How nice of them to stop FEMA layoffs when there’s a storm barreling across the country. At least Krispi hasn’t killed it yet. She’s going to, though. But that’s a story for another day, because a storm is barreling across the country, and we will need them soon. *However*, there’s something employees are being told, which is not to use a 3-letter word. From CNN via, and with thanks to Raw Story:
Homeland Security authorities were reportedly telling the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday not to use the word “ice” in its public messaging as a monster storm was expected to hit the United States. Two people who were familiar with the command told CNN that federal officials were worried that using the word while states brace for the frigid weather could create confusion or even mockery online — specifically memes — amid the federal agency’s aggressive tactics that have come under public scrutiny.
Yes, we can laugh ‘til we cry, but it’s an interesting point. There are innumerable jokes that can be made about the other ICE already, but on top of a storm? Yea, it makes a weird kind of sense. Here’s something else, by the way – this storm is going *under* the places that are having trouble with the Big ICE. As best as the current maps show, not just under but way under, although there may be some snow. But Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland, the ice storm isn’t showing anywhere near there. It’s down in the south and Texas that look to be getting the worst of it. It’s going to hit the places that will be the least prepared for it, because it doesn’t happen here All The Time. Besides, Ted Cruz may be going on vacation again soon. /snark.
“Officials told staff they worry that certain phrasing – like ‘watch out for ice’ – could be misinterpreted or quickly turned into internet fodder, especially as ICE operations remain a flashpoint in cities like Minneapolis and beyond,” CNN reported. “That would take away from the purpose of the messages, meant to protect people in danger over the next few days, the officials said.” “If FEMA says, ‘Keep off the roads if you see ice,’ it would be easy for the public to meme it,” a source told the outlet. “I think it’s a dangerous precedent to set. If we can’t use clear language to help prepare Americans, then people may be left vulnerable and could suffer.”
That’s the point! People need to know about these conditions; they need to have these warnings because their lives may be in jeopardy! If folks are so concerned about memes, that’s *their* problem. It’s also their sense of humor that has gone moldy in the dark. Somehow, I think people will know which one is meant, Big ICE, or little ice. Sheesh!
FEMA staff was apparently directed to use terms and phrases like “freezing rain” instead. A FEMA spokesperson denied the claim that this was the case in a response to CNN. “’Reporting’ like this reads like a desperate ploy for clickbait rather than real journalism that actually gives Americans disaster preparedness information that could save lives. FEMA will use correct and accurate descriptors of weather conditions to communicate clearly to the American people,” the spokesperson said.
BOOM. There we go. FEMA will use the correct language for the conditions. We can still hope for Big ICE jokes. Now they did get a little snarky there with the “clickbait”, but we can figure it was only to keep from laughing. I wouldn’t have been able to stop laughing to say *anything*. So we’ll keep a lookout and prepare to batten down the hatches. Piles of blankets, including those that the cats could crawl under, things to eat that don’t require power, cat food (duh), and we can charge the phones in the car if need be. Well, assuming we can get into it. Hmmm. Going to need to keep an eye on that because we can’t heat up water if there’s no power. Can’t make coffee either. GAH. Please don’t let our pipes freeze. See you soon!
Friends, I know everyone begs you for money. I promise, among all those asking for spare change, we are the smallest and the hardest working. We’re a group of old, disabled people, except for one writer in his mid-50s. The rest of us are in our sixties and seventies, and this is a labor of love. All we’re asking for is the chance to keep telling the truth about Trump and help ensure democracy survives. If you can help, please do. Thank you. Ursula
The machinations, misdemeanors and cruel crimes they are committing may just make ICE the thing that slips them off their balance in the next elections.
Dadgum, why can’t *I* write like that? 🙂 😉 🙂