I had a rant for the pit, covering several areas, however I have realized upon reviewing it that it would be a waste of time. So I have condensed it to the two main things that have been driving me up a wall last night and today, not just in here but also at my work and in town here. I have rephrased them not as a firey complaint, but as suggestions with some reasoning behind them.
#1. STOP CALLING NYC. A lot of us have friends and/or family there that we are concerned about. The lines have been busy for reasons folks, mainly EMERGENCY SERVICES. The folks you are concerned about will let you know if they are okay later on, and if, forbid, they are not, you can’t get there right now anyway. Leave the phone lines open for people that NEED them. At this point, that is a bit more important than your peace of mind.
#2. DO NOT LIE TO GIVE BLOOD. Blood is needed. A call for blood was put out, and the public has rallied in impressive form. The restrictions on who can give blood exist for reasons, however silly you might feel those restrictions to be. IF a blood shortage reaches a level where the Red Cross will overlook the fact that you have HIV, or had a tattoo or piercing recently, or any other restriction you are under, they will let the public know. At this point however, the blood call is being filled. DO NOT lie about your qualifications and possibly endanger someone down the road for the selfish act of making yourself feel good about helping out. If you can’t give blood, put a dollar in an envelope or whatever you can afford and give it to the Red Cross.
That is all. Let’s all use a bit of common sense in the next few weeks. That will help a lot in itself.