something. but then they vote for trump? sus as f

[@LdyVder]

@@SpeakerWiggin49 It also didn't help when FEMA workers were threatened with violence by those they were trying to help.

[@MorbidEel]

@@carlkligerman1981 and it was temporary cuts for personal but permanent cut for corporate.

[@TheCYW]

I’m going to need people who would like to be rescued during disasters to support taxing the wealthy. Otherwise, they should just pick themselves up by their bootstraps and remain quietly content. Surely, a red state doesn’t think FEMA should use tax dollars to help them when they don’t like taxes. That would be insanity.

[@maryfields1382]

It's the typical "it's not a problem until it impacts me directly"...

[@Phantomdani]

The thing about calling a whole state for one or the other is that it ignores the impact of gerrymandering to shut out the voice of the true majority. It is sad, and will only get worse as our educational system and basic understanding of the us constitution continues to fade. And as poison in the food, water, and air continually worsens people’s cognitive abilities to think critically, or escape survival mode to look up and pay attention at all. I agree tax the rich, and so many common sense things we should be doing… but as a person living in Asheville, I just want you to know that we (the working class) agree on more than we disagree. There’s just all these traps people are falling into… including experiencing Helene and the impact on peoples ability to vote… and the shady changes in laws they were making even before Helene… like changes to make it harder for the university students to vote for example…

[@carlkligerman1981]

Classic. O and let’s not forget MAGA conspiracy theorists that prompted armed ‘militias’ to go around hunting FEMA workers either, huh? I guess low taxes are great until you need your government, and then it’s cries of this is a disgrace and so on. When will Americans wake up to the fact that higher taxes, especially for the well off and wealthy, are worth it if you get cheaper healthcare and disaster relief, like the rest of the civilised world? Red pilled indeed.

[@klee88029]

So, people want less government, less taxation, don't "believe in" the sciences that prove global climate changes, but want one department (FEMA) of the federal government to be funded and staffed to be able to give 100% assistance until everything is fixed in the event of natural disasters. Throughout the USA. Have I got this right? 🧓💙🇺🇸

[@TheRealRoronoaZoro]

@@klee88029 you got it, but I would add this aid should only be available to red states, according to MAGA delusions. 😅

[@billduffe4472]

Most Americans do not vote for a government that helps low & middle-income people when they suffer disaster. They don't care if other people in need get help. But then they think they deserve help when they need it. Most Americans vote for bad government that is geared towards plutocracy & kleptocracy. Most americans get upset about the consequences, but they never actually study policy and vote to do something about it.

[@billduffe4472]

@brothermayihavesomeloops7048 For decades I've waited in vain for Americans to see the bigger picture.

[@metalmamasue3680]

The bigger picture is that they do only what enriches their lives, an they all ser.ve the same mas.ters. Time for no more ru.lerz.

[@zazasnruntz7505]

That’s because some low & middle income aren’t white.

[@rsteup]

Now this is REAL journalism. Thank you!

[@1972Ray]

A bunch of it is incorrect, just like a lot of the comments here.

[@janeayre96]

If Elon has his way, NC will never recover.

[@TommyRichardstat2Houston713]

We are watching Biden and the democrats have their way though, this is reality even if you want to make your fictional statement about Elon...pure insanity

[@al4nmcintyre]

But we sure will have a lot of people desperate enough to do ANY job a billionaire needs done at starvation wages and at-will employment if they get uppity. Working as designed!

[@CameronsCookingChannel]

@@al4nmcintyre What is Elon doing to prevent NC recovery, that is not already being done right now?

[@BurleyBob0010]

Go back to sleep Sheeple 🐑💤 .. nite nite. TRUMP/VANCE!!! ❤❤❤

[@MCM898]

How IGNORANT can you be?? Just when I thought people couldn’t be anymore out of touch - I see your comment

[@johnellg9399]

It's about to get a whole lot worse. Buckle up your seatbelt.

