“One of the Worst Abandonments of Americans on American Soil Ever”
“One of the Worst Abandonments of Americans on American Soil Ever”
The president of Jefferson Parish in New Orleans, Aaron Broussard, just issued an emotional appeal on NBC’s Meet the Press. By the end, he was completely broken down, sobbing uncontrollably:
[Crooks and Liars, as always, has the video.]
RUSSERT: You just heard the director of homeland security’s explanation of what has happened this last week. What is your reaction?
BROUSSARD: We have been abandoned by our own country. Hurricane Katrina will go down in history as one of the worst storms ever to hit an American coast. But the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will go down as one of the worst abandonments of Americans on American soil ever in U.S. history. … Whoever is at the top of this totem pole, that totem pole needs to be chainsawed off and we’ve got to start with some new leadership. It’s not just Katrina that caused all these deaths in New Orleans here. Bureaucracy has committed murder here in the greater New Orleans area and bureaucracy has to stand trial before Congress now.
Broussard then discussed the difficulties local authorities had with FEMA, including one case where they actually posted armed guards to keep FEMA from cutting their communications lines:
Three quick examples. We had Wal-Mart deliver three trucks of water. FEMA turned them back. They said we didn’t need them. This was a week ago. FEMA, we had 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on a Coast Guard vessel docked in my parish. When we got there with our trucks, FEMA says don’t give you the fuel. Yesterday — yesterday — FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards and said no one is getting near these lines…
Finally, Broussard told the tragic personal story of a colleague, and broke down:
I want to give you one last story and I’ll shut up and let you tell me whatever you want to tell me. The guy who runs this building I’m in, Emergency Management, he’s responsible for everything. His mother was trapped in St. Bernard nursing home and every day she called him and said, “Are you coming, son? Is somebody coming?” and he said, “Yeah, Mama, somebody’s coming to get you.” Somebody’s coming to get you on Tuesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Wednesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Thursday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Friday… and she drowned Friday night. She drowned Friday night! [Sobbing] Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The Secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For god’s sakes, just shut up and send us somebody.
Wow, wish I could have seen that…
September 4th, 2005 at 11:31 amOne country knows how to do this right, and they’ve been cited as a model by the United Nations International Secretariat for Disaster Reduction. Last year, they evacuationed 1.5 million people in advance of a category 5 hurricane without the loss of a single life. They know how to do it, and we should learn from them. Read about it here.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:40 amNo link dude.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:41 amThe Mealy Mouth Finger Flinger responds to Broussard.
http://www.storytimedolls.net/mmff.html
September 4th, 2005 at 11:43 am>>>>
Wow, wish I could have seen that…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Don’t worry…I’m sure there will be plenty more of these poignant stories about the utter incompetence and callousness shown by this criminal Bush regime. Whenever the story of this fiasco (and others perpetrated by these bastards) comes to light; and whenever the chickens come home to roost, these people will be exposed for what they are. Let’s not forget that all the gutless ‘enablers’ in the Democratic Party should be equally exposed for their criminal negligence in the face of an Executive Branch gone mad!
September 4th, 2005 at 11:47 amI hope video becomes available, and I want to see it looped and looped and looped until the American public GETS IT and DEMANDS THAT RESPONSIBILITY IS TAKEN ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP.
Those horrible creatures that pretend to be our leaders should be removed for this. They should rot in whatever hell there may be.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:48 amGood God.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:48 amWhere are our gutless, witless and shameless trolls? This is a national emergency! Bush is drowning in a cesspool of his own shit! Who don’t they get off their lazy incompetent asses and apologize for Bush and blame the victims? Bush needs apologists now!
September 4th, 2005 at 11:53 amN.O. needs to convene Grand Jurys to investigate and indict Bush and his fellow criminals. Do it now and strike at the bastards.
Congress will not hold them guys accountable. They will be in the background of the Photo-Op of Bush giving his minions the Medal of Freedom.
Start the God Damn Grand Jurys. Indict them all and convict them.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:54 amI did see this segement and believe that talking heads like Russert need to be OFF the airwaves. Give the airtime to folks who know what’s happening.
The script writers at CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, have shown that they are uninformed and their false information is contributing to this crisis. Gross negligence.
WHO ordered trucks filled with drinking water to turn around? WHO ordered diesel supplies away from the city? WHO pulled the plug on the emergency communications? Each of these acts (described by Broussard) are ENEMY ACTS and should be treated as TREASON.
Start naming names.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:55 amGeorge is doing his part in the Orwellian world. He needs to have his ‘two minutes of hate’ too.
Bush bashing is so old. Older than Katrina news.
It is a nation in decline, good ol’ Murka has hit the skids.
A depression is here and it is now. Get used to it.
More to come. Frantic hysteria, untold loss of life.
Call it ‘Divine Retribution,’ or whatever. You don’t go invading countries for political and economic purposes and not have to pay a high price.
Have you ever spoken with a holocaust survivor? Somebody who actually rode in boxcars to a German concentration camp? When they get out of the boxcars, they scour the ground in gardens that were once there. “If only we had some potatoes, we’d be rich.”
Nine years old when she was in Auschwitz. She had it tough until 1955. The East German government finally let her leave.
You think you have it tough now here in the US. think again.
Empires don’t last and end violently. That is the way things now here in Murka.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:56 amI have seen over and over again ,Government apologists state that this disaster was unforeseeable. Is a massive terorist attack foreseeable?, and will they respond the same way? It looks like the answer to the last is yes.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:01 pmI just saw the broadcast, Corrryn, and I hope you will see it replayed over and over.
I’ve seen a few posts on this (there’s a thread on Harry Shearer’s blog on Huffington Post), and there is something missing from what I’ve read thus far.
In the segment preceding Russert’s conversation with Mr. Broussard, DHS secretary Michael Chertoff dodged some extremely piercing questions from Russert. Chertoff asserted that “many things have gone well,” and admitted that “a few things have not gone well.” A “few” things?
Before he broke down, Mr. Broussard told Tim Russert that Wal-Mart had sent ten tractor trailer loads of bottled water to New Orleans. FEMA officials sent them away, saying that they weren’t needed. Mr. Broussard was told that fuel was being trucked in for their use in holding the levees together. When Broussard’s people drove trucks to pick up the fuel, they were told that FEMA said they couldn’t have it.
It is difficult to avoid the feelings of anger, frustration, even hopelessness in this situation. However, I have found another strong emotion welling in myself–dread. If this is how the DHS responds to a natural disaster that was on the radar for DAYS before it happenned, one whose effects were predicted by YEARS of research, how will they respond if there is another attack on this country by al-Qaeda?
I just hope and pray that they (a-Q) are not planning something soon. An attack launched at this point would indeed make 9/11 appear like a warning shot.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:01 pmI saw it, and it moved me to tears. I fear for these people, who having physically survived, have to be in great danger of psychological breakdown, as it appears there is no end in sight to this disaster.
I don’t think the country can survive three more years of a Bush presidency, staffed by incompetent and unqualified cronies, none of whom know how to take responsibility for their failures.
Thanks to the billion-dollar restructuring of government, which has been revealed as little more than a new organizational chart, a restooling that was supposed to make us better prepared for another disaster, we have instead given the terrorists a front row seat to our vulnerabilites.
Way to go – Medals of Freedom all the way around! Promotion for Michael Brown!
Worst. President. Ever.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:05 pmBUSH IS A GREAT MAN! A MAN OF GOD! GOD CHOSE BUSH TO LEAD US OUT TO THE VALLEY OF DEARTH! GOD PUNISHED THE FILTY HEEFUNS IN HEW ORLEENS FOR THEIR SODOMES!
September 4th, 2005 at 12:08 pmIf Ron keeps straddling the fence this way, the next time he chooses which side to jump off onto, he just may catch his balls on some barbed wire.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:09 pmBetter stop criticising or the sky will fall.
Let’s not knock Bush, he is using FEMA to reduce the welfare rolls. The method is a bit harsh, but he’s getting results.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:11 pmI was castrated in the 1970’s when I lost my job with the US government and have never found another decent job since then. I have more or less had to fend for myself for over 33 years now. I know what it feels like to go hungry.
But, go ahead, say anything and all that you possibly can to injure my ego. It does make you feel better.
I will happily be ‘the least of the brethren’ here. Not a problem.
Feel for all of the displaced people of the Gulf Coast.
Help them and quit picking on an untermenschen like me. I’m used to it.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:15 pm>>>>
The script writers at CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, have shown that they are uninformed and their false information is contributing to this crisis. Gross negligence.
>>>>>
Gee whiz, in all of this excitement, people (including the media) seem to have forgotten that there is still a very pretty blonde teenager missing in the Caribbean.
What’s up with that? Shouldn’t we be devoting a little air time to the search for Natalee, before we start making unkind remarks about President Bush and his administration?
Greta, Geraldo, all of ya…get back to your posts in Aruba!
September 4th, 2005 at 12:15 pmMy suggestion is to round up all of the Bushcovites in the administration, in Congress and in the media and lock them all up in the uncleaned Convention Center in NO indefinitely, without food, water, phones, electricity etc. And let the whole lot suffer the consequences. At least the rest of us will be rid of them, once and for all.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:16 pmNo one with a beating heart could have watched that interview on MTPress today and not cried. The administration may not have committed murder, but they sure have committed criminal manslaughter.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:22 pmSHOT UP YOU COMMIE BASTERD! tHIS RON GUY IS A COMMIE BASTERD! YOU OINKO COMMIE BASTERDS ARE LIBODEMOCOMMIES INDA SKIES!
September 4th, 2005 at 12:22 pmi saw this egment too and it moved all watching to tears…the raw emotions the heartfelt pleas, and this followed Russerts in-elegant attempt to place blame back ojn the NO Mayor and LA Governor….and was followed by the the Governor of Mississippi sprouting more Bush talking points…I only hope the truth will contiue to be exposed and those in this administration who are culpable will get their just “rewards”
September 4th, 2005 at 12:25 pmYOU ARE A COMMIE TOO! YOU ARE ALL PINKO COMMIE BASTURDS! ACLU COMMIES CARRYING YOUR CARDS.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:27 pmI didn’t see the interview but I can get the jist of it by reading your responses.
WHen FEMA denys help from those who can supply food and water to victims, isnt that just like pulling Terri’s feeding tube?
The difference between Terri and these victims is that these people are not braindead and have been denied nourishment and hydration, that is a crime.
The neocons cannot come out and say they werent diliberately starved when FEMA refused food and water from charitable people.
Grand Jury time.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:34 pmI just wish that the clip would have had more of the MS gov saying that THEY GOT EVERYTHING THEY NEEDED on MONDAY!!!
September 4th, 2005 at 12:38 pmBushco won’t be held accountable. They’re doing their jobs. This doesn’t happen in Murka, so it isn’t real at all. What is real is the reality that the neocons make. Nothing else counts. ‘We don’t do body counts’
No matter where anymore. Irak or Murka, it doesn’t matter.
FEEBLE FEMA has it all under control. Your help isn’t really needed.
It’s like the ‘Final Solution.’
New Orleans will become the ‘Shining City by the Sea’
Be good murkans and watch it all unfold. Don’t worry, be happy.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:46 pmThis piece made my sob along with this guest. I wanted to plunge through my tv and hug this man. This is a travisty.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:46 pmCatch the re-run tonight, Susan on MSNBC where MTP is rebroadcast. It will sadden you and infuriate you.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:47 pmWho will have the video of today’s MTP and when?
Thanks.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:47 pmBobby, what time will it be run on MSNBC?
Thanks.
September 4th, 2005 at 12:58 pmI was castrated in the 1970’s when I lost my job with the US government and have never found another decent job since then. I have more or less had to fend for myself for over 33 years now. I know what it feels like to go hungry.
But, go ahead, say anything and all that you possibly can to injure my ego. It does make you feel better.
I will happily be ‘the least of the brethren’ here. Not a problem.
Feel for all of the displaced people of the Gulf Coast.
Help them and quit picking on an untermenschen like me. I’m used to it.
Comment by Ron — September 4, 2005 @ 12:15 pm
So now YOU’RE “the least of the bretheren here”?
September 4th, 2005 at 1:00 pmEver had to work 90 hour weeks for less than $100.00 a week BECAUSE THERE WERE NO OTHER JOBS? EVER HAD TO SLEEP IN A DITCH OWNING NOTHING MORE THAN THE CLOTHES ON YOUR BACK? You sad, pampered little man, I could trump any sad story you have – but what’s the use? Your “least” comments betray a victimhood much deeper that your circumstances allow. Poor baby, at least I don’t consider my bad luck as giving me “street cred”.
PODCAST
September 4th, 2005 at 1:02 pmFor those of you who are interested, NBC podcasts the audio from Meet the Press”. You can get it free from the iTunes music store (of course you have to have iTunes 4.9 first, which is also free from apple.com)
What john-the-elder said!!!!
September 4th, 2005 at 1:04 pmHere is the link to the video clip on MNBC’s website showing Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard crying over the drowning of a state worker’s mother.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/
September 4th, 2005 at 1:05 pmChertoff said he didn’t know the situation was so bad because he read in Tuesday’s papers that New Orleans “dodged the bullet.”
So who can blame the poor guy? He looked the headlines, the headlines were wrong, he was surprised as any normal person would be that the newspapers didn’t carry correct information. Gosh, how can you blame a guy for reading the newspaper on a Tuesday morning?
September 4th, 2005 at 1:08 pmListen, this is nothing new – it is business as usual with this administration. All they care about is their cabal of choice – big business, the super rich, and the military-industrial complex. Now you have it played before your eyes on TV in living color.
The question that I have is this – how long are we going to let the wipe away the democratic landscape it too a hundred years to build? How long are we going to let them
September 4th, 2005 at 1:09 pmfinance a criminal war on our backs?
On the one hand we have a president who never reads the papers, and on the other the head of DHS who only reads the papers.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:11 pmDONT TAKE YOUR EYAES OFF THE OTHER HAND
September 4th, 2005 at 1:15 pmFEMA is a distraction to make us think they are trying to help. What the want is total disaster so that the Fed can take control, kick out the media, eliminate dissenters and then finally hand the city over to Halliburton. Why are they cutting the emergency communications? What information do they not want out of the city? Be very suspicious of anything these fuckwads are doing, it is always corrupt.
This administration should be tried for CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY. They kept food and water out and allowed people to die. Does any more need to be said?
September 4th, 2005 at 1:16 pmI can barely stop crying for these people and my country.
This in from a German news reporter in Biloxi during the President’s visit.
“Along his [Bush] travel route aid units removed debris and recovered corpses. Then Bush left and along with him, all aid troops left too. ”
So, US troops were basically pressed into service as “set designers” for Bush’s photo ops with Trent Lott and Haley Barber.
Words cannot express my disgust.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:19 pmYou will probably NOT see him on TV again, it was just too, too powerful, too blatant and too raw for the administration to respond to without looking like SOB’s. I was crying when this man finished his statement, and was very disappointed that Russert, instead of letting him speak further, switched to Haley Barbour(R), Gov.of MS, who bragged about what a good job the feds, Coast Guard, and National Guard had done in his state. Could that be BECAUSE of the political affiliation of Barbour, Trent Lott,and the other pols from MS?
September 4th, 2005 at 1:21 pmMichael Chertoff, the moron who has been all over TV justifying the egregious negligence of FEMA, was spinning the fault for the LA disaster as belonging at the feet of LOCAL LA DEMOCRATIC leaders (Gov. Blanco, Mayor Hagen.)I am already smelling this different state response as a very politically partisan difference. There is no way that Rove was going to let Bush send federal money and troops to rescue Democrats and voters who didn’t support him. I think this is called the “slo-mo” response…giving the Bush people some plausible deniablity for the failure, while getting the message out to other states very clearly. No one should underestimate the depth of depravity that Karl Rove will sink to in order to maintain right wing, State’s Rights party pre-eminence in government.
The segment was heartbreaking, all the more so since MTP had moments earlier aired Chertoff defending the absurd claim by Bush that no one anticipated the breaching of the levees. He argued that still as of Tuesday everybody thought NO had dodged a bullet. False. Reports came in Monday morning that pumps were failing and levees were being overtopped and breaching. Google August 29 and see for yourself. Lies, lies, lies. Criminal lies. When will it dawn on people that those in power who assume a mantle of moral authority along with raw power DO NOT serve the interests of the American people? When will America realize that we have already lost our democracy in the Bush era? Oh, and guess who has already received contracts for repair and reconstruction of military facilities in the area? Haliburton. Shameful.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:21 pmvotetoimpeach.org
September 4th, 2005 at 1:24 pmvotetoimpeach.org
votetoimpeach.org
I am just waiting for Northeast Dilemma to show up and tell us the emergency communication lines had to be cut.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:26 pmHeartbreaking, just heartbreaking.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:27 pmGeorge W Bush is living proof of the validity of the Peter Principle. His level of competence was reached when he was a coke snorting drunk. Now he’s in over his head and we are all suffering for it, the people of the Gulf Coast most of all (at this moment – let’s not forget the kin of dead GIs and the people in Iraq.)
I personally feel that W stole both elections but whether he did or not … the people who voted for him voted for a brand name ( a similar phenomena has a Taft as Gov. of Ohio, a Daley as Mayor of Chicago and _God help us – a Schwarznager (sp?) as Gov. of California.
Not that voting for a recognizable name is a bad thing but … most village idiots are likable people (and well known) that doesn’t mean you want them in positions of power and responsibility.
I can hardly wait for1/20/09.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:30 pmAirplanes being tracked on radar making U turn detours from their flight plans and flying into buildings. No one could have anticipated this.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:33 pmNo one could have anticipated that ther would be no WMD’s in Iraq, No one could have anticipated that the levies would be breeched…hmmmm…is there a patternn emerging here….and why has bush and company not been required to testify as to the treasons….I mean reasons for these nonanticipations….just furious….I mean curious
FEMA cut emergency communication lines
I may be straying into tinfoil hat territory here, but I’m starting to wonder if FEMA was given directions to reduce the impact on neighboring areas by killing as many New Orleans citizens as they thought they could politically get away with.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:33 pmThey cut…
The entire Congress must be held accountable for letting the dictator/tyrants of Bush, Cheney, Rumsefeld and Rice to run this government into Fascism…all for business NONE for the average citizen except war and taxes
September 4th, 2005 at 1:34 pmI just tried to watch the vid of the parish pres..the vid is overwhelmed with hits…good..I hope they play it over and over. Right now I’m just to choked up to comment. Can’t see the screen thru these tears.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:35 pmThis is truly a day; if not week, in America which will affect and change us all as Americans. “We the People” rings true.
We will come together.
We shall overcome.
We will take our America back.
We will take it back for the impoverished and weak.
We as Americans have no other choice.
We all feel the pain of our New Orleans and Mississippi brothers and sisters.
We will never forget.
We will never quit.
We are.
We are Americans.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:37 pm[...] More quotes from the interview, detailing how FEMA actively worsened their situation and accusing the federal goverment of murder can be found here. [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 1:42 pmOn the positive side, look at all the jobs Bush is going to create cleaning up this mess—not to mention the building, energy and contruction companies in the stock market.
September 4th, 2005 at 1:52 pmTry this site, it shows W’s deep concern or the people of MS and LA:
September 4th, 2005 at 1:55 pmhttp://thanksalot.ytmnd.com/
[...] Thinkprogress USSERT: You just heard the director of homeland security’s explanation of what has happened this last week. What is your reaction? [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 2:00 pm“Broussard: ‘We have been abandoned by our own co
This is what Junior’s administration’s failure is all about.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:00 pmHow could FEMA move in and do affirmative damage? How could they turn away aid (water) when they haven’t provided any? Who cares if there is extra water hanging around? It’ll be needed later. When FEMA promises that someone is coming, it prevents or discourages others from coming. Why would they cut communications lines? I believe this man, and it doesn’t make sense.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:02 pmI just watched the video clip of Mr. Broussard on MSNBC. It’s heart wrenching. The clip didn’t include the part about the problems he’s had with FEMA, though.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:11 pmOur brothers and sisters in NO died because they are poor … and being poor and black in the United States never has been a lucky combination.
I’m not angry … what I’m feeling now is waaaaay beyond anger.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:14 pm[...] BROUSSARD: We have been abandoned by our own country. Hurricane Katrina will go down in history as one of the worst storms ever to hit an American coast. But the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will go down as one of the worst abandonments of Americans on American soil ever in U.S. history. … Whoever is at the top of this totem pole, that totem pole needs to be chainsawed off and we’ve got to start with some new leadership. It’s not just Katrina that caused all these deaths in New Orleans here. Bureaucracy has committed murder here in the greater New Orleans area and bureaucracy has to stand trial before Congress now. [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 2:15 pmSusan,
September 4th, 2005 at 2:16 pmI’ve been watching coverage all week and believe me Mississippi is not getting the help it needs. Anderson Cooper was in Mississippi actually crying on televsion on Thursay or Friday. Cooper was complaining that there were bodies in the streets being eaten by rats and that these people had not seen any federal authorities. There was no water or food or fuel. Other stories focused on shelters in Mississippi where residents had to help each other. Barbour is mistaken as well as complicit in the cover-up.
Oh god, listening to Meet the Press on Podcast and hearing about the water being refused and the cut lines and refusing fuel to these people.
What on earth are people coming to when the government *denies* water to people who are slowly dying, help to people who are drowning.
Why the hell shouldn’t we be pissed about it and who is Cheroff to tell us to stop because it’s distracting! Distracting!
I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard in my life as I have listening to Broussard.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:18 pmI did see a brief replay of the video clip on CNN and was overwhelmed, not just with saddness but with a feeling of totally hopelessness. As a middle aged mom in the midwest I’ve grow tired of wringing my hands and praying we will survive this incompetent president and his cronies. I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE. BUSH MUST BE IMPEACHED NOW!
September 4th, 2005 at 2:28 pmTim Russert was awful. Why doesn’t he just admit he’s a mouthpiece for the liberal Democrats? Does anyone really think this will help the left? Not when a debate is had.
Democrats can NEVER be trusted to handle these types of situations. Mayor NO and Gov Blanco will be destroyed.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:36 pmI just saw this. I just saw it replayed. After watching that, I burst into tears. This is the most appalling thing to happen to our own citizens in four years. And this time, the immense loss of life and sense of panic are directly the responsibility of our government’s lack of preparation. I’ve never been so angry at our government, and I’ve disapproved of it since early 2001. This is ridiculous.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:37 pmListen up you uninformed christians start useing your brains along with your Bible!!!
September 4th, 2005 at 2:39 pmJust because someone claims to be a christian does not make him one. Bush and his cronies have to be judged by their actions. Have you christians ever read about how the anti Christ will fool the masses into following him. You better get reading before it is to late. There is a reason there is suppose to be a division of Church and state it is proven by the mess caused by the last two elections. A christian would not start a war, a christian would not favor only the wealthy, a christian would show compassion to people starving and thirsty no matter what color or voting district they came from. Bush is an opertunist not a christian. I hope the next election will be about intelligence and integridy not religion because our country is going to Hell. I am a christian, George is a disgrace as a president and man. I hope they start impeachment proceedings his presidency has cost to many lives. 9/11 – the war- now hurricane Katrina.
We could never survive a terrist attack with these morons in charge. Rudy got us through 9/11 not George. Lets hope some one gives us an accurate death count from Katrina caused from incompidence and those to the death count of the war.
