Why aren't Hollywood celebrities helping Alabama?

[Chaser001]

Last Wednesday the U.S. experienced the greatest number of tornadoes in one day in U.S. history.  Alabama was hit the hardest.  The death toll was second only to a 1925 tornado outbreak in a time when they had no real warning system.  Although I don't really need any help, what I experienced last week was so horrific I barely even want to discuss it in any detail.  I've had close calls with tornadoes and hurricanes, but I have never seen anything like this.  So far, only two well-known people have even bothered to visit Alabama:  President Obama and Charlie Sheen.  I've been reading some cynical comments about Charlie Sheen saying he is only doing it for the publicity.  That is probably true, but who cares?  At least he is showing up.  Last week when I went for four days without electricity, I wouldn't have questioned someone's motives if he had dropped off a bag of ice to me.  Maybe I shouldn't limit this to Hollywood.  I don't see any Bonos of the world lifting a finger to help, either.  My conclusion is that most celebrities don't give a ****.  This is something I already pretty much knew, but now I've seen it myself.  So far, the only other thing I've read is that Hank Williams, Jr. is organizing a benefit concert which will donate money to the Red Cross.  Maybe more will be done, but I'm not holding my breath.  So far, the response has been less than spectacular. 

[Barklessdog]

The videos were incredible, I know that seeing this in person would be indescribable. My heart goes out to all those families who lost everything.

Flooding, earthquakes & tornadoes, it seems the world is getting bombarded by larger than normal natural disasters these last couple of years. Down State in Illinois, whole towns are getting flooded out with the Mississippi rising. Its like those bad Sci Fi Channel movies coming to life.


I think the first ones who really do help are church groups. I know our church is always collecting aid or going on mission trips to these disaster areas. I dont think much of celebrities anyway, just over privilaged rich people who do what they want. I know a lot do try to do a lot of good, but I would never think of one coming to our rescue. I always think of Katrini / New Orleans & how it became everyman for himself.

[nofi]

it is not just celebrities, it's everyone. we were lucky here in atlanta. storms went north and south of us. pics of alabama were horrific! it looked like hiroshima in places. many wishes of luck to you folks. back to your question. there are plenty of wealthy 'regular' people that could solve many problems with the stroke of a pen but for some reason don't. i don't understand that mindset either put it pisses me off none the less.

[Aussie Mark]

Most people have donation fatigue.  Our company always does a dollar matching charity donation for any staff who give to relief appeals for natural disasters, and we've noticed the level of staff donations falling off rapidly over the past year or so, after we've all given money to help China earthquake, Pakistan earthquake, Victorian bushfires, Samoa tsunami, Chile earthquake, Haiti earthquake, Queensland floods, Christchurch earthquake, Japan tsunami ......

Also, our government here has introducted a special 1 year floods levy of around $1000 per person via income tax.

[Lightyear]

Fly over country.  If it's not the the east or the west coast it doesn't seem to matter to Hollywood.

[Chaser001]

it is not just celebrities, it's everyone. we were lucky here in atlanta. storms went north and south of us. pics of alabama were horrific! it looked like hiroshima in places. many wishes of luck to you folks. back to your question. there are plenty of wealthy 'regular' people that could solve many problems with the stroke of a pen but for some reason don't. i don't understand that mindset either put it pisses me off none the less.

I think being in Atlanta you shouldn't have to worry as much.  Being in the Tennessee Valley is the problem.  Of course no place is immune. 

[Chaser001]

Fly over country.  If it's not the the east or the west coast it doesn't seem to matter to Hollywood.

It seems people actually from this area such as Reese Witherspoon and Courteney Cox might try to do something, but I guess not. 

[Freuds_Cat]

I  have to admit to not hearing very much at all about the recent Tornados in your part of the world but then I'm not a big consumer of Television either. One thing I will say though is that myself along with a lot of other Australians were quite amazed at the lack of support from the US govt that the ppl of New Orleans got. Quite unfathomable.

[Chaser001]

I  have to admit to not hearing very much at all about the recent Tornados in your part of the world but then I'm not a big consumer of Television either. One thing I will say though is that myself along with a lot of other Australians were quite amazed at the lack of support from the US govt that the ppl of New Orleans got. Quite unfathomable.

I used to live in New Orleans and can identify with that situation pretty well.  This one is different.  Actually, the government seems to be heavily involved.  I think both Aussie Mark and Lightyear are correct in their observations. 

[Barklessdog]

I  have to admit to not hearing very much at all about the recent Tornados in your part of the world but then I'm not a big consumer of Television either. One thing I will say though is that myself along with a lot of other Australians were quite amazed at the lack of support from the US govt that the ppl of New Orleans got. Quite unfathomable.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1381537/Alabama-tornado-video-footage-Moment-mile-wide-twister-rips-Deep-South.html

[Psycho Bass Guy]

Megan Fox is from Rockwood and could use a good PR rehab. I nominate her. 

Simply put, the people who pay the bills always are the last to be considered when it come to times of need. Sure, I'll bet there's some 'flyover' snobbery involved, but for the most part, this is the area where help usually flows from and the aid and assistance infrastructure in the South is a one-way street out, unless it's federal government supplied.

[Freuds_Cat]

Thanks John, that is amazing footage.