The United States looks Vulnerable Now!

[MandM-Mom]

Today as I sit here and watch all this Catrina coverage I realized how vulnerable to terrorist groups we look, once again something the local govenment and US government should have been prepared for and was not. I can't understand why after 9/11 and the need for homeland security we have still no hold on National Emergencies and communication systems. Where did all our tax payer $$$$ go that was specifically for HOMELAND SECURITY... I am certainly not feeling safe in my homeland!! Bin Laden and his cronies are probable sitting back and watching us once again flubbing up!!! We knew about threats before 9/11 we knew about the threat of a major hurricane that could devastate a city under the sea, what else do they know about that they don't properly prepare for and put our citiziens at risk for?

[bicker]

I don't believe there is any al Qaeda link established to the hurricane. As such, there is truly very little solace that any terrorist would take from the problems we're encountering in the Gulf Coast. The government made deliberate decisions with regard to the likelihood of an incident like this and based on their perception that the likelihood was low, determined that it was not necessary to have an effective means of addressing such a catastophe. Putting aside what drove government to make such a bad decision (hint: it was us, the voters), it is as likely as not that, if anything, they over-estimated the chances of a terrorist attack as much as they under-estimated the chances of a Category 4 hurricane hitting New Orleans.

[MandM-Mom]

I don't believe there is any al Qaeda link established to the hurricane. As such, there is truly very little solace that any terrorist would take from the problems we're encountering in the Gulf Coast. The government made deliberate decisions with regard to the likelihood of an incident like this and based on their perception that the likelihood was low, determined that it was not necessary to have an effective means of addressing such a catastophe. Putting aside what drove government to make such a bad decision (hint: it was us, the voters), it is as likely as not that, if anything, they over-estimated the chances of a terrorist attack as much as they under-estimated the chances of a Category 4 hurricane hitting New Orleans.

I just feel that it is quiet clear to the rest of the world that our resources are stretched thin at this point, which can lead to others using that to there adavantage!

[Chicago526]

I just feel that it is quiet clear to the rest of the world that our resources are stretched thin at this point, which can lead to others using that to there adavantage!

That, and it's clear we can't seem to handle a wide spread emergency with both hands and a map...

[Teejay32]

We've always been this kind of vulnerable. I don't understand why that's a shock to some. When a disaster happens we can usually cope with it and try to set things right in an orderly fashion - that's where our real strength is, and not in being some kind of mythical giant fortress.

[bicker]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.

[AuntieM03]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.

I was thinking the same thing.

[Chicago526]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.


It's not our actual ability, but the preception of our ability. If it looks like we can't handle it, they will think we can't, and believe (rightly or wrongly) that if they strike we will be helpless.

[bicker]

I think "they" are actually a lot less emotional about this current disaster than "we" are, so "they" probably see through that which clouds "our" perception better than "we" can, at this point.

[dcentity2000]

In my eyes, America is as strong and beautiful as ever. A catastrophe as grand as this would bring ANY nation to it's knees.



Rich::

[bicker]

You mean "any other nation", eh? :) We are bent, but not bowed.

[vettechick99]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.

wow, Bicker, I agree with you! What's up with that? :confused3 ;)

I really don't think many people realized how bad this was going to be. I'm certainly just a layperson when it comes to the situation at hand, but I honestly thought people would go home, see their home in pieces and have to rebuild. It turned out far, far worse and we're finally getting our stuff together.

[bicker]

And this isn't the only pending catastrophe we've conveniently decided to overlook the chances of. San Francisco will eventually undergo pretty-much the same scenario.

[MARYPOPPINSFREAK!!!]

why can't Bin Laden just go away? :drinking1

GO AWAY!!! GO AWAY!!! GO AWAY!!!

and as for San Francisco...when is it going to happen?

singing...oh NEARER MY GOD TO THEE NEARER TO THEE!!! is the best song to describe it!!! :guilty:

[babar]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.


While I agree with what you are saying, you have to read some other message boards (BBC for one) and see what they are saying. We are pretty much being called pathetic, embarassing, savages, uncivilized and a disgrace.

I'm not kidding.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't agree. We can handle many widespread emergencies, as well or better than most other nations. I suspect we're handling even this emergency better than most other nations would, despite the fact that the government only planned for a Category 3 catastrophe.

Wow--that makes sense!

[padams]

I have been concerned this week that the radical Islamic terrorists will view us as being particularly vulnerable right now and decide it's a good time for another attack. I shudder at the thought of us having to deal with suicide bombers or suitcase nukes while we can't even deal with New Orleans.

[luvmy2sams]

OP...I've had similar thoughts myself over the past few days. The lack of communication is disturbing. I hope that lessons will be learned from this...and quickly.

