Apology to those I offended - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Carters Mom · 09-27-2005, 09:36 PM

It was brought to my attention in the yorkie cyberworld community that many, many people are outraged with me.

Back on 9/2, I posted a very long reply to this thread http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16342 that when I hit the post button, the page went to an error page and it lost my entire post. At the time, I didn't have access daily to the Internet and we were still dealing with energy issues.

Here is a post that I posted elsewhere to address this issue:

Quote:

Wanting to share for those that demanded an apology. By the way, the thread was closed prior to my return from being in a mandatory evacuation.

I did receive an email from admin at YT and it did state that two members left because of me and that they hoped my comments were made at a time when I was distressed. Until you go through what we, as a region, are going through, you'll never understand what we are going through.

Since Hurricane Katrina, we have endured Hurricane Rita and have many relatives and friends that have totally lost their homes as well - including my mother-in-law who is one of those "poor" and "impoverished" people. I bet most didn't know that Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes sustained tremendous amounts of damage from Rita. It hasn't been on national news yet!

Poor has no discriminating lines amongst sex or race.

If you want to get angry about something that is worse of a crime than leaving pets behind, ask FEMA why people being evacuated from their homes and the Superdome were separated from their children! Why children were taken from their rooftop on one helicopter ride and their parent was taken on a different helicopter. Then -- they never reunited. They weren't brought to the same staging area. When they were bussed or flown out of New Orleans, they were taken to different shelters, many in different states! How many of the human children still have not been reunited with their families -- especially those under the age of 2?

I volunteered at a shelter helping people trying to locate their loved ones. It was truly sad. My teenaged daughter also volunteered and helped new arrivals at the shelter get fresh clothing of the proper size - many of these people had been on rooftops and in houses for many days. I've done my penance and I have made peace with myself.

I will not post here in the future. I am a good person, just emotional at times. Walk a mile in my shoes and you'll give them back.

Quote:

I do apologize for saying what I did in the context that I did. Online in forums, we only have limited ability to express ourselves and I did it poorly.

There has been outraged expressed because people are not being allowed to take their animals with them on the helicopters rescuing them or on busses to Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Houma, Thibodaux and other cities where they are heading.

With tens of thousands of humans needing transportation to better places, just so that they can get water to stop from dehydrating, clean facilities so that they are not standing in their own feces and basic nuitruition to stop starvation, there just isn't room at this moment to take the animals.

Representative Charlie Melancon was in Chalmette yesterday in St. Bernard Parish - also referred to as New Orleans East. He was sickened by the sight of over 100 people who were dead from dehydration, exhaustion, heat stroke, natural causes that could have been prevented. These deaths were to people who had been plucked from their roofs and had been left on a dock in Chalmette to await further transportation to safety!

Resources are not available to care for the humans. It isn't that no one cares about the animals. Things have to be put in the proper prospective.

This is from my hometown and posted by the newspaper that I photograph for. It is a positive article about pets. http://houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...KING/509010318

Register and read it. It does show the compassion of people.

The President, the Governor, the Mayors, the Parish Presidents have all said on TV -- everyone was told to get out. People did not listen.

Red Cross shelters were set up in almost every town outside of New Orleans. Schools, civic centers, churches, etc all opened their doors. Those places did not expect payment for housing. If there is a will, there is a way. I made my arrangements 5 days before the hurricane struck. I feel bad for those that felt they had no way to leave. We're not rich but we're not poor. If we were totally wiped out of all our belonging and had no where to live, I'd be in the same position of those that are feeling the brunt of this tragedy now.

When you look at TV and see what is happening, you'd only expect to see this in a 3rd world nation. It isn't though . . . it is 50 miles from me!

Quote:

I am truly sorry to all my friends here that I offended. You are my companions as much as Carter and Cooper most of the time!

I really feel that we are seeing the collapse of society in our area right now. It is really sorrowful that this is happening. It isn't everyone that is acting out in poor judgmental ways but its always the negative that gets the press.

