Nevada Brett right now we have US citizens suffering right here in the US. Priority and thoughts should be on them. What happened in Libya is tragic but so is the death and plight of our service men and women who are serving /served in Iraq over a lie about WMD's.

Great reovery for who? Manhattan is always first to get everything at the cost of others in the city. You all need to remember that NYC is 5 boroughs, not one. The outer boroughs took a huge hit and are getting nothing yet.

The fuel needs to go to the PEOPLE who need it first, and the businesses that have a food inventory that needs to be kept fresh, commercial use for anything other that rescue or survival should not happen right now.

First I hope that the people on the coast have a reasonably fast recovery.

I do want to point out that the fact that people receiving the free fuel understand that it is not free.

The government (all of us) are paying for it. I do hope it helps those in need regardless.

@ okie58

We didn't get it in Florida either, but we weren't in freezing conditions with no way of keeping warm and freezing to death.

@JimSpence

So, you think helping fellows Americans is wrong here?

You rather we have the same treatment like we did with Katrina? Now I see what you really want for this country.

Yes, the tax payers will foot the bill for the gas. Okay, and?? These are Americans. They are cold, vulnerable and hurting. They are our neighbors, our fellow citizens and taxpayers, and we SHOULD step up and aid them. The logistics of this are a mess and help takes time, but at least it is happening. Have we always stepped up as we should in the past, no; but that does not mean we shouldn't do the right thing now.

Frankly, I don't understand you people. Why the politics? Why the whining? If it was you, despite your lousy attitude, we should still step up and help our own. These are still the UNITED States. My family has fought in every action since the Revolutionary War for these UNITED States. They have bled and died for these UNITED States. I'm proud of each of them and their sacrifice. And your first response in a time of crisis when unity is needed more than ever is to devolve into pettiness? To carp and whine because a portion of taxes will provide heating fuel, food, and immediate necessities to fellow Americans in dire straits? Shameful. You want to debate policy, do it after the immediate humanitarian needs of our fellow citizens are met. Anything less is monstrous.

I am loving the fact that the Pentagon is supplying gas... GOOD JOB.... In times of trouble our own military taking care of our own people is just doing what it is supposed to do... They are protecting the lives of many in this disaster area.

Ro Mar

AMEM AMEN AMEN

gotta cut spending, you tell'em mitt. no fema , no fed aid to states and " oh my god " free gas to victims ". that will turn this country around in a hurry. rich get richer poorer get poorer, ain't we got fun !!

I'll bet you all $10,000 you will not care about Libya the day after the election.

Since you do not seem to be caring about your fellow Americans, hurting after Sandy.

Sandy and Ro Mar AMEN many times over. Red Cross and all those organizations providing help and assistance many thanks to you. I hope people keep donating to the Red Cross as the needs are great and varied. I think we learned a lot from Katrina and it's helped us better focus the use of potential resources. Hope Americans also take note of all those who initially stepped up to help especially businesses. The Hilton Hotel manager in Staten Island who put his neighbors first before marathon guests exemplifies who we are. I'll be sure to find a Hilton Hotel the next time I'm on vacation and recommend them to others for that reason. The hotel manager could have put profit first but he felt the needs of his neighbors currently take precedence. I am sure he is not alone and there are many more genuinely good, caring and model Americans who walk the talk. I'd like them to know that I appreciate everything they are doing. By my using or purchasing goods from them is the least expression of appreciation I can show during this difficult time.

When we went through Katrina we had people dieing of the heat...with no water and no food. We had loved ones who passed left in places where they would be found and the living take care of the living to survive. We did not have fuel for our generators or for the cars to look for fuel. We live out in the country...it was terrible, a month and more without power and only a generator to rely on. But we did have that.
In New Orleans there was nothing like that for most people. 1600 people died.
Then we got Rita, the Hurricane that was forgotten but who hurt us as bad as Katrina. Who also took power...

But in the Northeast this is not common. In Louisiana it is more common. They do not have generators in high rises...or in staten Island. They are cold. It is winter there...here we are still using our air conditioning. We suffer from heat, they die in the cold.

I would buy them gas...food, water. I would not whine about the people of New York, of New Jersey and Connecticut getting free gas. It is OUr Government...I am more mad that the victims of Katrina and Rita did not. That we had a president that did not proclaim Louisiana a disaster area until two days after Katrina hit. twith Republican Gov came first.

For those who want to whine about free gas...how about whining that a Republican Pres. did not know we were in need of food and water...or that he had to be shown a video to know what was going on..or that as he spoke from Jackson Square his was the only light..and when he left he took the light and the generator...while ours were in Iraq or underwater.

This president is providing generators...big difference between those who make government work for the people, and those who want to prove it doesn't.

Though I do agree with helping the vicitims of the storm. I do not agree to give them FREE gasoline. First of all, how is it going to be distributed. (That alone is going to be a nightmare) Some people may be able to access the free gas while others will not. Lines would be extrememly long at the locations where you can get free gas. Why not just discount all of the gas at the gas stations in that area. So instead of 3 something a gallon, then all stations get a discount from the govnt that makes it 2 something a gallon. The most important thing is to get them gasoline AT ALL. Not so much a matter of how much it costs at this point.

Kathy in Florida,
I understand that Fox has a huge viewership but quantity does not mean quality.

What you are doing in defaming our president and making such a stupid statement is also defaming the men that would stand down and watch their fellow citizens be killed. This president has not been shy in killing militants... did you see the ceremony where the President and the Sec. of State , Hillary Clinton, welcomed the four men's casket home in front of the families? You need to know facts and not spread lies. I am sure you really have more honor than that. Facts do not have two sides...and facts do matter.

J. Hicks where have you been at?
This president has been on the ground and having FEMA, the military and every other agency out to the states. Where have you been? You think this is not doing anything?

WTF?! It's been over 3 days. Hasn't OBAMA and FEMA fixed everything yet? What the hell is taking so long?

This is not the first catastrophe to hit the U.S. When we KNOW ( like hurricanes) there is a potential for such devastation, WHY does our government not make assistance ready ahead of time? They KNOW certain things will be needed; like bottled water, food, clothing and medical supplies. They should be able to send them as soon as the storm is over, not days later.... So, WHY do we not have a stockpile ready and personnel (on alert) to ship out as soon as the dust (or water) clears?

This has been the failing of EVERY administration in recent years, so why not fix it?

Some people just choose to go through life all angry.

What businesses should be required to just stay closed during a disaster?

If you really cared about others, you would find ways to band together and have 3 or 4 families in one heated home instead of being all greed and expecting enough gas for each individual.

Bet those on Solar power are the envy of the neighborhood right now. I wonder how those Survival bunkers are working out?

Just thought I would play the same game as all of you that collapse the posts that say anything you don't like. You all act like school yard bullies that are trying to control everything said and done around you. Grow up and I can hardly wait for the election to be over and I really don't care who wins as long as it all goes away.....

Hope all will ease in the northeast before it gets too cold and we have people freezing. As an American I want them to be cozy and fed.

Has anyone thought about the fact that first responders should be getting free gas and should be getting it before residents. The first responders are the one's who are going about the business of restoring power to this area. If they do not get fuel for their vehicles, then power will not be restored. Please just have patience.

Read the article:

The gas is going to the first responders before, anyone else.

Wow gobshyte!, for someone who doesnt normally judge people, you sure are good at it. Sure this is your first time?

I'm happy they are getting 12 Million Gallons of FREE GAS. Joplin Tornado, Atlanta Tornado, Greensburg Tornado, St Louis Tornado and every other disaster I'm ever heard of never got FREE GAS. You would think ELECTION DAY is only a few days away.

I clearly don't have all the details.

Wouldn't generators getting gas stations working create more normalcy?

I understand getting the fuel to the stations is part of the issue, free gas sounds like a ploy to get you to love me. But I think it creates more instability.

To much resources used for image.

@ jack-364934

Yeah jack this is my first time to make a rude comment about another, but its hard to overlook ignorance like Vicki that does not know what she is talking about and besides she is way off subject in this forum. What does that tell you?? This subject is about Hurricane Sandy and the people that was involved in it. I can not let her get away with her comments.... Just like a Republican, we all got to take care of each other. That is what make's our nation stronger and if congress does not start working together we are doomed. Attitudes like Vicki's is why we are in a mess!!!!