[@metalmamasue3680]

Yes !! Po.wer always corrupts, period.

[@danarobinson2669]

9 days later and LA happened. It did get worse.

[@youralaskalinkphotog]

Here in Alaska, we had a major earthquake not that many years ago. FEMA was not enough. Insurance was not enough. There were houses that were so badly damaged that the city had them condemned. Houses whose mortgages hadn’t even been paid in full. Some folks just literally walked away. What else were they supposed to do? Everyone suffered. The banks repossessed worthless buildings and the home owners lost their places to live and all the equity they paid into it.

[@patches7828]

NC HERE...the people are helping one another....pay attention Everyone...We have to care for each other ❤

[@Robert_McGarry_Poems]

🫂 The delusion some people are showing is scary. Good luck with everything.

[@ohkayveronika1503]

Please let me know where I can donate

[@terriblefrosting]

Insurance is your WORST bet. They do not care about their customers, they only care about their profits. Frikkin ghouls.

[@BeachyKeen-ub9rg]

And they will continue to vote republican.

[@RoachéCoaché]

Over 2.7 million North Carolinians voted for Harris. She lost by less than 200k votes.

[@margaretcurry8414]

@@RoachéCoaché glad she lost

[@cmoore7924]

like the democrats helped you???? $750 is pathetic and evil!!!!!

[@worschtebrot]

@@RoachéCoaché Although you are correct and if we're honest, neither Harris nor Trump voters should be abandoned, it is exhausting that he actually won by a very significant margin after all the shit he and his Republican sycophants have pulled. This is all out in the open but the propaganda and gaslighting is just so strong that tens of millions of people keep falling for it and have been for more that 50 years now.

[@userBZDZ]

Yes, and?

[@JStankXPlays]

They voted to lift themselves up by their own bootstraps

[@jman6109]

What do you expect after Bidens' disasterous presidency!!

[@matthewsanchez7953]

No doubt Trump will be worse; he's a puppet of privatization, but who's been the president for the last 4 years again?

[@RoachéCoaché]

Tire of this, man. We tried. More than 2.7 million North Carolinians voted for Harris. She lost by less than 200k votes, and won the county where this was filmed 67% to trump’s 36%. Go fact yourself.

[@TARAdubbleyuu]

I am reminded of a picture of a toddler standing in a bucket trying to pick up the bucket by the handle. That never works, so why do americans say that about the bootstraps?

[@weegieb]

Rich people got PPP loans for millions and then had those loans forgiven. The people are only here to be farmed for labor.

[@abigail01441]

And Congress has the audacity to think they need a raise!

[@stanlee6487]

israel and Ukraine needs money. hahhhhhhhhaaaa. 😂😂😂😂😂😂.these people have the audacity to criticize china. what is wrong with these people

[@bluebandites]

@@stanlee6487they do need money are we gonna abonden our allie

[@carlkligerman1981]

This is peanuts. The real issue is a shrinking tax base. Nobody wants to pay taxes for a functioning government and then cry foul when they need, that’s right, a functioning government! But I’m sure Trump will sort all this out for you guys. SMH. In the rest of the developed world people understand that higher taxes are in fact a form of social insurance: with proper public funding (ie. a fair and realistic tax system) you get public healthcare, disaster relief and reconstruction, infrastructure, social and affordable housing, disability programs, old age pensions, unemployment benefits that are indefinite and cover you UNTIL you find another job! If everybody pays their fair share in tax society works, for EVERYBODY. If everybody is trying to rort the system it fails, and only the rich benefit. You get what you vote for, pretty much.

[@nari5161]

Misinformation

[@worschtebrot]

Believe it or not, Congress hasn't had a raise in a good while. And even so, this shit is another distraction by Republicans to turn you away from the fact that they cannot keep the government going even with a majority of seats. The richest man on earth tweeted at them and they fell in line to hurt you and people like you.

