With all due respect to the previous poster:
-There's plenty of blame to go around, but in times of crisis, we look to the leader of the free world, not the governor of some pissant state. You're going to have to explain to me how the federal government can't do anything unless the state authorizes it - I'm not a lawyer, but the federal government can move in and take over whenever it damn well pleases (and whenever it is politically expedient.)
-Sure they knew it would happen. We've all read about the newspaper report of a few years back. So what's your point?
My point is that somebody should have been ready. The Federal Emergency Management folks, the Homeland Security folks, they're supposed to be ready for shit like this. That's what they've been training to do, especially since Sept. 11, 2001. But the response was pitiful and woefully slow. Why? Where are my tax dollars going? I'll tell you why - nobody was ready because nobody cares about lower middle class people with no political donations to make and no political clout in Washington. If this had happened in Florida, would we even be talking about the response at all? Hell no!
-Why isn't this like 9/11? Why isn't there a national moment of silence? Why are major league baseball players and professional football players suiting up? Why didn't everyone swarm the Red Cross to give blood, instead of jamming gas stations for their own good? Why? Because most Americans don't know what it's like to grow up in a project. Because most Americans are lazy slobs. Because of money and politics and this country's inability to care for the lowest of its residents.
-The blame certainly extends beyond Louisiana, into every hall of power, every home of the priviledged and lazy, every notebook of an inept media, every heart of an uncaring American.
11 comments:
Here are some relevant pieces of information:
"A visibly angry Mayor Daley said the city had offered emergency, medical and technical help to the federal government as early as Sunday to assist people in the areas stricken by Hurricane Katrina, but as of Friday, the only things the feds said they wanted was a single tank truck..."
LINK
"FEMA had the authority to intervene a week ago. And Bush declared Louisiana an emergency a week ago, then promptly stayed on vacation another 5 days in spite of the fact that he clearly knew this was an emergency."
LINK
From the Department of Homeland Security's website: "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."
LINK
Here's the letter from the state of Louisiana to the President- here's the letter begging for it on SUNDAY, four days before Bush ended his vacation. LINK
Sling some more blame around, Daddy, just know that we're on to you and the rest of the people who prefer to shield Dear Leader in an effort to protect their own wilting belief that President Bush has ever been a decent President or a competent man.
Here's one more...
"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson offered Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco help from his state's National Guard last Sunday, the day before Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. Blanco accepted, but paperwork needed to get the troops en route didn't come from Washington until late Thursday."
LINK
Did someone named "Anonymous" really just give Ash a hard time for remaining anonymous?
Delicious irony don't you think?
Someone's feeling a bit grouchy today, eh?
Anonymous, are you really so angry? I hope that in the future you will please tone down the verbal content of your comments.
This is not the place to be vicious. If you want to threaten Screwy, please do it on his web site, not here.
I'm taking over as group moderator and erasing your dark and threatening verbage.
Goosebumps. Wow.
Screwy, stop antagonizing our anonymous guest. This rude comment thing is going to far...
*Putting my virtual foot down*
Gentlemen, go over to the scrutiny hooligans and bicker.
Love,
Daddy,
You're a real pip. I can't decide if you're only angry at Louisiana politicians, or if you're doing you're partisan best to apologize for Bush...
I swear I left a comment earlier. Oh well...I went to bed early and missed all the action it seems.
Gotta say, I'm going with my guys on this one--Ash and Screwy, you both are right on.
Ash, that last paragraph is sublime. Proud to be affiliated with you guys.
FD,
Check the link above to a PDF copy of the letter from Gov. Blanco requesting federal assistance on Sunday.
The letter exists. It was sent. Stop with the denial routine already.
Wow, I can't believe I missed all the action. With all the political passion concerning the managemant of the crisis response team I looked into volunteering. Details are still being finalized but it looks like I might be heading to Mississippi. I already know one Asheville gentleman who has been to NOLA and back already (he was handing out MREs and water).
Weird thing is that I need to take vacation time to help fellow citizens.
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