Wednesday, 05 February 2025

Disaster Relief Ignored in MAGA Strongholds: Communities in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee Left to Fend for Themselves

Steve Bannon's War Room
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On Wednesday’s WarRoom program, Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam highlighted a dire situation in Western North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, where communities hit by a devastating flood nearly four months ago continue to suffer from neglect by both federal and local government officials. The conversation shed light on the lack of assistance and the grassroots efforts filling the void left by official channels.

The Situation on the Ground:

Bergquam, alongside local business owners and disaster relief coordinators, described how the flood’s aftermath still looks fresh despite the time that has passed. Tyler Burleson from M&T Imports in Erwin, Tennessee, has turned his business into a makeshift aid center, distributing essentials like diapers and clothing where once luxury cars were showcased. “It still looks like it and feels like it happened yesterday,” Burleson noted, emphasizing the absence of federal or local government assistance.

The discussion pinpointed the failure of FEMA to deliver adequate support, with some residents only receiving a paltry $750 in aid, insufficient for rebuilding lives and homes. The frustration was palpable as local individuals and smaller organizations have been left to lead the recovery efforts. Mandy from Haven on the Hill in Waynesville, North Carolina, spoke of the dire need for replacement homes, highlighting the temporary and inadequate solutions like campers in freezing conditions.

Local Government and Political Commentary:

Bannon and Bergquam expressed confusion and outrage over the lack of action from local Republican officials in these MAGA-supportive states. “Why is it that even at the local level, there’s been no movement?” Bannon asked, suggesting a disconnect in the political support these areas typically receive.

Bergquam speculated on possible reasons for the neglect, suggesting that the economic profile of these areas might not be attractive enough for large-scale government intervention or that there could be ulterior motives at play like land grabs for valuable minerals.

Community Responses and Contact Points:

Several grassroots organizations have stepped up where the government has failed:

Appalachian United Initiative (AUI): Led by Tyler Burleson and Misty, this group has been pivotal in distributing aid. Contact can be made via their website or social media platforms under “Appalachian United Initiative.”

Haven on the Hill: Mandy and James run this initiative, focusing on providing shelter and basic needs. They can be reached at 865-296-8805 or through their site at Mighty Fortress Ministries and on their Haven on the Hill’s social media.

Valley Strong Disaster Relief: Jason Ward in Swannanoa, North Carolina, operates this hub, offering various forms of aid. More information is available at valleystrongdisasterrelief.org.

Project Your Home: Jason Seidel’s organization from Marion, North Carolina, helps with housing and resource distribution. Visit projectyourhome.com or find them on social media or their app for more details.

The  WarRoom conversation concluded with a plea for immediate action from President Trump and his administration to address these “forgotten” communities, emphasizing the need for housing, transportation, and long-term financial support. The stark contrast between the attention given to other disasters versus the neglect in these states was a recurring theme, with Bannon and Bergquam calling for accountability and reevaluating disaster relief priorities. This situation underscores the challenges of post-disaster recovery and highlights the political dynamics affecting aid distribution.


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