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Lm Otero / AP
A helicopter drops water on a wildfire at Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011.
Lm Otero / AP
Mike Hester holds a cat he rescued from an area destroyed by a wildfire at Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011, the day the fire swept through the neighborhood and destroyed 25 homes.
Lm Otero / AP
A home destroyed by a wildfire is shown at Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Some streets were virtually untouched by the fire that swept through the area on Tuesday, with homes fronted by lawns that could double as putting greens, but others were reduced to rows of scorched stone fireplaces and twisted metal frames.
Lm Otero / AP
A wildfire roars through dry trees near Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. Texas and Oklahoma are in the grips of a record-setting drought, and a summer of soaring temperatures and little rain has meant the wildfire season, which usually ends in spring, didn't end this year.
From msnbc.com & news services reports:
POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE, Texas — A wildfire in rural North Texas and grassfires across Oklahoma City forced more evacuations on Wednesday, a day after destroying dozens of homes. Evacuations at Possum Kingdom Lake, about 75 miles west of Fort Worth, resumed Wednesday afternoon when the wind picked up and fanned the flames from a wildfire that firefighters had some earlier success in containing. Full story.
While so much of the Northeast is still mopping up water, Texas is experiencing an historic drought and battling wildfires. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
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ooh, more angry god Michelle. When will Texas get the message?
stella you are sick. Please please please don't ever come to Texas because if you do you will raise the average IQ of the state you left and lower the average IQ of Texas.
I hope all you people that are laughing remember this when your state has to suffer because all the money the government is taking from Texas and giving to your state is cut off because we won't have it to give.
floyd, I, for one, would never laugh at any one suffering and losing their homes, pets, etc. But, I also do not believe that God gets angry at anyone or anything and brings down havoc. It is just some people do open mouth and insert foot. MB is one of these.
Floyd, truly sorry for the losses in your state. Arizona has been through it and it's painful. For you to say how Texas is having its money sent to other states does not make sense. Texas receives a great deal of money...at least its rich ranchers and farmers do...
FEMA and federal help with fire fighting is just ponzi scheme.
Time to start praying. Where's Rick?
Red, he is doing a fine job taking care of Texas, just like in 2012 when elected President he will do a fine job of fixing what the IDIOT has done to this country. At least he will not Blame Bush like the IDIOT does.
No. If he were to get into office ( really really really a long shot) he'd blame President Obama for everything. lol
good photos matt ty for everything much love and respect H&H Animal Rescue
Good job with the cat. I and my cats thank you!
Whats wrong with your America guys...... Seems everything is going wrong for u guys :(
How's that pray for rain doing for you Governor Perry?
It worked just fine here in the panhandle, Joan....drought's been over for about a month now.
Why is it in this country that politics will get brought into every ignorant conversation? Politics and politicians have destroyed this country and it is time for everyone to get these people out of office!! I see so much talk about ignorance this, and stupid that, in these blogs, well all politicians are the same regardless of whether they are Democrat, Republican, Independent, Tea Party, or whatever else they claim to be, are crooks and liars. So if you want to support a liar and a crook, stay behind them and see what happens. If you want to take this country back, get someone in there that is not out of touch with the American people. The old saying, "united we stand, divided we fall", has never been more true than it is at this time in our history. If we don't quit fighting about everything, and not do what is really right, this country is going to collapse.
Aug 20, 12:30 AM EDT, Charlotte Gazette
Perry says sick and old should "pray" rather than rely on government programs
By Karen Klingenhammer
Rock Mountain, S.C.- Presidential candidate, Rick Perry, responded to challenges by critics today about what seniors would do after the big "Big Government" entitlements like Medicare and Social Security that Perry derides were slashed or ended by a Perry Administration.
"I will personally lead national days of prayer to help the old and sick". We just have to stop relying on the federal and state governments to do everything for us", Perry declared.
"
Prayer" is a viable option for seniors in need of food shelter or medical care, Perry stated, instead of hand outs from the government.
"
American's belief in God has always been it's strongest and most shining quality" Perry continued.
"We can't keep taxing the wealth creators, the people who create businesses and jobs, to pay for these things and still have a robust and healthy economy. The kind of economy we all want".
Perry stated that the pastor of his church had relayed many stories to him of "miracles" that had occurred after the disabled or sick had put their faith in Jesus and prayed for divine assistance.
"One woman had 45 dollars left in the bank and won the lottery just as her rent came due", Perry noted,
"and a retired man who had a social disease was cured after he washed the affected body part in water blessed by an evangelist.
"
The evangelist wanted to wash if for him", Perry related, "but the guy thought that was kinda weird and declined the offer".