[@colinmutimer7878]

I feel your suffering. I live in Hawkes Bay New Zealand and 2 years ago we got wiped out by tropical cyclone Gabrielle. I know how it feels, trust me. What I have no understanding of is how a large number of you will go straight back to driving huge V8 powered pickup trucks. Greenhouse gas emissions you've been belching out for the last century at a rate unequalled by any other country are hurting us all.

[@gabriellafox7948]

WRONG! CHINA & India are horrible polluters and are responsible for the majority of filth in the air and waters! Of course, we can always try to do better, however, weather is manipulated-GEOengineering!, and not the result of climate change!

[@mattmadden3716]

Give me a break. The N Carolina hurricane was fed by cloud seeding and electromagnetic frequencies. Weather modification is now a new reality we have to deal with as the technology has been refined and is extremely effective in storm manipulation. It has nothing to do with C02.

[@sandmantk4901]

Tell that to your millitary or the folks delivering your goods to the market. Have you ever seen what zero degrees does to a battery ? Takes me 5 mins to fill up with gas while your stranded charging your ride. At this point and time its just not feasable. I won't get rid of my wood stove when the power is out during the winter either.

[@JustMePamela]

I truly hope someone watching this can make a difference. These people are in dire need.

[@dead2802]

Its Citizens that did everything w donations. Gvmt did NOTHING exactly like several and biden made it clear NO HELP! Trump donated at least 3 mill and got other friends to help. People donated 14000 in generators to help w heat but some police sent by gvmt stole them all. Gvmt also forbid RVs, campers, tiny. insulated living, warm, sanitary showers, restrooms. Only tents allowed! No military rescue/help period! What a regime we let run us! Not ONE corporation donated crap!

[@nickybeingnicky]

There seems to be some serious neglect about mentions of federal aid bills that the republicans have refused to discuss.

[@pinqueenmartin9582]

Don't worry about people at all. The billionaires have to have their tax break!! And we get to pay for the last Trump tax break for the rest of our lives. A quarter of the national debt is because of that tax break.

[@th0rn3gaming]

Did people expect the recovery to be overnight? This storm turned a good portion of this country into a 3rd world country. Asheville is the new post Katrina New Orleans.

[@mlblja]

FEMA is underfunded by the Republican Party and their voters keep voting them into office!

[@TARAdubbleyuu]

20 years later, NOLA Katrina refugees are still scattered all over america. hardly overnight recovery

[@TallyRocky]

Wow, I feel for these people. Maybe there would be more FEMA money if corporations and billionaires paid their fair share of taxes? And I’m sure that the guy that this state voted in as the next president will be happy to help you out (drill baby drill, and btw oil companies, for a billon dollar donation to me I’ll get rid of all of your regulations- at least the few that are left).

[@cmoore7924]

No stop giving our tax dollars to Ukraine!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@userBZDZ]

Billionaires already pay taxes, funny how you don't seem to mind about the billions of aid going to foreign countries 🤔

[@RaptorOfTheWest]

​@@userBZDZ You act like you're making a point, but America, if it actually cared about being a functioning country, does need to dismantle its empire and tax billionaires.

[@petersulewski]

@@userBZDZ not enough. Trump famously paid like $750 one year and went several years without paying any at all. I get almost $750 taken out *per pay period*. and most billionaires pay very little in taxes because they have accounts to find the loopholes in the system

[@TARAdubbleyuu]

@@userBZDZ they pay a lower tax rate than the middle class.

[@Miriamlovesanimals]

I wish the news was still reporting on this

[@LiiMuRi]

FEMA should help more! Let's vote in a president that will cut FEMA funding completely. Makes sense...

[@delorissamuelson6988]

How about these government agencies NOT get in the way of locals helping one another. How about instead of making a video about how it isn't a government agencies responsibility to get everyone back to 100%, which it isn't. This video could be about how private citizens can still be of help, and what that help looks like, and a list of trustworthy foundations and local organizations that can be contacted.