I can see it: the water being turned away, hording the diesel, cutting communication lines that aren’t “official Homeland Security/FEMA” communications lines.
It’s just so typical of this administration. In short, it’s the Bush regime against every other government in the world, it’s the Bush regime against the American people. Total paranoid control from a small circle of approved officials. From that foundation, they can never accomplish the decent thing even if they have half a mind to do so.
And half my mind tells me they decided to take their chances and not spend a penny beforehand. (Have you seen the link to the October >2001
September 4th, 2005 at 2:40 pmGood God CNN just replayed that clip. I was walking past the living room TV and just stood there dumbfounded, watching this man sob and plead for help. This is worlds beyond incompetence.
The only question really is – when will Bush be handing out the medals and promotions.
EFFING. NIGHTMARE.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:41 pmhttp://www.americaswetland.com/article.cfm?id=241&cateid=2&pageid=3&cid=16
Broussard was a prophet (scroll down):
Parishes Against Coastal Erosion (PACE) Response to the Bush Administration’s June 14, 2005 Policy Statement on the Proposed Energy Act of 2005
By Parishes Against Coastal Erosion
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA and other federal and state agencies along with university experts agree that nowhere in the world is a coastal region losing wetlands and protective barrier islands faster than Louisiana. About this there is no doubt. It is predicted that by 2050, one third of coastal Louisiana will have vanished into the Gulf of Mexico. Our coast and its wetlands is a system on the verge of collapse. Without wetlands to buffer storms, our people and property and the nation’s energy supply are at risk. Oil and gas pipelines and facilities, which provide 25% of the Nation’s energy needs, are more vulnerable with each storm. Oil and gas activities and federal actions to control the Mississippi River for navigation and flood control are largely responsible for the drastic loss of our coastal. PACE believes we are completely within our right to ask the federal government to share money generated from offshore oil and gas revenues with the coastal states that bear a disproportionate burden in supporting this nation’s energy needs.
Louisiana’s congressional delegation has urged Congress for more than a decade to return to the state a fair share of the revenue from the production of offshore oil and gas both because of the impact of offshore production on Louisiana and because interior states get 50% of revenues from oil and gas production on federal lands.
The president has supported the concept, but has backed off when it comes to funding the restoration effort. PACE believes Louisiana can no longer afford to wait. Louisiana urgently needs guaranteed resources to thwart a catastrophe that is not being given the sense of urgency that it demands.
We believe the case has been made. Louisiana’s wetlands – America’s WETLAND – is crucial to the nations oil and gas production, commercial fisheries, navigation and commerce and national security. Restoring the damage hastened by years of inland and offshore drilling is clearly a national responsibility.
The President, in this Policy Statement, has failed us. To sidestep this as a key issue would be a serious deficiency, in the Energy Bill, and the entire nation will suffer as a consequence.
Our Louisiana legislature this month passed a constitutional amendment requiring any new offshore oil and gas revenue to be put in a trust fund dedicated to coastal erosion.
Louisiana has made a commitment. Now, it’s time for the President to step up to the plate and support funding to prevent the untold damage to the ecology, economy and potential loss of life in large numbers.
With the National Hurricane Center predicting another active hurricane season, PACE President Aaron Broussard said he fears that it is going to take a major storm and significant loss of life before the nation acts responsibly.
The PACE organization’s frustration with the Administration’s Statement was reflected in St. Bernard Parish President, Henry “Junior” Rodriguez’s comment that “Louisiana contributes much to this Nations energy needs. It’s time we take a hard look at our alternatives and consider whether we want to keep up this level of oil and gas production. ”
If you have any questions, please contact Jefferson Parish President and PACE President, Aaron Broussard at (504) 736-6400.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:42 pmI do hope that this was not deliberate. It is so horrible to even contemplate. But how can we explain FEMA turning away bottled water and gasoline?
This is incomprehensible.
Let the Light shine and reveal the truth of this event.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:43 pmSome 61,000,000 million people, including a goodly numbner of Louisiana residents voted for, or perhaps better, hornswoggled, into voting for George W. Bush.
We warned people that this man Bush was incompetant, and that Bush despised the public at large. That his idea of conservatism was on par with Louis the 14th’s ideas “Etat c’est moi.”
For our trouble we were called traitors, America haters, fag lovers, irreligious, friends of either Osama or Saddam, or both, unmindful of Islamofascism, forgetful of 9/11, or just plain crazy, stupid, insane, and who the hell knows what all.
Well behold your Bush in action there now.
We told you so!
Please support an effort to get this incompetant President removed from office before more die needlessly from failure at the top.
Sal Marelli, aka, boilerman10
September 4th, 2005 at 2:44 pmSal – probably not. The same people that were foaming at the mouth last year are the ones doing it today. You won’t gain politically from this. Hate never wins elections.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:52 pm“Hate never wins elections”
I don’t know if you’re just immensely naive or chose your words poorly. Last years national elections were won in large part by hatred towards and fear-mongering of homosexuals by making gay marraige a central issue, in the midst of wars, economic uncertianty and countless other ACTUAL problems we face. Hell look at any smear campaign ever and you’ll see that hate obviously is a very strong motivating factor to get people off their butts and in a voting booth.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:58 pmNico,
You forgot the last half of this story. Gov. Haley Barber of Mississippi was up next, He wnt on to tell how they had been delivered water and meals and felt the federal response was excellent. I have to ask the question since Russert didn’t, was the exellent response in Mississippi due to the fact the Barber was once the Chair of the RNC and the fact that Trent Lott was from this area? If so, then we again see the help the few while many suffer mentality. You also can’t help but notice that the majority from Gulfport MS are white while the opposite is true for New Orleans.
It is shameful, this is not the government for all but for the select. I can only hope that the democrats in congress get off their ass when they return next week and press the obvious hard.
September 4th, 2005 at 2:59 pmSouter, hate won Bush’s elections.
Of course you have to tell your opponents that it does not, so they won’t try to beat you at your own game.
Those deaths are on your hands. We will not let you forget it.
Look who Bush appointed to run FEMA. A guy who couldn’t manage a Big Mac Attack. FEMA was gutted, and disaster preparedness programs were slashed. Homeland Security failed its first big test. Feel confident? Bush is a no-good no-account who chooses loyalty over competence, probably because he knows nothing about competence.
Clinton’s FEMA director is on the scene to save the day. Thank God for that.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:00 pmBush did not win on hate. Many people oppose gay marriage and don’t hate gays. Of course, that is a concept the left has simply been unable to grasp.
The hatred in the media, in the lefty blogs and within the Democratic Party, is being noted and trust me – it is not good. You people are begging for another ass kickin at the polls and I think you’ll get it.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:04 pmA whisper campaign spreading rumors of lesbianism of the Texas governor Ann Richards.
A constitutional amendment to save marriage from the hated homosexuals.
Christianity is under attack!
Liberals want to ban prayer!
Maybe it’s not hate, maybe it’s fear that Bush uses to win elections.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:04 pmSouter, drop the ad hominem and explain who Bush appointed to head FEMA.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:05 pm“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality” Dante (1265-13210
It’s time to pick sides and fight like hell!!!! Remove and replace the incompetent leadership of this administration in ALL corners of government – congressional, executive, and the judiciary!!!
September 4th, 2005 at 3:09 pmAnd when are these Bush supporters going to start judging Bush by his results?
Gay marriage — legal and spreading.
Emergency response — we’re all screwed, I hope you have a month’s supply of drinking water locked away somewhere safe, and some firearms to defend it.
Fiscal sanity – ha!
War on terror – going just great I’m sure. We’re killing lots of people, that’s got to help us. And bin Laden who?
America’s standing in the world – we went from being a beacon of hope to an object of hate and sorrow.
Morals – do you think we are a more moral society now?
No child left behind – hey test scores are up slightly this year. Hooray.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:11 pmDon’t let these bastards off the hook for anything. Fight like hell. Don’t listen to this “we need a loyal opposition” or “stand with the president” or “we’re one nation”
too little too late, like the mass grave that was New Orleans, now called Lake George.
If they wanted a loyal opposition, they would have made compromise a policy. No, what they wanted was to wipe out the opposition altogether. If I were them, I’d be scared as hell.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:13 pmIf guys like Steven Souter think this debacle will blow over like a typical scandal or F-up, they are completely in denial. If they think this is the sort of thing that can be quieted down, they are simply insane.
Wait until the first actual body count comes in. Wait until we see how many american citizens lost their lives, and then we’ll see who pays what price at the polls.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:19 pmI would like to thank Aaron Broussard for his heroism. We all should, really. What is the best way to reach him at this time?
September 4th, 2005 at 3:25 pmWell, perhaps now we will emerge from the long darkness.
September 4th, 2005 at 3:42 pmHow much misery and blood is required for people to see?
A change must, finally, come.
I also saw the show this morning. One question I have is this. It is bad enough to insist that rescue efforts were not being undertaken because ” we didn’t know how bad it was” until days later than any American with a TV set knew, but what was the excuse for not allowing water and fuel to go through, or to cut off emergency communications. That, in my opinion, is imoral and quite possibly, criminal. I hope there are others in power that see it this way. Mr Brown and Mr chertoff will probably get a medal of freedom and some low schlump will be blamed. God Bless America.
September 4th, 2005 at 4:31 pmJust curious if everyone thinks someone like Kerry would have done a better job..
September 4th, 2005 at 4:40 pmMaxwell Smart would have done a better job.
September 4th, 2005 at 4:43 pmAlso Mr. McGoo. He had more insight then W.
September 4th, 2005 at 4:46 pmBut then George of the Jungle is good at clearing brush, and doesn’t need a chain saw.
September 4th, 2005 at 4:48 pmI actually just saw this video – shameless.
Mary Landrieu also threatened to punch Bush on ABC. A new ABC poll shows public divided on govt handling of issue – this one is going to backfire on the left. Your (and Tim Russert’s) hatred is simply not normal.
September 4th, 2005 at 4:58 pmThis is not incompetence. It is not crtiminal negligence. this is a deliberate sacrifice of innocent people to the Lord of Darkness, the Father of Murder, the Father of Lies, Satan.
There are ceremonies of Evil as well as Good.
How else can you describe this? Help is available, the good old USA generousity and ‘can do’ and what??????
Since Amerikkka is so hard to pronounce, and GeheimenStaat is in German, in conversation I will simply be refering to ‘The Country Formerly Known as the USA’
Forces of Light, Unite!
September 4th, 2005 at 5:01 pmKhut Mau
[...] One from crooksandliars. here Here is a quote from Think Progress I want to give you one last story and I’ll shut up and let you tell me whatever you want to tell me. The guy who runs this building I’m in, Emergency Management, he’s responsible for everything. His mother was trapped in St. Bernard nursing home and every day she called him and said, “Are you coming, son? Is somebody coming?†and he said, “Yeah, Mama, somebody’s coming to get you.†Somebody’s coming to get you on Tuesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Wednesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Thursday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Friday… and she drowned Friday night. She drowned Friday night! [Sobbing] Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The Secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For god’s sakes, just shut up and send us somebody. [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 5:01 pmSouter, if a week’s delay in FEMA response, costing thousands of American lives somehow backfires on the left, then Karl Rove should get a medal of freedom.
September 4th, 2005 at 5:03 pm“You forgot the last half of this story. Gov. Haley Barber of Mississippi was up next, He wnt on to tell how they had been delivered water and meals and felt the federal response was excellent. I have to ask the question since Russert didn’t, was the exellent response in Mississippi due to the fact the Barber was once the Chair of the RNC and the fact that Trent Lott was from this area? If so, then we again see the help the few while many suffer mentality. You also can’t help but notice that the majority from Gulfport MS are white while the opposite is true for New Orleans.
It is shameful, this is not the government for all but for the select. I can only hope that the democrats in congress get off their ass when they return next week and press the obvious hard.”
This to me is utter bullspit. I think that Missippi is better prepared for this type of disaster – simply because they have lived and rebuilt from them many more times than NO. Let’s face facts here folks. NO and the State of Louisanna just aren’t prepared enough to deal with this type of emergency. Does the Federal government have to protect everyone from their own stupidity?
September 4th, 2005 at 5:06 pmRe: 87 by Judy
September 4th, 2005 at 5:08 pmHas anyone, male or female, had a spouse who said “I want to do it myself, dear.”? That in a nutshell is FEMA’s position. When a tornado struck in northern downtown Dallas in the mid 50’s Sears was the first first responder with relief supplies from its warehouse. Fed help arrived in about a day, but the help from business sector was there in an instant.
Sal Morelli – perhaps more appropriate would be Louis XV’s expression, ‘Apres moi, le deluge’ – or in Bushspeak ‘Avec moi, le deluge’.
September 4th, 2005 at 5:11 pmSteven Souter – you made me laugh, honestly! And this has been a time when we could all use a good laugh. On the inhale, you declaim that Bush and the right didn’t ‘win on hate’ and that the conservative tolerance ‘is a concept the left has simply been unable to grasp’ And on the exhale you declare
‘You people (meaning us lefty liberals)are begging for another ass kickin at the polls and I think you’ll get it’. Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! You couldn’t get a better example of Bushthink if you made it up! Thank you for such a shining example of the kind of nutzoid mentality that got us Bush and into this mess in the first place! Thank you ever so much!
Comment by Steven Souter — September 4, 2005 @ 3:04 pm
September 4th, 2005 at 5:21 pmYou’re looking for a speck in my eye, dano347. You should be harnessing a twenty-mule team to pull the log from George Bush’s eye.
This is a sad ordeal for America.
It is traumatizing us all.
We should all know by now how the Iraqis have been feeling for the last 15 years.
In 1980 I had an income of 1000 dollars. A full twenty bucks per week.
I don’t need any lecturing on how poor somebody can get.
My grandmother never had a flush toilet.
Ad hominem never helps.
But, of course, feel free to say anything you want about me or anybody else. It’s called free speech.
Have a nice day.
September 4th, 2005 at 5:27 pmThe dead might not rest, but the living are homeless – beware that they do not use their free time to MARCH ON WASHINGTON.
September 4th, 2005 at 5:36 pmWe have chosen a class society out of greed and hypocritically claim to be religious. No Capitalist state can ever be ethically acceptable. Higher classes always exploit those benieth them. It is inevitable. Our institutions (some supposedly educational) only make us more vulnerable to the exploitation. Many people in New Orleans were neglected. They were NOT wealthy people!
September 4th, 2005 at 5:43 pmI too, saw Parish President Broussard sobbing and crying and my heart went out to him and his constituents – who no doubt trust him. I wonder if he was feeling badly being the Parish President (a job of some local importance) knowing that the levees had the capacity to withstand a Cat 3 storm – and knowing nothing had been done in sometime to strengthen that system. Just remember, to be a devoted whiner and progressive, one must ALWAYS blame Bush for EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE – AT -ALL -TIMES!!!
September 4th, 2005 at 5:46 pmProshchay!
September 4th, 2005 at 5:53 pm#102 – - “We have chosen a class society out of greed and hypocritically claim to be religious. No Capitalist state can ever be ethically acceptable. Higher classes always exploit those benieth them. It is inevitable. Our institutions (some supposedly educational) only make us more vulnerable to the exploitation.”
Nice synopsis of the Communist Manifesto – I didn’t think you were trying to pass that off as an original thought. (Please tell me you’re in college and your parents are NOT wasting their capitalistic $$$ sending you!! It amazing how much better grades college students get when spending their own evil dollars.)
September 4th, 2005 at 5:54 pmThey made a serious mistake messing with Harry Lee. He doesn’t take any crap from anybody, and he acts decisively and immediately. I don’t approve of a lot of things that he has done, but credit where credit is due. He’s paid for an awful lot of sins.
September 4th, 2005 at 6:03 pmCORRRECTION
Earlier today on this blog, I posted that Walmart had dispatched 10 tractor trailer loads of water to New Orleans.
After reviewing Russert’s interview with Broussard, I discovered the number of trucks, according to Broussard, was actually three.
I posted earlier having only just seen the broadcast live, and I apologize for the error.
However, FEMA did in fact turn away those three WalMart trucks
September 4th, 2005 at 6:11 pm#102 – Nice synopsis of the Communist Manifesto – I didn’t think you were trying to pass that off as an original thought. (Please tell me you’re in college and your parents are NOT wasting their capitalistic $$$ sending you!! It amazing how much better grades college students get when spending their own evil dollars.)
September 4th, 2005 at 6:25 pmWhat is Wrong With Our Leaders?
We have moved from incompetence, to gross incomptetence to outright criminal neglect
September 4th, 2005 at 6:41 pmMighty A,
Durwood Nails (whom you’ve code-named #102) does raise some valid points. There is, most certainly a class and race dynamic to what transpired this week in New Orleans. Whether or not it is a thoroughgoing indictment of capitalism is debatable, as I think you were trying to point out.
Durwood, please remember that it was none other than Wal-Mart that sent trucks of water to New Orleans, and our own government that turned them away. As I see it, this doesn’t give Wal-Mart a pass on the scores and scores of labor abuses they’ve committed over the years, it does muddy the discussion a bit. I think there are a lot of topic areas that are better suited to making your argument than this one.
Mighty A, I think you kind of put words in Durwood’s keyboard, so to speak, when you assumed he was claiming original thought. Agree with him or not, his raising of the issue and the way he expressed it was new within this discussion thread. Truly, the fact is that there really is no such thing as a completely original thought. Even Shakespeare based nearly everything he wrote on some earlier myth, story or episode in history.
I’ve recently posted to a number of blogs where the participants foment a horrid amount of personal attacks. Given what has happened this week, let’s please not allow that to happen here any more than it has already.
September 4th, 2005 at 6:48 pmWhat more proof do people need that the govt is run by nazis. What will it take to wake up?
Nazis smile and wear expensive suits and talk about God.
The next urban renewal project ala hitler and global warming coming to a city near you. Be prepared
September 4th, 2005 at 6:56 pm“Higher classes always exploit those benieth them. It is inevitable. ” MIghty Aphrodite
Nice nazi bullshit about inevitability.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:00 pmMighty Aphrodite
What is inevitable is that scum like you will be exposed
and
the people unitec CAN never be defeated
September 4th, 2005 at 7:01 pmThe people united against nazi scum CAN never be defeated
September 4th, 2005 at 7:03 pmMighty aphrodite, I was wondering when you would show up today and help me hold up the “right” side here (hehe, pun intended). I like the Communist Manifesto thing in #108—reminds me of the old days and the way the rightwing applied it to liberals then, like calling them commie bastards, etc.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I bet you remember the good old days when we said “better dead than red” and “kill a commie for mommie” huh? Guess thats why I became a redneck republican—cause I didn’t want to be a commie.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:05 pmThere’s no difference between nazis and commies – they are the same people fighting over the same billion dollar boondoggle, and they go by the names of Halliburton, Bush, Arbusto, Aramco – they’re white, they’re aholes and they will lie about how they didn’t know that there were people in the convention center, while you and your children die
September 4th, 2005 at 7:09 pmHere’s more nazi-commie-capatilist war mongering criminals – Averill Harriman, Prescott Bush, Pinochet, Blair, Cheney
September 4th, 2005 at 7:11 pmANother nazi-capitalist-communist warmonger –
Fritz Thyssen, Prescott Bush’s business partner
How Bush’s grandfather helped Hitler’s rise to power
September 4th, 2005 at 7:14 pmhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1312540,00.html
Prescott Bush managing partner of the Silesian Mining Company, POland, later part of Aushwitz
September 4th, 2005 at 7:15 pm“..has led more than 60 years later to a civil action for damages being brought in Germany against the Bush family by two former slave labourers at Auschwitz and to a hum of pre-election controversy.”
Mighty Aphrodite, Ron, NED, and all the rest of you f”king fascists, read it –
Bush family and slave labor at Aushwitz
September 4th, 2005 at 7:17 pmhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1312540,00.html
What do YOU have to say Mighty Aphrodite about hte great hero Bush, or you NED, or ROn
READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS
http://www.guardian.co.uk/ usa/ story/ 0,12271,1312540,00.html
OR maybe you don’t care. Maybe you go down for big bucks on the RNC closeted gays who pander to the fascist right-wing by keeping gay life illegal
September 4th, 2005 at 7:20 pmcmw, good entry at #120. Good luck getting it read outside of this blog. History is dead in this country.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:21 pmHank
September 4th, 2005 at 7:23 pmI want to see these puke for brains fascists say something about their fuehrer
Disgusting accusation. IRT supposed turning away of fuel and water by FEMA per Mr Broussard before the havock. If we compare this to what ACTUALLY happened to Terry Schiavo then it should make both sides more conscious of the how precious life is and the need to protect life. Terry was no more Brain dead than those who chose to stay in NO. Blame lies with the local officials and citizens who had the means to leave. Have you seen the fleet of school buses parked in a sea of water? Even Terry would have understood the need to evacuate and the utility of those buses.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:31 pmTo compare a medially brain dead human to the thousands who were tortured in NO by the neglect and indifference of the nazi regime controlling the US govt is just utter stupidity.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:35 pmEdge, where did you get your information from on Terri Schaivo, from Senator/Dr. Fristenstien? Or Dr. Jeb?
September 4th, 2005 at 7:39 pmLife is precious all right, just ask Junior Bush how precious it is. Riding his bike in Crawford while people are dieing in Iraq, eating cake in Arizona while people were drowning in New Orleans. The only reason the Bush brothers cared about Schaivo is because they thought it could score some points with the Pat Robertson crowd. When they saw it backfire in the polls, Junior hurried his ass out of dodge on a few fundraisers and Jeb stumbled around Florida looking for a way to let go of the tar baby. Hell, even Ham Hannity got the hell away from her when he saw which way the wind was blowing.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:46 pm#32 the rerun of the Meet the Press show this morning is on MSNBC at 9pm in the Chicago area.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:46 pmthe Bush boys would hump a dead corpse if they thought it would get them some right wing votes
September 4th, 2005 at 7:47 pmHigh 5’s, cmw, you got that right.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:49 pmHank
we’ve got to call em as we see em now
the gloves have come off in no
September 4th, 2005 at 7:51 pmthe bush nazi clique has let its mask slip a bit and we can see the naked truth
#67 Well said — words to that effect should be preached from every pulpit in America every Sunday until we remove this anti-Christ from office.
September 4th, 2005 at 7:52 pmAnd I am not a religious person — but I know most people are and many of them blindly voted for this evil man.
#72, boilerman
September 4th, 2005 at 7:58 pmI don’t like to be an I-told-you-so but you’re right, dammit! We did try to tell them and we were shouted down! I don’t want them to be humiliated, I just want them now to hlep us get rid of the man and his cabal ASAP.
The MIghty Ahole is silent –
can’t take the truth
September 4th, 2005 at 8:00 pm#73 How can you say Hate never wins elections — hate is exactly what wins elections! Rove runs his campaigns based on hatred, blatant or latent, of the voters.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:01 pm#80 Right on! Tuesday we must begin contacting our representatives and senators and demand that they no longer remain quiet — we want them to stand up and defend the people of America because the Bush adminstration is out to destroy us, one city at a time.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:05 pm“Evil flourishes when good men remain silent.”
September 4th, 2005 at 8:10 pmAuthor unknown.
(but it sounds like a version of Dante)
there were thousands of buses and a ferry they could have used. THEY ARE STUPID BASTARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:10 pmFran
September 4th, 2005 at 8:12 pmYes the BUsh regime is full of stupid bastards. YOu are soooo right.
that ferry was at the most a couple of blocks from the convention center and the quarter!
