Hi Gary:

For the past 2 weeks or more, we have been receiving news of the flooding in Fargo and bismarck. Of course I can’t see the desparate situation for obvious reasons, but I can listen, and my favorite listening device is the Public radio station. I want to make it clear right off the bat that i am not pandering the folks in North Dakota, but rather making an honest observation of a people that stand head and shoulders above many in ghis great land of ours. I listened to what the people were doing out there, They simply began to sand bag in preparation of the expected flooding, This effort grew as hundreds of volunteers arrived from the beautiful high country. Their good neighbor, Canada, sent down two large machines for filling sand bags, no fan fare, they thought it was the right thing to do. Next, over one thousands from the University at Grand Forks, came down to help where ever they could and to carry furniture and other valuable household items in homes to upper floors. While this was going on, Mother Nature decided to run another test on those great North Dakota citizens. A howling blizzard followed a period of freezing rain, with snow falls nearing twelve inches, temperatures fell to nearly zero or perhaps below. Still there was no out cry, wailing or panic. They simply continued to work quietly and efficiently in the bitter cold, wet conditions with one aim in mind. That aim was to protect their homes, and make sure that everyone was safe, while helping each other. When local and state officials made any comments, it was in calm measured tones giving strong assurance that the flooding would be controlled.The ice jams at Bismarck and Mandan were promptly dispatched by cool and sensible men. .

What is so striking is the quiet and strong defense of their property, and the national media was pretty much ignored. I have a feeling the North Dakota folks were too busy for silly questions. Their determination and dedication for the survival of their community from the ravages of the flooding river stands out as a tribute to people who have always faced adversity that way. It makes me proud to have been a resident in that great land although it was a long time ago when we faced the drought and depression instead of the flood. I salute those great people and to their success in containing the flood and the preservation of their homes.

Erling Landsverk

Here’s a very interesting blog that gives all of the fellow sandbaggers (and friends) a glimpse into exactly what was achieved over the last week and a half.http://blog.concept3d.com/?p=433