Hello everyone, I'm currently on my break as a New Jersey resident and also as a National Guardsman who has been doing several evacutaions throughout this storm. I am currently on a break but feel compelled to address some of the things being said there.

-The help is getting in as timely as we can, after a storm, the priority is rescue and evaluation efforts FIRST, no first responder can jump into a situation without evaluating and assessing the damage to know what tools and aid are needed, it would be as absurd as getting upset with a 911 operator for the few extra seconds he/she takes for getting information about a petty crime in progress, so imagine a hurricane in highly populated area

-People are not being left on their own or are in 3rd world conditions here, most of the people who appear to be in these conditions are the same areas we went through enforcing mandatory evacuations but refused, mandatory evacutations are not only for your safety but the safety of the first responders; usually inaceesible areas or impassible areas once the storm hits

- Yes we do have access to gasoline as first responders, in fact prior to this, were allowed to cut lines to fill up our tanks

-Many atms were down, the ones that were up ran out of cash, the people who had cash are running out of cash, so maybe the gas is being given "freely" because as many of you may know disaster funds were used up and the average family has spent extre money in basic needs in this aftermath, so not having cash (gas stations are mostly taking cash) should not be a reason for elderly people or children to freeze to death.

-No power or electricity, why do these people need gas? They need gas because the temperatures were in the lower 30s/upper 20s last night and will continue so for a week, generators use gas, and generators provide heat, and those who don't have generators put their families in their cars and turn up the heat at night, while using their car chargers to charge their cell phones, you can't do either of that without gas for too long. And why do they need cell phones? For emergency contact and info, many people are just finding about this predicted storm for next week. Imagine that? Getting a surprise storm after this hurricane.

And BTW I know no one who is home alone right now, everyone is either at someone's house, packed up in a car, at one of our shelters or have others at their houses, so one is expecting every individual to have gas.

And yes, the wet cold weather has caused several of our soldiers to come down with symptoms of hypothermia and we have gear for this, so I can't imagine the people in plain clothes. Thank you for your words and support, those who are supporting. I can tell you this, the tri-state has been humbled by this and empathy is greater than sympathy and NY/NJ will not turn our backs on you if you are found in this situation in the future. Have to get back to work!

You would think Home Depot and Lowes being private run companies would be better organized and would get more generators, wood, etc. shipped to that area from existing stock that they have elsewhere, BUT THERE IS THIS THING CALLED LOGISTICS. Even the private sector is having problems.

Did you see all the traffic backed up? I wonder how traffic does without stop lights/power? Even if it was flown in, you still need trucks, drivers, and gas. And they still have to go through areas without power or are flooded. It slows down everything. In an area with that many people (packed in like roaches) it has got to be a nightmare. I would never live that close to that many people, just no reason for it imo. It causes more problems then there is benefit. Half the reason it is so bad up there is simply the number of people that live so close to the water/shore. In Florida most people get off of any islands like Staten Island because we know what happens, but we also have more experience with hurricanes.

Did the people in the area not pay TAXES? YES THEY DID. Therefore, they are going to pay for it. It is not like there are many woods around in the area that can supply that many people with enough wood to burn and keep warm. Again a problem of how many people are packed into one area and how much they rely on "civilized society" just to exist/live. With that many people that want gas, the military/police would have to be involved anyway which would still cost the taxpayers $. Imagine a worse disaster then this or if our government collapsed, this should be a warning to people, a wake up call.

How long did it take to build your house under ideal conditions? Do not expect magic to happen in a week or two with the number of people. "Why do you need a "assault" (semi automatic) rifle with a clip that big"? LOOTERS! I can get a (assault) "semi-auto" handgun that can hold just as many rounds and that the military uses too. Gun technology has not really changed in 100 years or so, but bullet tech has however. People get so hung up on a name/term "assault" when the .223/5.56 round our military uses is one of the LEAST powerful rifle rounds there is. I can always give ammo to our military if they are ever in need of it, or I can be supplied by our military in a time of need, and already have a gun in the right caliber.

@ Nevada:

Do you like being lied to? What if it were your son or daughter that died in Iraq?

Blaming Obama for 4 American deaths in Libya, but giving the Bush Admin. a pass for allowing 3000 Americans to be killed in NYC on 9/11(and thousands more in Iraq........

shows you are a HYPOCRITE, and partisan hack.

You eat up Romney's lies.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2012/08/29/mitt-romney-tells-533-lies-in-30-weeks-steve-benen-documents-them/

Mitt Romney tells 533 lies in 30 weeks, Steve Benen documents them.

People like Nevada are ruining the country!!!

From the article,

"There's just so many people getting very frustrated. People don't know what to do,''

Here is what you do, you move away from a city that is already over packed. You stop packing into big cities like sardines and then complain when something goes wrong.

WHen you have such an abundant amount of people living in one area which is so balanced that a drop of a pin can set it off. Here you have a disaster come through and the city is beyond crippled.

The storm went right over top of where I live, and guess what, my power didnt go out, my cable still worked, I could still drive around with out long lines of traffic. It was like nothing even happened. I would never , ever live in a place where traffic and people are so abundant that I cant get any where. No amount of $$ can buy me for that aggravation .

It isn't just about avoiding living in populated places.

I won't ever live near the ocean, river or lake, if my property isn't at least 500 feet higher than sea level/water level.

As a matter of fact, I live at almost 5000 feet elevation, and I'm around 70 miles from the ocean.

If you live below or at sea level(or even 10 or 20 feet above), and you live near an ocean/river, you'd best take out extra insurance, and/or realize that you just might get flooded one day.

At first I was upset because I know fraud will be involved, but I know as a general rule people in this area who have been affected by this hate to accept handouts, and have big hearts when it's time to give. They have earned our help, in fact they have earned foreign aid, but that's a one way street. So is big buisness greed.

Jim Spence = troll

Too bad the president is silent on Libya. Forward -- more like Coward!

Too bad you're using a natural disaster that took over 100 U.S. lives to push your political agenda. I almost feel sorry for you. You're life must really suck to use death and destruction as your political hate soapbox.

Im from Louisiana and was destroyed by Katrina and Katrina makes that in New York look like a thunder storm.

This pretty much invalidates everything you typed. It's getting really old to have people use Katrina used as a measuring stick for every storm after it. However, I will pick your post apart.

Crying cause got water on carpet in house try not having a house or just a chimney sticking out of water then complain to me.

So since homes weren't blown away, it doesn't matter to you? How vain can you be? Poor you, right? No ones elses loss means anything to you, does it?

I guess a category 1 at 70 mph (Sandy) is now considered stronger than a category 4 at 145 mph (Katrina).

First off, winds have to be at least 74 MPH to be a cat one. Secondly, it hit land with sustained winds of 80 MPH, and often produced wind gusts over 90 MPH. Lastly, there you go again with the Katrina comparison. Why are you down playing the severity of this storm? It's not our fault that you're jealous that the administration in the WH at the time didn't know what they were doing. I guess berating all of us affected is easier for you though, right?

Did you know that when Sandy hit the coast, she was producing 21 foot waves on Lake Michigan? Since you can't make a point without dragging Katrina into it, I will join you.

Sandy was able to gather moisture from the five biggest lakes in the U.S., as well as from the Alantic. How about Katrina? This storm parked right on top of us for five days. I am pretty sure Katrina hit and ran. Sandy merged with a Nor'easter to make an even bigger storm. Which storm did Katrina merge with to gain even more power? Snowshoe VA got nearly 20 inches of snow. How much did Katrina produce?

You don't need 100+ MPH winds to have widespread devastation. Almost 9 million without power. Homes destroyed. Massive flooding. The biggest transit system in the world was shut down. Battery Park seen a record storm surge. You would have to go back to 1821 to find one to even come close.

I am in no way trying to make light of Katrina like you are doing with Sandy. I am just trying to get it through your thick skull that a storm doesn't have to be a Katrina to cause massive damage and loss of life. But until you stop trying to compare every storm to Katrina, I fear I would get more understanding from a brick wall.

Could it be that you are just jealous that this administration is doing things you wished the administration would have done during Katrina?

FREE! Maybe the 53% of people who pay federal income tax would disagree! George - Don't fool yourself.