September 4th, 2005 at 8:14 pmThere is a hate-filled, venomous post here from someone named aphrodite — I think we should ignore it and maybe it will slither away.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:15 pmi’m really sorry americans have to discover in such an awful way that their ‘leaders’ are so corrupt, inept, uncompassionate, as to abandon their own people like this.
THIS IS WORSE THAN 9-11
September 4th, 2005 at 8:16 pmprobably a neo-con lol
September 4th, 2005 at 8:17 pmMarie
Mighty Ahole is one of Bush’s devil spawn
September 4th, 2005 at 8:25 pmFran
That Ferry
What Ferry
What the hell are you talking about
September 4th, 2005 at 8:36 pmSure, If Bush put $4 Billion a day for New Orleans for the next year.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:46 pmHe could RE-build New Orleans, NOT Iraq.
Could he? Will he do it? or he love the stroy of rebuliding Iraq! Iraqi are in theire homes Mr. President. New Orleansian are in Hotels, and Shelters ans streets.
Bush had to destroy NO to save it.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:48 pmI disagree with GW – New Orlean should not be rebuilt! Anyone who chooses to live below sea level has a serious deficiency in logic. Anyone who doesn’t evacuate for an impending Cat-4/5 is just plain stupid. Save the incompetents- but don’t rebuild that cesspool. The mayor of NO and Governor of LA should be jailed and the gov’t should bill the city and state for the thousands of rescues. Rescues are understandable, but this is beyond reason.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:55 pmI do not believe the bush government did this deliberately. It is however criminal incompetence at work, and heads should roll over this.
September 4th, 2005 at 9:13 pmhe’ll rebuild with no bid contracts doled out to his buds, believe it!
September 4th, 2005 at 9:28 pmIt’s happened, and, frankly, it’s disgusting to me.
I don’t even know where to begin, but the partisan bickering, namecalling, and verbal bludgeoning is destroying all faith I have in humanity and any hope I have for true democracy in this country.
CMW, I share your deep disagreement with the Bush Administration, but do you really think that the truly hateful comments you’ve made here will really help sway anyone’s opinion? Moreover, do you really believe this is the best way to represent others who share your opinion of the current administration? I share your frustration, but some of your statements are truly horrid. I’m finding out that conservatives do not hold a corner on the market for “hate speech” in the Blogosphere.
By the same token, Edge, your comments comparing those who did not evaucate New Orleans to Terry Schiavo and suggesting they are “brain dead” communicates such a profound ignorance and lack of compassion, I cannot even begin to plumb its depths. The last census showed that there were 100.000 households in New Orleans who relied soley on public transportation. How exactly are the poor, the disabled and the elderly supposed to evacuate themselves when they do not have the means to do so? Yes, there were the die-hards, the stubborn ones who chose to stay, but these are a small minority of the people who were and still are stranded in the city.
As for Aaron Broussard and FEMA . . . If you listen to the first part of his interview with Russert, you will clearly hear him say that FEMA’s problems are not internal, that they come from above through a lack of sufficient funding and authority to do the job it was created to do. FEMA used to be a cabinet level department, until this President. Broussard’s indictment is not of FEMA, DHS, or any other specific entity within the Federal government. He clearly states that the problem is “bureaucracy”–the government’s inability to coordinate a response to any situation without clearing it through the proper channels.
On both sides of the political aisle we can call names and point fingers all we want, but that won’t save one damn life in the Gulf Coast region. More frighteningly, it won’t do anything to fix this undeniably horrendous problem before this country is faced with another attack from al-Qaeda.
We need meaningful, respectful dialogue, not name-calling and territorial pissing.
September 4th, 2005 at 9:46 pmAnyone who works in tall buildings is crazy. Those who fly are just asking for it. People who stand on oil have got it coming and should know better. Only the foolish would work in a five sided building. Let us apply that logic all around.
September 4th, 2005 at 9:53 pmOh yeah, and let us get rid of FEMA all together. Regional disaster responsiblity should be a local thing.
to #148
September 4th, 2005 at 9:56 pmWhen the mayor of NO took his oath as mayor, he became repsonsible for those 100,000 requiring transportation. The transportation was there- Look at all the FLEET of school buses he left behind that are sitting submerged. Its a horrible lesson to learn from isn’t it?
September 4th, 2005 at 10:00 pmagain I say, the buses were there to get the job done but those in charge were unable to think outside the box when it comes to problem solving
September 4th, 2005 at 10:00 pmIt’s the fault of the victims in New Orleans that they didn’t get help.
I went thru the eye of Hurricane Charlie here in Port Charlotte, Florida and lost my house and everything. The very next day President Bush was here getting his picture taken with us.
Either President Bush or his brother were here every day till the news of the hurricane died down about two months later. After all Hurrican Charlie hit two months before Bush’s re-election.
Thos victims in New Orleans should’ve had their hurricane hit durring an election year, like we did. If it was an election year President Bush would’ve been there the same day hugging babies, pretending to care.
Did you victims really expect help with no election or way for Bush to profit?
Since you had nothing to offer President Bush the day after your hurricane hit President Bush went to a big party in California. After all he was on vacation.
September 4th, 2005 at 10:07 pm[...] Think Progress Information Clearing House The All Spin Zone Suburban Guerrilla War and Piece Daily Kos Crooks and Liars Shakespeare’s Sister [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 10:31 pmI thought I would puke when they suggested gulliani take over, just wanted to get that out there
September 4th, 2005 at 10:33 pmhttp://www.overspun.com/video/MTP.AaronBroussardX.wmv
September 4th, 2005 at 10:48 pm[...] Via Think Progress. [...]
September 4th, 2005 at 10:56 pmBlame whomever you want- this is the wrath of God! I’m sure the next Democtratic nominee for president is already on the band wagon of bashing Bush instead of seeing this for what it really was- a nasty Hurricane that wreaked havoc beyond comprehension. Its a NATURAL Disaster People.
Sitting on the sidelines, pointing the finger does no good. Theres no sacrifice in casting hateful words. True sacrifice lies in being one of the heros like our military, Christian organizations, Red Cross etc that are in the trenches fighting this crisis. Join them in their hate for the situation – not our leaders.
Lets praise the efforts of our successes and turn our failures into a lessons for citizens and leaders.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:02 pmBlame whomever you want- this is the wrath of God! I’m sure the next Democtratic nominee for president is already on the band wagon of bashing Bush instead of seeing this for what it really was- a nasty Hurricane that wreaked havoc beyond comprehension. Its a NATURAL Disaster People.
Sitting on the sidelines, pointing the finger does no good. Theres no sacrifice in casting hateful words. True sacrifice lies in being one of the heros like our military, Christian organizations, Red Cross etc that are in the trenches fighting this crisis. Join them in their hate for the situation – not our leaders.
Lets praise the efforts of our successes and turn our failures into a lessons for citizens and leaders.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:02 pmMass media has failed us miserably. The networks have now decided that demanding journalism is needed? These reporters are now asking accountability? What? Where were all of you when the rush to war was counting down in March of 2003? Why weren’t the tough questions being posed then? And now you reporters attempt to win the public trust back by exploiting the plight of poor black americans? You are all a disgrace to broadcast and print journalism. As for the pathetic American public, this administration will go down in history [if we even have one left] as the most sinister. The media has failed us beyond description. We have all been hijacked by this president and his cronies. Ultimately, we are to blame for all this misery. So enjoy and prepare for more.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:19 pmI saw the replay of MTP and two experts were interviewed. In 2000, a similar project was begun in Florida to restore marshes which act as a buffer in severe storms = $7 billion. Let’s see — recall which state elected Bush in 2000?
September 4th, 2005 at 11:20 pmThe Louisiana project is estimated at $14 billion = two weeks in Iraq.
Also recall that the same Keystone cops running Iraq are running the US.
They are building the largest embassy there as well as numerous military bases — will they squeeze any of those funds for a project in LA? Bush has already said no new taxes – and Frist and Hastert are calling for more tax cuts this coming week.
If we don’t scream at the top of our lungs and keep it up, this will all fade off the front pages, just as the war in Iraq with 1900 dead has fallen from front page news.
The Congress is not going to help us – neither party. We have to do it and the media has to help us keep the light burning. We can do it if we act together and remind Democrats how it should/could be done.
Edge: just what part of they are letting those people DIE between photo ops for the chimp and incompetency don’t you comprehend? rage and impotency is what I and many are feeling.
September 4th, 2005 at 11:28 pmFRAN: Recent hurricane exercises gave local officials the knowledge of what they must do in advance and that wasn’t done.
I believe there have been probably eight Presidents in office who held their breath whenever a hurricane of strength headed towards N.O. Everyone of them knew the city would flood, but I don’t think any of them would have been prepared for lack of efforts on the local communities to protect lives. Slick Willie included. I never saw the Fed Gov’t evacuating Florida during its many disasterous hurricanes. Locals do this ya know.
Be mad at the local Yokals.
September 5th, 2005 at 12:04 am[...] UPDATE: Aaron Broussard, the president of Jefferson Parish: [...]
September 5th, 2005 at 12:13 amI am
September 5th, 2005 at 12:13 am[...] And before you think I’m going too soft on Bushco, I have to agree with this guy. One more press conference and I’m heading to DC with a gun. Also, for the first time ever, I feel confident that Al Gore would have been a good and humble leader. [...]
September 5th, 2005 at 12:50 am[...] And before you think I’m going too soft on Bushco, I have to agree with this guy. One more press conference and I’m heading to DC with a gun. Also, for the first time ever, I feel confident that Al Gore would have been a good and humble leader. [...]
September 5th, 2005 at 12:50 amWhile I believe it is important to be civil in these discussions, I se no reason to avoid being blunt.
Edge, I don’t believe you have any idea what you’re talking about. You seem to want to blame everyone but the man at the top for what has happened, even going so far as to blame the victims.
You are absolutely right that the several presidents have held their breath while Gulf hurricanes have threatened Louisiana, but only one of them cut funding to the ongoing hurricane and flood management projects in New Orleans, and that would be Mr. Bush. It was President Bush who, on the advice of budget drector Mitch Daniels (who I am now sorry to say is my governor) that much of what FEMA was designed to do has been privatized. It was President Bush who appointed Michael Brown to head FEMA, a man who had absolutely no experience in disaster response and recovery. And it was President Bush who downgraded FEMA from it’s cabinet-level status to be an underling of Homeland Security.
Consider this, Edge, whatever you think of the citizens of New Orleans, the very bureaucracy that was three to four days behind the curve on this hurricane will be the same agency who will be coordinating rescue and recovery operations in your city should it ever fall victim to a natural disaster or, worse, a terrorist attack. If you can look at the events of the past week and sleep soundly at night, feeling secure that your government has your back, you are definitely made of stronger or perhaps denser stuff than I am.
September 5th, 2005 at 12:59 amapologies for my typos. it’s late.
September 5th, 2005 at 1:05 amhttp://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/cushman/results/detail.do?pnum=P10414
September 5th, 2005 at 1:29 amthis is the ferry in new orleans that tragically docks right by the convention center and with the buses could have gotten the poor out!!
Living in east Texas has given me a great chance to actually make a difference in this disaster. Instead of sitting at my computer complaining about the bush administation, We have taken a family of four in to our home and provided food and shelter. Im not setting myself up as a saint, im still making sure my family gets by, im simply stating SHUT THE HELL UP YOU WHINING ASS LIBERALS. You get on your computer, cry about Bush and then go back to feeling sorry for other people as well as yourselves. Guess what, its harsh but if people would stop depending on grocery stores as much and worrying about shit they dont need, learn some survival skills and move on. It survival of the least ignorant. Sorry but everyones gotta die sooner or later. Sucks that it had to happen like this but thats the way it goes. In other words get off your lazy, wellfare doling out, democratic asses and do something.
September 5th, 2005 at 1:30 amMany comments have been incomprehensible to me. All but Marc Callan, who is at least keeping his head. The high-emotions are understandable, I’ve been horrified and sobbing most of the week myself, but the hatred here is … I don’t know. Tragic too.
When did we become so polerized that we forget we are American’s first and foremost? Is this the result of the pundints who scream traitor, fascist, commie, and unpatriotic at the top of their lungs? When people have died, ARE dying, and while one side screams blindly for the head of a single man while the other screams blindly at everyone but the single man?
It seems to me that there is blame enough to go around, and then some. This is not an either or situation here. The ENTIRE GOVERNMENT failed here. Local to Federal. And not just in New Orleans and Louisiana, but in Mississippi as well… a fact everyone seems to ignore when appropriating blame to local officials in NO, but not in Gulf Port or Bolloxi (and other hard-hit communities). There were residents just as poor there, unable to leave that were left, and sat in shelters or around the broken kindling of their home without food and water for days. Many seem to forget this when shouting for Blanco and Nagin’s heads (who also have much to explain).
It is my feeling that when the congressional hearings begin, we will learn how massively our government failed us. From Mayors to President. This is not partisan, people, this is simply horrific. I cried again when Broussard relayed his story. My god. What they have been dealing with. That a President of a Parish feels his country abandoned him and his constituants to drown… I am beyond words.
Those on the right who refuse to acknowledge any federal fault in this are stunningly blind. Those on the left who refuse to acknowledge any fault on the local and state level are as well. EVERYONE screwed up here. EVERYONE. The locals trusted too much to the resources of the feds (and perhaps in luck), and the red tape strangling the Feds kept them from acting effeciantly.
Local failed to get the ENTIRETY of the population evacuated. The Feds failed to get them food and water, and then Evacuate the remainders in a timely fashion. Many have died from these errors, in BOTH states.
And the president must take responsibility for his policies, and the congress must take responsibility for its agenda.
First I want these people taken care of, so donate if you haven’t. Then, once they are, I want some accountability in ALL quarters.
These pour souls who drowned or starved deserve no less than that.
September 5th, 2005 at 3:07 amMarc Callan and Dawn – I’d pretty much given up on this blogsite, which for some reason seems to have attracted a rather large number of vociferous, enraged and borderline illiterate commentators. While I don’t doubt the sincerity of the passions running high, it doesn’t really classify as a debate or exchange of ideas. One of the best bloggers I’ve read all morning was over on the Washington Post’s blogsite (
http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/thedebate/2005/09/hurricane_katri_1.html#comment-9028009) by someone whose ideology is completely opposite of my own, but whose presentation of his opinion is at least coherent and reasoned. I copy it here in case the link doesn’t work. He writes:
When the history of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina is written from the perspective of time, one of the key elements must certainly be the glee of the Bush haters and largely left-leaning MSM over a disaster that the left wingers feel they can finally use to bring down President Bush.
I’m already fed up with all the blaming over the response to the Katrina disaster, particularly of President Bush. Poll results, criticizing the federal government response as weak, is I think, in part a result of critical media coverage which promotes a negative view of the disaster response.
There are several things President Bush could be commended for, but there’s no credit given and no mention of them in the national media.
The Times-Picayune 8/28/05, reported that Governor Blanco, standing next to the NO mayor on national TV, admitted that the reason she called for the unprecedented mandatory evacuation was because President Bush called her and personally appealed that she order mandatory evacuation. Of course we will never see a headline saying “BUSH’S FORESIGHT SAVES THOUSANDS.” President Bush also designated this a national disaster area BEFORE the hurricane hit so that FEMA, and other assistance could be in place and ready to go right away.
There’s plenty of blame to go around, but most in the 90% Democrat media are spinning it away from a Democrat mayor and Governor in Louisiana up to the Federal Government and a Republican Bush.
According to New Orleans’ own evacuation plan, written in 2000, in the event of a mandatory evacuation, the city was to mobilize busses, and other means of transportation to help the helpless get out. This was not done. After the storm the mayor was on national TV complaining about the feds not getting busses in immediately to take people out. A little late, mayor. It would have been a lot easier before the city was under water.
Evacuees were asked to take enough water and snacks to their evacuation site to last a few days. Apparently most didn’t. There were complaints of dehydration and hunger in the shelters immediately after the storm. Individuals need to have some personal responsibility. Let this be a lesson to us all. Perhaps we should teach minimum survival skills in our public schools.
As for the Feds being slow to act, it really wasn’t until Monday evening and then when levees broke on Tuesday, that the magnitude of the situation became apparent. After all, as the President mentioned, the devastated area is larger than the land mass of Great Britain. Communications failed and the information was slow in coming.
As for the sniping that cuts in federal funding were the cause of the levee failures, this was soundly rejected by the Army Corps of Engineers. The levee was only meant to stand a category 3 storm, not a 4 or 5, and no one expected the levee to be breeched. That said, Louisiana has known for decades that they have a disaster in the making. Local officials should have had detailed evacuation plans in place. The Big Easy was a little too casual about facing their potential disaster.
Because there was no civil order on the ground, a National Guard spokesman said they were afraid to air drop supplies for fear of starting riots. A judgment call to be sure, but no on in this forum is in a position to know better.
There was no effective local law enforcement effort inside the Superdome. It is criminally negligent for local officials to send thousands of people to a shelter with no means of law enforcement, especially in one of the highest crime rate cities in the country. What did they expect but anarchy? Why didn’t the governor call out the National Guard immediately?
Many of the President’s critics say he was late in visiting the area. Others said before hand that he shouldn’t go at all because a Presidential visit takes away too many personnel who are needed for the emergency. The man can’t win.
Finally, the NO Levee Board’s investments are notoriously controversial, including spending $45,000 of Levee Board money to hire private investigators to dig up dirt on a local radio talk show host who was a frequent critic. By the way, according to the Times-Picayune, the investigators didn’t find any thing on the talk show host.
The initial failures of the state and local governments made a bad situation worse and resulted in far more dire circumstances than the President would have had reason to expect. Hurricane related problems were exacerbated by local incompetence making the feds job much more difficult.
As for shameless political opportunists claiming Bush’s environmental policies cause hurricanes-please. First the science doesn’t support this. Second, Bush has only been in office a few years, not long enough to have created climate and meteorological changes. Catastrophic storms have occurred in regular cycles worldwide for centuries. Anyone who believes Bush or Haley Barbour are to blame for storms is either a shameless liar or knows nothing about history.
Could everyone, including Bush have done a better job? You bet. But we’re talking about mobilization on a national level and given the inability to get in or out due to flooding, two or three days to get everything in place doesn’t seem unreasonable. The job was made even more difficult by the lawlessness of a significant minority of the very people who needed help.
A couple hundred thousand people were removed from the Superdome and Convention center in less than a week, and thanks to the generosity of Texans and other donors, those people are safe and sound and being cared for. Searching house to house will be a dreadfully slow exercise.
Partisan political criticism of Bush and the feds by the usual suspects of bitter, out of power left-wing Democrats like Sidney Blumenthal, Jesse Jackson, Michael Moore, and many in the left-leaning national media is about 85% BS. Talk is cheap. Most of the “experts” writing comments in this forum as well as media critics have probably never organized anything bigger than a bar-b-que or celebrity fundraiser. They should get out of the way and let the grown ups do their jobs. Or better yet, personally volunteer to help.
Posted by: S Boyd | Sep 4, 2005 9:20:52 PM
Since there seems to be a considerable dearth of articulate conservative opinion in just about every blogsite I’ve been on, I suggest this might offer us a springboard on which to begin a more intelligent debate. I’m sure S. Boyd has given us any number of good points for us to come back on without useless, offensive and – frankly – just plain boring namecalling.
I’ll start, shall I? Re: ‘Evacuees were asked to take enough water and snacks to their evacuation site to last a few days. Apparently most didn’t. There were complaints of dehydration and hunger in the shelters immediately after the storm. Individuals need to have some personal responsibility. Let this be a lesson to us all. Perhaps we should teach minimum survival skills in our public schools.’
Wall-Mart trundled up three lorries full (excuse me, truckloads; I’ve been living in the UK too long) of bottled water and were turned back by federal FEMA officials. Many, many people did bring bottled water and food, but in that sort of crushing late August Louisiana heat that I remember all too well, you would have needed far more than any one person could carry for themselves, never mind enough for small children, the elderly, the infirm. No one expected evacuation to have taken six days. Milk for babies in particular would have spoiled pretty quickly in that heat without refrigeration, undrinkable in any quantity. To blame the victims for their lack of foresight is not only absurd, it’s heartless.
Who’s next?
September 5th, 2005 at 7:29 amWhere the Wal-mart truck go after being turned away – England? Probably not too far. I’d guess the Red Cross.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:03 amHow are people still drowning on Friday? The incompetence is breathtaking, and the callousness is heartbreaking.
And I didn’t think it was possible for the Bush administration to bring any more shame upon us, but I was wrong.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:08 amEdge… (nice name btw, since the country is hanging over it thanks to “people” like you)
According to my sources on the ground in Mississippi with FEMA and other volunteers, the Red Cross is turning away more items than they are accepting, and are doing more collecting than distributing.
And that’s in Mississippi, where’s there are lot’s of white folks too… and a Republican Governor!
Many volunteers have been forced to become distribution teams all on their own.
But I guess that’s a great lesson in personal responsibility and gives a good glimpse into the ownership society.
Foam… Edge
Foam… Edge
Close shave.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:09 amSeriously, I can’t believe the press let Chertoff get away with a statement like that: “You saw the newspapers, on Tuesday morning it looked like we dodged the bullet…who could have known the levees had broken LATE MONDAY MORNING?”
Hey, Mike, FEMA isn’t supposed to get its operational information by READING THE FUCKING NEWSPAPERS! I know the NY Times has great staff, but I really don’t think our national disaster response should depend entirely on them sending out a couple of cub reporters to do an engineering survey of New Orleans’ levees.
This administration has taken governing by photo-op to unprecedented heights.
Seriously, how frightening is it that the director of homeland security just defended his ignorance by saying, “well, it hadn’t made the front page of USA Today, so you can see where we wouldn’t do anything about it.”
Um, it’s Homeland Security’s JOB to know about it, even if the press doesn’t know. It’s their JOB to get up off their asses and inspect the levees to make sure they haven’t been breached–it’s not their job to watch TV and wait for NBC News to report on something, and then react to it.
If I were Chertoff or Brown, I would commit suicide because I could not live with the shame of knowing that my incompetence had consigned thousands to their deaths, tens of thousands to days of terror and suffering, and that I’d crippled the richest and most powerful nation on earth and made it look like a third would nation. They don’t even have enough character to look ashamed on TV.
No one will be held accountable. These incompetents have failed America, have cost us New Orleans, and no one will hold them accountable.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:42 amI saw, and I found it totally insensitive when the Governor of Mississippi right afterwards, went on spin-control and began praising the president for his repsonse to the conflict. Maybe Mississippi wasn’t as badly devastated as New Orleans, but that gave the Governor no right to begin defending the president and insensitively brushing off the president of Jefferson parish’s emotional plea.
Ridiculous mechanical of the Republican party.
September 5th, 2005 at 10:52 amIRT comment by monkey, Oh my God- It must be a conspiracy- Firts FEMA and now The Red Cross! What do you think? Republican Conspiracy?
If they’re volunteers why do you say they’re forced. Volunteers do whatever they’re willing to do as needed.
I agree with you about the lesson of personal responsibility though- Much of the world is seeing it the same way. The tsunami victims were a different story- there was no warning there.
