Angela Dowdy – 9/28/08

This page was last updated on September 28, 2008.

Where were they in time of need?; Angela Dowdy; Beaver County Times; September 28, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I would like to take this time to thank my neighbors for all the help and support while our power was out.

“I would also like to comment on the Red Cross and the fire department. Did they forget we even existed? No one stopped by to tell us where we could get water or to see if we were even all right. No one.”

[RWC] I know nothing of Ms. Dowdy’s circumstances. Since she made no mention of it, I assume Ms. Dowdy has no special needs and/or didn’t make any prearrangement for special needs.

“The power going out wasn’t anyone’s fault, but that’s what we have the Red Cross and fire department for — to help out after a disaster.”

[RWC] Ms. Dowdy believes a windstorm like that we had was “a disaster?” I rode out hurricanes and tropical storms when I lived in Houston and this little windstorm was not “a disaster,” not even close.

Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I thought the fire department was for putting out fires, not babysitting people during a power outage. As most of the fire departments in our area, the Ohioville fire department is a volunteer organization. In addition to not being their responsibility, perhaps the members of the Ohioville VFD had their hands full with real problems and those of their families.

“We didn’t get it as bad as Texas did. I realize that, and I am sorry for them. But we had no power or water and everything in our freezers is gone. We spent a lot on gasoline to travel to other areas to eat our meals.”

[RWC] My power was out and I lost everything in my refrigerator and freezer too. At no point did I expect the Red Cross or the fire department to come and hold my hand.

“The Red Cross has called some people asking for donations. Well right now, after we all restock and repair our appliances, we won’t have any left to give. Such a disappointment.

“I won’t be participating in the bingo at the fire hall in Ohioville, nor will I be making any more donations to the Red Cross or the police department, so please do not call me and ask.”

[RWC] So Ms. Dowdy won’t contribute to the volunteer organization that donates their time and risks their lives to protect the people and property of Ohioville because they didn’t babysit her after a windstorm?

“I want to thank the electric contractor for restoring our power and my neighbors across the street, the best friends anyone could ask for.”

[RWC] FYI, this isn’t Ms. Dowdy’s first whining letter. Back In March (“We need a grocery store,” 3/14/08) Ms. Dowdy pled, “With the cost of gasoline prices lately, please help get a grocery store where Foodland used to be so it’s easier for the residents here to shop.”