I hope that the words of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin were heard all over the US last night. I've never seen a mayor so pissed off and saying things that will politically derail him in the future. He put politics on the back burner and spoke from his heart with concern for his citizens.

I'm not a great big fan of Jesse Jackson but his press conference at lunch today (the part I saw), I was very supportive of. He commented that within 2 days, the victims of the tsunami were airdropped water and food. Here we are on day 6 and basic human essential things are still not in place.

There is no way for anyone to get into the area. All of the roads leading to the New Orleans area are blocked and police are not allowing access at all. Even if you want to volunteer in the area, you can't.

I'm praying for everyone that is affected by all this. I could not imagine going through what these displaced Americans are going through.

I am a military mom . . . I would pray that the Marines and Navy would be sent in to help. The National Guard is finally arriving in NO.

We are still void of any information on my husband's brother and sister-in-law in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. It may be weeks before we're able to get any information, good or bad. At least our phone is working so if they are alive and can get access to a working phone line, perhaps we'll get news.

bettyeanne · 09-28-2005, 03:37 AM

Carter's Mom .... I think I read the post you're referring to ... I dismissed it as your just not having time to word it the way you meant it and thought no more about it. I believe that "finger pointing", blame and all the other critical crap surrounding this tragedy is ridiculous! The only thing that needs to be done ... as soon as is practical ... is to assemble those in charge and have a good "critique session"!! That's what is done after real "disaster drills" and that's what is needed in this instance!! I have been a part of many, many of these and there is nothing more valuable ... this is where all the "glitches" are addressed and ironed out and incorporated into a plan that prevents all these horrible things from being repeated! A perfect "plan" isn't worth the paper it's written on unless it implemented!!! And a really good plan that is laid out by all involved, i.e., police, fire depts., paramedics, first responders, hospitals, ER docs & nurses, etc., is worth it's weight in gold and practiced over and over so as to avoid that which we have seen happen during these hurricane's!

I think the anger, criticism, etc. that you have received in "cyberworld" is a perfect example of the mess surrounding this tragedy ... those who got mad, those who "left" were just looking for a reason anyway! You just happened to be the one who made a post that provided them the "excuse" and others through their ignorance provided fuel for the fire!!

This is my opinion and I would hope that this could be taken as such ... anyone who has taken the time to read your posts on this forum, know that you are a good, caring, sincere person.

txshopper73 · 09-28-2005, 04:48 AM

Lisa, I understood that you were going through a bad time and that you may have not thought about what you were saying before you said it. It's all good!

red98vett · 09-28-2005, 05:55 AM

Lisa...I posted on that thread after thinking about not posting ....but we are adult enough to be able to disagree and NOT hold it against each other - I DO know you to be a very caring person & someone who loves animals... and did realize you were going thru a very very stressful time with Hurricane Katrina - Plus the other factors in your life with your son etc.....

It's in the past and should stay there as far as I'm concerned - We all make mistakes and you are big enough to step up to the plate and talk about it - Thank you for this....& like Kimberly said ...It's all good.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 09-28-2005, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bettyeanne

those who got mad, those who "left" were just looking for a reason anyway! You just happened to be the one who made a post that provided them the "excuse" and others through their ignorance provided fuel for the fire!!.

I am not trying to offend anyone here, but while I respect your opinion, I know the people who left and, trust me, they were not looking for an "excuse"...they were very new to this board and this issue and the things said, not just by Lisa but by those who defended her words, affected them so deeply that they sobbed and couldn't sleep for several days. They have still not forgotten and won't for some time.

It affected many of us in this way and while I have forgiven Lisa for her post, it is wrong to say those things about those that were devastated by her words imo.

We were ALL as a nation greatly hurt by this tragedy and continue to be hurt everyday as a result of the realization that our government, despite spending an outrageous amount of money in the last three years, was unable to protect our people sufficiently and handle this natural disaster that they had notice of. THAT is a scary thing and deserves much more than a "good critique session" imho. This was the worst natural disaster in our nation's history and to dismiss the unforgivable mistakes of our protectors by calling them "glitches" is not remotely acceptable to me.