[@nottenvironmental6208]

Expect exponentially increasing extreme weather events until the end of the fossil fuel industry.

[@hollerlakehomestead3181]

Fossil Fuel is being used as a crutch...they know the real cause and refuse to address...Solar cycles play a way larger part in the weather than fossil fuels.

[@tropkitty13]

Hate to say it, but at this point even if the fossil fuel industry all stopped tomorrow it’s probably already too late. It’s a cascading effect. Climate change is here.

[@drivingmusicholt1935]

Not just the oil industry. The 1% could make everyone in western NC whole without a dip in their bank account.

[@RealLifeFinance]

Just Like Oprah and the Rock would have only given up 1% of wealth to house every person in Lahaina fires

[@LeslieL-q5o]

Ahhh, but innate greed will prevent that. They're too busy impressing each other with their expensive toys and McMansion. You know you need at least 6 yachts and a few Lear jets, just for starters.

[@jackgardner8225]

Spot on. The tech billionaires that just donated 1 million each to the upcoming inauguration which doesn't need the money could have shown some humanity and donated it where it is needed instead of kissing the orange abomination's ass with it. Welcome to the United States of GREED.

[@alanraza2570]

If you make 32,000$ a year, you're in the top 1%

[@ktodd037]

Elon has made 4 billion dollars a day since the election. Imagine how much 4 billion dollars could do in NC. He received help from the government when he needed it. It would be nice to see 1 billionaire do the right thing.

[@mrnobody3161]

Do you think under Shlump it's going to get better?

[@monsterram6617]

🤣

[@UHaulTV]

Who dat?

[@bartdoo5757]

Bidenomics is working!

[@UHaulTV]

@@monsterram6617 How yo kameltoe vote work out?

[@UHaulTV]

@@bartdoo5757 Governor race *stayed* blue

[@Theonewhowonders92]

Im from Hendersonville NC, right below Asheville, and i approve this message.

[@DFontaine7]

i dont understand why anyone is rebuilding in the same devastated spot because IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN.

[@maxstrong1999]

Because they get their government subsidized insurance lmao.

[@mukundamodell]

Nowhere is safe. Your home town is next.

[@pcatful]

This was an anomaly. Not that it might not happen. Maybe it is a new trend. It was especially bad because this is not a place usually affected by Hurricanes. You can’t predict exactly where it will happen. And for people to just pull up an start somewhere new? That won’t happen.

[@BabsKaz]

DEWs.

[@eyesofthecervino3366]

SELL THEIR HOUSES TO WHO, BEN?!?!?

[@xh0rsex]

A perspective you never see with events like this is focusing on what causes it and changing our ways to try and help prevent it vs focusing on on how do we fix it after the fact. Hurricanes are becoming more frequent and more devastating, with the hurricane season expanding in length. This isn't coincidental or just "the way nature is." This is directly correlated to climate change.

[@bwin3401]

Who will pay for this? Pretty obvious that it won’t be the billionaires.

[@christinepark1398]

You don't become a billionaire by sharing.

[@skylerlightning4620]

Insurance companies are design to profit so when that design is no longer profitable than they left very little choice but close. This is consequence of a for profit country where even US politicians profit more than most people do due problems they make.

[@MultiKatieBee]

I mean, you're pretty much on your own once you are born in the United States. Lots of people in this country whine and cry about big government and then turn around and demand the government solve their problems. We don't know what types of insurance policies these people purchased, and many people get cheap and choose to be under-insured. People need to be fully insured on their own. My family home burned down in one of the California wildfires. My mom paid for years on an excellent homeowner's policy, and she was paid out immediately without issue.

[@lifewithramyaaa]

that’s a privilege many people don’t have

[@JoeyJoe-JoeJrShabadoo]

The ignorance of your comment is absolutely embarrassing and you should 100% feel ashamed of it

[@SnozBerryQueen]

I wish you knew how privileged and ignorant you sound right now but I know that you won't just from how you even said all this with such confidence.