First off, props on attacking those that can barely put food on the table after a 40 hour work week and qualify for not having to pay federal income tax. I guess paying SS, Medicare, local, state, school and gas taxes don't count, right?

Secondly, I would be the first in line to offer you a buck for gas. It's a real testament to your character that you would think less of those that are living hand to mouth.

If Obama wanted to he could of pulled all the troops out in the first two years because the Dems owned congress and Senate

Thanks for the attack on the President in an article about a natural disaster . I have learned to expect nothing less of you. I have also learned that you clearly have done no unbiased research of your own. The dems held control for the whole of 72 days.

Also, you obviously have never served in a combat role. You can't just pack up the tents over night. We have a massive amount of assests on the ground in any long term war, let alone two of them at the same time. It takes years to draw down.

if it was not for the rich having money to start company's their would not be jobs.

Here we see your ignorance on how jobs are created. The rich have more money than they ever had under this administration, and yet, where are all the jobs you think they create? That's right, demand drives employment. Without demand, the rich could have a bazzilion, qatrillion ooglezillion dollars and not one job would be created. What company have you ever heard of that creates jobs when there isn't any demand?

The rich don't created jobs out of kindness. So, since the rich are rolling in the dough more than they ever have before, where are all the jobs you think they create?

Fast & Furious is coward Obama fault and his bed body Holden.

You get to join all the other POS poster raking political hate over a storm that took over 100 U.S. lives. If you have children, could you look them in the eyes after using scores of deaths to further your political hate? Honestly, could you?

Is this so that people who still cannot find a job can drive to the marathon or what! This is strictly to buy more votes!

I guess your biased propaganda news choice hasn't told you that the marathon was posponed. Shame though. This marathon generates nearly half a billion dollars every year. That could have bought a lot of relief.

If you honestly think that this fuel is to buy votes, you clearly have no idea what we are going through. Gas stations in upstate NY are even running out of gas. It must chap your ass that this administration is trying to stay on top of this.

Latest check- Romney ahead in polls!

Latest check. This is an article about getting help to fellow Americans, not dumbass polls that don't mean squat on election day.

With all that said, I have just been told that our relief trucks are loaded and we are headed to NYC to give 5 tons of supplies to those in need. Maybe some of you using this article to spread political hate wouldn't mind coming along? Then again, it takes compassion for that and it seems many of you lack that emotion.

Just like the certainty of death and taxes is the truth in numbers, they just don't lie. So, when I see a "post" like this gem, I say lets hear your expert opinion, by the numbers, how long it should take to "relieve" MILLIONS of hurricane victims.

"

J. Hicks

OMG - will you people spouting off your political views shut up already! Quit name calling and trying to distract from the story line here.

I want to know why, after watching thousands of people suffer after Katrina and other devastating hurricanes, FEMA has not got it's act together? I cannot believe the slowness in getting help to these people who have lost EVERYTHING!!"

Mr/Mrs/Ms Hicks, how long should it take to mobilize thousands of people, to aid millions of people, over 1000's of square miles? Just throw out your best estimate, and please base it on something other than "just cuz", of how long that should take. Since you obviously cant even begin to imagine how to do that, why spout off garbage like that? What if you were a first responder that's been up for 36 hours straight trying to help people and you read some @!$%#s post about your efforts not being good enough?

Enough said, I hope.

Oh, and hearing about the woman that "left her hot coffee" sitting on her table to rush out after the free gas, W the F? She obviously has a roof, power, coffee, a table, gas in her car, but dashes out for a fu(k!ing handout. Only in America.

I suspect they don't understand that disaster relief is simply slow in nature.

Also I'm pretty sure there are maybe a dozen people in the world who wouldn't line up for free gas. Kind of a petty thing to nitpick. That would cause a riot in the best run city on earth.

this is pathetic how people keep bringing up Katrina,

this storm was a storm,

i saw the poor construction of the places that were blown apart, and also saw the construction of the places that stayed together.

this will show that any cities with in a few miles of a coast needs to have more stringent storm protections and stop the inspectors from being able to be bought off,

i went to New Orleans during the Katrina relief and saw how bad it was, it only a little bit water that flooded because of the lack money put into the retaining wall along lake Pontchartrain.

this only proves that people all across the country, no matter where they are, they still cry for help when $#!T happens,

and the real problem is that the clowns with business and money want to put themselves before the welfare of others,

and in most cases get it because they have the clowns in charge in their pockets.

FEMA was much more effective before it came under the umbrella of Homeland Security. And I have no sympathy for those who refused to evacuate when they had the chance. But everyone in Section A is being helped. It includes Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and finally Staten Island. It took SI longer to get assistance because both the harbor and Verazzano Bridge were previously inaccessible. My building is on our third food/clothing/blankets/outerwear drive. The "free" gasoline is coming from our reserves. So people will be saving $45 when they get the leftovers. There's been a mile long line going down my street for the last couple of days. And I don't understand why people will burn their last half tank of gas waiting in line for 10 gallons. But policies here have been pretty fluid. When you're told that you can have access to gasoline that is needed for heating and going to work, then you wait in line for hours just to be told others have first dibs (which should have been indicated long ago), it's just the latest of "I know we said this, but it's something else". It's frustrating. New York and New Jersey are inexperienced at this type of emergency. But everyone is doing everything that they can.

With Bloomberg in this RACE, Obama should be in the lead, .... get it Race, ahaha, holding a Marthon !

With People in trouble , the true Face of our Great leaders are shown. Obama , and Bloomberg hand in hand, taking our Hurricane Victims in the Right direction, No power no Problem, No Food No problem,

God bless , and God speed, maybe just maybe , the people that are in charge can do the RIGHT thing !

Obama 2012 Cradle to the Grave, Give me your Money , Give me your Freedoms !

Benghazi Youtubegate 1st amendment, Fast Furious 2nd Amendment, .... can't wait to see the others go !

J. Hicks Comment collapsed by the community

But we have FEMA now! They're supposed to get in there quickly! They are supposed to be prepared to deal with this sort of crises immediately! What the heck is going on? We're closing in on a week now, and people can't even get easy access to fuel, water, and food? FEMA had several days to see what was coming. The public was being warned of the "Perfect Storm".

Before FEMA can come in pathways need to be cleared, there is standing water with no idea of the depth, running water, downed power lines that may be live, sinkholes that are not visible under the water. Gas stations may have had their fuel displaced by water that is now floating on the surface, one spark could cause an inferno(there actually was a community in this storm with this problem) amongst many other possible problems. These all need to be handled before FEMA trucks are allowed in.

Then they need to clear and secure land to set up distribution center's, this whole process is a huge undertaking and always will have unforeseen obstacles.

This is the reason they tell you to get what you need to ride out the storm and be self sufficient for 3 or 4 days minimum, a week is a better period to supply for. This includes, food, water, toiletries, gas up your cars, fill your generators and get extra fuel before hand, get propane or charcoal for your bbq, batteries, lanterns, flashlights, battery powered radios and tv's, first aid and medicinal supplies amongst many things. While I agree we should get all the help in as quickly as possible they need to do it safely. The victims also have an obligation, to themselves, their families and friends to not take these things lightly and to prepare properly so they can take care of themselves for the first week.

This was their big lesson, the next time, and their will be a next time, I am sure they will prepare much better. I know I have learned new things every storm and when one comes the only concern I have is how bad it will be, I never have concerns about supplies or the ability to survive without major issue after the storm because I have been through this many times, we also have a network of friends and family that stays in contact after a storm just in case one of us has a major problem

Government should get out of the way, and let Darwin do his thing!

ny governer and bloomberg are losers. why do i never get any free handouts while ppl who whine and complain get them? and this comes out of taxpayers money. ny is a peice of trash. bill bloomberg for gas. they whine and compalin about gas to a point now its free for them while the expense goes to taxpayers like me? think about how the rest of us feel? this was one minor storm and they been acting like drama queens and now get handouts. dont we have a shortage in gas anyway? ppl already use to much gas. free food, free gas. looks like i dont need to donate, they help themselves without our permission.