This is a perfect example of the fact that words are strong instruments and the members of this board need to be reminded of their strength and their ability to hurt deeply.

Conversely, positive words have the ability to heal and give hope.

chewysmom · 09-28-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I am not trying to offend anyone here, but while I respect your opinion, I know the people who left and, trust me, they were not looking for an "excuse"...they were very new to this board and this issue and the things said, not just by Lisa but by those who defended her words, affected them so deeply that they sobbed and couldn't sleep for several days. They have still not forgotten and won't for some time.

It affected many of us in this way and while I have forgiven Lisa for her post, it is wrong to say those things about those that were devastated by her words imo.

We were ALL as a nation greatly hurt by this tragedy and continue to be hurt everyday as a result of the realization that our government, despite spending an outrageous amount of money in the last three years, was unable to protect our people sufficiently and handle this natural disaster that they had notice of. THAT is a scary thing and deserves much more than a "good critique session" imho. This was the worst natural disaster in our nation's history and to dismiss the unforgivable mistakes of our protectors by calling them "glitches" is not remotely acceptable to me.

This is a perfect example of the fact that words are strong instruments and the members of this board need to be reminded of their strength and their ability to hurt deeply.

Conversely, positive words have the ability to heal and give hope.

I don't always agree with Lisa, but I do like her very much. I missed this whole thing but I do want to say that if the above is true and these people were so "deeply" disturbed by what was said on a yorkie chat board that they were in tears, well these people need to get a life.

JCarlson2004 · 09-28-2005, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewysmom

I don't always agree with Lisa, but I do like her very much. I missed this whole thing but I do want to say that if the above is true and these people were so "deeply" disturbed by what was said on a yorkie chat board that they were in tears, well these people need to get a life.

I'm sorry, I just had to laugh at that.

But I honestly believe that sometimes we take things too personally. This is ONLY the internet for crying out loud. So let's keep things in perspective and do what we came here to do in the first place - talk about our pooches!

SoCalyorkiLvr · 09-28-2005, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewysmom

I don't always agree with Lisa, but I do like her very much. I missed this whole thing but I do want to say that if the above is true and these people were so "deeply" disturbed by what was said on a yorkie chat board that they were in tears, well these people need to get a life.

I am sure that your compassionate comment will convince them that they made the right decision in leaving......

If you heard their heartbreaking stories you would never say such cruel things...

To laugh at them is simply insensitive.

chewysmom · 09-28-2005, 06:22 AM

Jenn: Glad I could give you a giggle in the morning

I'll give myself a hand.

What's the key word for the day: PERSPECTIVE.

SoCalyorkiLvr · 09-28-2005, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewysmom

Jenn: Glad I could give you a giggle in the morning

I'll give myself a hand.

What's the key word for the day: PERSPECTIVE.

This is amazing really.....

You try living through Katrina and talk about PERSPECTIVE.

I mean have a heart.

rrosenberry · 09-28-2005, 06:26 AM

One thing is definitely true,,,, we ALL love our dogs, and I know we can all agree on that. That is how we all ended up here.
So,,, let what happened in the past... and lets talk YORKIES!

chewysmom · 09-28-2005, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I am sure that your compassionate comment will convince them that they made the right decision in leaving......

If you heard their heartbreaking stories you would never say such cruel things...

To laugh at them is simply insensitive.

Listen Kim, my comments are not personal or directed at anyone. I have heard heartbreaking stories firsthand, from a family member of mine that evacuated and from my friend's sister who left and lost everything.

I AM NOT LAUGHING AT ANYONE IN THIS HORRIBLE AND DIRE SITUATION.

All I am saying is that people need to have some perspective about what is said on here. If stranger's comments (on any matter) are going to reduce you to tears and prevent you from sleeping, well, I think something is wrong with that. If you disagree with me, I promise not to cry.

JCarlson2004 · 09-28-2005, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewysmom

Jenn: Glad I could give you a giggle in the morning

I'll give myself a hand.

What's the key word for the day: PERSPECTIVE.

