"No land is an island," to paraphrase the poet (Donne). I.e., the Gulf

and the Gulf States are intricately engaged not just with the nation's and planet's ecosystems and economic systems, but with civilization on earth emotionally, intellectually, physically, etc.

If this cannot soon (or ever?) be stopped, it will be a mighty blow to us all.

A great number of DUer's who live outside the Gulf region feel deeply about this already. Since I live down here (southern Louisiana) it's easy to see how almost everyone in the area is deeply affected. It is heartening to see what at times almost seems a viseral response from outside the area. I think it will become more prominant as the crisis proceeds, but it's good to see that the intelligent and sensitive already realize the potential impact on all of our lives and/or have great empathy for us, whose lives may be changed forever.