ThinkFast: August 29, 2007
Two years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, “none of the 115 ‘critical priority projects’ identified by city officials” for publicly funded rebuilding efforts “has been completed.” Of the $34 billion “earmarked for long-term rebuilding,” less than half “has made its way through federal checks and balances to reach municipal projects.”
45 percent: Number of Americans who believe “at least some progress has been made” in rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. Just nine percent say there has been “a lot of progress.” Among blacks, just two percent believe there has been a lot of progress.
President Bush plans to ask Congress “for up to $50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq.” “The request is being prepared now in the belief that Congress will be unlikely to balk so soon after hearing” optimistic testimony from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
In his first public appearance since undergoing emergency brain surgery in December, Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) announced, “I am back.” Johnson expects to return to work on Sept. 5.
“A new poll taken today by SurveyUSA shows that Sen. Larry Craig’s (R-ID) political standing has apparently taken a massive hit. A majority of Idaho adults, 55%, say the Senator should resign, compared to only 34% who say he should remain in office.”
Freedom’s Watch — the White House front group on Iraq escalation — is encountering difficulties getting its $15 million pro-war ad campaign up and running. The Caucus reports that CNBC and MSNBC have refused to air the group’s ads.
The “number of Americans without health insurance rose last year” from 44.8 million to 47 million. As the Bush administration is limiting the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, the number of uninsured children rose for the second year in row, with more than 600,000 children joining the ranks of the uninsured in 2006.
New report by the NOAA finds that warming “caused by human activity was the biggest factor in the high temperatures recorded in 2006.” This past year was the second hottest year on record.
And finally: “Moon Karl Rove, and you’ll be arrested. When the politico spoke on American University’s campus in April, he was met by a throng of angry Democratic students’ behinds as they dropped trou and blocked Rove’s motorcade. Most of the kids were given 40 hours of community service by the university, but on Friday, the cheeky group was notified that the Secret Service has issued warrants for their arrest.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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President Bush plans to ask Congress “for up to $50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq.†“The request is being prepared now in the belief that Congress will be unlikely to balk so soon after hearing†optimistic testimony from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
Hate to say it, but the Dems will fold like origami.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:07 amhey bush, why dont you take that $50 BILLION request, bend over and we’ll shove it up your ass.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:07 am#1 - you ARE correct! Dems are rollovers and can NOT be trusted to do the right thing either…
August 29th, 2007 at 9:08 amThe Bush Legacy:
- more Americans without health insurance
- a greater percentage of Americans without health insurance
- more Americans living in poverty
- a greater percentage of Americans living in poverty
… and the list goes on.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:11 amAnother 50 billion dollars will be the price of Petraeus report.
And how much this amount of money will last before Bush comes back and ask for more?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:12 amplease read this:
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/082607Y.shtml
August 29th, 2007 at 9:13 am“Of the $34 billion “earmarked for long-term rebuilding,†less than half “has made its way through federal checks and balances to reach municipal projects.â€
I guess that this puts to a lie the troll talking point that it is all Nagen & Blanco’s fault that New Orleans has not been rebuilt.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:13 am“President Bush plans to ask Congress “for up to $50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq.”
The first thing that Congress needs to do is to tell Bush that they will not approve another cent for the Iraq occupation unless it is submitted as an “on the books” bill with corresponding cuts to offset the expenditures. The second thing they need to do is to refuse one additional penny for funding the permanent bases, the embassy and Blackwater contractors. Then, “let the games begin”.
“The request is being prepared now in the belief that Congress will be unlikely to balk so soon after hearing†optimistic testimony from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker.”
This is, of course, assuming that Congress believes the Bush White House report on the success of the escalation. Since they are already saying it is a success, then Congress should be smart enough to figure out that the fix is in.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:17 amGood news that Tim Johnson is now well enough to return to work. I hope the rest of his recovery goes smoothly.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:19 am“The Caucus reports that CNBC and MSNBC have refused to air the group’s ads.”
Good for them. Now let’s hope that CBS and ABC follow suit. I doubt that ABC will, though, since they are now the official network water carriers for the Bush Administration.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:20 am“Moon Karl Rove, and you’ll be arrested.”
You’ll probably also have a GOPper hit on you.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:21 am————
I wonder what the Secret Service is going to do with the kid who had his picture taken with Rove while flashing the sign for the shocker!