LOL! I need a good laugh today -- at work I have 2 briefs due before 3 p.m. Help!

chewysmom · 09-28-2005, 06:31 AM

I really want to just clarify that I am not making glib comments about the hurricane and those who went through it. Nor am I even commenting about Lisa's posts. I'm soley making comment on someone crying about something written in a post. That's it. Nothing else.

sunshine22 · 09-28-2005, 06:32 AM

Lisa was apologizing to those who were offended.
She gave a long explanation and apology.
It showed great character.
It took a lot of thought and time on her part to type her thread.

People who cannot accept an apology become bitter. They forget that
they also have offended others at some point.
When you are unwilling to forgive others, it only hurts yourself.
Forgiveness is very freeing.

Never give up on yourself and never give up on others.

09-28-2005, 03:37 AM	#2
bettyeanne Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc. Posts: 9,031	Carter's Mom .... I think I read the post you're referring to ... I dismissed it as your just not having time to word it the way you meant it and thought no more about it. I believe that "finger pointing", blame and all the other critical crap surrounding this tragedy is ridiculous! The only thing that needs to be done ... as soon as is practical ... is to assemble those in charge and have a good "critique session"!! That's what is done after real "disaster drills" and that's what is needed in this instance!! I have been a part of many, many of these and there is nothing more valuable ... this is where all the "glitches" are addressed and ironed out and incorporated into a plan that prevents all these horrible things from being repeated! A perfect "plan" isn't worth the paper it's written on unless it implemented!!! And a really good plan that is laid out by all involved, i.e., police, fire depts., paramedics, first responders, hospitals, ER docs & nurses, etc., is worth it's weight in gold and practiced over and over so as to avoid that which we have seen happen during these hurricane's! I think the anger, criticism, etc. that you have received in "cyberworld" is a perfect example of the mess surrounding this tragedy ... those who got mad, those who "left" were just looking for a reason anyway! You just happened to be the one who made a post that provided them the "excuse" and others through their ignorance provided fuel for the fire!! This is my opinion and I would hope that this could be taken as such ... anyone who has taken the time to read your posts on this forum, know that you are a good, caring, sincere person. __________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein

09-28-2005, 04:48 AM	#3
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	Lisa, I understood that you were going through a bad time and that you may have not thought about what you were saying before you said it. It's all good! __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

09-28-2005, 05:55 AM	#4
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Lisa...I posted on that thread after thinking about not posting ....but we are adult enough to be able to disagree and NOT hold it against each other - I DO know you to be a very caring person & someone who loves animals... and did realize you were going thru a very very stressful time with Hurricane Katrina - Plus the other factors in your life with your son etc..... It's in the past and should stay there as far as I'm concerned - We all make mistakes and you are big enough to step up to the plate and talk about it - Thank you for this....& like Kimberly said ...It's all good. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

09-28-2005, 06:26 AM	#11
rrosenberry & Bailey & Bella Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,164	One thing is definitely true,,,, we ALL love our dogs, and I know we can all agree on that. That is how we all ended up here. So,,, let what happened in the past... and lets talk YORKIES! __________________ Rhonda, Bailey, Josie and my angel Bella Rue' "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France~

09-28-2005, 06:32 AM	#15
sunshine22 YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 388	Lisa was apologizing to those who were offended. She gave a long explanation and apology. It showed great character. It took a lot of thought and time on her part to type her thread. People who cannot accept an apology become bitter. They forget that they also have offended others at some point. When you are unwilling to forgive others, it only hurts yourself. Forgiveness is very freeing. Never give up on yourself and never give up on others. __________________ I my little Sunshine ...!

09-28-2005, 06:22 AM	#9
chewysmom My Precious Pup Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,092	Jenn: Glad I could give you a giggle in the morning I'll give myself a hand. What's the key word for the day: PERSPECTIVE.

09-28-2005, 06:31 AM	#14
chewysmom My Precious Pup Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,092	I really want to just clarify that I am not making glib comments about the hurricane and those who went through it. Nor am I even commenting about Lisa's posts. I'm soley making comment on someone crying about something written in a post. That's it. Nothing else.