Perry will be addressing the Knights of Golgotha, in Raleigh, NC, tonight on a faith based Energy Policy and the Free-Market.
And that's Rick Perry's answer. Vote 2012!
Have every intention of voting Rico, Perry all the way, get the villiage idiot out of the Whitehouse.
lol...of course you do! Republicans count on ignorant, uniformed voters. How else could they be elected to office with their obvious "say one thing and do another" agenda? Good luck with that!
Ricky vote for whoever you want to.... how did that work for you with the last election?
Sucks to be you!
All of the property lost and people just have to have a smart a** attitude. This story is about fires...fires that are hurting our lively hoods. Ever been caught in a fire? We pray for rain our Governor prayed for it too. Should we make fun of hurricanes or tornadoes that have ripped towns and lives apart?? Heart's have grown cold.
Lisa- Our hearts go out to all in Texas, and all around this country, with floods etc. There are alot of posters from Texas who are arrogant, and think that $hit doesn't stink in Texas. At least that's why I think there is negative post's. But like I said most people, are keeping our fellow Americans in our thoughts and prayers!
I think that $hit stinks from here and everywhere else. There is definitely a lot of arrogance in Texas but everywhere else too. When I see any kind of disaster from anywhere my heart goes out to the ones who have suffered. I don't care what state or country it's in. I'm like you in that I keep all American's in my thoughts and prayers....
@hummbird - no one is laughing at you. I am a Christian, and I live VERY close to these wildfires. The absurdity of your governor to "pray for rain" is pathetic. That's why people are mocking it. They are not laughing at the fact that you and I are in harm's away. Not at all. Again, I am CHRISTIAN. For a governor to claim that prayer will bring rain is laughable and pathetic. This is the most unsophisticated Christian garbage around. That's NOT how it works. That's precisely why people mock this kind of thing. And I bet you this - this guy ain't no Christian (yeah, that's a double negative and for a reason). This guy don't give a DAMNED about scripture or the BibEL. If it kin' get him eeeelected (yeehaw!), he'll use it.
It's pathetic that he's done this. We're facing major climate change - that's a REALITY. Again, I am Christian, and I know that's true. So, let's watch Texas burn. Prayers ain't gonna change that.
Whoops. That message is for Lisa R. Mind you, I am not attacking you, but YOUR governor don't give a damned.
Tragedies such as this are never funny or remotely amusing. At the same time, certain heartless politicians, and those who support the ignorant words they speak and the brainless thoughts and ideals they propose need to be more responsible. The truth is Rick and others like really don't give a dam and will do or say anything that will get their base charged up. They need to remember that tragedies can strike any where at any time. Good luck to you guys in Texas; hang in there.
TACTICS FOR EFFECTIVE CONSERVATIVE BLOGGING By Karl Rove
Engage - Demand an elaborate, time-consuming comparison / analysis between your position and theirs.
Do anything you must do to prevent a Liberal poster from presenting a well-reasoned argument or starting a civil discussion.
Don't allow a Liberal to present their dogma unchallenged EVER. Intimidate Taunt the Liberals.
If you find yourself in a debate with a Liberal where you are losing a fact-based argument
then call them a name to derail their diatribe. Remember your goal is to prevent a meaningful exchange of views and ideas which may portray Liberalism in a positive light.
Your goal as a conservative blogger is to stop the spread and advance of the Liberal agenda. Play upon any identifiable idiosyncrasies, character flaws, physical traits, names, to their disadvantage
Monitor other posts for vulnerabilities you can exploit. Stay on the offensive with Liberal wimps. Don't let up. Insult their Movement Assign as many character and moral flaws to Liberals as you can.
I wonder if this will convince those people of climate change, or will they just find some way to blame Obama?
Thank you Lisa.
To you other trolls,
I guess everyone is moving to Texas because of the warm weather? Wrong!
It's because of the low cost of living!
Texas unemployment remains 8.2% ONLY BECAUSE 735,000 people have migrated to Texas from other states to FIND A JOB. In other words, Texas has HAD to add jobs at a faster rate than the entire nation just to maintain the 8.2%.
If you take out the 735,000 people added to Texas during the recession, Texas would have a unemployment rate of just 2.3%....ain't too shabby for a buncha dumb country foke ;)
Sure you could get a job there, but then you'd have to live there. I'd rather pay more, struggle with finding work and have a higher quality of life.
Yea i bet you would, you probably live in Chicago, which looks just like Tripoli now. Enjoy that quality, free cheese and all.
I actually live in Tokyo. We're no strangers to natural disasters either. I enjoy free health care, a working train system, kind people, low crime, better education and safe food.