He’s most likely being tortured in some illegal prison as I type this.
————
August 29th, 2007 at 9:21 amLooks like boy-hero George Bush will make a triumphant return to New Orleans today. No doubt, he will tell one and all how much better things are and how great he and his administration and party are.
This will be accomplished in a NO-DISSENT zone. All protesters will be whisked away or not allowed to get close enough to be heard.
And the press will do nothing,
August 29th, 2007 at 9:25 amThe Rove moon squad was actually cited for crossing a police line and disorderly conduct — offenses that probably warranted the citations at the time (although I am amused at the visual it conjured up).
The moon squad probably just should have waited a few months. Rove no longer gets motorcades or Secret Service protection. Who will save him now?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:27 amThis is a very positive website!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:27 amA great way to start a wonderful day!
RE: Incomplete Katrina “critical priority projects”
Wasn’t Rove heading this project up? Perhaps Bush can tell us who’s in charge now. Or is New Orleans all better … I find I have a bottomless well of disgust for these people.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:30 amI believe I said in another Craig thread that it should be up to the people of Idaho whether he goes or stays, as they are the ones he represents. Not the press, not the pundits, not even us posters here (except Zooey — she’s Idahoan), but his constituents.
It now appears they want him to go. Do the right thing, Larry — step down and quit claiming your hometown newspaper pressured you into pleading guilty.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:31 amKudos to CNBC and MSNBC as well as the mooners.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:34 amCan we for once discuss positive things.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:35 amHey look everyone - The U.S. is funding al-Qa’ida in Iraq!
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/19232.html
Guess we’d better pay them off there so we don’t have to bribe them at home…
August 29th, 2007 at 9:37 amThere is great irony in the fact the Osama bin Laden remains free while college kids are arrested for showing Karl their asses.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:39 amJust about every American has been thru airport at least once in his life time,and used a public bathroom; nobody arrests you for using bathroom,specially if you are a senior Senator,then take you and make you plea guilty.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:41 amThe Senator story does not make sense. He continues to insist that he has ‘done nothing wrong’ ..He should have apologized, instead of blaming others…
He showed arrogance.
Anyone know why CNBC and MSNBC are refusing to show the ads?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:41 amThe link isn’t working for me
CNBC and MSNBC have refused to air the group’s ads.
excellent… but not the mothership, NBC?
THAT would be a real coup…
August 29th, 2007 at 9:41 am.
Hate to say it, but the Dems will fold like origami.
Comment by Menehune — August 29, 2007 @ 9:07 am
You’re probably right. But they’ll be well-positioned to take a stand. If the Petraeus report says the surge is failing, Dems have every reason not to fund a failing strategy. If the report says the surge is succeeding, they can make a strong case for a timeline for troop withdrawal.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:41 amHow will George W. Bush support himself and Laura once he’s gone from office? A former president’s pension is not large. Being a former president, it’s like the minimum wage.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:43 amexcellent… but not the mothership, NBC?
THAT would be a real coup…
.
Comment by katy — August 29, 2007 @ 9:41 am
Freedom’s Watch may not have tried to run them on NBC. It looks like they’re targeing cable news only.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:44 amWhat are the salaries for Thinkprogress.org senior staff members? Is it enough to cover their bills?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:46 amthe cheeky group was notified that the Secret Service has issued warrants for their arrest.â€
how is it this group was given community service - a punishment? -
August 29th, 2007 at 9:47 amwithout having been arrested?
how can one be charged with a crime, and given a sentence,
with no arrest?
…
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — U.S. soldiers released eight members of an Iranian delegation on Wednesday, a day after the group was arrested at a hotel in eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military and an Iraqi government spokesman said.
Yassin Majid, an aide to Iraq’s prime minister, said the Iranians who were detained were employed by Tehran’s power ministry and were invited by Iraqi government officials to the capital to sign an electricity supply contract. They were released Wednesday morning, he said.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:47 amHow will George W. Bush support himself and Laura once he’s gone from office? A former president’s pension is not large. Being a former president, it’s like the minimum wage.
Comment by Concerned Citizen — August 29, 2007 @ 9:43 am
At 5,114 Paraguayan Guaranis to the dollar, I’m sure Dubya won’t have a problem stretching his pension.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:47 amFrom Toasty’s link:
“Now we’re back to the same old story in Anbar. The Americans are handing out contracts and jobs to terrorists, bandits and gangsters,” said Sheik Ali Hatem Ali Suleiman, the deputy leader of the Dulaim, the largest and most powerful tribe in Anbar. He was involved in several U.S. rebuilding contracts in the early days of the war, but is now a harsh critic of the U.S. presence.”