Everybody in the NE needs fuel, that's because nobody in the NE filled their tanks in advance of the storm. They just didn't have enough notice that a major storm was coming? They were pinned down by the storm for days so they couldn't have used up all their fuel so there need of fuel the day after the storm is proof in the pudding that people are morons that expect the government to do everything for them. The last big storm to hit Miami, advance notice one week, people were standing in the street the day after looking for water.

some of the people on this site are sick to the bone...damned if you do damned if you dont. This is the huge problem that we been faced with for the last 4 years..impede,obstruct any progress then blame the other side. I really hope the sensible people in this country really open their eyes as this partisan blame game, being part of the problem rather than the solution mentality get rejected and we as americans pull together. New York and the east coast have suffered greatly in the last 10 years and the gas is "free" insofar as the people dont have to pay for it. So what if the nation pays for it bcz thats what our democracy does for eachother in these times ( at least we are suppose to help eachother). Thank GOD we are not under a everyman, person and child for profit privatized EVERYTHING plan that some in government want for us and im praying we will NEVER BE! For those stuck on Libya, it was very unfortunate but if a foreign country and combatants want to attack an embassy then it would be very difficult to stop even having prior knowledge if there are enough combatants, so STOP with the idiotic politicizing...what about the TWO WORLD TRADE CENTERS? THE PENTAGON AND OTHER AIRPLANES ON SEPT 11TH? Stop being a part of america's problem and be part of the solution!!! and the solution is NOT the "Rid Government for the people and a "Private Corporation For Profit" while you work for minimum wage take over the country plan that the GOP want to install!!! At some point, you deniers of fact and common sense crowd need to wake up to reality! My GOD! we should have pulled together at the crash of our economy instead of dragging our country down because your GOP against average americans plan coukldnt fully succeed. I had enough of the ignorance that plagues our country with some of you...ITS TIME TO PUT AN END TO THIS STUPIDITY AMERICA!! Super majority for democrats! if you want to move FORWARD Finally! GOD BLESS AMERICA and The East Coast>>>I will do my part to help my fellow americans now and always! I reject everyman for himself..or herself logic period. Be a real american and reject GOP NAZI behavior!!!

Free Fuel sounds like a great idea for the stranded, and needy survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Everything sounds great coming from Government, but people be logical, please.

First Responders, yes need the fuel and plenty of it--the people will have to wait with great patience. In NY, they are not patient---life moves fast there. New Jersey, Chris Christie and "O" are buddies now. Weird.

This is all about Politics and using the American citizens as pawns who are suffering thru the aftermath of this terrible, horrendous killer Storm.

Politics comes first, American people are second. It happened w/Katrina and Bush.

Every one involved in the Storm are out to take care of themselves, by themselves. Time is of the essence, and 12 million gallons of Fuel isn't going to solve the dire straits they are in.

Natural Disasters this time, hit high density populated Cities/States---

I truly feel sorry for the victims of this 3-way Storm, and now the Nor Easter that is coming on Tuesday. If you have some time or extra money please donate your time to a charity, (packing up blankets, clothes, household items, toiletries, etc.) or donate to the Red Cross. They are going to need it!

If you NEED help,I do what I can and so will my friends.We work together,help each other and when something happens, we send our help out to other states to help THEM OUT. Sandy was BAD on a big level of population. Thankfully, the casualties are not as bad as Katrina. This time people had different options AVAILABLE TO THEM than the people of NOLA/Katrina. This time a man was in charge that understood how to handle an emergency.

The "free" gas being offered is ALLOWED TO FIRST RESPONDERS, THE PERSONNEL REPAIRING GAS AND ELECTRIC AND TO ANY OTHER SERVICE PEOPLE AND THEIR EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES AND OTHER ITEMS OF EMERGENCY NEED . If the National Guard says they need gas for generators to heat a shelter for people...THEY GET FREE GAS! That is how it is FOLKS !! get a grip and check your Bible ! I'm tired of hearing your LIES !

@ Nevada-Brett, post 1.1

First off get back to the subject. People need our help!

Second now that you brought up the subject, how can you call the President a coward? Are you providing us with an alternative? Please don't say Romney is not a coward we all know he ran to France when there was a war going on. Tell me which is worse!

"There's just so many people getting very frustrated. People don't know what to do,''

Here in Florida when a hurricane is coming we stock pile on fuel before it gets here, Dumb SNOW BIRDS

Man you people are boring. We just need to wait and see how FEMA reacts to this disaster. I hope they have learn from past mistakes that would make the most sense.

Free gas, must be nice.

I have nothing nice to say seeing how there is a serious issue with equality and natural disasters in this country, people who live in NOLA and Florida know what I am am referring to.

@ Vicki:

Bullsh*t.

The Dems had a slight majority for a couple of months.

Most of those deaths in Iraq took place under the last WH Admin.

No lib/Dem here, but you are definitely a partisan hack.

Just admit you are bigoted against Obama, and save all the "Bush was great", and "Obama is a liar/failure" rhetoric.

Bush held hands with and kissed the Saudi royals many times(most of the hijackers on 9/11 were Saudis).

Keep collapsing. I'll just repost it.

OK - so my comment was collapsed by the community - that's a first for me! But for those of you who accused me of saying that help should have been immediate, that's not what I said.

. . . shelter, food, water, etc., should have been distributed starting by no later than Wednesday or Thursday

I understand that people have to take responsiblity for themselves, just as my family did during Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Irene just last year. Each time we lost power for a week, but we have a generator AND we don't have well water. The only thing we missed was air conditioning!! Our neighborhood was closed off with fallen trees for days, but we had already stocked up on gas, knowing how any hurricane that hits close to Virgina is going to take out our power. And we were prepared to go at least a week without power for Hurricane Sandy, i.e. peanut butter, tunafish, crackers, batteries, flashlights, etc., but we got lucky!!

But there are marginalized members of our society who have no real way to prepare for a storm - period. They are either too old and infirmed, or they lack the financial resources to make purchases in anticipation of being without water, food or gas for days or in this case, weeks on end. Then there are those who have no home now, and have no where to go. If I lost my home today, my family would have absolutely no where to go, and we could never afford to stay in hotels with jacked up prices for days and weeks on end.

I can think of a couple of ways that FEMA could have gotten, at the very least, water and food to people by Wednesday of this past week! For example, they could fly over the devastated areas and drop water and food from helicopters. They could drop pamphlets letting folks know that they are aware of their plight and that help is on the way. The worst part of this nightmare for many people is the fear that no one knows about their particular area - that they have been forgotten.

Could'a, should'a would'a is not what people need after a devastating storm. All politics aside, we have the financial means in this country to take care of our people in times of hardship like the people of NY, NJ, CT., and less damaged areas. If they could get the marathon ready so quickly (don't even get me started) then what's the excuse? Huh?

FEMA or its equivalent got a free pass after Katrina, but we've had several more devastating storms since then. I never thought I would watch a similar scenario play out again. We can send aid to foreign countries, i.e. Haiti, we can spend billions of dollars rebuilding Iraq; how is it that we were not prepared to act in the event of another storm like that of Katrina? Sandy has been every bit of devastating as Katrina, but the aftermath has looked exactly the same as far as I'm concerned.

It hasn't been anything like Katrina, I mean for gods sake people have been walking 6 blocks to charge their phones at Starbucks.

This is a first world disaster to be sure, whereas Katrina made America look decidedly third world.

@ J. Hicks:

Post your comment again.

You have to be persistent if you want to get around those who'd collapse posts that contain facts they don't want to hear.

Looks like you city folk who made fun of the redneck prepper/survivalist types are wishing you watched more tv now aren't you.

On a more serious note, more free stuff for the city that sucks the tax revenue from the majority of NY state like a starving rat. Sorry, I have little sympathy for those who cannot see the necessity of planning for situations that may stop public services. I feel for those children with stupid parents who can't see past their selfishness to make sure they are prepared to care for their children when something like this happens. Where I live we have had blizzards that shut things down for weeks at a time and I have never had to complain because someone didn't get me my "free stuff".

Learn to take care of yourself instead of taking from those who do.

No, the taxpayers are paying for it. What a crock. My house had extensive damage from Hurricane Charlie in 2004. We got hit by three hurricanes that year in Orlando. Our area, which was a few miles from downtown Orlando, Near the Orlando International Airport was without power for two weeks. We had gas shortages, and because of that, the gas prices went up. So when you could find gas, you had to pay more for it. It hasn't even been a week and already the N.Y. Governor is complaining on T.V. about the delay in getting the power back up and wanting to hold the power companies accountable. And now giving away taxpayer funded fuel. This is ridiculous.