It's, like, TOTALLY his fault!!! Ha.
J D,
"In the Texas that Perry has presided over as governor since December 2000, the job-creation record is more complicated — and more tied to government.
During Perry's tenure, the combined number of federal, state and local government jobs in Texas has grown by 18.3 percent vs. a 10 percent increase in private-sector jobs."
And a majority of those jobs were paid for with federal government stimulus money. The money he said he would not take. And when that money runs out those jobs will go with it.
JD- I'm with vwterry- Why do you feel the need to promote Texas? Don't you know, that we all know, that without all the Military bases, Nasa and Government contracts etc, the Texas economy would be down the drain. Want to brag about your education,pollution, and lack of healthcare? I hope you get rain!
You should always promote where you live unless you don't like living there in which case you should just shut up and move. I'm proud to be a 5th generation Texan but I also have an office in Pennsylvania which I also promote. It's a beautiful area and just like in Texas some of the people I've met there are just as nice as can be and others I wouldn't give the time of day to. Also out here in the wilds of West Texas we like for the government to stay out of our business.
VWTerry.....you mean the Party that wants SMALLER government actually made it larger??? lol
Go Figure!
Texas- You made my point, if you don't like what's going on, shut-up and move! Don't try to change anything. You like Government to stay out of your business, but GOVERNMENT is a BIG business in Texas. The federal Government. Get off your high horse, you better get some taller boots!
Soooo YOU don't want any help? Like fire fighters coming in? You don't need help in rebuilding? Good for YOU! Now maybe those monies can go to feed some of the hungriest children in the U.S. OR give them medical care.
By the way...How do you rectify your comment with this?
Will the Evangelical hyprocrisy never end?
Massive fires are God's way of saying, "You dumb hillbillies, there is global warming!" And you thought God just made earthquakes and hurricanes so crooks like Michele Bachmann didn't have to pay taxes.
After reading all these comments I've come to the conclusion that the United States has become a second or third class country. Most of you "people" (and I use the term very loosely) have absolutely no compassion. I can remember a time in this country when we pulled together in times of disaster. Now "people just laugh at others misfortune. If your parents had done a better job of raising you then perhaps you would feel some sympathy for those less fortunate than you. You accept no responsibility for your actions and think that's the way it's supposed to be. I'm disgusted by all this.
That is why I said heart's have grown cold. This story is about destruction. People can be so crude.
I hear what you're saying but I think it's just that most of the country has grown up and we feel like we're having to deal with children when it comes to science and the idea of consequences being attached to actions. While it may not be the most compassionate thing to say in this time, it's completely understandable why the grownups my feel like saying, "This is why we told you to be careful with the environment. You made your bed, now lie in it."
Personally I just hope people wake up and stop living their selfish lives that are the cause of some of the extreme conditions we are experiencing. When do they actually wake up and start taking responsibility for themselves?
Interesting about people laughing at other people's problems. It certainly does show a "lack of class" on their part. However, it also shows a lack of maturity. I teach elementary school and I was doing a lesson on current events. I was talking about Hurricane Irene and showing MSNBC pictures of the disaster. Almost all of my class was suitably quiet and sober, showing signs of compassion as I went through some of the flood pictures and talked about the power of water. Two of my students, however, were laughing at the pictures as some immature students do. When I stopped and said, "Do you realize that about 40 people died? Do you realize that many people have lost their homes, pets, cars,etc?" The two were very ashamed, realizing that they had been laughing at other people's pain and devastation. Some of you should hang your heads in shame, too! People are just people, no matter where they live. Think about it. This comment is coming from an elementary school teacher in Texas, who is an American first and a Texan second!
Les A, I agree with you. Most people in this country have become mentally disabled and no amount of help will do them any good. They (most of them on this board) live only to show how mentally disarmed they are any more.
As for that guy who rescued the cat, good compassionate showing there. As for the idiots that use stories like this to comment with things that have no relevancy at all, find another hobby. Tiddly winks or play dough fits your needs.
Texas, keep on trucking, you been through these things before and always managed to pick yourselves up, dust off and boogy on.
Many Texans believe they are special, not part of the United States, because they believe they have some rights not given to every other state. They forget that they lost the Civil War. They forget that Tennesseans and many other US soldiers saved them from Mexico.
Perry has said terrible things about the United States. Their Govetnor is quick to criticize anything associated with the Federal Government.
Well, I'm sorry about your disasters. But, you know, sometimes payback is hell. Obama should have put impossible obstacles in front of Perry, so he couldn't get federal aid, like Bush did the Governor of Louisiana. Instead, Obama bent over and kissed Perry's ass by sending help before it was even requested.