[@joancooney7724]

@@lifewithramyaaaNo because they waste their money on Trump merchandise and then complain that they can’t afford to live

[@SprinkledFox]

Good for you? Idgaf.

[@StMongo_the_Whaleish]

But Blackrock is helping! Without them, no one would be there to buy these people's property for penny's on the dollar when the people have nothing left.

[@blackcrust330]

“There absolutely is a class war going on, but the majority of one side hasn’t even figured it out yet. For the record, my side is winning.” -Warren Buffett

[@markpashia7067]

This crisis has really shown that the vast majority of citizens do not have a clue how this works and are just now learning what is covered and what is not. Sadly they are learning wrong lessons all too often. These emergencies have always been heavily reliant on insurance and volunteers. We had a private water company in our subdivision in 1983 when Alisha hit us in Houston. If we wanted water we had to pitch in and help the owner of that company get back up and running. Local response got them an old civil defense generator from WWII for the well and a bunch of us went to work cleaning up and fixing that generator to get power back on that well so we would have water. National Guard put up check points to keep looters out but we had to do the work to clean up and fix up our places with what insurance money we got. Shelters were put up for short term but FEMA gave vouchers for housing if we could not live there while doing the work. Those who could afford it went to family or friends rather than go to the shelters and we lived with bare concrete floors for months while reworking the house until we could carpet the floors. You find a way. No one is going to baby you. However our local governments sent out hauling for our debris. We had to stack it near the road, one for branches and such the other for household goods and construction scrap. Volunteers came to help the elderly and infirm, but some of us took time to do that too after working to clear our own mess. Yes, it sucks shoveling out all that mud and muck but when you are done with yours, you ask who needs help. This nation runs on community and helping each other, not the government tit. From what I have seen that is different between then and now is that insurance companies are scamming people when they should have regulators up their backsides. But folks keep voting in the deregulation bunch. Some local governments are letting people down but they keep getting voted in. I hate that this is happening but the majority keeps putting these folks into place and letting insurance companies lie cheat and steal. How much you want to bet that many of those hit with mudslides are told by their insurance that it was flooding. Floods are water not soil. But the companies know that most cannot afford to sue them. Regulators should be suing them for you but not when you elect republicans. Sometimes you get what you ask for.

[@Over-for-now]

Where's the politicians who care so much?

[@Cuperino]

I’m very thankful for the help we got after Hurricane Maria. The biggest help was with rebuilding essential infrastructure. It took 1 year to bring power back to 90% of the local population, but we still see the effects from then in our electricity bills to this day.

[@ravenshamballalightbody1672]

Thank you for following up on this story. Traditional media has no problems showing the sensationalized story but never shows the aftermath or how long it took for recovery or any background on what goes on after the disaster. So bravo to you in this new journalistic style. Follow up on the big stories. Tell the truth.

[@TARAdubbleyuu]

It's not new lol. It's called old school muckraker journalism.

[@acard1985]

And yet, just some weeks later, North Carolina voted for a negationist who was very clear about letting big oil do everything they want.

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

Yep, 2,898,424 NC voters thought smaller government was a good idea while their neighbors take shower in tents that ARE BEING CLOSED DOWN.

[@bonnieprather610]

Just desserts then.

[@RoachéCoaché]

If you’re going to throw numbers, then you should also note that over 2.7 million NC residents voted for Harris. She lost by less than 200k votes. Furthermore, in Buncomb County, where Asheville is the county seat, she won 67% to trump’s 36%. We tried. Doesn’t mean we don’t deserve federal aid.

[@ultraviolet7838]

⁠​⁠@@RoachéCoachéYou’re right, it doesn’t. I don’t want us to cut off aid to you out of spite. Though it is frustrating that red states don’t strengthen their infrastructure and have to rely on handouts from us.