Perhaps we should just shovel them money out of open helicopters; it would work just as well.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:47 amkaty, they weren’t “sentenced.”
August 29th, 2007 at 9:49 amthey were punished by the school
#11: Hilarious!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:50 amAnd the number of Americans who have no health insurance will rise every year until some meaningful change is made.
1) People who have no health insurance are less likely to get regular checkups, less likely to have access to wellness programs, less likely to get prescription medicine they need. Consequently, an uninsured person is more likely to require expensive medical care than an insured person who is kept healthy.
2) When the uninsured come completely unraveled, they will seek their medical care from an emergency room — the most expensive kind of medical care. If they are poor enough, they won’t have to pay for it. If they do get billed for services, they will declare bankruptcy if they can’t pay.
3) So who pays for this? Since the hospital can’t turn away the poor, they must make up their expenses by charging more for everybody else.
4) Now the insurance companies find they must pay out more in claims, so they raise the premiums for their customers.
5) When premiums go up, another wave of people become uninsured when they can no longer afford to pay the premiums. And another wave of employers can no longer afford to provide health insurance for their employees. This increases the pool of uninsured people — go back to Point #1 and repeat the cycle, only with more people.
It’s not hard to see we are spiraling downward in this area. And when children go uninsured, medical conditions left untreated in childhood can lead to adult disabilities later on, draining the system further.
Wake up, America!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:50 amThe post said (emphasis mine):
Do they really think anyone will just buy into the WH propaganda without reservation?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:51 amthanks wilco…
and, from that link:
[…]
Just today, John Hinderaker of the conservative Power Line blog, noted that the group “placed its ads on Fox and CNN, but CNBC and MSNBC have refused to run†them. Bradley A. Blakeman, the president of Freedom’s Watch, send a letter to NBC asking for an explanation.
“Your history of airing other issue advocacy advertisements makes the denial of FW advertisements troubling and raises the issue of whether your denial is based on an editorial disagreement with FW’s message,†Mr. Blakeman wrote in the letter to the network. “These ads are about important issues that will shape our national security policies for years to come. These ads present a point of view that your viewers are not now receiving.â€
We have asked MSNBC for comment on the ad flap.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:52 am…
Al-Sadr ‘Freezes’ Mahdi Army, Orders Halt to Attacks on Coalition
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294990,00.html
I believe Al-Sadr’s current situation is the result of the US putting both political and military pressure on Iran, which has been backing at least some, if not all the Shia militias controlling southern Iraq.
Reports are still pointing to the US eventually striking Iranian targets, which are responsible for contributing to the instability in the Shia regions.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:54 amComment by toasterhead — August 29, 2007 @ 9:47 am
He would never sell the good ole’ Texas ranch…..would he?
August 29th, 2007 at 9:54 amComment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
#
Sadr still controls six ministries in Iraq and 32 seats in the parliament, even after his “pulling out” show. He is one of the most influential politicians in Iraq and he knows that Maliki’s position is very unstable. Considering that the Sunni bloc has walked out, Sadr is in an even greater position now. My guess is he’s setting himself up for yet another power play soon with the Iraqi government.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:57 amI believe Al-Sadr’s current situation is the result of the US putting both political and military pressure on Iran, which has been backing at least some, if not all the Shia militias controlling southern Iraq.
Reports are still pointing to the US eventually striking Iranian targets, which are responsible for contributing to the instability in the Shia regions.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
You believe in the Tooth Fairy too, right, nazi? You’re one of Bush’s few remaining Useful Idiots.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:58 amComment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
That’s good. America needs to strike Iran in order to protect the welfare of our troops in Iraq and ensure a stable democracy for Iraqi citizens.
Iran can either shape up or get blown out.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:58 am“U.S. soldiers released eight members of an Iranian delegation on Wednesday, a day after the group was arrested at a hotel in eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military and an Iraqi government spokesman said.”