Unfortunately much of the world is also taken back in disbelief at tactless behavior of the political opportunist who wish to promote seething hatred for the opposition and create racial divide. Not for the gain of the victims – only for their own self-rightousness.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:07 am#171 Nice post, in reply.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:09 am[...] ‘One of the Worst Abandonments of Americans on American Soil’: http://thinkprogress.org/2005/09/04/worst-abandonments/ [...]
September 5th, 2005 at 11:35 amThats it! Ive had it with this Fascist Neocon regime hell bent on killing off thousands of people to depoplulate. Lying to us about everything. Suppressing research for a move away from Fossil Fuels and invading the world for whats left of its oil. Abandoning its people. FEMA and Homeland Security are the Gestapo, people. Welcome to the 4th Reich. This is reality. Not some psychotic conspiracy theory. They dont want us to have any freedom. Im finding a country to live in that still believes in the support of basic human rights and human dignity. Im moving somewhere else.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:40 am[...] ‘One of the Worst Abandonments of Americans on American Soil’: thinkprogress.org [...]
September 5th, 2005 at 11:54 amEdge…
Hmmm, Republican conspiracy? Golly, i hadn’t thought of that one. I was just focusing merely on colossal incompetence from the top down, but if you want to call it a conspiracy, I’m game.
Volunteers. Lemme crack the fortune cookie open for ya, Gene-Yi. I forgot to translate for those who think of only themselves.
I was referring to those who came to drop off supplies at designated donation centers, only to be turned away, thus fanning out thru neighborhoods helping those in need on their own.
ON THEIR OWN! Which is pretty much what everyone in America is nowadays, and this past week has proven it.
As for what much of the world is seeing… WOW! I want what you’re drinking (although I think i know what it is, and I stopped drinking it when I was a kid… leaves like a pinko mustache on your upper lip, not very attractive.) The world see’s where the personal responsibility rests… but don’t believe me… do a google search on the word “shame”.
Political opportunism: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I’m rubber, you’re glue… or maye just sniffin’ it.
See also: Karl, Lemme get a picture of me huggin’ a couple a well-placed african amurkkans on a neatly cleaned street in devestated mississippi, and get that nice long 10 second hug in there too… oh, and stand me in front of a bunch of helicopters in a hanger with dozens of troops standing around me while I get a phony briefing while untold thousands sit on rooftops awaiting helicopter rescue…. oh, and that levee, let’s get some pics of that being fixed til I leave and then just leave em one bulldozer… oh, and joke a little about how much I used to party in Nawlins… oh and remind us again how you understand that it will take more than one day of your attention…
Where’s my MP3 of Samuel L. Jackson doing Ezekiel 25:17???
September 5th, 2005 at 11:55 amBoy, I had no idea how bad this whole New Orleans mess was going to get. I mean, when I saw the damage done by the storm itself I knew it was bad. It got worse when I heard the extrapolated death toll. I knew there was going to be a backlash, especially after I saw the video of Mr. Broussard and juxtaposed it in my mind beside the video of George W. Bush and his trademark smirk telling the camera that he “completely understands” the predicament of the people in New Orleans.
Now, it’s not my country, and I’m sure there are others who can be blamed for this catastrophe apart from Mr. Bush. However it doesn’t matter where you’re from. When someone with Mr. Bush’s inborn privlilege speaks about something of which he has had no experience, with such condescension and patronisation in his tone, all the while smirking uncontrollably, people rightly become mad.
And for all who defend him so loyally, even now as your country stares this matchless disgrace and shame right in the eye with the hubris so typical of those of the neo-conservative stripe, please note even those stalwarts- David Brooks and Christopher Hitchens- are expressing their disgust in your President’s actions (and lack thereof). The rats are abandoning the sinking ship. You’d be wise to follow suit.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:58 amp.s. Edge…
You said: The tsunami victims were a different story- there was no warning there.
Ah, never mind, that’s too easy. (But by all means, keep blaming the victims… compassionate conservatism at work, stand back)
September 5th, 2005 at 12:13 pmThanks, Marie (#182).
I don’t know if you read #174, but what I find quite frustrating with some people here are the accusations levelled, not at the government, but at participants in this discussion. The name-calling is so amazingly childish that it doesn’t really merit a response. On the other hand, I truly believe that for this democracy to work, we need to be able to have respectful, productive discussions of policy matters across ideologies. There are moments of it here, but it’s not really the norm.
I want to thank #174, the individual from Texas, for getting ivolved and taking a family into their home. However, I would point out to this person that not all of uslive as close to the area or have the means of hosting a family. I would, personally, be happy to host someone in my home, but I have a small house in Indianapolis. Like so many Americans who live far from the scene, we have helped and will continue to help with financial contributions. It’s neither necessary or possible for every American family to open their doors. What is important that people do what they can.
Tiredofcomplainers (#174), it is not just “liberals” who are finding fault with the Bush Administration. Senator Bill Frist has already made it clear that the Senate will launch an investigation. Newt Gingrich expressed the very same concerns I voiced in post 171–that if the response to Katrina is any indication of the Bush Administration’s ability to resond to a terrorist attack, then the security of our homeland is truly in doubt. On Friday, a Republican and recular caller to a radio talk show I listen to called, not to argue with the host on behalf of the President, but to vent his anger and frustration that the Chief Executive he had so believed in had played guitar for a photo op while New Orleans was drowning.
I know that on both sides of the politica fence, there are those who want to make partisan hay out of this, and that is in no one’s best interest. However, Tiredofcomplainers (#174), the fact that some of us are Democrats, Independants, Greens, or otherwise non-Republican does not disqualify us from the right to raise serious questions about this President or anyone in his administration. In fact, it is our duty, in a democracy, to look at what our government does with clear and critical eyes and speak out when something is not right. I hope you can, at the very least, respect that.
September 5th, 2005 at 12:31 pmHear, hear, Mr. Callan.
September 5th, 2005 at 12:39 pmCarthage’s Son
If you have links to comments by David Brooks (who I really do have a lot of respect for) and, especially, Christopher Hitchens (for whom I have little, I admit). I would love to read what they said.
Thanks,
mcallan
September 5th, 2005 at 12:46 pmI’m not very proficient in this comment posting business, I’m afraid. But David Brooks’ comments I found on Crooks and Liars and I just saw an interview of Hitchens on ABC’s (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Lateline. They usually post the transcripts of the previous night’s interviews in the morning. Well, I must say, that I too have little respect for Mr. Hitchens. I mean, he used to be anti-Bush during the first Gulf War, according to a book I was reading, “Bush in Babylon” by Tariq Ali. He called for war crimes charges to be brought against George H. W. Bush. But he did a complete turn-around on September 11 and Ali writes that he was one of the casualties very few noticed. He, of course became a ventriloquist dummy for the White House.
September 5th, 2005 at 1:08 pmBut anyway, I hope the information above is sufficient.
Dr.Carroll Blakemore (65 with heart condition) and Linda Falco (70) are trapped in French Quarter home with three small dogs. Both have been attacked when searching for food/water/guidance when food/water supplies depleted. They are located at 1015 Saint Peter between Burgundy and Rampart, 2nd building on right side, next to Saint Peter Hotel. There is a working land line (504)522-5368 that receives calls only. Have filed reports with so many organizations, including state police, who erroneously filed address in city of Slidel. No one has come. No one has called. Aaron, I feel for you. This is outrageous! Desperate reports from living people in distress. A week has gone by, and no one comes or calls. My number is (504)920-8996. His sister Sarah’s numbers are (901)485-3396 and (870)735-0355.
September 5th, 2005 at 2:11 pmThis is the second Bush Regime where a national disaster has taken place and the government and its various rescue agencies have failed to respond
September 5th, 2005 at 3:34 pmappropriately. They continue to offer up lame excuses
for their gross incompetence . We have all been lead to believe that FEMA and Home Land Security exsist to come to the aid of the nation in a National Emergency . In reality , these two agencies are Dragionian with Totalitarian designs. They will play a major role in this nations slide towards a Police State and a One World Government. The hypocrisy of the U.S. has been exposed to the world on a grand scale . It will be interesting to see how the world continues to view the U.S.
canada’s Armed forces were tracking Katrina as it moved through the Gulf, and started to prepare a ship to respond with emergency supplies. After they saw the damage, they immediately offered to send aid early in the week. Go to http://www.theglobeandmail.com. The aid was not accepted until Sunday.
What gets me is that the Canadians could start planning ahead of the storm, but the US Administration that supposedly had a wonderful Disaster Response Plan could not act in advance.
We are supposed to be the greatest, mightiest country in the World. We need to demonstrate that here at home!
September 5th, 2005 at 4:08 pmWe need to demonstrate that here at home!
Comment by George Barnard — September 5, 2005 @ 4:08 pm
That would involve intelligence, common sense, and foresight, and compassion… all of which are as scarce in the executive branch as a $2 gallon of gas.
Correction, $3 gallon of gas.
No wait…
September 5th, 2005 at 4:17 pmI watched the Tim Russert interview with Aaron Broussard and Haley Barbour. The juxtaposition of Broussard’s sincere heartbreak and Barbour’s heartless, scripted, bullshit was stunning.
All of the officials responsible for this mess say that now is not the time for finger-pointing. NOW is exactly the time. The longer they have a chance to avoid an honest explanation, the longer they have to construct some unified spin/bullshit explanation. I say get them on the record now, so when Congress gets to them, they will be caught in lie after lie.
Also, I wonder if Barbara Bush and her “beautiful mind” have seen any of this on television. Perhaps she will repeat her quote from “Good Morning America”, March 18, 2003, regarding GI body bags and deaths. “Oh, I mean, it’s not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that”. This family and their followers are a danger and a disgrace to humanity.
September 5th, 2005 at 4:36 pmTo borrow a quote from Russell Means: “Welcome to the reservation.”
September 5th, 2005 at 5:29 pmI have an idea. Let’s attack Cuba! They must have had something to do with the hurricane.
September 5th, 2005 at 5:32 pm#197 Right on! Did you see Bush’s Daddy supporting him today and reporting how angry was Bush’s mama – that her boy was taking some heat? I am gagging here.
#199, Great idea, Oncall! Why stop with Guantanamo — let’s take the whole damn island and the cigars too!! That will show what a strong leader is Bush; resolute, hard-working, progress oriented.
September 5th, 2005 at 6:21 pmThe Bush years have been filled with blunder after blunder. This is the second Bush Regime where a national disaster has taken place and the government and its various rescue agencies have failed to respond,or respond appropriately. They continue to offer up lame excuses for their gross imcompetence.
September 5th, 2005 at 7:27 pmWe have all been lead to believe that FEMA and Home Land Security were agencies in place to come to the aid of American People when a disaster took place. In reality, those two agencies are dragonian with totalitarian designs. They will play a major role in this nations slide towards a Police State and then a One World Order . Now the hypocrisy of America can be
seen by the world . Bush and all of his cabinet should be inpeached and jailed . Congress has allowed the Executive Branch to become dictorial in nature and now
dictates to the Legislative Branch . The American public continues to allow themselves to be manipulated by government and Big Business . ” By their fruits
you will know them.
Interesting that nobody blames the incompetent New Orleans and Louisiana authorities. But hey – Bush’s fault.
September 5th, 2005 at 7:46 pmSorry, Argle, but the Dept. of H. Sec. has a mission statement on its web site — they are the responsible agency.
September 5th, 2005 at 7:55 pm“In the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will assume primary responsibility on March 1st for ensuring that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation. This will entail providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort.”
Bush appointed the Director of HS and of FEMA. Both are unqualified, inexperienced – their resume` highlights are they are attorneys who are his friends. This lies directly at Bush’s feet. He just is unaccustomed to taking responsibility for his errors – and in his life he has made huge errors – but has always been bailed out by a family friend. He must not be allowed to be bailed out on this one.
>>>>
…It is shameful, this is not the government for all but for the select. I can only hope that the democrats in congress get off their ass when they return next week and press the obvious hard.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You’re not serious, are you? The stinkin’ Democrats (except for a handful like Conyers, Kucinich, Woolsey, McGovern and a few others) are part of the problem, not part of the solution. They mainly feed at the same trough–and have the same masters–as the stinkin’ Republicans. They will only kick up enough of a fuss to help their re-election; they’ll do nothing beyond that, because their asses would be just as threatened if they demanded genuine–and substantial–change.
Until they find the gumption to kick over their traces and stand up for The People instead of the powerful corporate lobbyists, we should expect NO help from them. The Hillary Clintons, the Joe Liebermans, the John Kerrys and their ilk (which includes most of the Democratic Party leadership) focus only on their own political fortunes.
Look at how fast they torpedoed Dennis Kucinich’s campaign for the 2004 presidential election. He ran on a platform of opposing the Iraq fiasco, repealing NAFTA, instituting a national–and rational–health care system that would have made insurance companies irrelevant, etc……ALL proposals that represented a threat to the powers-that-be, and ALL of which have wide popular support. Until a Dennis Kucinich can run for the nomination and not be demonized or laughed at by his ‘fellow Democrats’, I’ll not put any faith or hope in what used to be called ‘the party of Jefferson and Roosevelt’.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:01 pmThere’s plenty of blame to go around. However, the Executive adminstration officials were indifferent. That’s what has most of us upset. Rice “starting” her New York vacation as the hurricane hit the coast. Bush traveling to a fundraiser as the tragety unfolded. Brown saying he did’nt know about those stranded at the Convention Center when it was all over the international news for days, and on and on and on. These people are gutless, uncaring monsters. Welcome to the United States of America, Inc.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:19 pm>>>>
I would like to thank Aaron Broussard for his heroism. We all should, really. What is the best way to reach him at this time?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
He seems to be one of the few who has the guts to express his true feelings about this disaster…and not ‘pull in his horns’ as soon as he meets with Bush and Karl Rove’s ‘monkeys’. I notice most of the tough talkers who showed signs of having a backbone and a willingness to challenge the Bush gang have since become considerably more docile and conciliatory. Bush’s minions ain’t afraid to play hardball.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:24 pmSorry, New Orleans residents – you were warned to leave. The Mayor, Governor, and President all told you to bail out. There were free bus rides out. You chose to stay. Now you’re stuck. Too bad. Let this be a lesson to you – or, perhaps more accurately, a warning to others.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:40 pm>>>>>>
#102 – - “We have chosen a class society out of greed and hypocritically claim to be religious. No Capitalist state can ever be ethically acceptable. Higher classes always exploit those benieth them. It is inevitable. Our institutions (some supposedly educational) only make us more vulnerable to the exploitation.â€
Nice synopsis of the Communist Manifesto – I didn’t think you were trying to pass that off as an original thought. (Please tell me you’re in college and your parents are NOT wasting their capitalistic $$$ sending you!! It amazing how much better grades college students get when spending their own evil dollars.)
Comment by mighty aphrodite — September 4, 2005 @ 5:54 pm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
How presumptuous! ‘mighty aphrodite’, you know NOTHING about the Original Poster. Your attack is purely ad hominem.
I agree with the Original Poster’s point. Karl Marx’s philosophy has more in common with genuine Christian teachings than do those of capitalism’s apologists. I would further venture to say that capitalism is not a system that encourages democracy, even though ‘democracy’ is what we are told we have.
Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven. [I know..I know...that's not an 'original' observation; but that makes it no less apt.]
September 5th, 2005 at 8:48 pmComment by jamehec — September 5, 2005 @ 8:40 pm
Too bad for your luck, eh poor people of New Orleans?
That’s about the most insensitive, most uneducated thing I may have heard all day, and there’s been some doozy’s.
You don’t know a thing about the people or the culture of New Orleans, and to make such a comment is callous and crude, and quite frankly, pretty inhumane.
I went through some wicked-ass hurricanes last year in South Florida, stayed for one and realized too late I shouldn’t have… shit happens man, and to pour salt on an open wound like that, to the most impoverished of our citizens… DAMN!
To follow your theory, consider yourself warned… Bush is, essentially, the devil. But stay behind in his neighborhood while the storm ravages, and we can all gloat like chimps, “hey, we told you to leave, but noooooooo. Sorry for your luck.”
As noted by your post, not everyone leaves a sinking ship in time. Only bummer is, W’s taking everyone, even those NOT on his ship, down with him.
Riding the Storm Out
September 5th, 2005 at 8:53 pm>>>>>
There’s no difference between nazis and commies – they are the same people fighting over the same billion dollar boondoggle, and they go by the names of Halliburton, Bush, Arbusto, Aramco – they’re white, they’re aholes and they will lie about how they didn’t know that there were people in the convention center, while you and your children die
Comment by cmw — September 4, 2005 @ 7:09 pm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ummh, cmw…I think maybe you’d better go back and study the literature on both communism and nazism.
September 5th, 2005 at 8:57 pm>>>>
Here’s more nazi-commie-capatilist war mongering criminals – Averill Harriman, Prescott Bush, Pinochet, Blair, Cheney
Comment by cmw
>>>>>
I’m afraid you make less and less sense with every post, cmw. Communist theory and capitalist theory are polar opposites. None of the men you cite as examples of the weird amalgam you posit could, by any stretch of imagination, be called communists. All are followers of capitalism…and I note at least one or two who might easily find a home under the rubric of “nazi”. Again, I suggest you go back and acquaint yourself with some facts about each of these political/economic/social concepts.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:07 pmComment by jamehec — September 5, 2005 @ 8:40 pm
…..worldwide source of counseling, guidance, and direct instruction on self-recovery…..
jamehec, that is part of a sentence from the web site you linked to. Maybe you should take to heart some of the drivel you read. I wonder do you say the same thing to smokers who develop cancer? Hey they could have stopped, it is their fault they got cancer. Same thing about women. Should all women remove their breasts? That way they could completely avoid gettting cancer. Lastly before I will accept your statement, post some proof that people did not take advantage of transportation provided to them.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:08 pm>>>>
…The networks have now decided that demanding journalism is needed? These reporters are now asking accountability? What? Where were all of you when the rush to war was counting down in March of 2003?…
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Better late than never, I suppose. I still can’t understand why the media seem to have forgotten all about that pretty blonde teenager down there in Aruba….
September 5th, 2005 at 9:21 pm>>>>>
apologies for my typos. it’s late.
Comment by Marc Callan
>>>>>>
No apology necessary Marc Callan…your posts are among the most sensible and well-written to appear anywhere on these boards.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:27 pm>>>>>>>>>>>>>
All of the officials responsible for this mess say that now is not the time for finger-pointing. NOW is exactly the time. The longer they have a chance to avoid an honest explanation, the longer they have to construct some unified spin/bullshit explanation. I say get them on the record now, so when Congress gets to them, they will be caught in lie after lie.
>>>>>
I’m sure Bush’s ‘brain’* is working overtime.
*I’m referring, of course, to Karl Rove.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:46 pm>>>>>>>
“In the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will assume primary responsibility on March 1st* for ensuring that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation. This will entail providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort.â€
>>>>>>>
* Aha, BushBasher…..as one wag on another board pointed out, this hurricane did NOT hit on March 1st.
September 5th, 2005 at 9:51 pmGOTCHA!
Joe Hill
Perhaps your ignorance is only surpassed by your arrogance
averill harriman played every side – he traded with communists, nazis, capitalists – the ultimate war mongering pig
go stick your condescending crap up your you know what
September 5th, 2005 at 10:04 pmAnd Joe Hill
quit sullying the good name of Joe Hill. If you even know who he was
September 5th, 2005 at 10:06 pmJoseph Hill (#214),
Thanks so much for your comment. You would probably appreciate Harry Shearer’s ladest podcast of “Le Show”.
Shearer is the voice of Monty Burns, Waylon Smithers, Pricipal Skinner and so many other characters on the Simpsons (as well as a primary writer for the show)
If you don’t have iTunes 4.9, you might be able to stream it at KCRW.com
September 5th, 2005 at 10:14 pmJoe
September 5th, 2005 at 10:18 pmPlease don’t respond to these cmw and jamehec characters. They’re obviously from the “I know you are but what am I” level of intellect. Let them spew all they want, but pleeeeeese don’t respond.
a while back the tv show 60 minutes had a story about a captain of a sub that was court marshalled and kicked out of the navy because he didnt use the lastest charts, an accident occurred resulting in a few deaths. surely someone should do jail time for this. Hell, martha stewart served 5 months for lying about about some stocks. the malicious incompetence and criminal negligence has resulted in the deaths of untold numbers of people. Somebody needs to go to jail for this, along with paying high fines.I am going to write my congressman and senators and demand that as of now the officials of Fema and Home Security are under of the rules of impeachment and/or court marshal if they are not already. Just being fired is not enough! Maybe if they know they could go to jail, they would take these official positions little more seriously than rewards for political hacks.
September 5th, 2005 at 10:19 pmI just saw on tv more detail of the bernard parish senior citizen home mr broussard mentioned. The mother was 94 years old. 32 SENIOR CITIZENS DROWNED IN THAT NURSING HOME! SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GO JAIL.
#204 I still have my Kucinich T-shirt. Maybe I will still get a chance to wear it again.
September 5th, 2005 at 10:24 pmif any one needs a place to stay please contact me steve witt ehwitt@peoplepc.com
September 5th, 2005 at 10:42 pmCMW,
September 5th, 2005 at 10:45 pmI went back and read some of your earlier posts (which is what I should have done before I reacted to your #217 post). I gather your not a GWB supporter, neither am I and I assume also Joe Hill. I apologize for including you in post #220. Hope you two can ease-up on each other.
#219 Marc Callan
Thanks for the tip. I’m pretty technologically “challenged”; but I’ll give it a shot. Wish me luck.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:04 pm#222 Marie
Yayyyy! Let’s all hope we’ll be able to wear our old Kucinich t-shirts (even into November 2008 this time).
September 5th, 2005 at 11:09 pmOtherwise, I’ll be voting Green again….these DLC ‘Democrats’ need to learn a lesson. Let’s hang in there.
#224 Mark T.
You are quite correct in assuming I am not a GWB supporter.
[BTW, though, you WERE right the first time (#220), there are some strangely mixed-up people out there]
September 5th, 2005 at 11:14 pmJoseph Hill, I think Kucinish has a lot of good ideas, and I felt that the more powerful Dems pushed him aside, and the public didn’t give him the respect he deserved. Money buys everything.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:34 pmAs things stand, however, we have to work within the two party system we have. Frankly, I would like to see a 3rd party in power, but I don’t think it would work here. Better, I’d like to see the Dems embrace the ideals of the alternate parties.
Immediately, we must keep the pressure on the Dems who are in office and demand that they listen to us! I am really sick of politicians on both sides who forget they are employed by us. I don’t feel I am represented fairly in my own government.
I hope Kucinich can make a few points in the house beginning next week on the folly of the war taking needed funds from domestic projects.
I hope Dean makes the rounds and persuades the Democrats to unite and speak for us.
Yes, let’s hang in there – and keep pushing.
[...] My addition (please add others in comments): FEMA Cuts Parish Emergency Communication Lines Without Notice [...]
September 6th, 2005 at 12:00 amFor everythingyou have lost, you have gained something else,for everything you gain,you lose something else.(you cant win for losing) life isnt perfect…..its just perfect to have life. These are just some sayings that i wanted to share with you all. may god bless us all!!!
September 6th, 2005 at 12:26 amI’ve got another saying: Bush lied, people died.
September 6th, 2005 at 12:31 amBarbara did it one better Check this out.
n a segment at the top of the show on the surge of
evacuees to the Texas city, Barbara Bush said: “Almost
everyone I’ve talked to says we’re going to move to
Houston.”
