Kerr County rejected federal funds for flood sirens—and people died. This isn’t just about bad policy. It’s about a decades-long propaganda campaign that taught small towns to fear help and reject reality. We need to talk about who built that machine—and why it’s still running.
I am so very sorry for your loss.. Thank you so much for channeling your grief to build awareness during such a difficult time.
You didn’t just name the policy failure — you named the ideological machinery behind it.
You captured something I’ve been trying to say, shout, and write around for weeks--and you did it with clarity, moral precision, and so much courage.
"They didn’t die because no one saw the flood coming. They died because help was offered, and propaganda told them to say no.”
That line knocked the breath out of me.
And then you went further—connecting the dots between rural indoctrination, right-wing media ecosystems, and the left’s often performative moral distance. That part? I felt in my bones.
I’ve also been writing about this moment, about the sirens that never came, about the system that chooses optics over obligation, about kids sleeping in cages or drowning in the dark. But your piece reminded me that this isn’t just a policy crisis — it’s a psychological one. And one we have to name, out loud, without shame or apology.
The way you described the people trapped in that worldview—not as villains, but as hostages to an architecture of fear, was the most compassionate act of resistance I’ve seen in a long time.
I needed that reminder.
So thank you — for telling the truth, for saying the quiet parts loudly, and for offering a version of patriotism that looks like clarity, grief, and the refusal to give up on our neighbors.
Your work matters more than you know. And I see you.
It may be difficult but it is necessary to not give up on each other.
Many times in my life I have seen people have a change of heart all because someone they didn't expect held their hand out when they needed to be lifted up.
Look at how Mexico sent rescuers after all the negative stereotypes spewed in their direction. They saw people not political positioning.
First - i never know what to say when someone shares that they’ve lost a family member. Especially in an event like that. Sudden. Unexpected. Unavoidable. You addressed the last few better than any weather or newsperson could or did. Those floods had me crying hard for all the missing & found but not survived without knowing someone who is in my life pretty much every day knew & lost one of their family.
What you wrote should be published in every newspaper, magazine, radio station, tv station, every form of public medium not just in this country but in the entire WORLD. Because everything you wrote can & is happening globally. And is ignored and denied.
I wish you hadn’t lost a family member. I appreciate your truth telling. And i find it so challenging to respond to it, to put my feelings in to words that dont sound cliched like a poorly written hallmark card. Thank you. And take care of you. Wrapping you in the love that may not take away the loss & sadness but maybe just remind you we’re here if you need us. US. You’re not alone, i read the others who write you every day. Just ask.
I wish I could give you a hug, loss of a family member is hard and in those circumstances harder still. From afar it looks like a crazy situation, barely understandable to someone who lives in Europe. You have shown the depths of your love in your response to the situation, an example to us all. Sent with love
Since I believe some of our people have lost a sense of the common good, I am trying to use the sensibilities of these tragedies to re-envision what should be our better future. To weave the pain into effort to seek repair. I am sorry for your loss. You have wrapped your despair in beautiful words to find solace. I honor your words brought on by sadness.
I am so very sorry for your loss.. Thank you so much for channeling your grief to build awareness during such a difficult time.
You didn’t just name the policy failure — you named the ideological machinery behind it.
You captured something I’ve been trying to say, shout, and write around for weeks--and you did it with clarity, moral precision, and so much courage.
"They didn’t die because no one saw the flood coming. They died because help was offered, and propaganda told them to say no.”
That line knocked the breath out of me.
And then you went further—connecting the dots between rural indoctrination, right-wing media ecosystems, and the left’s often performative moral distance. That part? I felt in my bones.
I’ve also been writing about this moment, about the sirens that never came, about the system that chooses optics over obligation, about kids sleeping in cages or drowning in the dark. But your piece reminded me that this isn’t just a policy crisis — it’s a psychological one. And one we have to name, out loud, without shame or apology.
The way you described the people trapped in that worldview—not as villains, but as hostages to an architecture of fear, was the most compassionate act of resistance I’ve seen in a long time.
I needed that reminder.
So thank you — for telling the truth, for saying the quiet parts loudly, and for offering a version of patriotism that looks like clarity, grief, and the refusal to give up on our neighbors.
Your work matters more than you know. And I see you.
I am very sorry for your loss of a family member.
It may be difficult but it is necessary to not give up on each other.
Many times in my life I have seen people have a change of heart all because someone they didn't expect held their hand out when they needed to be lifted up.
Look at how Mexico sent rescuers after all the negative stereotypes spewed in their direction. They saw people not political positioning.
Debra, thank you. That was a balm disguised as a comment.
You’re absolutely right. What saves us isn’t policy or performance. It’s the hand we didn’t expect reaching out when we’re sinking.
Mexico sending rescuers wasn’t just kindness. It was a holy rebuke to every stereotype, a reminder that love sees people, not borders.
You said it plain and true. We need each other. Always.
You both speak my mind and heart and conscience. Thank you.
First - i never know what to say when someone shares that they’ve lost a family member. Especially in an event like that. Sudden. Unexpected. Unavoidable. You addressed the last few better than any weather or newsperson could or did. Those floods had me crying hard for all the missing & found but not survived without knowing someone who is in my life pretty much every day knew & lost one of their family.
What you wrote should be published in every newspaper, magazine, radio station, tv station, every form of public medium not just in this country but in the entire WORLD. Because everything you wrote can & is happening globally. And is ignored and denied.
I wish you hadn’t lost a family member. I appreciate your truth telling. And i find it so challenging to respond to it, to put my feelings in to words that dont sound cliched like a poorly written hallmark card. Thank you. And take care of you. Wrapping you in the love that may not take away the loss & sadness but maybe just remind you we’re here if you need us. US. You’re not alone, i read the others who write you every day. Just ask.
Beth Ann, you didn’t write a Hallmark card—you showed up with your whole heart. That matters more than perfect words ever could.
You cried for strangers, and you reminded someone grieving that they’re not alone. That’s holy ground.
What you said is enough. And it’s the kind of presence the world needs more of.
Thank you. Truly.
I wish I could give you a hug, loss of a family member is hard and in those circumstances harder still. From afar it looks like a crazy situation, barely understandable to someone who lives in Europe. You have shown the depths of your love in your response to the situation, an example to us all. Sent with love
So sorry for your loss.
They are traveling the Universe at the speed of thought
Yet, can be with you at the
speed of love
They are singing and laughing
with the wind
They are dancing
on the head of a pin
Since I believe some of our people have lost a sense of the common good, I am trying to use the sensibilities of these tragedies to re-envision what should be our better future. To weave the pain into effort to seek repair. I am sorry for your loss. You have wrapped your despair in beautiful words to find solace. I honor your words brought on by sadness.
May the memory of your family member be eternal. Sending you many comforting wishes, and if I may, a huge hug. I appreciate your eloquence, as always.
Good Teacher, I’m sorry that one of your family died in the floods. Our government doesn’t work very well anymore. Condolences to all your family.
Alek, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending a virtual hug to you my brother. I love you.