Looks like Bush is ratcheting up to try to provoke an incident with Iran. Why didn’t we hear about this eight days ago and why did they hold them for eight days? I’m sure that the Iraqi government told our government on day one that these people were in Iraq on their invitation.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:58 amCraig should resign and keep the seat in GOP hands. He should join the sexually dysfunctional (and accepting) Democrat Party. The GOP has no tolerance for that kind of law breaking behavior. Democrats do though. They love the dysfunctionally gay community.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:59 amComment by ronjazz — August 29, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Cut out the name-calling or leave the thread. You are violating the TOS agreement.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:59 amTryon, you moron, an attack on Iran will gaurantee the slaughter of many more of our troops. Why do you LOSERS hate our troops?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:00 am“These ads are about important issues that will shape our national security policies for years to come. These ads present a point of view that your viewers are not now receiving.â€
Now that’s a good one. They present a point of view that Faux Noise and CNN’s viewers are not now receiving. Now that’s a scary thought.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:00 amCut out the name-calling or leave the thread. You are violating the TOS agreement.
Comment by Tryon — August 29, 2007 @ 9:59 am
What are you going to do, return from Iraq and make me? Oh, that’s right, you aren’t in Iraq, hypocrite coward.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:01 amAnd when you pile that on top of the instability we’ve caused in the region, it’s just unacceptable. Our instability is better than their instability.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:02 amThat’s good. America needs to strike Iran in order to protect the welfare of our troops in Iraq and ensure a stable democracy for Iraqi citizens.
Iran can either shape up or get blown out.
Comment by Tryon — August 29, 2007 @ 9:58 am
#
Iraq is not a democracy. In it’s own constitution, Iraq is declared an Islamic Theocracy. There is a tremendous difference. However, Iraq is a sovereign nation, and has been reaching out repeatedly to Iran for diplomatic relations, especially in regards to energy. I believe any US strike on Iran would further weaken Iraq’s already fragile infrastructure, and would completely collapse their all Shia government.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:02 amReports are still pointing to the US eventually striking Iranian targets, which are responsible for contributing to the instability in the Shia regions.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
Splain this please: Why would Iran wish to destabilize Shia regions? What earthly good does it do them to have their natural allies in Iraq fighting amongst each other?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:02 am“Comment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
That’s good. America needs to strike Iran in order to protect the welfare of our troops in Iraq and ensure a stable democracy for Iraqi citizens.
Iran can either shape up or get blown out.
Comment by Tryon “
Hey Tryon, what about Saudi Arabia. American Intelligence estimates have shown that Saudi Arabia is funding more terrorists than anyone, including al Quaeda. Do you think that we should tell them to shape up or get blown out?
Besides, where is the proof that Iran is doing anything in Iraq. You would think that if the Bushies had the proof, they would be parading it in front of of every day. Problem is, they have no proof. The only proof we have is that they say so. And we stopped listening to the lies that Bush tells a long time ago.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:02 amWhat a novel concept. Do you write much? I’d like to read more of your thoughts.
BTW: Who is ‘Vince’?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:04 amWell, it was nice here for a while until our early bird troll showed up.
Let’s try to not allow him to take over this thread.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:05 am“Reports are still pointing to the US eventually striking Iranian targets, which are responsible for contributing to the instability in the Shia regions.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler”
Proof please. Oh, I forgot, trolls don’t need no stinkin proof. All they need is their word because if they say it, it must be true. Must be very uncomfortable living in that kind of a dream world.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:08 amHe should join the sexually dysfunctional (and accepting) Democrat Party. The GOP has no tolerance for that kind of law breaking behavior. Democrats do though. They love the dysfunctionally gay community.
There you go. GOP, RATwing insanity and idiocy wrapped up in one convenient little package. The Democrats accept all Americans, Republicans don’t. The GOP has no tolerance for that kind of law-breaking behavior, yet won’t throw Craig out of the party. And Democrats love the dysfunctionally gay community; of course they do! They understand freedom and choice, unlike the GOP, which is done and over anyway. Let’s bury the Grand Old Perverts, once and for all!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:09 amComment by bilbogaggins — August 29, 2007 @ 9:58 am
read that again… it was NOT 8 days of anything…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:10 amthey were released the “day after” being arrested…
…
>I believe Al-Sadr’s current situation
>is the result of the US putting both
> political and military pressure on Iran
Once again we see your beleifs are founded in pure idiocy. Sadr is a nationalist and is against Iranian influence in Iran. This is difficult for someone who sees thing in black and white to understand. One of his main political opponents is the SCIRI (???) party, another group of Shia heavily influenced by Iran. While some elements of Sadr’s large army have Iranian contacts, Sadr doesnt take marching orders from them by any means.