Then she added: “What I’m hearing which is sort of
scary is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is
so overwhelmed by the hospitality.
“And so many of the people in the arena here, you
know, were underprivileged anyway, so this–this (she
chuckles slightly) is working very well for them.”
Jesus what a psycho!
September 6th, 2005 at 12:52 amI notice that Fran, MA, Edge and some others want to try to take blame away from Bush by putting on Nagin or Blanco. I could explain why completely evacuating NOLA without the federal government would have been near impossible but the simple fact is it doesn’t matter. What we are talking about is the after disaster response. Even if Blanco and Nagin had picked up M-16s and started shooting the survivors it wouldn’t absolve Bush of his abject failure of leadership. Bush was the only person in the entire United States who could have guaranteed a quick and massive response from all sectors of government and could have done so with a few phone calls. He purposefully failed to do so.
To get an idea about what can happen if the President cares about the citizens of the United States obe only needs to look back at the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The earthquake struck at 5:13 AM.
By 7 AM federal troops had reported to the mayor.
By 8 AM they were patrolling the entire downtown area and searching for survivors.
The second quake struck at 8:14 AM.
By 10:05 AM the USS Chicago was on its way from San Diego to San Francisco; by 10:30 the USS Preble
had landed a medical team and set up an emergency hospital.
By 11 AM large parts of the city were on fire; troops continued to arrive throughout the day,
evacuating people from the areas threatened by fire to emergency shelters and Golden Gate Park.
St. Mary’s hospital was destroyed by the fire at 1 PM, with no loss of life, the staff and patients
having already been evacuated across the bay to Oakland.
By 3 PM troops had shot several looters, and dynamited buildings to make a firebreak; by five they
had buried dozens of corpses, the morgue and the police pistol range being unable to hold any more.
At 8:40 PM General Funston requested emergency housing – tents and shelters – from the War
Department in Washington; all of the tents in the U.S. Army were on their way to San Francisco by
4:55 AM the next morning.
Prisoners were evacuated to Alcatraz, and by April 20 (two days after the earthquake) the USS
Chicago had reached San Francisco, where it evacuated 20,000 refugees.
Of course, the technology of the day was fairly primitive, and the U.S. was a much poorer country.
No doubt we could move more quickly today.
SF eq info from DailyKos
September 6th, 2005 at 1:24 am[...] Real men don’t cry. The guy who runs this building I’m in, Emergency Management, he’s responsible for everything. His mother was trapped in St. Bernard nursing home and every day she called him and said, “Are you coming, son? Is somebody coming?†and he said, “Yeah, Mama, somebody’s coming to get you.†Somebody’s coming to get you on Tuesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Wednesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Thursday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Friday… and she drowned Friday night. She drowned Friday night! [Sobbing] Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The Secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For god’s sakes, just shut up and send us somebody. [...]
September 6th, 2005 at 1:50 am[...] thinkprogress.org We had Wal-Mart deliver three trucks of water. FEMA turned them back. They said we didn’t need them. This was a week ago. FEMA, we had 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on a Coast Guard vessel docked in my parish. When we got there with our trucks, FEMA says don’t give you the fuel.Yesterday — yesterday — FEMA comes in and cuts all of our emergency communication lines. They cut them without notice. Our sheriff, Harry Lee, goes back in, he reconnects the line. He posts armed guards and said no one is getting near these lines… [...]
September 6th, 2005 at 3:46 amI’ve been a faithful viewer of Meet the Press, even when I’ve been so angry I thought I would not be able to turn it back on the next Sunday, but today was the day I can shut it off for good. Tim Russert displayed such a callousness he no longer earns the right to be heard or seen, not by me and my family any longer anyway. His treatment of Mr. Broussard didn’t just border on obscene, but fell deep in it on the other side!
September 6th, 2005 at 3:57 amWhat has happened is terrible and it keep escalating. We did not move fast enough and why didn’t congress come together and vote right away. They stayed away until a scheduled come together. They should have come RIGHT AWAY. I don’t hear anything about why they delayed their vote for those couple days. Why didn’t they get it out the day the monies were called for? We will need people to care not only now, but months from now. We need to quit showboating and join together to help. How many of you who are complaining could go down and help, how many have donated something/anything? Come on, let’s get off our finger-pointing hands and get to work. Obviously the people we have always helped are not going to help us in the same way. They too are too busy pointing their fingers at what is not being done. They need homes to house people, let’s see opening of homes. Are we United or not? Are we better than those who are poor and of another color? If we mean what we say, then we need to do something and help, even if it means taking in another family. We have offered our home and will openly welcome whoever comes. We are also raising funds, we don’t have much but can make things for the raising of funds for the victims. To be perfectly honest I’m not going to help the governments, I am going to help the individuals. The ones who are not able to help themselves and let them know they are worth this poor persons time and energy. That they are special to us and to God. Let’s help the person who needs us most. If each of us in this post would help one family, wow what a difference that would make to 237 families. God bless America, let’s show this world we are united…for divided we fall!!!
September 6th, 2005 at 8:43 am#231 I just relocated my little button that says “Bush Lied – People Died” and put it on the outside of my purse. It applies Iraq, certainly – it’s original purpose — but now it also applies to New Orleans.
September 6th, 2005 at 9:47 amThe vultures of the venomous left are attacking on two fronts, first that the president didn’t do what the incompetent mayor of New Orleans and the pouty governor of Louisiana should have done, and didn’t, in the early hours after Katrina loosed the deluge on the city that care and good judgment forgot. Ray Nagin, the mayor, ordered a “mandatory” evacuation a day late, but kept the city’s 2,000 school buses parked and locked in neat rows when there was still time to take the refugees to higher ground. The bright-yellow buses sit ruined now in four feet of dirty water. Then the governor, Kathleen Blanco, resisted early pleas to declare martial law, and her dithering opened the way for looters, rapists and killers to make New Orleans an unholy hell. Gov. Haley Barbour did not hesitate in neighboring Mississippi, and looters, rapists and killers have not turned the streets of Gulfport and Biloxi into killing fields.
September 6th, 2005 at 10:36 amIt is clear to see that this not a republic vs democrate fight. What is taking place in New Orleans is a disaster for all of human kind. Bush is not a bad person, just a horriable president (and yes we will continue to hear more Bush bashing as long as he is in office). He should consider leaving office before his term is up. If you were one of the people in New Orleans then maybe you would be more understanding. If you were one that had no where to go but the place you called home, wouldn’t you expect your government (the ones who every American, poor or rich, pays taxes to) to assist you in your time of need in a timely fashion.
September 6th, 2005 at 10:41 amAll of the people of the New Orleans should go knock at the white house doors and demand to stay. Bush is never there anyway (he spends to much of his time on vacation while a disaster is at hand)! Maybe they can plan a better strategy for when disaster strikes.
September 6th, 2005 at 10:44 amGo Kanye West!!! For speaking what most (African-Americans and minorities) already feel. They just do not have the resources to the get public recognization. We minorities do help make up the American society (reguardless if you like it or not)!!!
September 6th, 2005 at 10:54 amCan Bush do anything right besides sounding like an idot (when giving public speeches)?
September 6th, 2005 at 10:55 amFolks, if we let these greeedy, inhumane people in Bush’s camp get away with this, we should all be held accountable. We let these same people IMPEACHED Clinton for getting his knob slobbed! Here Bush is, with all of his cronies, basically ignoring his own people while they die a terrible death. There are so many orphaned kids now, it’s rediculous. If WE let them get away with this, it will be OUR OWN FAULT. We had better demand accountability from our own government.
September 6th, 2005 at 11:26 amAfter days of blaming the federal officials for not responding quickly enough to the Hurricane Katrina crisis, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin praised President Bush on Monday – and charged that Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco had delayed federal rescue efforts by 24-hours.
“I’m so happy that the president came down here,” Nagin said of Bush’s Friday visit to Louisiana in an interview with CNN. “He came down and saw it, and he put a general on the field. His name is General Honore. And when he hit the field, we started to see action.”
But Nagin had harsh words for his state’s leaders, telling CNN: “What the state was doing, I don’t frigging know. But I tell you, I am pissed. It wasn’t adequate.”
The New Orleans Democrat said he urged Bush to meet privately with Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco during the visit. The meeting took place aboard Air Force One, he said.
After reviewing the crisis with Gov. Blanco, Bush summoned Nagin for a private chat – where, according to Nagin, Bush explained: “Mr. Mayor, I offered two options to the governor. I said . . . I was ready to move today. The governor said she needed 24 hours to make a decision.”
Reacting to the governor’s footdragging, Nagin lamented: “It would have been great if we could of left Air Force One, walked outside, and told the world that we had this all worked out.”
“It didn’t happen, and more people died.”
September 6th, 2005 at 11:29 amChertoff said he didn’t know the situation was so bad because he read in Tuesday’s papers that New Orleans “dodged the bullet.â€
WTF????? Last Tuesday’s Headlines:
New Orleans Times Picayune: “CATASTROPHIC”
New York Times: “Hurricane Slams Into Gulf Coast Dozens Are Dead”
Washington Post: “Storm Thrashes Gulf Coast”
Washington Times: “Katrina Pounds Gulf Coast”
Jesus, Chertoff, at least challenge us a LITTLE bit with your b.s.!!!
September 6th, 2005 at 12:09 pmMore Wit and Wisdom from Barbara Bush….or, Let Them Eat Cake! (and by “cake”, I mean “free cake in another state”):
The relocation to Houston is “working very well” for some of the poor people forced out of New Orleans. “What I’m hearing, which is sort of scary, is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality. And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them.”
Radio interview with the American Public Media program “Marketplace.” 09/05/05
“We may end up with a bigger, better New Orleans too, safer.”
Larry King Show 09/05/05
September 6th, 2005 at 12:24 pmSure seeing lots of talk, but no offers to step in and help. Refocus your engergies on what you can do to help…anyone can sit home and point fingers. Remember when you point one at someone else, three more are pointing back at YOU!
September 6th, 2005 at 1:19 pm#228 Marie
You make some valid points, and a part of me hopes you’re right about the ‘rehabilitation’ of the existing Democratic Party. You are most definitely on the mark with your suggestion that we hold current Dem Party office-holders’ feet to the fire while demanding that they actually do their jobs of representing us.
I’m a bit more sanguine about the chances of accomplishing what so many progressives would like to do with the Dem Party. I’m afraid Dr. Dean has been swallowed up by the machine…his feet also must be held to the fire when he comes out with this crap about the Iraq War being ill-conceived but winnable under new management.
Building a viable 3rd party is assuredly ‘hard work’, and it can’t be done in one day or just one–or even two–election cycles. But it CAN be done, and I think it would be worth the work and the time involved.
The Dems, of course, would be hell-bent on sabotaging it, as they already have worked at sabotaging any hint of a progressive movement (by scaring the bejeezus out of well-meaning old-style Democrats and warning them of the direst of consequences if they dare to vote for their true interests rather than for the continuing parade of ‘lesser evils’ they keep trotting out). Frankly, I’ve watched this go on for too long…and as long as we let them get away with it, there will be no end in sight. The Dem Party has atrophied and I believe that it (much like the pre-Civil War Whig Party) is incapable of meeting a new challenge.
IF progressives had refused to toe the line in the past several elections, we would have been much further along in building a new progressive party or even in making the current Dem Party more responsive and responsible. As it is, loyalty to this anemic and ethically bankrupt Party hasn’t won us a damned thing lately. Anyway, this is a conversation we really need to have; and it’s never too early to start.
September 6th, 2005 at 1:48 pm#233 Brian DeSpain
>>>>
Jesus what a psycho!
>>>>
LMQAO! I’ll say…and THIS is the woman who, in her previous incarnation, convinced us she was like ‘Everybody’s Granma’. When these people go out on their own without ‘handlers’ they become as scary as high wire acrobats working without a net.
They do say the damnedest things!!
September 6th, 2005 at 1:55 pm#238 Marie
>>>>>
#231 I just relocated my little button that says “Bush Lied – People Died†and put it on the outside of my purse. It applies Iraq, certainly – it’s original purpose — but now it also applies to New Orleans.
>>>>>
I’ve found the same thing works with a 15 year-old T-shirt I have. I’ve resurrected it and find that it is just as au courant as the day I bought it.
It has an image of Bush (pere) on it (in an Uncle Sam pose) saying ‘I want You’…and ending with the slogan ‘Have a Nice War’. I’d better hang onto it in case (heaven forbid!) we someday have to deal with a President Jeb.
September 6th, 2005 at 2:05 pm[...] Broken cutters, broken saws, Broken buckles, broken laws, Broken bodies, broken bones, Broken voices on broken phones. Take a deep breath, feel like you’re chokin’, Everything is broken. [...]
September 6th, 2005 at 6:05 pmYou are all paranoid and insane.
September 6th, 2005 at 6:54 pmI wrote a similar post on another page from this site that talked about the looting in NO after the floods. It’s kind of funny but I think that the same thing applies here to this page.
I may not be the most educated person on this page, but I hope that some of you might listen to this, and take it to heart.
This tragedy should not be taken as an opportunity to point fingers. Yes, there is definitely blame, from Mr. Nagin all the way up to Mr. Bush. However, my grandmother used to tell me that when you point the finger at someone, you’d better realize that three other fingers are pointing back at you! We are all to blame, in some fashion or another, for this tragedy. No, we did not cut the funding to replace/repair the levee. No, we did not fail to evacuate our constituents. But we failed to demanded accountability from our government regarding what they do, how they do it, and who they do it with. Is it really appropriate to call the Saudi’s and ask them to help us with the oil shortage considering the fact that they harbored Bin Ladin for so long? And by all means, if that is NOT a fact, please let me know. I depend on the media to provide unbiased information and be a portal of truth. That process is hindered if they behave like a prime time sitcom, though. This is another failure on our part. We don’t demand that the media do their jobs. We would rather watch the Michael Jackson trial than learn about what productive things Bush has done for the country. We have also failed to truly be honest with one another. Republicans attack Democrats, White folks blame immigrants and other minorities, black folks feel oppressed by white folks, Christians blame Homosexuals (which completely blows me away!) No one is having honest dialog with one another. We sit back, we judge, and we become content with our own self righteousness. We have allowed ourselves to create petty distractions that divert attention from real issues. Can we really afford to do that any more? We must be accountable to ourselves before we can expect anyone else to be accountable to us. Can we truly judge ourselves as harshly as we judge Mr. Bush? I can, and that’s why I say Impeach the bastard, so that we can start to heal and move on. But, in order to heal, we must be honest with ourselves and each other. We must be willing to change our attitudes about one another, so that we can unite and be the mighty nation that we should, and could, be. When we unite, our government has NO CHOICE but to listen to us. But our government knows that we wont do that. Democrats and Republicans know it. They play us like puppets! We believe everything that they say, and dare someone to contradict it. No more, folks?
I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to initiate this process in my community. I don’t know how I will do it, but I will. Will you all do the same……please?
September 6th, 2005 at 8:53 pmif you want to see the AARON BROUSSARD TAPE go to
http://www.crooksandliars.com
scroll almost to the end and you will see it.
September 6th, 2005 at 9:15 pmEverybody please we need to protest loudly to our “elected” officials. In addition to everything else we are doing, we all need a popular mobilization to pick up the phones and call Washington. ANother thing, my Senators and Congressperson from Minnesota are still pretending they don’T understand what the problem is with Katrina. Here’s what I say we do… choose an article you think expresses Bush’s laissez-faire approach to his job description, print it out, and FAX IT TO YOUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSPEOPLE. We need to let them understand clearly that we ARE aware – even if *they* do not wish to be – of what’s happening and we are going to hold them accountable.
There *ARE* legitimate function of government. They told us government is bad since Reagan. Now we have a government which has abdecated it’s most basic responsibility: protecting its own people.
September 6th, 2005 at 10:49 pm[...] The outright lies that the government has told, from claiming that no state of emergency was called, to the blatant ignoring of the pleading from the leaders in Nola, sicken me as much, if not more, than the manner with which he addresses the stricken. How dare they turn back doctors, trucks of water, people with the ability to help! How dare they insinuate that people will be better off for this! They dare because they can get away with it. The water and electricity should be back up in three to five years, if you go according to bid-winning Halliburton’s track record rebuilding Baghdad. Let’s not even discuss normalcy of living yet. [...]
September 6th, 2005 at 11:34 pmIf anyone should be blamed for the lack of evacuation, lack of law inforcement, etc it should be the mayor of nola and the govenor! They totally dropped the ball
September 7th, 2005 at 12:40 am[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2005/09/04/worst-abandonments/ [...]
September 7th, 2005 at 1:52 amDid any of you ever wonder about what happens to your social security money you pay in if you are single and die before retirement?
Lets just say…. begin work at 18 and go till 60…. so that is 42 years… even at a modest $8.00 per hour average of 35 hours per week (this is just off the top of my head)….. $14,560 per year – you pay 8% they match it so 16% (taking into account things change so I average)…. $2329.60 annually…plus 4% (I am sure the financial guru’s get a better return on this)… so $100 interest annually ….. I don’t compound this for simplicity….
I get $102,043.20…. so if you die at 60…. single (or gay in a relationship) the GOVERNMENT GETS YOUR MONEY…
WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Let’s just see, 1,000,000 people times 102,043… equals: 102,043,200,000
That’s a lot of cabbage….which produces a lot of gas.
September 7th, 2005 at 3:43 amThe delay in help in NO was motivated by GREED.
PURE AND SIMPLE (IRONIC SINCE DUMBYA IS SIMPLE)
The less poor people, the less welfare…. the less people the more SSI…..for the government.
I bet they just wish Chicago could have a hurricane. Or even Las Angeles…..
September 7th, 2005 at 3:46 amWhat a load of CRAP! If my mom was stuck in a retirement home, I’d get there any way I could to rescue her.
September 7th, 2005 at 8:21 amWow, Joe B, really? You could have gotten your mom out? Even though thosands of other people could not reach their loved ones, YOU could have? Wow, maybe you should be the director of FEMA!! And just how would you have managed that…Joey? Do tell, I’m very interested.
September 7th, 2005 at 10:32 amWell, Kimmy, If I had 7 days, and knew where someone was specifically located…I’d figure a way. I wouldnt sit there like a left wing tard and wait for “big brother” to come to the rescue.
September 7th, 2005 at 11:13 am[...] Crooks and Liars, the news website monitoring American media, hosts a (slow to download due to high traffic) Meet the Press video interview with Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard, who admonishes the Federal Government for their deathly slow response to the Hurricane. He talks of FEMA’s cutting off of emergency phonelines, of their cack-handed management of fuel supplies and of their turning away Wal-Mart trucks full of water for survivors. As the interview on NBC’s show carries on he begins to look increasingly distressed until, by the end he is sobbing uncontrolably, voice hoarse and shaking. It’s clear throughout that he’s been through an incredible amount of trauma and has worked through exhaustion as his words fail him and he contains his distress and disappointment no longer. [...]
September 7th, 2005 at 12:01 pm#266, i guess when they shot you for violating their no pass zones YOU WOULD BE REAL EFFICIENT IN THE RESCUE DEPARTMENT.
I would love to say your type of thinking amazes me…but you are an ordinary right-wing-wing-nut.
September 7th, 2005 at 12:32 pmJoey, Joey, how naive. I guess my rationale and logic is of no use here. The theory that “everyone can’t be wrong” has no meaning in this circumstance, is that what you are saying. Thousands of people had no means of “figuring out” how to get their loved ones, but…..you have it all “figured out”. Lefty, righty….whatever. Can you agree, or at least acknowledge that maybe…..just maybe there was no way for SOME people to get to their loved ones. Come on!!! It’s obvious that you’re a brilliant person, but can you at least acknowledge that. By the way, you haven’t answered the question: How would you have gotten them out? I’m serious. I would like to hear your thoughts. If there is something that I do not understand, then make me understand. Right now, the impression that I am getting from you is that the people who say that they could not get to their loved ones where somehow negligent and lacked ingenuity and creativity. All they knew how to do was depend on other people to help them, is that what you are saying? Cuz that is what I’m reading. That, Joey, is very illogical. It is not logic, its judgment! Where you there? Have you been in a situation like that before. If so, how did you handle it. Be constructive, not destructive, Joey. And yes, I like it when ya call me Kimmy!!!
September 7th, 2005 at 12:39 pm#119, not only did presoctt help the nazis, he managed a steel works plant and thought it could be more profitable by using slave labor. So auswitch was built and they fired the paid employees and began using the slave labor.
not only that, thiessen and bush (with bush’s father in law) purchased ships that were used to spirit away nazi war criminals to great places like south america, argentina, and some parts of europe. and are you ready for this one? AMERICA TOO.
When they got caught in October 1942, the bush KLAN beat it back to america to rescue the family image… So they sent an 18 year old Bush I to join the army (navy didn’t exist on it’s own back then) and become a PHANTOM war hero.
You can find vast information on their evil at the Florida Holocaust Museum archives. I have MORE links too if you are interested.
September 7th, 2005 at 12:40 pmIt would be a wise move if every bush supporter would do a LITTLE RESEARCH ON THEIR HEROS
ALSO A LITTLE RESEARCH on the Order of the Scull and Bones would help too.
When they find they are being controlled like little marrionettes, they might just change their tunes.
September 7th, 2005 at 12:43 pmI do however doubt they would ever do the research or if they did, they would NEVER TALK ABOUT IT.
That does seem to be their theme….know the truth, just RUN FROM IT.
September 7th, 2005 at 12:44 pmYou are right Kimmy, It does take “ingenuity”, something most of you middle class leftists don’t seem to posses.
September 7th, 2005 at 1:55 pmRight wing, left wing. Still takes both wings to fly you morons…. Political tendency is hardly the problem. Lack of empathy and lack of effective communication and action is the issue. Our nation’s response up to this point is a catastrophic embarrassment on top of the astounding failure and loss of life.
September 7th, 2005 at 4:54 pmAfter reading this, I’m 100% positive that FEMA is being run by Halliburton, Kellog, Brown & Root.
It smells like DICK……(Cheney)
September 7th, 2005 at 5:08 pmYes, “ingenuity”, meaning a skill or cleverness in devising or combining! Would you not agree that a good deal of ingenuity is necessary to, say, be a parent, survive in the midst of the total devastation of everything you know, lead a company, a city, a state, a country??? Is ingenuity not necessary from those of us who demand better answers, more accountability, and a better government, to find ways of breaking this cycle of destruction? Perhaps this sort of progressive thinking is beyond the scope of some (Joey, I’m mainly looking at you!!!). I happen to think that it is common sense to the common man…or woman…that if something is broken, fix it. But this is very broad thinking. Can we think more specifically? Is the growth of our smaller political parties necessary for these goals to be met? Or must we demand reform from the existing parties…sort of put them on punishment until they learn to play nice and do their chores correctly. I don’t know the answers. But I’d like us to begin to contemplate, if not implement some solutions. Like I said, I’m not the most educated person on this page…but I know what shit smells like! Pee-uuu!
Hey, KJ, tell us more about this Skull and Bones society, please.
September 7th, 2005 at 5:45 pmIt was the Lousiana branch of FEMA that turned assistance away! ot the national FEMA.
September 7th, 2005 at 10:16 pmDuh, I posted my last comment to the wrong page.