[@blackadder3388]

As an european it seems unreal how someones house gets destroyed and you get offered 750$ for it. When we had massive floods in my country last year, there were 3 main contributors to relief fund: The government, European union, Insurance companies. Together they covered ~90% of what people have lost. Business's got fixed in 1-2 weeks and continued operations. Not to mention the massive amounts of volunteers (myself included) that provided not just short term but also long term relief. On top of all the media came together and encouraged people for months to provide long term support.

[@truthhearit1471]

The 750 is an emergency fund to begin with. Not what people get for there houses.

[@TARAdubbleyuu]

@@truthhearit1471 how do you know? are you a recipient of fema aid? do you even know anyone who was? ask Hurricane Sandy survivors what they got and are still fighting for

[@jenknight461]

Perhaps if we stopped sending money overseas and focused on our own backyard, we would be better able to handle these disasters.

[@cliveklg7739]

Why would you promote Trump's lie about the $750? The $750 is temporary assistance, and while that could be more too, it isn't an offer for their homes as Trump lied and claimed. And you broadcast him saying that without any context or pushback.

[@lareeriverola3637]

and why don't they tell how there orange god took 8 million that he raised to give to them instead put it in his pocketand that is no lie

[@suzanneguy7009]

Trump was criticizing a one payment of 750. My lord Biden cant remember there was a storm. Kamala is doing her photo op somewhere else. liberals here can kick rocks

[@valerieherman9075]

Exactly. And he went on and on about how FEMA was also trying to steal their land, too. It caused some residents to form groups to repel FEMA. If we funded FEMA more, they could help more.

[@Olaboard]

Get off your trump high horse. He’s corrupt just like the rest of them. They work together. The divide us, then they take over. Life sucks for both sides of the bird.

[@fgtsiroeht2562]

Because it’s not a lie…

[@buddylee5712]

Free Luigi

[@FolstrimHori]

Wrong channel

[@buddylee5712]

​@FolstrimHori Wrong comment. This channels supporters are heavily pro-Luigi

[@FolstrimHori]

@@buddylee5712 oh, well as much as I agree with what he did, the fact is he also knew the consequences of what he was doing. That's part of what makes his action so important.

[@CC-kl4nh]

News flash it HAS Been a 3rd world country. The worst part is that the cold winters do not grow anything . In other parts of the world the sea and the warm weather provides food.

[@mindfighter1]

Texas didn't even make any changes to the power system after the freezes, we're just as vulnerable as we were before. It will probably happen again next year

[@nasis18]

Resident of western NC here. Many folks around here were very spiteful towards the federal government before. The response after Helena has only reinforced and validated their beliefs.

[@RBzee112]

Those are the same people who get mad when "other people" ask for handouts.

[@nasis18]

@RBzee112 More often than not.

[@wncjan]

More federal funding mean higher taxes.

[@justinfowler2857]

​@@RBzee112Correction: They get mad when people of the "wrong" color get any help regardless.

[@JennasMusic76]

I live here and it is horrific. It will take years for many to climb out of this, it was catastrophic on so may levels. A lot of people have moved on, and once the media quit covering it, it was long forgotten. People have lost everything, and because of zoning they weren't even eligible for flood insurance, and even if they could there was not the need as we haven't seen a flood of this magnitude in over 100 plus years, we had no clue, and no one was prepared. I worry also about the air quality as it is pure dust every day in many parts and the long-term effects of breathing that, in combination with polluted water systems is very scary. Please keep WNC in your thoughts we need so much help. #AshevilleStrong #WNCStrong

[@cookiemonstakjs]

The tax on fuel companies is a great idea, but you know darn well that no red states would enact that, so their people will continue to suffer.

[@userBZDZ]

It's a stupid idea. What makes you think red states are suffering? 😂

[@MihoyMinoy-si8fb]

Cool story. Now what’s the cost of living between states like California and New York in comparison to Utah and South Carolina. We’ll wait…

[@truecatholic1]

Take money from billonaires. It would NOT be unjust. Those who have more than they need can be forced to assist those with (desperate) needs. You can't serve God and greed.