[Charade]

Today as I sit here and watch all this Catrina coverage I realized how vulnerable to terrorist groups we look, once again something the local govenment and US government should have been prepared for and was not. I can't understand why after 9/11 and the need for homeland security we have still no hold on National Emergencies and communication systems. Where did all our tax payer $$$$ go that was specifically for HOMELAND SECURITY... I am certainly not feeling safe in my homeland!! Bin Laden and his cronies are probable sitting back and watching us once again flubbing up!!! We knew about threats before 9/11 we knew about the threat of a major hurricane that could devastate a city under the sea, what else do they know about that they don't properly prepare for and put our citiziens at risk for?

It seems like Texas has their act togther as do some of the other states so the problem doesn't appear to be systemic.

[bicker]

I have been concerned this week that the radical Islamic terrorists will view us as being particularly vulnerable right now and decide it's a good time for another attack.Which is perhaps a good reason for not directing every available resource to hurricane disaster relief.

[bicker]

While I agree with what you are saying, you have to read some other message boards (BBC for one) and see what they are saying. We are pretty much being called pathetic, embarassing, savages, uncivilized and a disgrace.Some Europeans, just like some Americans, are always looking for a context for their political message. In this case, Europeans are blaming the hurricane on global warming (as if hurricanes haven't occurred before the Industrial Revolution :rolleyes: ) and blaming the violence on the Second Amendment rights. They are using this horrible situation to give support with one hand, and then slap America in the face with the other, solely in the interest of getting their political message across. Many of the comments are as uninformed as many of the comments on this forum. No surprise there.

[aussie disney fan]

Hi there
I am in Australia and from all the news coverage etc it looks like a complete mess. We are too far away to help, yet cant understand how a city built below sea level can not have plans in place for if/ when something like this happens. We have evacuated some aussies but even our diplomats are not allowed in to get our people out.
We see coverage of buses lined up ready to evacuate, but nothings happening. Maybe we are a nation that doesnt understand your way of life etc, but this has seriously damaged your Governments reputation and has made us wonder if they can treat their own people with such contempt, then how are they treating our Australian troops in Iraq. Would they abandon our guys if the going got rough? Is the planning re: Iraq like that in new orleans?? The ramifications are huge. I was for the troops going to Iraq 100% but now I dont know what to think?? Are we being lead by people who we cant trust to do the right thing? Are the people of the USA thinking this as well.??
To the people affected and working with the victims of the hurricane the prayers and thoughts of my nation are with you each.
May God bless Australia and the United States.

[bicker]

I think one of the things folks need to realize about Americans -- what makes American strong -- it the independent spirit. We're fiercely independent, to a fault, in this case.

For exapmle: In Australia, I suspect, if the government ordered an evacuation, it would result in more compliance than if the government recommended an evacuation. Here in the United States, that's not so clear. That independent spirit would prompt a good number of people to refuse an order, whereas they'd perhaps have taken a recommendation. And the sentiments toward property ownership rights are different, I suspect, where some Americans actually value safeguarding their property on par (I hesitate to say, higher than) safeguarding their own personal safety.

There are so many aspects of life where that-which-makes-us-Americans does our people proud, and adds to our nation's strength. This particular aspect, in this particular scenario, isn't one of those.

To read into this situation something about our government or its competence is simply an error, a forgiveable error.

[aussie disney fan]

The australian people protect and defend but we are more laid back about things and possibly are more likely to believe it when told of impending doom.
Our bush fires, cyclones and floods have taught us that nature is cruel as well as bountiful and we believe that the life of an individual is worth more than property or pride.
And we would never build our major cities below sea level, regardless of the technology. We believe in nature winning in the end.

[bicker]

Indeed, and Americans-in-general would, by our basic nature, only take that as a greater challenge. You say that you would never build your major cities below sea level -- just watch -- we're going to rebuild a destroyed major city below sea level, just to spite Nature. :sad2:

[aussie disney fan]

Thats the american spirit we love...not the shooting, looting and total disorganisation that has been the last few days.
We hope that this time though you kinda put more strength in those levees...
cause nature will always have the last laugh.
I hope to visit new orleans on my next WDW trip......
But we still wouldn't build below sea level....call us crazy but it just doesnt sound right....

[faith]

New Orleans was not originally built below sea level. The city sank as a result of the silt, etc from the delta, Mississipi River. Then the levees were built as a precaution. Wish I had more details, but try a google research.
Thank you Australia for your concern. We Americans do appreciate it. Have a great weekend.

[bicker]

Keep in mind that the entire Mississippi delta has moved several times since the area was settled by Europeans. There has always been a firm foundation for the expectation that Nature will give us a certain amount of time, there, and then tell us, in no uncertain terms, to move somewhere else.