September 8th, 2005 at 10:18 amno more pity for la. gov. check this out:
September 8th, 2005 at 2:48 pmhttp://delong.typepad.com/sdj/2005/09/new_orleanss_hu.html
#210 – Joe – you’re right – I know nothing of the original poster – nor do I want to. That never stops the left either – they know nothing about me, but I have been called every filthy name in the book by some of the most prolific, “tolerant” contributors here – who cares? If I’m tooo thinned skinned, I shouldn’t “play” here. My comment was directed by the academic “pap” being promoted by the John Dewey wing of the educational community.
September 8th, 2005 at 3:06 pmLove the link to Cuba’s great handling of a hurricane – of course they have nothing worth looting, & their fridges are tiny – remember the dogs, built in dinner YUM!!
September 8th, 2005 at 5:18 pmI’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I find myself wondering if Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard’s story about the dying mother was truthful. Considering the enormity of what this man did was he just embellishing for effect? Or was it an out-and-out fiction?
As this follow up story in the New York Times says In Nursing Home, a Fight Lost to Rising Waters
St. Bernard Parish officials say that 32 of the St. Rita’s Nursing home’s roughly 60 residents died on Aug. 29, more than a week ago.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/07/national/nationalspecial/07chalmette.html
So now the question goes directly to Mr Broussard how did “mama†call, on Tuesday, call on Wednesday, call on Thursday and call on Friday and then drown on Friday night when sad as this whole tragedy is “mama†God bless her soul she died on Monday night.
Mr. Broussard’s tragic, calculated and heartless act to just make up a story about “mama†calling her son for four days knowing full well it never happen shows the greater tragedy in America today. It is the extend to which people will go to shift any and all blame from themselves to its the other guys fault i.e. the federal government more specifically in this case to the President.
September 8th, 2005 at 9:01 pmIt was the Lousiana branch of FEMA that turned assistance away! ot the national FEMA.
September 9th, 2005 at 12:15 amIt was actually the Louisiana Department of Homeland Security, which is an independant state organization under the direct control of the governer, and they are not a branch of the federal Department of Homeland Security.
Well, they were all warned, They DID have evacuation means as in school buses. You will see as The Mayor of NO was waiting on his greyhounds he demanded, the school buses they had available were swamped and rendered useless. 90% of the blame goes to local and state goverments. That is a lie about FEMA blocking their aid and emergency communication and if you would have seen the excerpt the guys sobbing looked obviously exaggerated. FEMA would not just do that, its BS. And you have already seen the behavior of the MAJORITY of the survivors as looting, murder, and rape go on. Also wait and see when money gets allocated to local and state goverments how the corrupt politicians will hoard most of it. The south has a long history of political corruption, especially Louisiana and New Orleans. Believe what you like, wait and see how the money will be spent. Incomptence of local and state goverments is the reason for 90% of the disaster and the other 10% would be the gov. reaction when they seen they had to step in so quickly.
September 9th, 2005 at 1:18 amPost #285, while I can agree with your concern about how the funds will be allocated, and I can agree with your statement about political corruption, not just in the south, but in almost every state to some degree or another, I have to question why you are so quick to say that a MAJORITY of the victims were looters, rapists and murderers. I won’t bother asking you to justify that logic. You could only justify it by using more conjecture and summation, NOT FACT!! People, if we are going to have meaningful dialogue, we must bring fact into evidence.
Fact: Local, state and FEDERAL government had a hypothetical model of the potential damage that a category 3 hurricane could and would cause, based on the theoretical model of Hurricane “Pam.” Louisiana State University’s Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of Hurricanes conducted this study. Their recommendations:
1. Divert the Mississippi River into the “Breton and Chandeleur Sounds through the Bohemia Wildlife Management area (van Heerden, 1994).”
2. Not to act on Louisiana’s coastal land loss with all the facilities of government, is exposing New Orleans to greater threats than is necessary.
Local, state and federal branches of government knew about this study, and paid very little attention to it. The Army Corp of Engineers, LA Department of Homeland Security, the Mayor’s office, the Governor’s office, and FEMA all knew about this study. I guess it was kind of like the report that read, “Bin Laden represents a serious threat to National security….or something like that.” (Per Condoleezza Rice). It was dismissed!
I’ve posted the web site below, if you’d like to read more about the study.
http://hurricane.lsu.edu/floodprediction/PAM_Exercise04/Documents/Coastal_Land_Loss_Hurricanes_and_New_Orleans.htm
Fact: Prior to Sept 11, 2001, FEMA said that the three largest disasters facing the US were:
1. A terrorist act in NY
2. A major hurricane in NO
3. A major earthquake in San Francisco.
Fact: All areas of local, state and federal government knew that a hurricane of the magnitude that Katrina possessed was not only possible, but probable. Yet, ALL AREAS OF LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FAILED TO PROPERLY PLAN FOR A DISASTER OF THIS MAGNITUDE. Hence, many more people died needlessly.
TRG, Michael, JF, nothing you have contributed has been constructive. Aphrodite (how absurd that you use that name) Thick or thin skinned, your comments are polluted with innuendo and conjecture. This thread is not an avenue for airing your grievances about the left. It is about educating one another, finding some common ground to help those in need, and separating false information from accurate information. Please, be more open minded and stop with all of the cat fighting! Again, I don’t mean to call anyone out, but DAMN!!!
September 9th, 2005 at 10:11 amBush hates old people, I over heard him say it at a town hall meeting in Florida. I leaned over and told Dick that he wanted to kill off old people and minorities to free up more federal money to support his rich golfing buddies in the Defense, Oil, Financial and Bible printing industries.
September 9th, 2005 at 11:10 amJF-About those buses….read post 280. There were to be no buses!
September 9th, 2005 at 12:06 pmThis is why government as an entity needs to be indicted. Broussard himself said that FEMA needs to operate more like Wal-Mart. The sad fact is that NO-BODY can do government right. If you think Clinton or Reagan or Carter could have done things right, you’re dreaming. The government built the levees, allowing all those people to build houses under water. If we had a free market system, no-one would have died in this hurricane, because no-one would have been living there. The really sad part is not only did the government kill these people, they did so knowingly. I have found articles from 2000 predicting this exact scenario, one being in the Jul. 10, 2000 issue of Time. Time to realize that your illustrious government is killing you off. As for me, I’m joining the Free State Project.
September 9th, 2005 at 12:53 pmYeah I guess the US Goverment has killed them all after leaving it in the states hands for evacuations. And, Oh, I guess the goverment has been down there killing people too-raping 7 year old girls and slitting their throats. I belive most stayed so they would get to loot. And yes, The Mayor Of NO DID have the school buses read here -> http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/9/8/114045.shtml
September 9th, 2005 at 2:14 pmIm not saying the goverment didnt messup some, Im just saying that they are not responsible for 100% of it. I suggest if you people care so much and then go volunteer and look how you will be treated. As they WERE rescue workers down there right after it happned the savages were shooting at them. I expect a big crime wave from most of the evacuees and almost ALL of the volunteer reports are the same as that guys up there.
Seems that they (the Government) should have stepped aside and let whoever wanted to go in (with boats,buses, whatever) and help people, let them do it.
September 9th, 2005 at 2:22 pmSure there were nuts shooting at people which would endanger people, but don’t firemen go into burning buildings, risking their lives to save others?
This was posted on a lsit for psychologists in New York. It is a first-hand account bya psychologist of work with Katrina survivors in Dallas.
Anne Gervasi is a licensed psychologist. She donated her time and her talent working with Katrina refuges at first, Reunion Arena and then, the Civic Center. This is her first hand account and reaction to what she had to deal with. If you
blog, please put this out there. We want everyone in the country to read
this first-hand account of the horror that is Dallas. If you have an
extensive mailing list , please forward it, too.
There are so many words that come to mind. As a scholar I am thinking
Diaspora, social displacement, systemic disruption, mass trauma,
pandemic and unbelievable chaos. As a clinician, I am looking at
something that we have never been trained to handle in this country–a
level of victimization and its resultant psycho-social ripples that
mandate a whole new field of clinical practice-mass victimology. Katrina
kicked the top off of a racist and social termite’s nest that has been
growing beneath the ground since Reconstruction. These were deeply
religious people who have lost God and for that matter, faith and hope.
Hope has been replaced by magical thinking that augurs a second and more
terrible level of social disruption and anger not far down the road.
Over and over, I kept hearing a framing of self that puzzled me until I
realized that this is how it must have been for blacks after
Reconstruction. Over and over, people said, “everyone has been so
wonderful, thank you, thank you.” When I said, “there is no need to
thank us, you are our fellow citizens and we want to help you–American
to American,” there would be a long pause as if the idea of being the
same never struck them before.
They are angry and it is growing. The system failed them. For that
matter, there is no system because all the safeguards and preparations
that we thought were in place aren’t there. I have been begging anyone
who would listen over the past two years for a program in mass
victimology to prepare for the next tragedy after 9/11. Now it is here
and the lack of organization, science, and preparation are going to
result in terrible consequences for us as a nation.
Imagine sending people who have been assimilated into the most stable
demographic population in America into cities an d towns all over the US
who are as unprepared as the victims to understand their sense of
dislocation and their support needs. The lower Gulf States have a
language, a history, a social dynamic, a faith, a societal structure,
and a ritual system unlike any other in America. These people have lived
in and been acculturated to this system for generations. When the dust
settles and the mud dries, we are going to see all over America, a
nation that will lose patience with the needs of a foreign refugee
population. Abandoned once again, the fury and the trauma that have been
momentarily quieted by the outpouring of empathy and support
post-crisis, will arise larger and more terrible than we have been
equipped as a nation to handle. I hear it now, over and over, in the
survivor stories, in the loss of self, and the need to reclaim dignity
and power.
Right now, numbness is being replaced by magical thinking. “People want me here–here is better. I think I’ll stay here.” What is going to
happen when reality sets in? The bulk of people who are planning to stay
don’t understand the system here. Even though we abut borders, we are a
vastly different nation. At least we are southerners. What is going to
happen to the thousands being sent to Connecticut or Illinois or New
Jersey? They are being offered free apartments, furniture etc, by
generous and well meaning people who haven’t thought the long term
consequences through very well. A lot of the apartments are in areas
where they won’t have transportation or jobs. What is going to happen
six months down the road when the magic wears off and the help slowly
fades? How about the holidays for a people who thrive on ritual,
tradition, and celebration?
The trauma they are experiencing is so profound that we have no cultural
term or machinery set up for it. The dead and nameless bodies by the
thousands rotting in the water, arriving dead on the buses with them, or
dying next to them in the shelters are a huge festering wound that no
one dares mention. This is a true Diaspora the likes of which we haven’t
seen since Reconstruction. The immediate needs that are being addressed
ignore the greater traumas yet to be spoken. No governmental system can
survive the number of wounded and disillusioned people that we are going
to see sprouting up all over America. Something far greater and more
organized has to be done.
Then to the helpers and what is happening there. Turf wars have already
sprung up. In the name of “I know better than you do,” chaos and wasted
energy are multiplying. The Red Cross was initially in charge of
certifying the credentials of the helping therapists. After Oklahoma
City and the pretenders who arrived there, this seemed like a wonderful
clearing house. Everyone who wanted to help had to go through a brief
orientation and a thorough checking of credentials. Only licensed
professionals were allowed. Driver’s licenses were checked for criminal
records. This seemed to be a common sense excellent approach to the
question of rapists, pedophiles, and other thugs being denied access to
a vulnerable population. Actually, things ran better than I expected at
the beginning. Then in came the physicians who I guess felt that their
non-existent coursework in this area qualified them to better run
things. Immediate chaos, disorganization, and all sorts of ersatz
“helpers” began running around. They grabbed our current Red Cross
badges and then stopped us from going back on the floor to finish seeing
our patients without the new badges, which they just happened to be out
of. We had an optometrist with prescriptive lenses but no glasses or
readers and no idea when he’d ever see any. We had a deaf booth but no
deaf hel pers. In the midst of all this chaos, thousands and thousands of
the walking wounded mixing with the powerless well-intentioned came the
whispered word, pandemic. Lots of people are suddenly getting sick, and
we have to have precautions. Don’t eat or drink or touch the patients.
We only have one bottle of disinfectant in the mental health section, so
come back here–the length of the Convention Center–after each patient.
“What of the people who are being cycled out of here?” “What are we
sending into the population?” If people are sick and contagious, where
are the precautions to separate the vulnerable? What of precautions such
as masks and gloves to keep the medical professionals and first
responders safe? All the here and now is suspended in the hope that
maybe tomorrow will take care of itself and the worst won’t happen.
Those are the question we asked on the first day. NO ONE IS IN CHARGE
Therefore, there is no consistent answer or approach or forethought. I
am no infection guru but as soon as I heard on day one that people with
no water were forced to drink water with bloated bodies, feces, and rats
in it, the thought of cholera, typhoid, and delayed disease immediately
occurred to me. What if the fears of disease are correct? People are
fanning out throughout America. Where is the CDC?
In the age of computers, we are doing worse than the pencil squibs and
the rolls of paper to log in the displaced after World War II. Literacy
and computer access seems to be considered as a given for people who
have lost it all. Accessing FEMA is through a website. People are in
shelters waiting for FEMA to come “in a few days.” “Be patient.” The
Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana pumped my hand and replied to my
desperate queries about how to help people find their parents and
babies, “Be patient–give us a few days.”
The mot hers who have lost their children, and there are many, and the
children who have lost their parents, have had it with the “be patient”
response. The shelters are surprisingly silent. It is hard to find the
traumatized mothers because they cry silently. One mother asked how
patient I would be if my five-month-old was somewhere unknown for over a
week. Over and over, others would ask,” Do you think my baby has milk
and diapers?” “Do you think they are being kind to my baby?” And then,
so softly that I would have to ask them to repeat, “Do you think my baby
is okay?” My response–the convenient lie. Every time I said, “of
course”; I prayed to God that it was true.
I am sure that there is a special ring of hell for the media: The
survivor stories end-on-end for the titillation of the public. I heard
Soledad O’Brien say something about the still unrecognized need to
address the psychological trauma. I sent a response to the C NN tip-line
that there were hordes of every manner of mental health professional
working 24/7. CNN’s response? Dr. Phil and the stories of the survivors”
on Larry King. They went to the guy who lost his clinical license for
serious professional infractions to tell the stories? I could see the
“entertainer” down there gathering tales of the already exploited so
that he and Larry could both pimp their ratings. The real unsung mental
health heroes, the counselors, psychologists, social workers and
psychiatrists dealing with un-medicated psychosis and severe traumatic
responses were represented by Dr. “Keep-It-Real”? We don’t need tabloid
help from the media. Scream about accountability and point fingers for
those who can’t. Where is the real help from the media? Help us find
those babies and parents and missing family. We have a man in one of the
shelters who is caring for four kids. They call him uncle. He is
actually the c ousin of the fiancé of the mother who is probably dead.
The children are silent. They sit and play and weep with open mouths
that can’t scream. Where is the media to scream for them?
Finally, to hell with this “no blame game.” The stories that I know to
be true are enough to make me boil. The compassionate foreign doctors
who can’t find anyone to validate their credentials, the expensive
mobile hospital still sitting parked waiting for federal paperwork to
move into Louisiana, the five C130s sitting on the Tarmac in San Diego
since the night of Katrina, still waiting for orders to move. Where the
hell are the beds? We have some old people sleeping on hot plastic pool
floats with no sheets. They are still no showers for people who have
walked for hours through fetid waters. Their skin is breaking out in
rashes. Still no showers. Where the hell are the DeCon showers bought
with Homeland Security money that can shower 30 pe ople at a time. The
convention centers have no bathing facilities so the filth and skin
reactions are getting worse. What of lice? There are no clothes for the
really heavy and large. I was reduced to writing the women I knew who
went to Weight Watchers to comb their attics for “before” outfits. When
I arrived with the sack of my gatherings, I had to engage in a full
scale battle and puff myself up to all my red-headed doctor fury to get
them distributed to the women still sitting there in their stinking
clothes.
The survivors are like the Mayor of New Orleans who apologized to George
Bush for his anger. “If we tell the way we feel, maybe help will stop.”
All the apologists on the air distancing George and his co-vacationers
and idiot appointees should be impeached. I liked Nagin when he called
it all bullshit. He was right. How about Haley Barbour complaining about
the lack of support for his state? Did he so soon fo rget his past life
and what he did to set up this government of spin artists? If they had
acted like a government the body count would be less. The aid would be
better managed. The days of filth, and feces, and death would have been
ended sooner. God help all of the poseurs in charge when these folks
finally get in touch with their justifiable rage. Did you see the White
House’s logo for the hurricane? George and some asshole in a ball cap
against a background of Katrina waving the flag. They had the energy and
time for a nice logo but no time to get the elements of help in gear?
The tragedy is leavened by some moments of farce, the guy who arrived
with a case of Gucci shoes in various sizes that he “saved” from his
closet. The man wearing twelve expensive watches up his arm. I guess he
is a punctual sort. There are the too-poignant-for-words vignettes. I
saw a lady sitting on a blanket holding a photo of two children th at she
had pulled from the water. She kept crying and looking at it. I thought
they were her children. She didn’t know whose they were. They were just
losses and she mourned them.
Of course there were the criminals, thugs, and mobsters. One of the
greatest indictments of the “spin machine” that is going to come from
this situation will be the repeated characterizations of the victims as
lawless and criminal. Over and over I heard people tell me about how
ashamed they were to be portrayed that way. Ninety-nine percent of these
people never were characterized as anything but lawful and good
citizens. In their most desperate hours to be reduced to taking food and
water to survive and then to be lumped with the television thieves and
the shooters is too shameful for most of them to bear. I heard from
hospital employees that survived on a cup of watered grits so that the
patients could make it. And then I heard had they had to hide the ones
that didn’t in closets to keep up the morale of the others.
The people that survived this tragedy and the people who help them all
know one truth. The help and the love and the care that has been
extended to them have been on a citizen-to-citizen basis. The churches,
doctors, therapists, and ordinary citizens who are giving all they can
in time and resources are managing to band-aid at the most elementary
level-neighbor to neighbor. The government has failed We are more
vulnerable now than before 9/11 because faith in the system is gone. No
system can sustain itself as a viable entity when the citizenry are the
walking wounded. Victims implode a system from within and expose its
decay. This is the beginning of the end unless we can get a drastic
change of philosophy and restore the government to a system “by the
people for the people.” Right now nobody down here believes we have that.
Anne Gervasi
agervasi@sbcglobal.net
gervasi@dal.devry.edu
Euless, TX 76039
After every war
September 9th, 2005 at 5:04 pmsomeone has to clean up.
Things won’t
straighten themselves up, after all.
Someone has to push the rubble
to the side of the road,
so the corpse-filled wagons
can pass.
Photogenic it’s not,
and takes years.
All the cameras have left
for another war.
From out of the bushes
sometimes someone still unearths
rusted-out arguments
and carries them to the garbage pile.
–Wislawa Szymborska
Well, I think that a lot of the blame lies with the state of LA and the city of NO. The cries of help should have came days before the hurricane hit as they knew a hurricane of epic proprtions was coming. They should have organized a mass evacuation, even a forced evacuation days before it even happened. Sure FEMA drug their feet and there was red tape all over it, much of whcih as caused by State and Local Govt. Everybody is so quick to blame Bush which is absurd as when he gives orders they go on down the line and the red tape starts. Its absurd to say all of this was Bushs fault. Thats part of living in a free society, thats why we have State goverments- autonomos governing bodies. Say what you will I belive that the state and local should bare more of the blame. Also, these stories like the guy this blog is about have been proven exaggerated. Sure there was horrors and all that but I know FEMA wasnt turning away help and interfering with rescue missions. The proof has shown that the state goverment was. People, get real, sure this was a disaster but your telling me the State couldnt have acted quicker and better, the whole state is NOT in New Orleans. They had resources enough to start the rescue and relief operations but did not. And I also feel sorry for the evacuees, people are being so nice to them now but what about when they will wear their welcome out cause that is human nature. Sure we are all for helping and provicing but later on down the road when nothing has changed we start to resent the people and wish for their departure. God help us
September 10th, 2005 at 2:10 am2006 is an election year. Hardly anyone votes when a President isn’t up for election-next year let your voice be heard. Find out what your elected officials opinions are about the government response to Katrina and vote your conscience.Remember Katrina in November 2006.
September 10th, 2005 at 11:29 amI am formerly from new orleans,I reallllllly dislike bush but don’t blame him for this one. The gov. and the mayor and nola emergency planners own this baby. I was in new orleans during betsy and even then we talked about the big one that would get through the levee. They have had at least thirty years to get their act togeather and didn’t. shame on them, even though I love the city.
September 10th, 2005 at 1:00 pm#286 – Kimberley, your intolerance is intolerable.
“Aphrodite (how absurd that you use that name) Thick or thin skinned, your comments are polluted with innuendo and conjecture. This thread is not an avenue for airing your grievances about the left. It is about educating one another, finding some common ground to help those in need, and separating false information from accurate information. Please, be more open minded and stop with all of the cat fighting! Again, I don’t mean to call anyone out, but DAMN!!!
Comment by Kimberly — September 9, 2005 @ 10:11 am”
My mom was going to name me Kimberley but I got lucky! She loved the name, Aphrodite as I’m sure Tawana Brawley’s mom loved that name. As for ” comments polluted with conjecture” – one gals pollution is another’s perfume. Humor would help you….but that might require not taking yourself sooo seriously.
September 10th, 2005 at 8:41 pmVideo can be found here.
September 11th, 2005 at 5:39 amhttp://www.michaelmoore.com/_images/splash/aaron_broussard.mov
If the report below is right, than Aaron Broussard perpetrated a fraud on international TV and it continues to get air play. Not only that, you have to wonder why when the son of a resident called the nursing home in question and heard they were not evacuating, why didn’t he asked Aaron Broussard to demand it be evacuated and send buses to get these people. I am embarrassed by our government’s lack of rsponse to the hurricane. I have opened my home to victims and donated thousands of dollars to relief causes.
But I was also embarassed when I first saw a leader such as Mr. Broussard collapse emotionally when his constituents needed his leadership and hope. Then, when I heard that CNN had found the very nursing home he referenced and that the residents should have been evacuated and that they probably drowned on Monday, which meant the telephone calls could not been made, I did my own research.
Something just didn’t feel right about this interview from the beginning. It now looks like Mr. Broussard, for whatever reason, mistated the facts and painted a much worse picture THAN EVEN THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION. Why? Tim Russert should find out the truth and report it.
Aaron Broussard is the president of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He is a Democrat. He was president of Parishes Against Coastal Erosion (PACE) and in a June 14, 2005 press release predicted:
With the National Hurricane Center predicting another active hurricane season, PACE President Aaron Broussard said he fears that it is going to take a major storm and significant loss of life before the nation acts responsibly.[1]
During the Hurricane Katrina disaster, he and his employees were on the front lines with limited resources while the crisis escalated. On September 4, 2005 he was interviewed on NBC’s Meet the Press and broke out in tears. He said:
“The guy who runs this building I’m in, Emergency Management, he’s responsible for everything. His mother was trapped in St. Bernard nursing home, and every day she called him and said, ‘Are you coming, son? Is somebody coming?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, Momma, somebody’s coming to get you. Somebody’s coming to get you on Tuesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Wednesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Thursday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Friday’ — and she drowned on Friday night. She drowned on Friday night. Nobody’s coming to get us, nobody’s coming to get us. The secretary has promised, everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences — I’m sick of the press conferences. For God’s sake, shut up and send us somebody.”