[@Perfidion]

According to Kenneth Copeland, you absolutely can.

[@truecatholic1]

@Perfidion If you want to go to Hell, then you can be greedy. For example, usury is a sin against justice, so that means that you must give restitution before a priest can absolve you of your sin of usury.

[@bluebandites]

According to trump and magets u cAn

[@carlkligerman1981]

The rich should be paying more, but, frankly, nobody in America wants to pay taxes: forgoing public funding for all forms of social capital. Then they cry foul when they need a functioning government! America keeps getting what it votes for, especially in the South. SMH. It’s insanity.

[@forumaccount5397]

Thou shall not steal.

[@LauraTaylor-mz8rz]

Thank you for not forgetting us!!! ♥️

[@user-lt1jd1ye3v]

Thanks for making this!!!

[@jman6109]

Fema still dealing with Hurricane Katrina 20yrs ago, that's insane!!

[@treasuretrails]

Will California be fined for all their wildfire emissions?

[@ericcarlson6822]

And some look at the devastation and simply think "how can I use this to put more money in my pockets?"

[@ashvandal5697]

It’s just weird to me that people that constantly vote for smaller government are perplexed when government is extremely limited.

[@Tim_Russert]

National Guard troops had come across two trucks of "armed militia saying they were out hunting FEMA," the email said. "The IMTs [incident management teams] have been notified and are coordinating the evacuation of all assigned personnel in that county."

[@cdorman11]

A FEMA spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek on Monday that the agency had made changes to its recovery efforts to ensure the safety of staff and survivors. Disaster survivor assistance teams worked temporarily at fixed locations and secure areas, and no longer went door to door out of an abundance of caution.

[@Brandolinis_Law]

FEMA has also been falsely accused by former president Donald Trump and other Republicans of not being able to respond well enough to Helene because it had diverted disaster relief funds to help migrants. Other false claims that have circulated include that people taking federal relief money could see their land seized or that $750 is the most they will ever get to rebuild. FEMA has pushed back against the false claims and conspiracy theories, setting up a page on its website to combat misinformation and rumors.

[@X2LR8]

Let’s hear the audio of that. Let’s see the video.

[@petersulewski]

@@X2LR8 You think the MP's or Infantry take a news crew with them on patrol? lmao

[@bawbjusbawb6471]

@@petersulewski I know for a fact WE all carry cell phones and go-pros with US... Even on deployments... If it happened, there would have been video...

[@VickiLynn54]

America should help Americans FIRST before other countries. PERIOD !

[@ThePapawhisky]

You may not have noticed but if you travel around the US and visit rural areas, it is a third world country. Been to Alabama or Mississippi lately? Think about it, our criminal justice system locks up people at twice the rate of the next worst country, Russia. Gun violence is the worst in the world in the US. Healthcare we pay the most and get the worst results. Education, we are way behind peer nations in test results, and we offer very little to our citizens. Inequality, The US is the worst in the world. We have a few families controlling, almost half of the wealth of the country. Now we have a billionaire who has purchased the presidency and is looking to buy the Congress. Meanwhile, millions are starving in this country. Infrastructure,a recent study indicates that a $3.6 trillion investment is needed. Yes unless you’re one of the top 10%, it’s a third old country. So stop voting for Republicans.

[@paulroese1376]

the GOP say stop complaining and pull yourselves up by your bootstraps. they deserve NOTHING!

[@JoAnnFuir]

We have a friend in Asheville NC. They didn't have running drinking water for months after the storm. They got drinkable water around Thanksgiving. Things are still bad down there.

[@LoLo-hd4tz]

Well stop the haters, the liars, the violence that these people did to those trying to help them. I dont blame them for leaving. Yall should be asking where trump is. Wheres the money he raised. He used yall as a political pawn.