Whats going on here is Sadr is being “bought off”, likely to american taxpayer money, to “lie low” for awhile so we can claim that violence is down.
All these things are temporary fixes and cannot be sustained. Troop levels can’t be maintained. The violence will spread to the areas where troops arent. Sadr will get ansy again when the americans dont leave.
Hendler, could you name a few things you’ve been right about and compare them to the amount of things you’ve been wrong about? wernt you the one insisting gonzo would stick around?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:12 amComment by Marcus Aurelius — August 29, 2007 @ 10:08 am
Personnel for air strikes is of no shortage. They could be put to use, since the Air Force had been planning/conducting a series of layoffs anyways.
As I reminded your friend, knock off the personal insults. You are violating the TOS.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:13 amLeaping to Senator Craig’s Defense
By Mike Nizza
As the political impact of Senator Larry Craig’s guilty plea tied to sexual misconduct deepens to what one ex-Republican called “devastating†levels, a legal question is uniting his backers among bloggers of various political stripes. As the conservative Captain’s Quarters puts it, “What Exactly Is The Crime?â€
Matthew Yglesias, a liberal editor of The Atlantic Monthly, elaborates: “Surely tapping one’s foot isn’t a crime in Minnesota.â€
August 29th, 2007 at 10:14 am[…]
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/ 2007/ 08/ 29/ leaping-to-senator-craigs-defense/
…
Comment by ronjazz — August 29, 2007 @ 10:01 am
You appear to be doing nothing to further the cause of the site that espouses your own ideology. You should really consider shaping up or shipping out.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:15 am>Iraq is not a democracy. In it’s own constitution, Iraq is declared an >Islamic Theocracy.
Right.. something these trolls NEVER want to talk about. Ever.
Ask them how they feel about it and they fall silent.
In Iraq’s constituion, there is a part that says “there will be no law that contradicts Islam”.
This is the sort of constitution our trolls want our boys to keep spilling thier blood for. Funny thing is, I can’t think of alot of Islamic Theocracies we like.. in fact, I’d say we’ve done our best to overthrow a few….
August 29th, 2007 at 10:15 am“Personnel for air strikes is of no shortage. ”
But personnel with intelligence must be in short supply, otherwise this wouldn’t even be a consideration.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:16 amYou should really consider shaping up or shipping out.
Comment by Tryon
And your date of enlistment is…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:17 amI believe Al-Sadr’s current situation is the result of the US putting both political and military pressure on Iran, which has been backing at least some, if not all the Shia militias controlling southern Iraq.
Reports are still pointing to the US eventually striking Iranian targets, which are responsible for contributing to the instability in the Shia regions.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
Except that Iran isn’t backing as-Sadr. Iran is backing the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, whose Badr brigades are fighting the Mahdi Army.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:18 amNot . . one . . more . . dime .
August 29th, 2007 at 10:18 amNumber of Friedman units left for the chymp to claim “we just need (fill in the # of Friedmans here)?
0
August 29th, 2007 at 10:20 amComment by barfly — August 29, 2007 @ 10:17 am
And your cut-off date for bashing the troops presently in Iraq is….
*sigh*
More leftist-robot talking points.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:21 amGreat link at #6 katy!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:23 amGreat link at #6 katy!
Comment by RUCerious — August 29, 2007 @ 10:23 am
yes, it is! … except it was K A Y who posted it…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:30 am:-)
TP you missed something….
http://www.cnn.com/ 2007/ POLITICS/ 08/ 28/ castro.clinton.obama/ index.html
CNN just ran an ‘endorsement’ of Clinton-Obama from Fidel Castro…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:30 amSounds like an old song:
August 29th, 2007 at 10:33 amGive me 5 billion more
Only 5 billion more..
we will stay
while you pay
for this war….
Make that 50 billion more…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:34 amYou should really consider shaping up or shipping out.
Comment by Tryon
You first. And your cutoff date for murdering Iraqi families and American soldiers is…?
More Ratwing lies and cowardice.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:36 amCNN just ran an ‘endorsement’ of Clinton-Obama from Fidel Castro…
Comment by Master Shake — August 29, 2007 @ 10:30 am
All those Cubans will vote Dem? Cool!