Subsequent news reports identified the son in the story as Tom Rodrigue, Jefferson Parish’s emergency services director. Rodrigue’s 92-year-old mother, Eva, lived in the St. Rita’s nursing home.[2] It appears from a CNN interview with Rodrigue that he made phonecalls to the nursing home on Saturday, August 27, 2005, and on Sunday, August 28, 2005, urging that the home be evacuated.[3] That evacuation did not take place, and at least 30 residents of the nursing home drowned on Monday, August 29, 2005.[4]
While it is possible that Rodrigue’s mother survived the initial flooding, such that she could have had the reported phonecalls with her son on Tuesday through Friday before drowning on Friday, it seems more likely that Broussard altered the details of the story to strengthen his case against the federal government’s slow response to Katrina.
September 11th, 2005 at 8:35 amhttp://www.corkandbottlefinewines.com/
September 11th, 2005 at 6:08 pmthe true state of affairs in new orleans
the horror grows:
September 11th, 2005 at 7:27 pmhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=361980&in_page_id=1770&in_a_source=&ct=5
In reply to post #296, Aphrodite, my deepest apologies! I did not intend to make fun of your real name, I thought it was a “handle.” However, please don’t misunderstand me, I am not taking myself seriously. I AM TAKING THIS SITUATIN SERIOUSLY, WHICH IS SOMETHING YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER DOING?? This is not a laughing matter, and you are not throwing jokes at an arbitrary situation. If you find dead bodies floating in a river funny, then, regardless of your name, you are not as lucky as you think.
I am, however, referencing and replying to your posts #210, 281, & 282. You have done nothing more than criticize, “laugh at,” and conjure up some of the pettiest posts that I have seen on this thread to date. And MY GOD, WHAT PETTY POSTS HAVE I SEEN ON THIS THREAD!!! You have not contributed one single plausible thought. You have, on the other hand, played the “victim” role, and cried about how “lefty’s” have called you everything but a child of God. Duh!!! And you haven’t yet figured out why? If you are as educated as you seem to pretend you are, then EDUCTATE US!! Make a contribution to this thread!! Make a contribution that will eradicate the problem as you, oh Mighty One, see the problem to be. I won’t knock you for trying….if I see you trying. Those, such as yourself, who tend to judge people based on what they look like, or what political party they associate themselves with, may want to hold on to those stones, and stop chucking them at us…glass house…heloooooo! Those of us who choose to judge a situation…or a person…based on actions can smell you a mile away!! And your actions, verbal as they may be, are just…….uh-uh, never mind, I’m done…..NEXT!!
September 12th, 2005 at 12:58 pmKimberley – Apology accepted! I am no victim – that why I said “anyone too thinned skinned” shouldn’t play here. Folks who “volunteer” for their situations through REPEATED stupid or immoral choices garner little sympathy. I feel sorry and try to help the true victims of awful circumstances, as I’m sure most decent people do! But — WHERE DID I FIND DEAD BODIES FLOATING FUNNY??? #210 was a reply to me -catch up. NOWHERE do I judge anyone by their looks or their party – I do decide who my friends are based on their ethics and behaviour. I hope you do, too! I’m sure Ryan and BJ have ‘educated’ you alot with their constructive tone. #281 – erroneous assumptions by brilliant Joseph Hill. #282 – satire exposing the disingenuous. Part of the reason I left “the left in 1991 – they took themselves waaaayy tooo seriously!
September 12th, 2005 at 3:42 pmP. S. –My husband reminded me that I WAS concerned about the poor looters who might be weighted down by stealing Big TV’s and electronics, jewelry and guns – Kimberley, was that what you meant by making fun of dead floating bodies? Remember my motto, take what food, water and ttennis shoes you need – but anything else is NOT a flotation device. Good night!
September 12th, 2005 at 6:15 pmThis will be reported as a “lack of preparation” or a “mishandling” and eventually some half-hearted, foot-dragging investigation will be made on those terms, just as was the case with 9/11.
I believe FEMA knows exactly what they are doing.
They responded as they had been trained to for this thoroughly planned disaster.
The Pentagon deliberately held back and allowed the planes to hit the WTC, and now FEMA deliberately held back and left the people of New Orleans to die.
No intelligence failures. No one dropped any ball.
I even think there is a very real possibility that the levees survived the hurricane, and the towers survived the plane crashes. Can’t prove it- only time will tell- but it would be consistent with the motives and the methods of our current federal government.
The levees broke almost simultaneously, almost a full day after the worst of the storm (which was only a high category 2 when it hit 55 miles east of New Orleans) and they broke in the same places that had been repaired in the last 2 years. There were widespread reports of explosions, at at least one mention of explosive residue on recovered concrete
Some people simply cannot believe that is possible.
Absolutely unthinkable. They wouldn’t. Not in America.
But I think what we have seen so far is the mere tip of the iceberg- and as time goes on, eventually you will see something to change your mind.
True or not, it’s not at all implausible; which is a tragedy in itself. These impoverished black Americans were very clearly seen as expendable.
FEMA is obviously not even trying to help people, their main goal now is containment. They killed radio and cell phone towers, turned back Red Cross workers, intimidated reporters, stopped people trying to leave. Meanwhile, we have deputized Blackwater mercenaries running around with shoot-to-kill orders. A martial law wet-dream-come-true for the national security state, a proof of concept of things to come. It will be finished by clearing out all the corpses and handing the city over to Halliburton. We may never find out all that really went on in there, and that’s the way they would like to keep it.
Next on the agenda is a nuclear bomb, major earthquake, or both at once; in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Pay very close attention when that happens.
September 12th, 2005 at 9:23 pmI am a New Orleanian – and my city – our city – will never be the same. We will recover & rebuild because we are a resiliant and determined people who have a history to preserve of our families and culture that was – and still is – New Orleans.
September 12th, 2005 at 11:07 pmThe losses are too great to count, but they include historic landmarks, personal property, long-time businesses maybe not worthy of wall street but of meaning and importance to us as neighbors, and lives. The death toll will be staggering, but what about the “life toll”? The lives that will forever change – the thousands that have lost everything and were forced out and will never return. The death toll may be under 10,000, but the life toll will be many many times more than that. With the loss of lives and lifes in the area, the entire culture will change. I wish everyone could have taken part in our pre-Katrina culture of laid-back southern hospitality and fun. Not just Mardi Gras, but a whole culture of small neighborhoods each with their own flavor and style, some of which will never be rebuilt. Mourn the lost lives, pray for the survivors, and toll the bell for the loss of a truly unique city. BUT WE WILL BE BACK! THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US MAKES US STRONGER – IMAGINE HOW STRONG A CITY THIS WILL BECOME!
well put carli. I miss the Big E and my apt. by bayou st. john and my little hideway on s. solomon..one never truely leaves. Be safe.
September 13th, 2005 at 12:07 amOhhhhh, Ok, I get where you’re coming from, Mighty. I see your point. And you were right, I was taking it waaaaay too seriously. We may not agree totally, but we can agree to disagree, right! We do agree about the definition of looting and the consequences of bad choices. Again, I’m sorry for that! Let’s act like we used to when we were kids; one minute we are fighting, the next minute, we are best friends again. No cops, no court, no charges filed, just two kids learning how to get along. Wow! Wish things could be that simple now!!!
Carli and Fran, many well wishes to you in your endeavors to rebuild your lives. I truly hope that “The Big Easy” returns soon. I know that it will not be the same, but spirits like yours will keep it as close to the original as possible. Good luck!!
September 13th, 2005 at 9:58 amAnd yes, Mighty, I was learning something from Joseph Hill. As proven with you and I, there is something to be learned from everyone here. Let me explain.
I work in social services for a private foster care/adoption agency. We get referrals from the state for children who have been committed to the state’s care who need to be placed in a foster home. I am in a new position that trains the community and foster parents. I recognize that there is going to be a special need for children the (and there will be many, unfortunately)who will soon enter the system, for more specialized therapeutic services than that which has traditionally been given to children who come into care. These services will revolve around culture differences and assimilation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, attachment issues, and Loss and Grief. My immediate purpose is to educate the families that will care for these orphaned children and children whose parents are currently unaccounted for. In order to properly educate them, I need to get a feel for where our society as a whole is regarding attitudes a perceptions revolving around this whole incident.
In that respect, the many thoughts, ideas, comments and suggestions generated from this blog, and many others, has opened my eyes a great deal! This whole ordeal is tragic……….in more ways than one!
September 13th, 2005 at 12:38 pmThanks for the well wishes, I am now located in wa. state. I was in 13 foster homes growing up so wish a special grace to cope upon you, you have a long road ahead with these children. fran
September 13th, 2005 at 2:46 pmNagin says “did the tsunami victims ask?” “Was there a formal process?”
September 14th, 2005 at 9:20 amAnser: No, because that place is not AMERICA. We have rules and procedures, whether we like them or not, that is what this country is founded on.
“Did the Iraqi people ask that we go in there?”
Answer: Many times. Yes, by harboring a terrorist, they not only asked, they begged.
Lisa ‘by harbouring a terrorist’ they asked for it?
September 14th, 2005 at 10:16 amThere were no terrorists being harboured in Iraq.
There were only oil fields being harboured
http://www.corkandbottlefinewines.com/
September 14th, 2005 at 2:42 pmTake a minute, this is the heart of new orleans….it’s people.
Broussard was lying. See wazzadem.com for sad details.
September 14th, 2005 at 3:27 pmHmmm, now we find out that the owners of nursing home where Mr. Rodrigue’s mother died are now facing charges that they abandoned their residents, even after Mr. Rodrigue had local authorities urge the owners to evacuate the nursing home. Neither did the owners (as they are accused) utilize an ambulance service they had a contract with, before the storm even hit. How odd it is that the owners made it out, eh? So much for Mr. Broussard’s outburst.
September 14th, 2005 at 11:04 pmhuh? if my mother calls me in a panic because she is trapped in a house, I would go get her out. Heck, I would not even wait to get the phone call. JEEEEEZZZZ…
September 15th, 2005 at 7:06 amI agree with ID. Someone had screwed up priorities, family comes before work.
September 15th, 2005 at 1:20 pmBroussard is lying, cowardly sack of dog turds! Here’s the proof:
http://wuzzadem.typepad.com/wuz/2005/09/another_katrina_2.html
He abandoned his people and left the elderly to drown. The pulled the classic spoiled brat baby routine of crying about it while blaming others.
Broussard: You are a liar!
September 15th, 2005 at 10:37 pmWas Broussard lying or utterly confused? Perhaps the stress melded two stories? I have no clue. I can’t imagine he lied, otherwise I feel he should be up for the Oscar this year.
September 16th, 2005 at 7:13 amIsn’t this the same parish, Jefferson – Gretna …. Morrano that gave orders to their law enforcers NOT let the people escaping the floods and drowning in New Orleans cross the bridge to safety; instead, use force, shoot guns at the people, use dogs and arrest those that tried to cross on foot or in cars, trucks what ever….send them back to the drowning waters or arrest them and throw away the keys? Because that is what it is. They have arrested these folks trying to survive and shipped them to other parts of the state. They are not in any system and their loved ones cannot find them; and when they do, they are being told that your son, daughter or grandmother is being held for looting or possession of a stolen vehicle, even though your child or grandmother cannot drive. And looting, what are they going to do with stolen goods when the city is flooding and all the people around them are drowning or fires are burning down the neighborhoods. This is the city of Jefferson. They are holding our loved ones….now this is wicked. Forget blaming our government and President Bush…..do they see what they are doing to the people, citizens of America that are trying to survive!!!!!!!!!!
September 16th, 2005 at 11:15 amOh, and, Yes, they have my step-son locked up and charged with looting and possession of a stolen vehicle. He cannot drive and was not looting, he merely got in a vehicle with 10 others to get to sefety. they moved him to a correctional facility in Saint Gabrial, LA and it took me 16 days to find him. He had not called after calling his dad the morning of Aug. 29th to say that the water was rising and his dad told him to do his best to escape, save himself. That is what he did, he was one of those that tried to get to safety through Jefferson Parish and was arrested. He did not show up in any system, not the morgue, FEMA, Red Cross because they arrested him along with 10 others, had a judge from Jefferson Parish get on the phone for 30 seconds to tell him that his bonds were set at $75,000 for looting and $25,000 for possession of a stolen vehicle. Nothing can be done they say because the Courthouse if closed. Ghe Goverment of Jefferson is closed due to the hurricane oh, and to get any bonds men, they are closed too so your son will just have to sit and wait for us to get our act together, and YES we do not know how long it will take. Just keep calling and rip your heart out while you wait for your child’s safe return. I am so sorry for our people, all colors to have to go through this suffering after such a horrid experience with Hurricane Katrina…..is anyone listening, is anyone out there, does anyone care about the survival of our children, grandmothers? Does anyone know why there were trying to escape New Orleans, the broken leeves? HELP US LORD, I pray.
September 16th, 2005 at 11:30 am#302 Aphrodite
I just found your reference to me(#281 – erroneous assumptions by brilliant Joseph Hill). I’ve tried to find my ‘erroneous assumptions’, and thus far have had no luck. Would you care to point them out? I don’t mean to take you ‘too seriously’; but I would like to be able to take you as something more than a joke. Perhaps I’m asking too much?
September 16th, 2005 at 4:05 pm#308 Kimberly
Thanks!
September 16th, 2005 at 4:08 pmsadly,the police state is worsening. Mercenaries have been hired which are illegal with orders of shoot to kill:
September 16th, 2005 at 6:21 pmhttp://www.alternet.org/katrina/25320/
I’m vacillating between denial and belief on this next one:
http://judicial-inc.biz/katrina.htm
we are definately not in kansas anymore toto.
Although economists said the steep fall in confidence was a temporary reaction to the shock of Katrina, others said it could reflect a loss of confidence in the government following the botched rescue efforts in the first days after the storm. Bush’s public approval ratings are at a low.
DO I HEAR AN ECHO IN THE ROOM?????????
More than two weeks later, many across the disaster zone are still incensed by the slow response, first when Katrina struck and now as they try to rebuild. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has received sharp criticism.
“We have had no help from them for our citizens. … It is criminal,” said Ben Morris, mayor of the devastated town of Slidell, outside New Orleans, where at least 10,000 people lost their homes.
Rescue teams are still scouring wrecked New Orleans neighborhoods to check homes for the living and the dead.
The official death toll climbed to 816, with about 70 percent of them in Louisiana. Decaying corpses are still on New Orleans’ streets and the death toll is expected to rise as flood waters recede.
Recovery was still far off in coastal Mississippi where 100,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged. Officials were planning to let survivors search for belongings a bit longer before beginning bulldozing to clear lots.
In Jefferson Parish, south and west of New Orleans, all 500,000 residents will be allowed back to their homes by Wednesday. Electricity will be restored to about 20 percent of the New Orleans area within two weeks, utility officials said.
(Additional reporting by Matt Daily in New Orleans, Mark Babineck in Houston, Ben Berkowitz
September 17th, 2005 at 7:19 pmJoseph Hill – your erroneous assumption was that I WANTED to know anything about the original poster. Anybody with that young or naive political developement is not worth “knowing” again – had my fill of them through school and beyond. Where did Jesus say “steal from your neighbor, keep some for yourself and give the rest away?” And finally while you’re discussing all the rich people who will have an impossible time getting into heaven – tell me about Ted “the Swimmer” Kennedy’s chances – just curious.
September 18th, 2005 at 5:35 pmKennedy’s chances are no better because he is guilty of the same behavior and jacked up attitude as the one Joe described, with just a dose less ignorance and a hint of compassion! A LOT less ignorance and much more compassion for people who can’t do a damn thing to profit him, comparatively speaking. Well, Mighty, it could be said that Kennedy is just as much a part of the problem. In fact, I believe that his strong sense of moral obligation and civic duty is as a result of the many immoral and excessive indulgences that he and his Co-Kennedy’s have shared. He’s simply trying to get into heaven now! Get it?
The point is that Bush and those of his ilk believe that they hold the secret to divine enlightenment, therefore, passage into heaven is all but guaranteed. They believe that only the strong shall survive…power equals strength…money equals power!! Those who can’t compete don’t matter! They also believe that, somehow, quoting a few Bible versus and going to Church every Sunday pardon’s them from behaving like spoiled, selfish, ignorant brats with a superiority complex and any combination of psychosis! These are our leaders!! How can a Democracy truly exist when one class MUST suffer in order for another class to not only benefit from, but exploit them? Capitol is to be gained when jails are full. White collar criminals are not the demographic that you will likely find in ANY jail, yet they commit nearly the same percentage of crime as…say…Carlos, Tyrone or Buba from the ‘hood…or trailer park.
In other words, do I teach my Foster Parents to train compliant drones, or raise rational independent thinkers? Should I, as a service provider continue to teach these kids…our future…that they should continue to depend on the “kindness” of the government in order to survive, because that is, after all, the situation that they are in now as wards of the state. They will, according to statistics, more than likely end up on public aid as adults, since they were ALREADY being cared for by the government as children. They can’t POSSIBLY be expected to be a contributing member of society. Absolutely not! So what, they have issues, diagnose them with ADHD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Mild Mental Retardation, etc. Then, by all means, dope these kids up so that they will sit still and be quite in class long enough for the overworked, under paid teacher to get through the hour without being physically assaulted! In the last five years I have worked with two children who were not on some kind of psychotropic drug or another. TWO!! Adderol, Seroquel, Abilify…you name it, ,they are now, or have been on it! These hard core PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. Yet Tyron, Carlos, and Buba will all get popped for selling marijuana? What the…..?
We teach our kids to be drug addicts before they are 12 years old. Then, we lock them up when they turn 18 for possession….unless your daddy is big oil and government man in Texas. Then…we’ll let you be the President! Does anyone see a cycle here?
Forgive the spelling, please! There are no drugs for that….yet!
September 18th, 2005 at 10:41 pmToo bad I have to break the bad news but after investigation here in Louisiana, it was discovered that the mother of the co-worker Broussard was referring to died on 29th August, days before the hurricane. Conviniently airing the segment in the spot where it was…good work.
September 20th, 2005 at 11:10 amAaron Broussard for Louisiana Governor!
September 21st, 2005 at 9:53 pmI lived in that parish and know that the people that live there where the only ones coming to each-others rescue. Not the government!!!! Heads need to roll for this one and the red tape that stops aid and rescue from coming to those people and areas that need it most, should ultimatly be cut and burned, never to bind help again!!!
September 22nd, 2005 at 6:54 pmYOU BLAME BUSH YOU IDIOTS YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO STUPID. HE DID NOT MAKE YOU DUMB ASSES STAY WHEN YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE EVAC. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN CHOICES.
September 22nd, 2005 at 7:47 pmHE DID NOT MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND COULD NOT HAVE STOPED IT, OR PREVENTED IT. IT SHOWS TRUE WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE YOU ALL ARE. YOU STEEL SHOOT AND RAPE PEOPLE IN TIME OF NEED INSTEAD OF LEAVING WHEN THEY EVACUATED. HOW CAN YOU BLAME SOMEONE ELSE.
September 22nd, 2005 at 7:50 pmAngie, first of all…calm down! Second of all, check you’re spelling; it hinders your thoughts from being communicated effectively. Third, take your caps lock off, it seems like you are shouting into your computer! Lastly, the “you people” that you are talking about, some stayed because they didn’t realize that the hurricane would be as bad as it was. Yeah, I agree, big mistake. Bet they learned their lesson….don’t fuck with Mother Nature. However, Katrina was not the cause of a majority…I repeat, majority of the death and destruction. The broken levee’s (in reference to the New Orleans area) and the lack of response from FEMA (in regards to the Mississippi area) were the causes. Now if you are the last person on earth who STILL has a problem with the looters (referring to your comment about stEAling, raping and robbing)…again, I must advise you to relax. They were criminals before Katrina came, they will remain criminals after we all forget about Katrina. Several bad seeds do not represent the MAJORITY….I repeat, the MAJORITY of people who got caught up in this horrendous situation. Now, go take some adult literacy classes, learn how to control your anger, and stop talking about “you people,” when you sound a lot like the “you people” to whom you refer!! Ignorance may be bliss to you, but it really annoys the hell out of the rest of us!
By the way, I find it hilarious that those folks who talk about how the victims of Katrina should take responsibility for their actions hold no area of government liable for their actions or lack thereof. In other words, in case you don’t STILL don’t understand, holding the victims responsible for their lack of judgment and actions, but NOT holding the government responsible for their judgment and lack of action is ridiculous. It’s like grounding your kid for smoking when you smoke a pack a day in front of them. Should I hold you solely responsible for your lack of communication and writing skills or should your school take some responsibility for not teaching your ass anything and wasting tax dollars to boot? Oh, ok, so you didn’t take responsibility for learning how to write AFTER you became an adult, therefore, I SHOULD hold you solely responsible, is that what you are saying? It’s kind of like the pot calling the kettle black…or better yet, Bush calling someone stupid!!!
September 22nd, 2005 at 9:53 pmAngie, I truly hope that you NEVER….EVER…EVER EVER EVER need anything from anyone….ever, especially not the government! And if you do ever find yourself in need, you’d better remember the words you so eloquently wrote above.
September 22nd, 2005 at 10:02 pmAngie, calm down and take your caps lock off! You can blame the folks who stayed all you want. And I agree, they should have left. But who knew that levee’s would break and FEMA would have molasses in their asses? That is, after all, what caused the MAJORITY…..I REPEAT, MAJORITY of the death and destruction. There are places right now that STILL have not seen one person from FEMA or Red Cross. That is the problem that most people have an issue with. Bush reorganized FEMA, implemented all kinds of red tape, and then he failed to put hoof to ass and get things moving. This is his administration. People he hired, who had no experience in disaster management. So yes, he is VERY responsible, as are the local and state government for placing so much responsibility in the hands of the federal government, as opposed to planning and implementing on their own. Even if the local and state government DID do all that they could and should have done, they still would have needed help from FEMA. That is the chain of command. And as for your comment about “what kind of people you all are”….what exactly does that mean? Stupid for taking a chance and for not leaving, maybe. Naive to think that the government will help you when you really need it, as opposed to throwing money at the problem, perhaps. From the sound of things, and your lack of communication skills (spell check, doll!) you are acting just like “those people” of whom you speak! Those criminals who were stEAling, raping and robbing where criminals before Katrina hit, and will remain criminals after Rita hits. They represent a very, very, VERY small percentage of people who were caught up in this. It is unwise to be so ignorant as to blame everyone for the mistakes of a few.
September 23rd, 2005 at 10:22 amAnd I appologize for writing a comment twice. My first post was ommitted on this thread until just a second ago. My second comment is a kinder, gentler version of the first. But the point remains the same.