Les A. got it right - this is about fires and the human tragedy unfolding because of them. Yes, Texans have a strong sense of pride that often presents itself as arrogance, but if you want to see REAL arrogance, ask someone what political party they belong to...oh, yeah, you won't have to ask, they'll most likely shove it down your throat. Why don't we put the petty political BS aside and ask what you can do to help?
@hummbird - no one is laughing at you. I am a Christian, and I live VERY close to these wildfires. The absurdity of your governor to "pray for rain" is pathetic. That's why people are mocking it. They are not laughing at the fact that you and I are in harm's away. Not at all. Again, I am CHRISTIAN. For a governor to claim that prayer will bring rain is laughable and pathetic. This is the most unsophisticated Christian garbage around. That's NOT how it works. That's precisely why people mock this kind of thing. And I bet you this - this guy ain't no Christian (yeah, that's a double negative and for a reason). This guy don't give a DAMNED about scripture or the BibEL. If it kin' get him eeeelected (yeehaw!), he'll use it.
It's pathetic that he's done this. We're facing major climate change - that's a REALITY. Again, I am Christian, and I know that's true. So, let's watch Texas burn. Prayers ain't gonna change that.
I live just a few miles from where this fire started. The day it happened I could see the huge cloud of smoke from my backyard. This is the second time this has happened in that particular area in the last four months. You can't take anything for granted and if it happened once, it can happen again. I believe these fires were man-made and I really hope someone is punished for this.
I hope for rain. I hope for relief. But mostly I hope people will quit making stupid comments. Obama has nothing to do with this and neither does Perry except getting aid for those involved. No one deserves this. It's just something that happens and sadly is apart of life sometimes. If anything, pray for the firefighters and people that have been affected and those still in the fire's path.
well really tho you can look at it this way sense you all are talking down on perry for praying for rain ,he also prayed for america.but i guess none of you have watched the sermon or to clueless and stupid to understand the words he said.And i pray for rain every year.But anyway all the other states gets back over 50% more government money every year for 1 thing or another,than they collect in taxes and send to washington.Texas already even with the disaster money it has been getting only gets back 10% of what it collects and send every year in federal taxes and on a normal year without the fires we only get back 5%,So i think most of you out there need to read more on economics and less on the devil.If the federal government would set it up so that states could never receive more than it collects in government funds in a year there would only be 3 states out there that would still have its head above water the others would of drowned in their own self pity by now.So yes i agree with the one who posted about where would most of you get that federal money if not for texas.We could make it better on owr own,you all wouldn't know how to.If we kept and spent that 10 trillion+ every year in taxes we send washington we could be alot better off than we are now.So you think its wrong to give 10+trillion every year and washington will only give us 5billion for disaster funds when we need it and then we have to beg to get it.and then they turn around and a state that only sent 6billion gets 1 trillion with a smile.Don't believe what the difference in federal money sent and federal money received is on a state by state federal economy report,then i suggest you read more and being stupid less.
perry did pray for rain and america.it just fell on the wrong part of america.
God said "sorry Texas, maybe next hurricane".
well we low life humans down here in texas could sit here and post jokes and laugh all night about the other states and it's population and how they react to disasters but being the low life like i am i refuse to even lower myself any lower and put my self on the same low level as most of you high and mighty people who have that i am greater than you complex.Just remember as how you all believe that this is a manmade global warming then that means these disasters will not only be directed at TEXAS or coastal areas,in which case you will have your share before long.Myself i have the freedom to believe the global warming is a act of god and the universe and will happen for awhilw then leave only to reappear in later years.its a cycle the earth goes thur.You can talk about the strengh of storms all you want and point at global warming.But then i will ask how did the hurricane of 1900 get to be such a massive and destructive storm and kill so many.It was a massive cat5 even 100 years before global warming was a issue,oh and it still stands as the most massive storm in america history.And they had massive F5 tornados for ever,only reason as more are killers and are reported is we have built of more in their way and more people to spot them now.So that blows a hole in all of that global warming bucket,because the storms are not getting more severe they have been some in past more severe than we have ever seen.And as for the drought in texas,well we go thur droughts all the time.always have and always will.After this 1 we may not see another 1 in 10-15 years..
FELLOW TEXAN
Everything in the past was more massive than what we have now, WHY-They had no technology that compares to what we have now.
If NOOA was not in existence KATRINA is the most massive cane this century.
Lot of factors involved in all this COMMENT CRAP that does nothing for anyone..
GET OUT AND VOTE
I truely feel for the people hurting in Texas. At the same time you did elect a guy whos main solution to everything is less government less taxes and praying to GOD to make everything better.