Idiot.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:37 amCNN just ran an ‘endorsement’ of Clinton-Obama from Fidel Castro…
Comment by Master Shake — August 29, 2007 @ 10:30 am
#
Oh, well we better not vote for them then. We want someone who will have no diplomatic relations with any other country, except Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:39 amChimpy’s “holocaust Iran-baiting” speech yesterday was so 2002-esque.
He looks likes he’s aged 25 years and he looks likes he’s hitting the sauce : hard.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:41 amTwo years ago today, at 6:14 local time, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Louisiana Gulf coast, near the Mississippi River outlet. Just before landfall, fortunately, she weakened to a Catagory 4 storm. New Orleans was spared the full brunt of the storm as it was on the western, weaker side. But fate had something in store for New Orleans.
The surge from the landfalling storm rushed down the various canals and waterways that pass through New Orleans. The rapidly moving water tore the canal walls apart. Numerous breaches along the Industrial Canal and the MRGO (Mississippi River Gulf Outlet) flooded vast portions of the city.
It was a testament to the skill, forsight, and determination that only 1500 people died and only 40,000 were stranded in this awful event. For comparison sake, 97% of the population of New Orleans was able to get out. That remaining 3% represented three distinct groups. The first group is the group the Right likes to hold up. The people who intended to stay in NOLA to take advantage of the situtation. The second group was the group who weighed Katrina’s impact against losing their few worldly possessions. When brought up to the Right, the Right’s only answer is ‘Well, they could buy more stuff!” This conveniently ignores NOLA’s makeup. And finally, there is the group that the Right despises more than anything else — the poor. It’s impossible for people on the Right to imagine the pain of knowing that just like the last check and the check before it, this upcoming paycheck, and the paycheck after it, all the way down the line, is taken up by bills. House note. Insurance. Car note. Electricity. (Remember this is August, one of the hottest months in the year). Everything you need to live, and the Republicans continue to keep Minimum Wage low in the face of increasing cost of living. Dropping your life and driving out of town is not an option when you’re in this situation. Where do you stay? How do you put gas in the car? How do you make money?
They did what they could, in the hopes that the Government would rescue them. They moved to the Superdome. Others tried to shelter in place, then realized as the city flooded that they needed to get to a safe zone, so they went to the Convention Center.
Over the next few days, we’ll see how that turned out.
68 school busses were ordered by Blanco to evacuate New Orleans.
St. Bernard Parish was so flooded that roofs of buildings could not be seen under the flood waters. It was estimated that there was 10′ of water here, but the estimates were likely low-balled.
Breaches were found in the Industrial Canal Levee, the MRGO, and most famously, the 17th Street Canal Levee.
Terry Ebbert, director of NOLA’s Homeland Defense office, quibbed that ‘anyone who had a way _or wanted_ to get out got out.’ This was a pre-digested, ready to disseminate talking point that has lasted two years. The reality is that not everyone who wanted to get out did. History will record their plight, but this is a task for another day.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:42 amBush = Evil Desperate Chimp
August 29th, 2007 at 10:44 amOooops,. sorry Kay! Need an eye exam, most defiinitely…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:47 amNo problem RUCerious. Glad you liked the link :)
August 29th, 2007 at 10:50 amChimpy’s “holocaust Iran-baiting†speech yesterday was so 2002-esque.
Comment by Kay — August 29, 2007 @ 10:41 am
It does seem like he doesn’t believe anyone will buy this shit anymore, just up there mouthing the words, hoping someone, anyone, will agree with him…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:50 am>Except that Iran isn’t backing as-Sadr.
>Iran is backing the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council,
> whose Badr brigades are fighting the Mahdi Army.
Stop it with all the logic, you’re making Hendlers brain hurt. What your statement is implying is there are more than two sides in this world….
Hendler and his inbred ilk use the simplistic logic “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”……Sadr = Bad ….Iran backed Militia = Bad.. Iran backed Militia fighting Sadr..uuuhhhnnnn….who is the bad one? who should I root for?
remember, these are the idiots who were arming + helping hussien because iran was our mutual enemy…..guess that “my enemy’s enemy” logic didnt work out too well for them…
August 29th, 2007 at 10:51 amand your cut-off date for bashing the troops presently in Iraq is….(sic)
Comment by Tryon — August 29, 2007 @ 10:21 am
*sight*
More rightard talking points. Ever say anything you think up yourself, or is that too hard?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:51 amUnfortunately, my landlord and my 2 neighbors both are still buying into this crap (phony “war on Terror”).