While we did not have the flooding, we had so many downed trees and wind damage that you could not drive through some areas for several weeks. They are complaining about the cold front, but in my experience (I grew up in the north and now live in Tennessee), it's much easier to bundle up and get warm, then it is to cool down when the temperature is 95 to 98 and you have no power, running water and no way to cool down. We lived with that for two weeks. While I have sympathy for them, it is B.S. that they are getting free fuel, telethons to help pay for recovery and all the ass kissing by the politicians just because its New York and the election is three days away. In Florida, from the state to the local levels, we had plans in place to take care of natural disasters, i.e. hurricanes, etc, and FEMA responded to any request for assistance by our local/state governments. But nothing was free and we all had to wait our turn for power, etc.

Look at who was the POTUS during that storm, there is the contrast. You must be part of the 47%!

As I recall the current President didnt offer free gas to residents in Alabama after last years tornado outbreak. Entire counties without power for five days.

Ahh, you are jealous of fellow Americas who got help while your state did nothing to help you while you need most.

If Obama didn't help people, you would scream that he is "Muslim, Communist, Nazi" who hate Americans.

Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

It also has to do with what state you live in and what cash reserves it keeps for emergency. For example - I live in WA and we have a massive reserve in case the big one hits.

If you live in some cruddy state that is super libertarian and believes that people should take care of themselves and the government shouldn't ever lift a finger to help anyone - you aren't going to get a lot of disaster relief. I thoroughly believe this was a large contributing factor to why Katrina was so bad. It hit a whole line of states that are solidly regressive in every way. You'll get some from the federal side but you won't get contributions from your state as well. NY, NJ, etc are all progressive states which generally are big on helping out your fellow man so they tend to keep cash reserves for emergencies.

troubled_american, it was 37 degrees last night in NYC and it's going to be that way for at least another week. Residents of New York City pay an absurd amount of taxes, perhaps the nation's highest. Those taxes go to pay for the constant natural disasters in places like FLand other areas that are prone to hurricanes and tornadoes year after year, season after season. It seems only fair that NY and NJ finally are on the receiving end of some federal assistance for once. After all, two winters ago we had several feet of snow fall within a week's time and didn't get any federal assistance.

By the way, your assertion that being colder is much better than being hot is so stupid I'm not sure where to begin. People could freeze to death in that weather genius. You have not idea what is going on here so don't whine that people are getting free gas. The truth is, nobody even knows where they're giving out the gas so we probably will not be able to get any of it.

When I read the headlline

Free fuel for some - courtesy of the pentegon

I figured the catch would be that you had to climb to 20,000 ft, maintain 350 kts, and follow the directions of the tanker boom operator.

Anyway, glad to see the U.S. coming to the aid of Americans.

Amminadab: How much have you personally given to the relief efforts? I'll bet not as much as me, but since I understand there's no real way to prove it, and you would just call me a liar, I won't embarrass you with the dollar figure. I'll just say your post was a complete lie and total bullsh!t in the finest of liberal traditions.

Under the ordinary circumstances of everyday life, conservatives go out and earn what they wish to have out of life. It is the liberal that looks to the government saying what can you give me. The only thing conservatives look to do is prevent the government from taking what we have by force.

Those who do not know call the other a liar.

Doborah, you need to take a pill. Even your conservative hero Christie said that President Obama has been great, giving the states what they requested. I live in the area and have been without electric and am not happy w/ the situation, but it is a huge problem. It was a huge storm and there are going to be issues getting things fixed.

As I recall the current President didn't offer free gas to residents in Alabama after last years tornado outbreak. Entire counties without power for five days.

Oh for heavens sake, look at the difference in locations. Alabama doesn't have a city with 8 million people. The people in NYC - all five boroughs - are suffering. The free gas is supposed to go to the first responders so that they can restore power. The President is not giving free fuel to the people, but to the rescuers. It's the Governor of New York that offered it for free to the people.

Read it again:

New Jersey began rationing gasoline on Saturday, while New York had to back off its promise of free gasoline, courtesy of the Department of Defense, and told the public to stay away until first responders could fuel up.

"Fuel is on the way," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference Saturday.

Five mobile fuel stations operated by the military brought gasoline to New York City and Long Island, albeit with a 10 gallon limit.

"The good news," Cuomo said of the promised 12 million gallons, "is it's going to be free."

Someone made a mistake here - Governor Cuomo!

Oh for heavens sake, look at the difference in locations. Alabama doesn't have a city with 8 million people. The people in NYC - all five boroughs - are suffering. The free gas is supposed to go to the first responders so that they can restore power. The President is not giving free fuel to the people, but to the rescuers. It's the Governor of New York that offered it for free to the people.

Saying the first responders should get it first is not the same as saying they should be the only ones to get it, anyone will get access to it, do you really think the president would openly say the free gas is only for first responders and risk infuriating the public? You should be lucky it's near election that's the only reason your response is so quick, we didn't have power for 3 weeks in July (but got charged for it) with 100+ degree weather (which many people died from in addition to the storm) and there were gas shortages everywhere but the government barely lifted a finger (never lashed out at power companies or gave out free gas). This is double standards anyway you slice it and will only serve to infuriate others who have been in similar situations without getting nearly the response these states have been.

It's sad that the only time the federal government cares about anything is when elections are near.

dallen.. How do you get charged for power if you didn't have any? Alabama is a state that want's the Federal Government out of their business anyway isn't it? Alabama is already one of the states that gets back more in Fed money than they pay in just like Alaska does, New York gets back less than it pays in.

Katrina his Louisiana some above referred to it as libritarian ....please that state has a democrat as governor and New Orleans had a Democrat as mayor. Keep trying to lie though

We've had two occasions in the past when we had no power for eleven days and nine days. Yes, in the winter. But we were prepared beforehand, gassing up our cars as soon as we knew a problem was in the offing and laying in a supply of propane to use backup propane heaters (advance planning when we built this house)and to cook on outdoor grills on the back porch. With a bit of advance preparation, none of this scrambling for gas was necessary in our case and wouldn't have been necessary for most, if any, New Yorkers. A comment about "free gas" and folks bolt from the breakfast table to wait in line for hours for something that may not be available after all? Foolishness.

I do feel for them. I know many are miserable. Certainly we were, bundled up in heavy clothes 24 hours a day, and huddled under blankets and quilts for much of the time. But they did have advance warning, just as we did.

I imagine there's a lack of backup propane heaters in NYC. I think you are confusing the logistics of your personal situation with that of the people living in America's largest city. There are unlikely to be many backyards, let alone backyard grills, on Manhattan Island, for example.

There are simply situation which are not analogous.

Much of the difference in aid is because of the different ideologies of the states involved, and definitely the relative wealth of the areas. NYC is fairly rich, and sort of generous with that wealth at times. It's economy is the equal to any number of states.

You may be mistaken in comparing the state of AL with the states of VA, WV, NC, SC, NY, NJ, CT, PA etc. While some of the states are accustomed to hurricanes, places like NY and NJ are not. Long Island and NYC are located with an especially vulnerable geography. PA had to contend with the rain and the cold front that brought the snow in. So Alabama didn't have the same experience.

And while it may seem to be easier to bundle up and get warm than it is to cool off, the assumption is based on having shelter, clothes, coats, and blankets to bundle up with as opposed to shedding clothing.

If you are uneducated and wish to remain that way...it is no ones fault but your own. The "FREE" gas is not for any one showing up...it is for the people there to get WORK DONE for the betterment of ALL OF THE PEOPLE ...the service people !

Nothing is free!!! Probably early voting centers set up just before gas pumps, if you vote O'Bama you get 10 gals., A vote for (freedom) Romney gets you shuffled to the back of the line........ 4 Yrs. is enough

ROMNEY/RYAN 2012

Yea, that's a completely reasonable assertion lee. Not at all alarmingly partisan.

If its ran by the Military, you can expect armed guards.

They are doing a remarkable job getting power back and trying to meet the demand. This was a MASSIVE disaster and will take many years to recover.

The frustration must be unbearable, but only so much can be done at this large area and population.