September 23rd, 2005 at 10:25 amAnd now it’s been proven that this clowns entire story was a complete LIE!!! Amazing that anyone believed this bs to begin with. BTW, cops in this clown’s parish have also been identified by eye withnesses to have looted and intimidated citizens in NO. And of course, the cops were black…
September 23rd, 2005 at 11:57 amI DO AGREE ABOUT FEMA AND RED CROSS I DO THEY SHOULD BE MORE AVAILABLE TO THE PEOPLE AND HAVE MORE STATIONS SO THAT PEOPLE CAN GET HELP AND FASTER. BUT INSTEAD OF BEING SO MAD AND HAVING SO MUCH ANGER YOU SHOULD PUT THAT ENERGY TO A MORE POSITIVE WORK. ALSO I DO FIND IT PATHETIC THAT OUT OF THAT STATEMENT YOU CAN FIND ERRORS. I WORK FOR THIS DISASTER AND HELP PEOPLE BUT I AM TIRED OF HEARING THE SAME STORYS. I ONLY HAVE SECONDS TO RESPOND. HOWEVER YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK YOURS AS WELL. SWEETHEART.
September 23rd, 2005 at 1:44 pmKimberly, I did want to add to your comment, you say how ignorant a person is for blameing people who were warned. but how ignorant are you for blameing one person. Could you imagine being the people working for fema or red cross being away from your family and trying to prepare all of the baggage, tools etc. It would not be something that could be done in 30 sec . your comments sound selfish.
September 23rd, 2005 at 2:34 pmDebbie, I could understand your point, if only your statement wasn’t completely and utterly incorrect. Nowhere in my post do I blame one person. And no where in my post did I blame the volunteers who where on the ground. In fact, I said:
“There are places right now that STILL have not seen one person from FEMA or Red Cross. That is the problem that most people have an issue with. Bush reorganized FEMA, implemented all kinds of red tape, and then he failed to put hoof to ass and get things moving. This is his administration. People he hired, who had no experience in disaster management. So yes, he is VERY responsible, as are the local and state government for placing so much responsibility in the hands of the federal government, as opposed to planning and implementing on their own. Even if the local and state government DID do all that they could and should have done, they still would have needed help from FEMA. That is the chain of command.”
It is evident that many more than just one person dropped the ball here. My point is, hold those accountable who SHOULD be held accountable, not those who shouldn’t. It is our leaders job to hire, appoint, or even do a favor for the most qualified person to do the job. Just curious, if I have a degree in Psychology, how do you think that my job performance as a lawyer would be? Would the firm who hired me not be responsible for my malpractice?
And in no way have I blamed the volunteers and employees of FEMA or Red Cross for being overwhelmed, overworked, and tirelessly persistant, yet still not able to perform their duties. Red tape and wasteful spending are making the work of volunteers and FEMA/Red Cross employees very difficult so damn difficult that they still…3 weeks after the fact and on the verge of another hurricane…can’t get to folks. Not to mention the fact that many FEMA employees where not so happy with the reorganization, don’t you think that some of them left? Again, this is the responsibility of those who are the leaders of these agencies, not the citizens of this country who depend on them.
Finally, I have in no way DENIED anyone their opportunity to express thier opinion. In fact, I’ve done the opposite. I’ve only requested that they show the logic and/or rationalle behind those opinions. So I completely fail to see where my comments sound “selfish”. Thinking that it is appropriate to hold people responsible for thier actions…people who are supposed to protect, support and help us. People who have failed to allow thier employees to help us WHEN THAT IS THEIR JOB!! Saying that those people in LA and MS deserve to die because they should have left when warned is like saying that a rape victim deserved it because she was waring a short skirt!!!!! In other words, Debbie, you don’t have to agree with me, but how unfair of you to edit me IN THIS KIND OF FORUM!! I can only thank you for reconsidering!
OK Angie, I get where you were comming from…at this point, I don’t give a shit about my spelling either. My appologies for the slam! But, I’ve not shown anger. Let’s not forget, you where the one talking about “those people” and “dumb asses”. I can understand how you feel since you are a volunteer, but like I said that is your job. I am a volunteer also. I am not in the Gulf, but I am in KY, where victims have been sent. I am hearing the stories. I see the kids who will soon be in foster care and with whom I’m going to have to work with because their mother is unaccounted for and their father is dead, still rotting in the attic somewhere! The gripe isn’t with your personal response to this disaster, so if that is how you took it, I can’t help that. I am more concerned about the agencies that you work for and with, and thier lack of response, their lack of ability to respond, and the lack of judgment that lead to that lack of ability act, react, respond or contain the disaster. I am concerned about the people who are affected by this. I don’t want it to happen again. Can we at least agree on that?
September 23rd, 2005 at 9:37 pmI AGREE. AND EVEN IF I COULD DO MORE OR TRY TO MAKE THIS PROCESS WORK FASTER. I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. WE ARE STOPPED BY COMPUTERS OR SUPERVISORS. BUT YES I DO AGREE.
September 24th, 2005 at 12:34 pmHELLO…. He is a typical New Orleans Politician, he deserves to be beaten, along with that incompetent welfare-seekeing parasite Nagin….
September 24th, 2005 at 11:59 pm“Too bad I have to break the bad news but after investigation here in Louisiana, it was discovered that the mother of the co-worker Broussard was referring to died on 29th August, days before the hurricane. Conviniently airing the segment in the spot where it was…good work.”
Let’s see, this man’s Mother was in a nursing home on the coast with a hurricane approching and she was calling her son on the phone to come resuce her. And everyone was waiting on the Calavary.
Can’t the local folks evacuate a nursing home? There is the city, parish and state that should have evacuation plans for hurricanes. What about her son, can he not go rescue Momma?
Mr. Broussard you are making Louisiana folks look helpless. Damn, take a little initiative people.
This story is as pitiful as the one a fews years ago when we were told Florida democrats couldn’t vote by themselves.
Will turkeys really drown if let out in the rain?
September 25th, 2005 at 8:53 pmI agree with Mike (Post 340). This Mr. Broussard may lie from time to time.
I saw on Black Entertainment Television where Hollywood was having a concert to raise money for the New Orleans victims of Katrina called the “SOS (Save ourselves)Concert”.
When I read about the following; it tends to make me thin they can’t “save themselves”.
(1)Mr. Broussard’s lies about the mans mother calling for days,
(2) Watched Mayor Nagin’s flip flops,
(3) Gov. Blanco’s mistakes,
(4) nursing home patients abandoned by the staff not the feds,
(5) see the New Orleans citizens shooting at the rescue workers,
(6) the people destroying the Superdome, and
(7) the City of New Orleans cops looting in Wal-Mart.
I say the Democratic’s have controlled New Orleans and Louisiana for forty plus years and what we have is poor, uneducated, lazy, corrupt people.
I donated to help these New Orleans people but I won’t do it again. They need to stop sitting on their collective asses and get up and go to work.
New Orleans is the armpit of America. I agree with Mr. Broussard that the totem pole needs to be chain sawed down, but not the Federal totem pole, but rather the State and Local government totem poles.
Boom-Boom Brooks
September 25th, 2005 at 10:03 pm[...] Lots of things have been on my mind lately, such as the war in Iraq, the several hurricanes that the U.S. has been getting hit with (Katrina and Rita as of Sept 26th) but most notably the President of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana Aaron Broussard. His emotional plea for help on Meet The Press on September 4, 2005 brought tears to my eyes and made me sad in a way I could only describe as “being hurt down to my soul”. I won’t copy the transcipt from other sites but you can get the story at thinkprogress.org [...]
September 26th, 2005 at 9:47 amJust goes to show how many bleeding heart macaroons are so easily swayed by what the MSM puts out as gospel truth.
September 26th, 2005 at 11:50 pmNot only was Broussard’s story false, he’s been indicted on other charges. His buddy, who was in charge of the levees has been charged for taking $100,000 in salary that he was not entitled to.
Other states have their plans in order and the record now shows that, although they need some minor adjustment, they work. The governors plans were in order and they worked. There was only one state where the officials did not have a plan in operation, and neglected to carry out their official duties, Louisiana. They lied and loads of people died.
Come on “HelloStudio” (post # 342) Mr. Aaron Broussard the President of Jefferson Parish in Louisiana lied on television. You need to get caught up on the news. It now turns out that, according to new reports, the mother never called her son for help, and, what’s more, she died the day the hurricane hit. And if you watched the news at all you should know there was indeed all kinds of help a week later not just “hoof beats”. Aaron Broussard is a liar, and Meet the Press isn’t interested in the truth. Here are two links for you.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170073,00.html
http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00001798.htm
Boom-Boom
September 27th, 2005 at 8:51 amI just read here: N.O. needs to convene Grand Jurys to investigate and indict Bush and his fellow criminals. Do it now and strike at the bastards.
Congress will not hold them guys accountable. They will be in the background of the Photo-Op of Bush giving his minions the Medal of Freedom.
Start the God Damn Grand Jurys. Indict them all and convict them.
Comment by EasyRider — September 4, 2005 @ 11:54 am
I did see this segement and believe that talking heads like Russert need to be OFF the airwaves. Give the airtime to folks who know what’s happening.
WHO ordered trucks filled with drinking water to turn around? WHO ordered diesel supplies away from the city? WHO pulled the plug on the emergency communications? Each of these acts (described by Broussard) are ENEMY ACTS and should be treated as TREASON.
Start naming names.
Looks like The Local Government of NO did that.
And Broussard lied.
Are you people still interested in “indicting the bastards,” as I’ve quoted in the first line above – now that you’ve seen the guilty party is your own?
Not one of you can give one detailed example of Bush doing one thing he should not have, nor one thing he should that he didn’t. Every accusation has been proved to be a leftist sick fantasy of sick minds. The La Governor screwed up the same way with Ivan, one year ago, only Ivan cooperated – that saved lives..and yet she was allowed to cost all these lives with Katrina.
http://www.cornpone.net/2004/09/big_easy_escape.html
Justice? Ha! You lynch mobbers frame Pres. Bush when it’s Blanco and Nagin, and now Broussard who should be arrested for damn near inciting a riot amongst you mushbrains during a crisis. FOOLS!
This blog says…what we’re fighting for…social and economic justice. Learn to tell the truth first!
September 27th, 2005 at 10:33 pmFrom a commenter on
http://www.buzzmachine.com/index.php/2005/09/27/seeing-the-forest-for-the-flood/
“As she tried to extort money from the feds while denying their assistance/troops/evacuation control…….she was also starving and dehydrating her people in the dome and convention center.â€
For all you puppet headed mushbrains here seeking “social justice” that’s Blanco the commenter is referring to.
Where’s all your venom now?
September 28th, 2005 at 12:43 pm[...] From an earlier post: FEMA won’t accept Amtrak’s help in evacuationsFEMA turns away experienced firefightersFEMA turns back Wal-Mart supply trucksFEMA prevents Coast Guard from delivering diesel fuelFEMA won’t let Red Cross deliver foodFEMA bars morticians from entering New OrleansFEMA blocks 500-boat citizen flotilla from delivering aidFEMA fails to utilize Navy ship with 600-bed hospital on boardFEMA to Chicago: Send just one truckFEMA turns away generatorsFEMA: “First Responders Urged Not To Respond” FEMA Cuts Parish Emergency Communication Lines Without Notice [...]
September 28th, 2005 at 1:08 pmRavo, I think everyone, or at 99% of us are in agreement….to an extent…with what you have said. We DO want everyone who is responsible for this catastrophe to be held accountable. That goes for Nagin, Blanco, Brownie, Chertoff AND BUSH!!! It seems as though you are forgetting that Bush imposed these changes in FEMA (which happened to work very well during the Clinton administration), and as another post said, hired Mike Brown and other unqualified cronies in to their positions. So yes, Bush is as responsible as the local and state governments for their failure. The venom is still here. But I must ask, why are you “rightist” so convinced that your fellow “rightists” did absolutely nothing wrong? If Bush were a Democrat, would you still be convinced? If this was still Clinton’s administration, you and your fellow single-minded brethren would be screaming with as much venom as you claim to witness here. It seems as though logic goes flying right out the window when it comes to accountability being assigned based on party membership. Clinton made a bad decision that affected himself, his wife and his child….he got a blow job, and was impeached for this bad decision. Yet some, and I mean some, because most of the Republicans that I have talked to AGREE that this whole thing was handled inappropriately….so I repeat, some republicans fail to see the need to hold Bush’s administration accountable for the mistakes that were made. How about accountability being assigned based on right (as in correct and/or good decisions) and wrong (as in bad decisions, lack of knowledge, and lack of leadership, not “left”)? Better yet, can we focus on making sure that this kind of blunder never happens in our government again, whether it is lead by a Republican or Democrat? Better still, howz about we focus on the fact that human beings lives are forever changed, and some for the worst, because of bad decision making by both parties? Social change requires people to think outside of their own social box. And in all honesty, Democrats have historically thought along the lines of social justice for all Americans, not just the privileged few. Can you honestly say, even if it was not Bush’s intention, that Bush and this current administration, have shown the slightest interest in anyone other than those who look, live, and worship like them? The bible says “Love thy neighbor.” It doesn’t specify white neighbor, black neighbor, Christian neighbor or Muslim neighbor, northern neighbor or southern neighbor…..it just says neighbor. Yet this pseudo Christian says, “Love them, but just don’t let them get married if they are gay. Love them, but if their needs get neglect in the midst of a natural disaster because I have focused on loving this Muslim country to death, then so be it.” Unfortunately, the extreme right has no concept of love thy neighbor because they are too busy loving their own bank account balance. Yes, Ravo, we do want, need and demand social change. But it must begin with us at home, not those in power. We must demand that change be made by those in power, and hire/elect those who are comfortable with change, not those who run from it. Unfortunately, with attitudes such as the one you’ve shown, I don’t see how change will come! That is the truly sad part! Sorry for being so long winded.
September 29th, 2005 at 9:23 amJessica Simpson
Indeed. I’m amazed the interview got out at all.
September 29th, 2005 at 10:33 amBlame enough to go around:
Bush: should have checked resume of FEMA appointee (but.. He did sign the paperwork to declare the Coast in disaster mode before the storm hit, AND he did call the LA gov to urge her to evacuate.) Political appointments are just that (political) and they require no experience. Clinton appointed his wife to be in charge of the Health Care political position. This is the way things are done there. Yes, it needs to be changed!
FEMA: should have had a way to cut through red tape (but.. rules prevent them from moving in without permission) Would you really want the government to be able to bring in troops at their whim??? These rules are in place for a reason. All you have to do is ask!
Gov of LA: wasn’t prepared, wouldn’t accept help, couldn’t make decisions; had her STATE FEMA refuse aid from Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc; didn’t ask (but.. she did ask the people to evacuate before the storm)
Mayor of NO: incompetent & demanding (but.. He did tell NO before the storm hit to either leave or get an axe ready for cutting their way out of their attic) He is still incompetent by allowing his residents to return to dangerous mold, no health care, no schools, etc.
Victims: didn’t listen; voted into office all of those above
Citizens of US: for promoting a welfare society making people dependent on assistance. NO is a good example of the “help me” society we have created. Don’t give a man a fish, give him a fishing pole! People are more mentally happy when they earn. The people in MS were hardest hit; the news clips show them cutting their way out and cleaning up. I’m proud of MS: Real American Spirit!!!
Media: Airing stories that are false; sending reporters to hurricanes right in the middle of them (Message to people: hurricanes aren’t so bad); hyping up ALL stories to the point that people don’t believe them anymore, so they don’t evacuate.
Democrats: Taking advantage of a country in crisis to sling mud; acting like drama queens
Republicans: continuing to ride the system where changes need to be made; failing to get the truth to the media
Does anyone here think they couldn’t leave? Did you see the news clip showing the NO man who stole one of the busses and picked up people enroute to Houston? By the time he reached Houston he had a full bus, and those people all chipped in to pay for gas. He should run for mayor! (Another person did it too, I hear.) The remainder of the busses just sat there, while people were grumbling and complaing that help wasn’t coming fast enough and turning on each other. Help came right on schedule: 3 days after the disaster; the disaster didn’t occur until the levy broke. State was in charge until then. State has to ask first.
It is only logical that the people closest to the disaster area (NO, LA) should be the first line of help and notify federal level if it is too much. BUT FIRST… be prepared to last for a few days while help is being organized; you knew it was coming! That is why there are local governments, local government plans and state plans, and local charities: Salvation Army always seems to be there without calling attention to themselves. Has anyone noticed that? I have a lot of respect for the Salvation Army.
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
THIS is the attitude we should take, the country is made up of people… us… what have we done? Let’s take responsibility; ask what we can do. If you give money, find out how it will be spent and whether or not it is needed there. Complaining does not help get the job done. It is a negative force that attacks the spirit. Americans are a great people; pull together during our crisis! Help each other, regardless of what party is in charge!
September 29th, 2005 at 5:25 pmHere, here, Pat. Very well said! Very objective, rational and true.
September 30th, 2005 at 10:05 amLet’s do something simple. Take the time line of Katrina and the time line of FEMA and compare them. FEMA issued orders to cut all power, gas and water into the city of New Orleans. New Orleans has flooded before and pumped dry in 8 hours. Maybe the reason it did not pump dry this time is FEMA may have cut the power. The pumps run off natural gas. Check this out and please send the info.
October 13th, 2005 at 12:04 amBlame enough to go around:
Bush: should have checked resume of FEMA appointee (but.. He did sign the paperwork to declare the Coast in disaster mode before the storm hit, AND he did call the LA gov to urge her to evacuate.) Political appointments are just that (political) and they require no experience. Clinton appointed his wife to be in charge of the Health Care political position. This is the way things are done there. Yes, it needs to be changed!
FEMA: should have had a way to cut through red tape (but.. rules prevent them from moving in without permission) Would you really want the government to be able to bring in troops at their whim??? These rules are in place for a reason. All you have to do is ask!
Gov of LA: wasn’t prepared, wouldn’t accept help, couldn’t make decisions; had her STATE FEMA refuse aid from Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc; didn’t ask (but.. she did ask the people to evacuate before the storm)
Mayor of NO: incompetent & demanding (but.. He did tell NO before the storm hit to either leave or get an axe ready for cutting their way out of their attic) He is still incompetent by allowing his residents to return to dangerous mold, no health care, no schools, etc.
Victims: didn’t listen; voted into office all of those above
Citizens of US: for promoting a welfare society making people dependent on assistance. NO is a good example of the “help me†society we have created. Don’t give a man a fish, give him a fishing pole! People are more mentally happy when they earn. The people in MS were hardest hit; the news clips show them cutting their way out and cleaning up. I’m proud of MS: Real American Spirit!!!
Media: Airing stories that are false; sending reporters to hurricanes right in the middle of them (Message to people: hurricanes aren’t so bad); hyping up ALL stories to the point that people don’t believe them anymore, so they don’t evacuate.
Democrats: Taking advantage of a country in crisis to sling mud; acting like drama queens
Republicans: continuing to ride the system where changes need to be made; failing to get the truth to the media
Does anyone here think they couldn’t leave? Did you see the news clip showing the NO man who stole one of the busses and picked up people enroute to Houston? By the time he reached Houston he had a full bus, and those people all chipped in to pay for gas. He should run for mayor! (Another person did it too, I hear.) The remainder of the busses just sat there, while people were grumbling and complaing that help wasn’t coming fast enough and turning on each other. Help came right on schedule: 3 days after the disaster; the disaster didn’t occur until the levy broke. State was in charge until then. State has to ask first.
It is only logical that the people closest to the disaster area (NO, LA) should be the first line of help and notify federal level if it is too much. BUT FIRST… be prepared to last for a few days while help is being organized; you knew it was coming! That is why there are local governments, local government plans and state plans, and local charities: Salvation Army always seems to be there without calling attention to themselves. Has anyone noticed that? I have a lot of respect for the Salvation Army.
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.â€
THIS is the attitude we should take, the country is made up of people… us… what have we done? Let’s take responsibility; ask what we can do. If you give money, find out how it will be spent and whether or not it is needed there. Complaining does not help get the job done. It is a negative force that attacks the spirit. Americans are a great people; pull together during our crisis! Help each other, regardless of what party is in charge!
Comment by pat
Hark! There are sane and rational people in here! I could not have said it better. You must be a Libertarian.
October 15th, 2005 at 3:03 pmLet’s not forget that the world class bigot and race pimp Luis Farrakhan has “proof” that “the white man” used explosives to blow the levy in NO so the 9th Ward (a black neighborhood) would flood instead of rich white neighborhoods. Yeah, right. Nutty folks like this make it very difficult to bridge the gap between the races.
October 15th, 2005 at 3:49 pmdear sir ,
i very glad to write this massage for you and i wish you are having agood time ,we are a NGO center here in iraq we are looking for a NGO from usa to take them experiance in ngo work so that we need your help for us to send an address of them for us and we well be very thankful for you if do that for us…..we looking for hear from you soon.
December 21st, 2005 at 5:46 amwith best regards…
NGO center in iraq -mosul
dhyaa77@yahoo.com
i went through the katrina storm , was held captive at the convention center displaced to arkansa , to a shelter , drilled by fema day and night meetings and promises lies and lectures 5 months in this hotel paid for buy fema . have not recieved the first penny or any help from fema the hotel rooms will not be paid for after the 13 . and after all this they say i am not qualified for assistance on anything i have nothing and now i have no home . to many people have this same story , billions of tax paying dollars for structures and nothing to help a human
February 10th, 2006 at 1:21 pm[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2005/09/04/worst-abandonments/ [...]
February 22nd, 2006 at 6:45 amSo…….Where’s the beef?
February 28th, 2006 at 7:38 pm[...] I want to give you one last story and I’ll shut up and let you tell me whatever you want to tell me. The guy who runs this building I’m in, Emergency Management, he’s responsible for everything. His mother was trapped in St. Bernard nursing home and every day she called him and said, “Are you coming, son? Is somebody coming?†and he said, “Yeah, Mama, somebody’s coming to get you.†Somebody’s coming to get you on Tuesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Wednesday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Thursday. Somebody’s coming to get you on Friday… and she drowned Friday night. She drowned Friday night! [Sobbing] Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The Secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For god’s sakes, just shut up and send us somebody. (transcript taken from here) Neil Young : Ohio [...]
March 28th, 2006 at 6:58 pm[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2005/09/04/worst-abandonments [...]
April 1st, 2006 at 1:17 pm[...] State and local governments, knowing that they would quickly be overwhelmed, requested federal aid on August 28, and began evacuating those left behind in the storm – mostly those who were too poor or too sick to leave – the day after the levees broke. While the speed of evacuation certainly was not exemplary, it was a far cry better than FEMA, who apparently was sitting on its posterior waiting for Bush to give the go-ahead to take charge of the situation – when they weren’t actively sabotaging the state and local efforts by cutting the emergency communications lines and turning back relief supplies, according to Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard. [...]
June 7th, 2006 at 9:43 amI think Bush is a racist pig who wants what Hitler wanted. Wrecking our
October 26th, 2006 at 7:34 pmnation and then install his own Gov. by using FEMA and other law agencies.
I met a BATF agent once. An arrogant bastard who did not even flash his ID when he detained me and a buddy for some stupid gun show crap. He didn’t even care when I told him of it.
Some of these idiots are in charge of law enf. and GOD help us!
People better wake up.
For one day you will not have an America. You’ll be in a camp.
Somebody who actually rode in boxcars to a German concentration camp? When they get out of the boxcars, they scour the ground in gardens that were once there.
November 20th, 2006 at 5:21 amFor sure America has terorists- the goverment. i ment mafiaso
January 10th, 2007 at 3:56 amThis is a late comment- I just found this site–from some one who flooded from Katrina.
February 17th, 2007 at 12:13 amCheck your facts– the story Broussard tells about the mother drowning is not true.
The man’s mother did die, in a home, the week before the storm. Broussard lost it during the after math of the storm.