August 29th, 2007 at 10:52 amEver say anything you think up yourself, or is that too hard?
Comment by Krazny — August 29, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Somehow I think we know the answer to that.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:53 amHe would never sell the good ole’ Texas ranch…..would he?
Comment by Concerned Citizen — August 29, 2007 @ 9:54 am
That “ranch” needs to be confiscated and turned into a Rest and Recuperation facility for our weary vets. Might be a fitting place for the eventual Iraq war memorial.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:57 amsupporting the troops = getting them the hell out of Iraq and Afghanistan.
period.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:58 amremember, these are the idiots who were arming + helping hussien because iran was our mutual enemy…..guess that “my enemy’s enemy†logic didnt work out too well for them…
Comment by Null and aVoid Chocolate Jesus — August 29, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Oh, I remember. I also remember that at the same time they were arming & helping Iran, too, in exchange for hostages and money to fund the Contras. So it’s more like “my frenemy’s frenemy.”
August 29th, 2007 at 11:01 amCan you imagine how many more of our men and women serving in Iraq will die when Dead-Eye Dick pulls the Iran button???? (*wet dream ensues*)
I cannot imagine.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:01 amSo, I guess this is finally the proof we needed: Some Senators actually do have brains.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:23 amThe boy-king is looking pretty bad these days - like a horse that has been rode hard and put away wet.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:25 amProbably has to do with losing all his defenders and hitting the sauce.
He’s going to see his old friend Haley Barbour in Miss. today. (People of N.O. can offer him nothing, so they are SOL)
Barbour is the head of a lobbying firm who would put Allawi in charge of Iraq.
At 5,114 Paraguayan Guaranis to the dollar, I’m sure Dubya won’t have a problem stretching his pension.
Comment by toasterhead — August 29, 2007 @ 9:47 am
And don’t forget, Paps Bush already bought and paid for the property, just like he has done for every other thing Dubya has ever had (Yale sheepskin, Vietnam dodger status, 2 failed oil companies, 1 Texas Governorship, 2 presidencies, Crawford “ranch”, fake Texas accent, Barney, Cheney, the list goes on).
So, along with no US extradition treaty in Paraguay, Dubya will do OK, as long as Paps and Babs are there to wipe his sorry ass.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:37 amThComment by ronjazz — August 29, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Democrats accept all Americans, Republicans don’t.
Like the way they accepted Joe Lieberman after he agreed with ONE thing the president did. Your funny!!!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:57 pmHow will George W. Bush support himself and Laura once he’s gone from office? A former president’s pension is not large. Being a former president, it’s like the minimum wage.
Comment by Concerned Citizen — August 29, 2007 @ 9:43 am
I don’t understand why he would even get a pension being that we are paying him 400K per year to f*ck up everything he gets involved in.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:07 pm“Like the way they accepted Joe Lieberman after he agreed with ONE thing the president did. Your funny!!!”
Comment by Johnny Swank
The image of Joe giving the pres a big kiss showed how much of a democrat Joe is.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:18 pmIt would be worth getting arrested for the pleasure of mooning Karl. And why the Secret Service - he’s a private citizen. The fact the people hate him is his own fault; I don’t want my tax dollars paying to cover his a** when the kids are busted for baring theirs
August 29th, 2007 at 1:19 pm“How will George W. Bush support himself and Laura once he’s gone from office? A former president’s pension is not large. Being a former president, it’s like the minimum wage.”
Comment by Concerned Citizen
George’s Brush-Cutting Services. He’ll have his Secret Service contingent do all the work.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:49 pmTerry Ebbert, director of NOLA’s Homeland Defense office, quibbed that ‘anyone who had a way _or wanted_ to get out got out.’ This was a pre-digested, ready to disseminate talking point that has lasted two years. The reality is that not everyone who wanted to get out did. History will record their plight, but this is a task for another day.