[@forumaccount5397]

Trump's not president yet, but good try.

[@craigbucl7752]

C all the MSM coverage on LA fires? Bet $750 won’t be the number they get to help them out! Life isn’t fair

[@olgakim4848]

Maybe they should stop voting against their best interests (i.e., voting Republican).

[@RoachéCoaché]

Harris lost the state by less than 200k votes. Over 2.7m North Carolinians voted for her.

[@TheKyubiisaan]

I kinda hate when Americans compare the storm destroyed US to ‘third world countries’. It’s insulting. They get hurricanes and typhoons too. Even at their worst they need to impose on other countries with their insecurities.

[@UHaulTV]

Stay in yo lane non US

[@monsterram6617]

Saying that there are many parts of this country that exhibit the same conditions as 3rd world countries: high poverty, broken infrastructure, corrupt local politics, and a lower standard of living as compared to "developed" nations, is a statement of fact. You should hate that this is true, and not that people are pointing it out.

[@UHaulTV]

@monsterram6617 Dat otha person don't know

[@deerichardz]

@@monsterram6617 That's a bunch of nonsense. The cost of living in the US alone debunks your statement. Compare the US GDP to almost any third World country's, and say that again.

[@MaryJane-z7i]

I wish I could help these people so much but I too have lost everything & am homeless. I too am expected NOT to recover. The traumas one endures cause death. It may go down as a heart attack, stroke, suicide, etc but it’s trauma. The way people treat you when you have nothing, makes it easier to go! Those corporations, government entities, etc, all have mass amounts of blood on their hands. The saddest part is that the rich don’t care either.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

That's a great idea. Let the corporations for once pay the cost. That's a great idea. They're making billions and billions of dollars a day. They can with quarter of that money. They can solve the problem of the corporations don't do it. They must be forced to delete. They profit in America more than anyone else, so, let them pay for the privilege of profiting. By helping their fellow Americans.

[@michellewalters4484]

Who do you expect to pay for it?? FEMA only has so much money. Maybe Trump shouldn't give tax cuts to the rich, but instead use that taxpayer money from the rich to give more to FEMA to help these people in need. The rich don't need any more tax cuts, America means that money that they should rightfully be paying into our system.

[@CharlesWinters-ie3jy]

Republicans Musk and Trump killed the new budget that had money for these people.

[@StyleshStorm]

This is why I didn't say much about the Firestorm disaster in my home state of Hawaii because you Mainlanders usually get it far worse.

[@stellarnomad42]

I was born and raised in Hawaii and live in Asheville, North Carolina and survived Hurricane Helene and am living in the aftermath. It's not about comparison, we're all getting treated like shit by the United Corporations of America.

[@StyleshStorm]

@stellarnomad42 ay. That's true wholesomeness here. True. Aloha brahda. Wishing you all the best in this struggle. Trust Hawaii present day is a horror show if you don't even have the money to escape.

[@stellarnomad42]

@StyleshStorm oh I know it's a horror show. It's been a horror show ever since the ha'oles showed up. Like Haunani Kay Trask said: The United States brings death to indigenous peoples.

[@patriciasheldon6273]

How can prepare for weather changes when we don’t even acknowledge them.

[@eyesofthecervino3366]

Hey, who are you gonna believe, ExxonMobil or your own eyes?

[@msmccorm1]

Gave money via red cross twice after disaster. My fellow North Carolinians that voted in republicans that gerrymandered their state in to us having more republicans in the US congress, voted in Trump, are driving their giant SUVs and Trucks are responsible for the mess they created. I am now keeping my money for upkeep on my ten year old prius.

[@krzysztoftrzebiszeczewski85]

Haw, is it possible that nobody is addressing very low quality of materials and crappy contraction of houses?

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

Well, homeowners are idiots. To stupid to consider building something that will last.

[@KittyNinjas]

Great question!