"This too shall pass"

Stay strong.

Free gas here:

Long Island Freeport Armory 63 Babylon Tpk. Queens Armory, 93-05 160th St. in Jamaica, the Bronx Armory, 10 W. 195th St., the Brooklyn Armory, 1579 Bedford Ave., and the Staten Island / Elizabeth Armory, 321 Manor Rd.

Gas is free, vote for me! On a side note thanks, Mike. Gotta go!

I cannot believe the stupidity of the people who buy generators and fail to buy enough gasoline to fuel them. They should have expected 7 days -- that's what hit NJ last year, and so what if you have left over gas, you pour it into your car.

BTW: With all the pictures of destroyed cars, I have not heard of one of these bright people taking an hammer, an ice pick, buckets or jugs and punchering the the tanks to drain the gas. You know damn well the tow truck operators are doing it.

Johnny,

You forget it was Romney who said he would take any opportunity to exploit a crisis, as you may remember from the same brilliant video recorded speech in which he uttered his 47% remark, thereby destroying his chances at election.

leave it to the right wing nut jobs to wish the worst for people who need help, all so they have another talking point to use against a president they don't really even know why they hate so much, they are told to hate him so they do what they're told.

Yes things are moving faster than they normally would, and it is because it's an election, but turning that into a bad thing just shows where the right stands. Lets not mention the hypocrisy, they wouldn't care at all about Libya if this weren't an election year, or if their savior Mitt was the President.

Johnny, you and Nevada are just going to have to man up and get on with whatever sort of lives you lead. There is no longer any question. President Obama is going to be re-elected. You have my sympathy. It is going to be very, very hard on the two of you.

That being said, back to the topic of this story. Thanks to Mike for giving the locations for the Pentagon gas for those who live in those neighborhoods. And thanks to our Federal Government for their continued help to these states. I'm happy for my tax dollars to go there re FEMA and free gas.

Being from NC, we are used to hurricanes and once you have been without power for two weeks, which I and my neighbors were back when Fran hit us in the '90s, a powerful generator was the our next big purchase - and a gas storage tank. It is, of course, much worse for those who were hit by Sandy because of the denseness of the population in the affected areas and their transportation means. We need New York up and running, and a complete retrofit of their infrastructure is not only necessary for the future, but it will be a real "stimulus" to those who will be employed to bring them back up to speed, so to speak.

It will take time, maybe a long time, to restore the Jersey Shore and provide housing for those who no longer have their homes. I hope everyone had insurance so that the insurance and the help from FEMA will begin to put their lives back together. Good luck and best wishes.

What makes New York more important than the rest of the country. Wall Street? I'd like to see New Yorkers feed themselves, provide their own fuel, etc. If it wasn't for the rest of the country, growing their food, providing oil, coal, etc, New York would cease to exist. And as far as tax dollars providing free fuel, I call B.S. When hurricane Charlie hit Orlando in 2004, My family was also without power for two weeks, even though our house was only a few miles from downtown Orlando and near the Airport. We also suffered fuel shortages and we had to deal with increased prices because of the shortage. Didn't see the government coming in and offering us free fuel. Fuel for you vehicle is not the taxpayers responsibility. We got hit with three hurricanes in Orlando that year. We didn't even have time to fix the holes in our roof from the tree/wind damage before we got hit with another hurricane. While I feel for what they are going through, there is nothing that makes them more special than the rest of the country. No other state is getting the attention that N.Y is getting right now due to the election on Tuesday.

hey dcc70 we do not hate him because we are told to but because he is wanting to turn the U.S.A. into the socialist u.s.a. it's people like you who do not know why you back a person who says what you want to hear and then does nada. He is the one that said more transparancy in gov. then sealed his records and so on the list is long. so it's sheeple like you that are ignorant and just follow blindly

Cry me a river, troubled - good name, btw. New York is important because of its huge economic position. I believe I heard it was 27th in the WORLD. It's important for the rest of this country that they stay up and running. My stock portfolio will be okay even if Wall Street is flooded, but even those paper pushers who were largely responsible for our economic meltdown are citizens - so, help them too.

2004, hunh? That's when Bush was in charge. So, understand why you didn't get the help you thought you were "entitled" to. There's a new sheriff in town now, troubled, President Obama. He is the CIC in charge of FEMA. He's got your back even while you're stabbing him in his.

BTW, all you tea types. New Jersey and New York are and have always been solidly Democratic in presidential elections. President Obama doesn't need to pander for their votes - he already has them. Grow up and stop all the whining. It's most unattractive

I totally agree troubled american!!! The governments responsibility here is to provide clean water a place for the waste to go and the power back on, NOT free gas for people!!!! give them warm places to stay and some food to eat while we get this mess cleaned up. Its terrible that the people of new york and new jersey and others on the east coast are going through this but its even worse that our selfish worthless president is using this as a political ad to get himself reelected. I respect the office of the president but i do not respect Obama or his policies!! He will be the downfall of america, the land of the free and home of the brave.

Whine conservatives, whine. We all know that is what you do best. Don't give a damn about your fellow Americans.

You sure are ugly lately.

My heart and prayers certainly go out to those families that are impacted by "Sandy". However, I am disturbed by these election year antics. "Free Gas", what happened to free gas in Florida in 2004 when 5 named storms crossed in on county. All we received were higher fuel prices and a pat on the back for our efforts.

@Gil-2872519

The one who stupid is you. How long do you think a 6 gallons will last? How much gas do you think they can stock up?

Oh, that's right, you don't know, all you care is WHINE, WHINE AND MORE WHINE. So you rather people live in suffering? So much love there, make me want to smack you in the face.

@Gil-2872519, There are 2 things to be noted about your suggestion about parked cars. First, I had a car that went through a flood with about 15 gallons in the tank. After it was recovered, there was water in the tank. The gas was all on top, so puncturing the tank would give you lots of water. We eventually drained the tank and let the gas and water separate in clear containers, so we could siphon only the gas off the top. t Second-thieves have probably taken what usable fuel may have been left.

Gil-2872519, if cars were flooded and consequently have water in the gas tank then your brilliant idea is useless. Gas can not be used when it's contaminated by water.

Gil, I guess where you live, you can store all the gasoline you like. However, I live in the NY suburbs. We are not allowed to store that much gasoline in the garage; it is the law here. My neighbors had a generator going for the two and a half days we were without power (we were lucky) because they have a new baby. I am sure they had to make several runs to get gas for it because we cannot store any quantity of gas. We have a 1 gallon gas container for the lawn mower. That would get my spouse to work and home. Then what?

Demar, Mercury: Flooding does not put water into the gas tank of an internal combustion engine unless you leave the gas cap off. Even assuming you comment is correct, which it is not, the best a bit o water would do is cause some coughing. "Salt" will destroy the generator -- I don't buy it cause it's not getting in, but who cares -- you want light or a $350.00 generator.

If in a disaster you can't pick up two or three 5 gallon cans and stick them in, or behind, your garage you are a disgrace to your family. Those laws. if they exist, would never be enforced. Tell your wife, "I'm sorry, but I wasn't allowed to shout that rapist that was attacking you".

Darryl: Sorry I missed your comment. Yes water will settle, but how did it get in? I have water settle out of my cans every year -- there is water in gasoline. You may be right, -- it was your unfortunate experience -- I'm not to argue with you BUT you can use your gas. As you say settle it. You are above the stupidity line !!!

Mercury: An after thought. I went back through the pictures of the lines with gas containers waiting. Everyone had at least a total of 4 or 5 gallons. Where is this "enforced" limitation coming from?

Same in Orange county. Recovery is slow, but proceeding. We're all gonna get through this.

I've personally been lucky with hurricanes here in south Florida in the decades I've lived here. My life hasn't been torn apart as has happened to others here and is happening now to so very many just south of you. But I do understand firsthand that the chaos and stretching of resources resulting from such a disaster, including the emotional weight of so much dislocation, loss and heartbreak, are exceedingly widespread. As if the ghost of the storm surge is still rolling across the land.

I'm concerned about the cold snap coming your way next week. Do you have electricity? Can furnaces run without electricity? Is there any shortage of fuel oil, or disruption of deliveries?

Be well. Stay strong.