Comment by Jeremy — August 29, 2007 @ 10:42 am
What happend to my city can be summed up in one word, neglect! We have been neglected by a severly flawed system that we are all responsible for. Neglect from our incompetent goverment, at every level, dating back at least fifty years. The federal, state, and city goverment did not care enough to build the levee system that was supposed to protect us from these storms. The Army Core of Engineers did a poor job engineering and constructing them. The city goverment did a poor job making sure the Core was doing what they were assigned to do and maintaining them after they were built. The state did a poor job of matching the funding from the federal goverment, and working with congress to ensure the levee system was viable. The state also failed to lobby for moneys to be spent on restoring our wetlands; the natural barrier that protects us first from major huricanes. The federal goverment did a poor job funding these projects, for fifty years! Even though the majority (80 percent) of oil and gas comes from, our through Louisiana, we get nothing in oil and gas revenues from the federal goverment. Why? Because of a deal made fifty years ago by a dirty politician who misled it’s citizens. And I did a poor job of, ignoring all of this. I did a poor job because I elected some, and ignored the others. I failed to hold them accountable. We failed as well as the politicians, to keep this great city going in good directions for all of it’s people by electing strong leaders.
I have lived here my whole life. I have seen New Orleans decline for the past thirty years. The poilticians, with their greed and lust for power, destroyed this city before Katrina did. The introduction of crack cocaine into the city was the fatal blow. We are a welfare city. We have a large housing project and section eight community, funded by the federal goverment. Generation after generation grow up in these projects with no intentions of ever leaving. The majority of poor people in New Orleans feel they are owed this housing, and to be taken cared of by the goverment. It’s a sad mentality, but it is what it is. It’s a part of New Orleans the rest of America never knew about until Katrina.
The local and state goverment did not have an adequate evacuation plan, which led to the chaos after the levee failures. There were busses assigned, but no drivers! People knew the Superdome was going to open as a shelter for last resort, so a lot of them drove there, instead of leaving town. What most people who are not from here don’t understand is, for the past twenty years we have had many close calls from huricanes. They tell us to leave, and the storm then goes in a different direction, missing us. A lot of people had what we call “evacuation fatigue”. This also led to people not evacuating. The segment of the population that could not leave, should have been the responsibillity of the city and state goverment, not the federal goverment. They failed to implement and run a working plan that led to the deaths of it’s citizens!!! Eighty six percent of the people who died were senior citizens, the people who needed help the most. It is a miricale that more people did not die. The blame is on the current mayor and governor, as well as past ones, for not doing what they were elected to do, to serve the people. To not create and implement a complete working evacuation plan is criminal in my opinion. Their only priority was the evacuation routes out of New Orleans. Theres more to an evacuation plan than routes.
Forty billion gallons of water poured into one hundred square miles of The Greater New Orleans area. I never thought the city I loved so much would be reduced to what it is. We are coming back, slowly. One day at a time for most. We will rebuild whether we get help or not. If we could get our fair share of the oil and gas revenues we deserve, we would be self suffecient and not need anymore federal money. We have the money that was sent to help rebuild, and are spending it wisely. The money is there, please don’t believe we aren’t getting help, it’s a lie. The programs the governor has implemented are working really slow, our are not working at all. The Road Home is one of them.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:43 pmThe image of Joe giving the pres a big kiss showed how much of a democrat Joe is.
Comment by Agamemnon — August 29, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
That’s how sad the democratic party is getting. That comment is so representitive of how ignorant some of you are. Joe Lieberman is one of the biggest liberals, even more liberal than any of the hopefuls running now, and he is hated by the left for agreeing with GWB on one issue. The far left is ruining what was once a great party and it’s time to take it back. Go back and revisit your history book you ignorant fools. JFK would shun what the party has become. JFK is the model the democratic party needs to win elections. You envoke his spirit when the time calls for it, but rarely do you represent it!!!
August 29th, 2007 at 2:56 pmLong time lurker, first comment.
I know ThinkProgress has its hands full with all the scandals, and I very much appreciate the time you’ve been able to devote to the Katrina situation. If time permits, can you please do something about how shortchanged Louisiana was by comparison to Trent Lott’s Mississippi? We had 75% of the damage, and he was able to push through legislation limiting us to 54% of the recovery money–guaranteeing his state received far more than an equitable share, and Louisiana far less.
It’s a symptom of how shamelessly the last Congress politicized everything.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:57 pmIt’s because Mississippis’ governor had a good plan post Katrina. It’s because our loser didn’t. It’s because N.O. wants to sit around and have everything handed to US!!! Instead of making hard decisions and getting the job done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 30th, 2007 at 5:39 pm