UPDATE:
The Village of Middleburgh is accepting donations for the Village flood relief fund. You can donate with a credit card or PayPal below:
Here are some pictures from Schoharie County, New York:
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| Part of what was fertile farm land in Middleburgh |
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| Downtown Cobleskill flooded; Burger King closed |
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| Farmland and barns flooded in West Fulton |
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/were-sorry-for-difficulties.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/technical-difficulties.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/video-of-devastation-in-middleburgh-ny.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/hurricane-irene-schoharie-county-photos.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/hurricane-irene-hell-in-upstate-new.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/hurricane-irene-hell-in-upstate-new.html
http://www.punditpress.com/2011/08/video-of-hurricane-irene-devastation-in.html
Did you know that for thousands of years the agrarian futures relied on seasonal floods to replenish the nutrients in their soil? Maybe if you understood history and agriculture you might be less prone to histrionics.
ReplyDeleteSteven,
ReplyDeleteExcellent observation. Too bad the people who are currently out of their homes and are facing this devastation up close can't have a little more perspective and just think like you. How could they be so stupid as to be upset by the loss of their homes!
Steve,
ReplyDeleteReally, no one needs a lesson in soil building. Are you that out of touch with the realities of this photo? Much has been lost, crops, homes, barns, herds of livestock. This valley was the breadbasket of the Revolutionary War, much of it's great history has been lost. The lives affected by this devastating flood may never be the same. How about a little compassion!
Barb
Steve,
ReplyDeleteHistorically, societies used to rely on human sacrifice in order to appease the gods and ensure a bountiful harvest. I expect no histronics on your part should anyone decide you are expendable and give it a try. A seasonal flood is contained by a seasonal flood plain, which included crops dependant on them, not homes, businesses, etc. This area is not typically prone to hurricane related flooding, or floods of this magnitude. It is not farmland along the Nile in ancient Egypt. Distasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and should one ever happen to you, I hope you are shown the same amount of compassion you have exhibited for the victims of this tragedy.
Heidi
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI live in Middleburgh. Having spent the last three days since the storm digging out homes, schools, and businesses that were all but wiped out by record flooding, I assure you I am too exhausted for histrionics. Family, friends and neighbors have lost their livelihoods and for some, their homes as well. The aftermath is a landscape littered with wreckage covered in fine silt mud that sets like concrete on the detritus of real people's lives. This gorgeous valley has been terribly ravaged and it will take considerable time before the scars heal. I sincerely hope that you never have to go through something like this. It is a devastating experience I would not wish on anyone.
Tom
I only hope that out of the destruction can even a stronger bond to the communities that were in the path of mother nature. I have family in Middleburgh, I know how much the community means to him, and at 75 years old he has seen alot of bad things happen to good people, but my uncle would be the first to say what his father always told him, "tomorrow is another day". The people in those communities will make anew what has been put assunder. I wish I could go back and help them from Colorado. I wish everyone would remember the next time a devastating occurrence happens in their community, god forbid, they take an example from the residence of upstate New York and pull themselves up. I haven't heard on resident there crying that FEMA wasn't there sooner, or where's my government credit card so they can go buy a new TV. You won't hear any of that from these folks in the heartland. My prayers are with all of them.
ReplyDeleteBrian Thomas
My family lives in Central Bridge and Schoharie Village. The have for many many generations. This is a beautiful area to live in. Some have medical issues. Others have farm animals and crops that they depend on for their livelihood. Even though the flood of 55 was bad, this is worse. ANY loss of home, lives or animals is tragic. Winter is not far away. Please be patient with the people of this area. The farmers are hard workers. Families have lived here for generations. Give them some support, courage and help if you can. Without farms, we would not have access to fresh food. I may come up to assist when I am called by my family. We suffered too here in Ct., but not as much. It is time to bite the bullet and be kind to your neighbors and strangers! No more complaining.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to see these pictures. I spent many happy times visiting family and friends in Middleburgh, and still have family in the area. I live on Long Island, and we just got electricity back after a week, so we've been unable to get much news, except for some radio reports, about what is going on. I had to go on the internet to find this report. I haven't been able to reach anyone there yet, but I'm praying for you all.
ReplyDelete