No, Annie, furnaces cannot run without electricity. The thermostat is controlled by electricity. When we finally got our power back, I watched a national news show (or maybe it was on the Weather Channel - I don't remember because I have been going back and forth between networks and the Weather Channel). Sandy was compared to Hurricane Andrew. While Andrew was a cat. 5, it was only about 250 miles wide and came through pretty fast. Hurricane Sandy, while "only" a cat. 1, also combined with a storm from the west, and came in during a combination of high tide and the full moon. It was also at least 830 miles wide and travelled at a slow speed. Gov. Christie (a Republican) said that after Hurricane Irene last year, he was able to go up by helicopter to see damages about an hour after it hit because it was a fast moving storm. By contrast, because Sandy was so slow moving, it took him a couple of days to be able to survey the damages.

We live about a half hour north of NYC and have no gas. In order to get to work in NYC, my spouse will have to leave the house at 5AM to try to get to work in Northern Manhattan by bus and still be late. We are not getting any free gas.

I am hoping that people in the out reaches of the SANDY will call their Mayor, Govenor,Senator...to pass along the situation that is a real information, so as note can be made to address a problem that might not have been made aware to the help that is working hard to restore services.

I agree..non union can't help??? The states declared "State of emergency" hell with that union BS! Those unions should be sued.

@gregorio0057 and mike277 - the non-union story wasn't true. There are non-union crews working in NJ. One crew didn't go because they misunderstood a form. As far as the unions being sued, there are union crews out there risking their lives to save people's asses. You might show a little appreciation.

Can you provide a source for your comment? I can't find anything on the web about it.

Its not the point that NJ did turn them away..its the red tape they gave those non union utilities workers from out of state who wanted to help. They should of been accepted with open arms!

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/alabama_utility_crew_needed_un.html

OK so when the tornados devastated Alabama two years ago, there was no power in half of the state. That is a large area with a lot of rural areas where you could not walk to a gas station. They had been predicting the storms for about the same amount of time as Hurricane Sandy, so we had about the same amount of time to prepare. When there is no power there is no fuel except at the gas stations with generators, which are few and far between in rural Alabama. So here we sat caring for our injured, burying our dead, cleaning the trees off of our homes, etc. all without power and fuel. Sound familiar? We were not given free fuel, nor did we expect it. Family and friends from other states, TN, MS, GA where there was fuel, brought those of us with generators fuel in large tanks. Our hospital was without power for two days but we managed without losing any lives. I think our state gets looked down on alot by most, but we handled our disaster better than most. Its a been there done that feeling for those suffering in the Northeast. We know how bad it sucks to not have power or water, but you can get through it. Its horrible to feel helpless about it, and because of that I feel empathy for those in the Northeast, throw in the added injuries and death and it is just a miserable existence for awhile. Just stay calm and take care of your family and friends and neighbors if you can and you will get through it.

IA,

The president oversees FEMA, and you know he said he expected them to cut their "red tape." He doesn't control what the utility companies have for procedures or forms. Do you want him to step into telling non-govt companies how to run their business? Isnt that communism?

Drudge had that story but it was updated to reflect that the paperwork in question was actually from Alabama - NOT NJ/NY. Once that update was made to the story, it looks like Drudge removed the link.

http://whnt.com/2012/11/02/decatur-utilities-crews-return-from-virginia/

Totally agree with Anon-3398641. Where was the help in my home state of Massachusetts when 3 tornados cut a swath acroos the entire state destroying homes. Also the storm of 2011 in October left people in freezing temps with no power for over a week. Yet no one complained and griped like these poeple are doing. The residents just took it in stride and survived the best way they could. Most of the homes destroyed by the tornados where still ruined when the winter storm came thru in October. Poeple need to have mo patience when it comes to things like this.

. Do you want him to step into telling non-govt companies how to run their business? Isnt that communism?

naw jed he wouldn't do that...just ask GM or Chrysler

Yea, its nice that you are able to ask them, not like the companies that Bain shipped overseas.

My understanding was that this was a "Tease Party Rumor" or rather LIE, so, therefore, untrue. At least that's what one article said.

So Baylady,where is the union story at ? Can't find it.

Read the whole story, while that 6-man crews wait for clarification, another team step up and help the affect area. So they return back to Alabama instead of asking for clarity or require any additional help.

Governor Cuomo and Bloomberg are doing a good job. The only thing I didn't like was that a Utility Company from another State offer to help and the Utility company Union Here said they don't need their help.

The utility company in question said that they were not turned away. The union itself said they didn't turn anyone away. They need the help and they worked with non unions workers many times before. This particular utility company from Alabama said that they called the crews back due to a miscommunication. They weren't needed in NJ, so they were being sent to NY, but the utility company misunderstood and called them back home.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/viewart/20121102/NJNEWS/311020037/Alabama-utility-crew-heading-New-Jersey-returns-home

http://ramsey-nj.patch.com/articles/christieinbergencounty

http://riverdell.patch.com/articles/christieinbergencounty

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/non-union_utility_crews_welcom.html

Those two are a couple of idiots!!!!!

problem is guns and gas dont get along real well.......................

If people are getting pissed off waiting in line to pay for gas, free gas lines could look like UN food relief in Somalia as soon as they start to run out.

good point Robin.............

Just make sure they are NOT Republican useful idiots for the rich grown ups. Only a useful idiot himself believes a Republican has the people's best interests in mind, rather than the best interests of the rich and powerful.

TomMariner Since you can do a better job why are you not offering your assistance instead being on this board with your negativity?

jimmie j at least the repubs are open about wealth the dims are the same but you followers are to blind to see it. Why are the dems in office just as wealthy as the repubs they say more to the people which means lets raise taxes and get the people used to us taking care of them then we can really put socialism to work and then communism and all the little ants can do as their told

We will see just how well the recovery and free gas continues after the election. Whomever wins will have tough decisions to make. It will definitely be interesting to see how much aid continues after the election.

And our dog eater in chief stopped by for a photo with the governor and then left... What a slug..Now off to Nevada to campaign!!!! I must win, so America can continue to loose!!!!

Sure hope they are prepared for when the last 10 gallons drips out!

You can go ahead and hope if ya wish, but evidently "prepared" is yet another scary word to libs...

That's what they've been waiting for your F-ing approval dumb*ss

Funny, but I don't see anywhere that the five tankers will be the ONLY source of gasoline. Twelve million gallons would be an awful lot for five locations, but I guess that type of thinking eludes those who only post so they can call others names and display their obviously superior intelligence.

Long Island Freeport Armory 63 Babylon Tpk. Queens Armory, 93-05 160th St. in Jamaica, the Bronx Armory, 10 W. 195th St., the Brooklyn Armory, 1579 Bedford Ave., and the Staten Island / Elizabeth Armory, 321 Manor Rd.

simply put? .....which city has a Democrat mayor?.........

Okie58 Once again the lies are coming forth about Our President when we should all be focusing on the problems Sandy has brought to our neighbors. I have and always do check out all of the facts before making any stupid comments about Romney or Obama. You apparently do not. I have READ the health care bill in it's entirety. HAVE YOU? Obama DID NOT SEAL HIS RECORDS, they are there for anyone to read. I HAVE READ THEM HAVE YOU? There is a web sight that gives you all the answers to the bills he has signed since being elected and this is not a LIBERAL sight. It is a fact!!!! something someone like you apparently have no knowledge about. And since I am an informed voter I will vote for OBAMA again... and as far as Bengazi is concerned none of us know the full story and shouldn't be informed of inside information as public knowledge as that also informs our enemies something Romney and Ryan are so quick to do. Like talking so open about Iran and their thoughts on keeping them from having Nuclear power. I would much rather have a President who keeps this between him and our security team and Military than spouting it off to the World. We elect Romney and Ryan and we WILL BE IN ANOTHER BIG TIME WAR and for what reason NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AND NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS. In case you haven't been listening try it and listen much closer to their campaign retoric about Iran. This is going to cost us big time most importantly in LIVES and debt just like Iraq did.

It's a reasonable question, why NY and not NJ, but I wouldn't second-guess decisions being made at this point in time. Don't forget that NY's subway system is still flooded. There's a critical need to find all ways possible to get the millions who routinely ride the subways to work in NYC into the city so businesses can operate. Can't get the workers into the city, city can't begin to get back to normal. You've read perhaps that the City imposed a car pool limit for every car coming in to the City? The extra gas isn't a perfect solution but it will help.