And He (PERRY) is HYPOCRITICAL. Texas is in the bible belt and they play that up real good here
Be careful who you vote for in the next election. Remember that Ron Paul, and he's from Texas, believes that FEMA is of no use. The states can handle these natural disasters themselves without Federal assistance. Now if that is what you believe then you will eventually get what you want, but if that is not the case, then make sure you vote for what you want.
Think about it ...
All this political posturing over peoples' suffering. Disgraceful and NO class. I don't hear people dissing the state of Vermont that has town completely cut off from Irene wiping out roads.
The last time I checked, we were ALL Americans. Is that no longer the case? Even if you have a hatred towards your fellow man who happens to think differently from your skewed political belief system...at least have compassion for the dying livestock, wildlife. There's a tropical depression off the coast of LA and Miss. If you had an ounce of humanity in you, you'd at least hope that rain-maker makes a left hook and brings rain to Texas.
Some of you folks should be ashamed of yourselves.
Be careful who you vote for! DO RESEARCH!
Rick Perry, Governor of Texas has been the right hand man of the Bush Regime For 15 years, and we all know the Bush Boys ARE members of the NWO (New World Order)
Citizens of the USA need someone that CARES ABOUT US not Everything, Everywhere else.
It's OK! Calm shall be restored. Calling Rick Perry, calling Rick Perry. We need another rain dance (prayer). It doesn't seem to be working... does this mean that God is NOT on your side? Get Bachmann to stop praying the gay away for a moment and help pray for rain! I'm sure it will be a success! Whew!~@!!!!
When you feel bad for the Texas Drought, Remember all the displaced AMERICANS from IRENE ..and she was not a BAD ONE.
JMiller, there are, as you have already noticed, no matter the tragedy or where it happens, the mentally disabled are going to show up and post asinine comments. Those same morons have said about the same for what Irene has caused as whats happening to Texas and Oklahoma.
gunman,
it never fails does it!
anyway , the way things are going , I am going to SECEDE. That way i will know EXACTLY what to do, where to go and how to do it, with what I have to do it with.
I dont need a crooked GOVERNMENT to handle my business.
GOVERNMENT IS BUSINESS AND IT IS BEING HANDLED WRONG
I suggest doing RESEARCH instead of PRAYING. The weather is OUT OF OUR HANDS, BUT NOT THE VOTING!
Why has the Governor (Rick Perry) Not called out the National Guard??
They are waiting to defend the state of a TEXAS.
I guess Perry dont want to spend any money, only on his campaign.
Perry is not concerned about the residents of Texas only himself(as usual)
I am so glad I live in TX and know it'll all be taken care of.....Rick Perry is praying! Since he won't take Federal monies I wish all you Republicans and Tea Partiers the best!
Beev....it's not that I don't feel for the people whoses lives are being hugely altered...I do. BUT this is a moment of truth. Rick Perry wants to pray away illness and poverty and is SO proud of not taking federal money (that would be treasonous don't ya know) Well this is a time of walking what you're talking. Show us Rick Perry....whatcha gonna do NOW?
Aug 20, 12:30 AM EDT, Charlotte Gazette
Perry says sick and old should "pray" rather than rely on government programs
By Karen Klingenhammer
Rock Mountain, S.C.- Presidential candidate, Rick Perry, responded to challenges by critics today about what seniors would do after the big "Big Government" entitlements like Medicare and Social Security that Perry derides were slashed or ended by a Perry Administration.
"I will personally lead national days of prayer to help the old and sick". We just have to stop relying on the federal and state governments to do everything for us", Perry declared.
"Prayer" is a viable option for seniors in need of food shelter or medical care, Perry stated, instead of hand outs from the government.
"American's belief in God has always been it's strongest and most shining quality" Perry continued.
"We can't keep taxing the wealth creators, the people who create businesses and jobs, to pay for these things and still have a robust and healthy economy. The kind of economy we all want".
Perry stated that the pastor of his church had relayed many stories to him of "miracles" that had occurred after the disabled or sick had put their faith in Jesus and prayed for divine assistance.
"One woman had 45 dollars left in the bank and won the lottery just as her rent came due", Perry noted,
"and a retired man who had a social disease was cured after he washed the affected body part in water blessed by an evangelist.
"The evangelist wanted to wash if for him", Perry related, "but the guy thought that was kinda weird and declined the offer".
Perry will be addressing the Knights of Golgotha, in Raleigh, NC, tonight on a faith based Energy Policy and the Free-Market.
Isn't Perry going to ask for Federal Aid again as he did earlier this summer. Or is that too politically incorrect for him now?