IA.ScooterTramp and others, get off your high horse with the politics. My understanding is that Mayor Bloomberg is an avowed independent. Refused to endorse anyone in the last election. His endorsement of President Obama a couple of days ago was extraordinary. Look up his statement. He wants someone in the White House who's prepared to hear scientists out on the subject of global warming and the likelihood of increasing severe weather events. Won't stomach any more nay sayers. You call it political. I call it practical and responsible.

Of the 2.7 million people in NJ without electricity on tuesday, they've now restored power to 1.5 million of them.

I'm in one of the hardest hit areas and we now have power, I waited 1/2 hour for gas and things are returning to normal for me. NJ doesn't need heavy lifting, just pressure on those in govt. that can help to do so quickly.

The ones who lost homes around me, who's homes are seriously damaged, who sustained injuries or worse, they're the ones that I'm concerned about now.

And those that begrudge millions of people packed onto a dense area governemnet help, FU.

Check your facts - you don't have a clue about what is true and what is phony. Do you REALLY think that President Mitt Romney would not bother to help? Get real. At least he would not be taking off for LAS VEGAS like Obummma is today!!!!

I don't think Rmoney wouldn't help. I know it.

Most of the areas hit by Sandy are occupied by the 47% that Rmoney despises.

And last time I checked President Obama had visited the area, and worked on a BIPARTISAN basis with a Republican Governor, and an Independent Mayor.

normal 495217 Did you by chance miss out on the 47% tape about the Mittens? Mittens care about the 1%. I doubt very seriously you are in that bracket.

Vote-buying?

Another stupid liberal, if the federal government did not have their nose in everything this country would be better. Hey, idiot if we had Romney's plan each state would control their fema part and would of been prepared, but the government does not want to let each state take care of their own. It's called SOCIALISM

Obama even knows the truth. When he said he would cut through the red tape to help these people, he even admits there is too much fed gov't.

If each state had it's own FEMA, who would pay for the red states?

As it is my state gets the lowest return from tax dollars of any. Then the clowns in those states want to restrict how the money is used to benefit them or bitch if someone else gets some. I don't mind helping out other Americans but I do mind when they complain as if they weren't the prime beneficiaries in the first place.

Oh, and socialism has absolutely nothing to do with the power of a state vs. power of the federal government. Try learning what socialism is.

FEMA to the rescue!!! Their 2+ million gallons of drinking water is scheduled to arrive on the 5th of Nov. That's right the 5th. They just ordered it on Friday! They must not have seen the storm coming!

FEMA to the rescue!!! Their 2+ million gallons of drinking water for public aid is scheduled to arrive on the 5th of Nov. That's right the 5th. They just ordered if Friday. They must not have seen the storm coming! Fact of the matter is they did see the storm coming and the water should have been there right after the storm passed. AS WELL AS GAS and the generators to run the gas stations!!!

Hey Vicky Brown, since you are so opposed to "socialism" as you so ignorantly refer to it, how about you give up your share of SOCIAL Security when you retire? I'm sure you won't want to have anything to do with a "redistribution" of anything and would just rather be left alone by the BIG, BAD government. You're obviously much smarter than most people out here, something that we should "of" known before coming here to comment....

.....little early to be that messed up isnt it?....put down the pipe and take a nap.

ScooterTramp,

That's the problem, you must have napped through the horrid years of the Bush/Chaney White-house. Let me fill you in - it was the worst ride this countries ever been on, and were still living with it's ferocity. Putt putt Queen you must have other things on your mind when you mention pipes, and it's okay I wont be offended if you don't write back.

HD

napped ? no dave i was busy working but i see you still wish to scream its Bush's fault....let me fill you in ...its 2012 NOT 2008 ... remember your messiah saying.... "If i cant fix this economy i wont deserve a second term" ....???

Yes Dave, please remember that the GOP has never, ever made a mistake, and that the history of the US began in 2008. Nothing EVER happened prior to 2008. It's all just been a dream and your new memory will be implanted if Romney is elected.

Putt putt,

You're half right, only a God could have fixed the Bush/Chaney disasters in four years. However, you must have napped through the Lily Ledbetter Act, Health-care for all Americans, a responsible end to the Iraq war, the capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden, the rescue of America's financial industry, auto industry, the end of torture as a sanctioned method of interrogation, ended DADT, put Wall Street on notice, re-instated faith and integrity in the United States, and among our allies and foes around the world, and etc... All while battleing a 100% resistant Republican Party. Amazing!!!

You clearly have conveniently forgotten, or never understood what a huge idiot and laughing stock Bush/Chaney were in the eyes of the world.

Putt putt, do yourself and everyone else a favor and vote Obama/Biden when the rubber meets the road!

of course you can...if your a democrat....well no cost to them anyway..........

simple matter of VOTES not VOLTS................

The issue is far bigger than being without power, there were lives lost during this storm and they majority of the areas hit where not in the madatory evacuation zones, maybe you need a map. Your lack of sympathy for your fellow human beings in appauling, you are definately part of the problem with this country. It is all about you and anyone not within your social economic class are mocked and looked down on.

So WHERE ARE YOU ? The FREE GAS is for the emergency personel. Are you an EMT, Firefighter,Doctor,Nurse, or other person that needs to have access to transportation, a generator, etal ? Are you sharing accomodations in order to conserve heat? If you are living alone, you are moved to the bottom of the list for need.

Your a moron.

The Freeport Armory? If that ain't a kick in the ass to the tax paying public nothing is....This is vote buying if there ever was one...Freeport? Nobody works in Freeport...get gas to the people who have to go to work you phucking morons.

JP-844134, if you call someone a moron try to use proper grammar. You're a moron not your a moron.

Poor Dumb Dumboma!!!!! It's all over!!!!

What an idiot you are. Obama has responded MUCH quicker to Sandy than Bush did to Katrina even up to his last day in office! Look me up on Wednesday. I'll tell YOU it's all over! Obama has some intelligence and common sense, something that Bush never had. Obama is doing right by the victims of Sandy. I hope they realize that and vote for him. Some people wouldn't complain a twit about waiting days for the latest iPhone, but if it's for gas after the storm of the century, all they can do is whine! For those who think they want state independence, tell that to me again when YOUR state has a national disaster. We ALL need and depend on our federal government and thank God, President Obama is coming to victim's aide. This is money well spent and I'd rather see it spent this way then fighting useless Republican wars!

And you are not outraged at the hundred of billions "you" have spent on your wars?

And you are not outraged at the hundred of billions "you" have spent on your wars?

Longview is not a idiot,No US citizen must be made to feel they must bow n'scrape tugging a forelock or vote for President Obama in order to receive FEMA aid,it is after all OUR own tax money. The most important management in time of disaster must come from the Governor,state,county/parish/borough,city and town governments as no President can wave a magic wand. As former NOLA resident,in Katrina it was our incompetent former Gov Blanco and former Mayor Nagin that denied pre storm staging of fed govt assets,ignored pre storm fed govt evacuation recommendation then impeded rapid deployment of fed govt rescue and recovery.It was incorrect to play politics with the now discredited Blame Bush campaign and it is equally wrong to Blame Obama,I think the 1000 mile Sandy storm radius made pre storm staging of fed govt fuel,food,water assets difficult. I now live in Florida,Mr Fugate the FEMA Director was Florida's experienced and able EMS Director. Diverting resources to set up the now cancelled NYC Marathon doesn't bode well for the leadership or common sense of NY Gov Cuomo and NYC Mayor Bloomberg. I'm voting Romney Ryan because it IS the ECONOMY!

Franks-6350556: I agree with you. The vast majority of the time, I just read right over typos and common errors. If I can understand the meaning or idea someone is trying to convey, an errant misspelling or common typo doesn't bother me a bit. We all make mistakes.

However, when someone is attempting to insult the intelligence of someone else, and they attempt to do it by starting off their sentence with, "your a" whatever, I always get a chuckle out of that, and wonder if they cringe when they realize what they've done, as it would seem to be a bit embarrassing for the person making the accusation.

Well said JP, I don't mind my tax dollars going to help my fellow man in need. I would rather see it spent helping peopel than killing for oil.