Venting about Katrina

[DisneyAunt]

I'm sure everyone here is saddened by all that has happened. But what saddens me most is this blame game that is being played. Most importantly what the media is reporting and their interpretation of things.

I am single professional woman living in NJ....far away from the awful devastation. I am heavily involved in my local community and you might say it is my second job. I also have the honor of being a board member of my local Red Cross. I was heavily involved in the assitance of families from the 9/11 tragedy.

Why do I tell you this. Because I feel that the fingers are not being pointed in the right direction. I don't want to be part of the blame game but the facts need to come out. Yes ....our government is ultimately responsible but the local government needed to step up to the plate and let FEMA know what they needed.

Was the Red Cross turned away in N.O.....yes....why?? ...who knows ....and we will probably never know...because of politics. Red Cross was there ready to help but we were not able to. Some people have expressed their discontent for the Red Cross because of the 9/11 problems that occured. Believe 9/11 was a rude awakening for all of especially those of us who were there. But things have changed dramatically. As of Friday 9/9 the Red Cross has 8,000 people on the scene, 39,000 trained volunteers, housed 161,000 survivors, opened 675 shelters in 23 states, served 6 miliion hot meals, 5.9 million snacks. So....at least someone is doing something right down there.

I know for a fact that if something were to happen in my community the mayor would be in charge and take control and report to the governor as to what the needs of the citizens are. The governor in turn would communicate to Fed govt what is needed. What happened in N.O.??

There are so many questions that need to be answered by the local government first before we can have questions answered by FEMA.

I applaud George W. for his apology. I will wait to here Mayor Nagins and Gov. Blanco's apology.

Thank you for letting me let off some steam maybe tonight I will sleep a little better. :)

[totalia]

Here we go again.

[halestrm]

It is always hard when you try to help, but it is turned away. Remember this, all you can do is your best. When it is not appreciated, you can say you did your best. Remember, we help not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.

[Pugdog007]

Most people, Republican and Democrat, agree with you. And all people who've at some point completed a high school level Civics class agree with you.

The Dems seemed almost disappointed to hear that our President apologized today. They lose some of their ammunition with his apology.

[DisneyAunt]

Here we go again.


I'm sorry if this has been repeated. But you have to understand that I felt the need to get this off my chest. I said my peace....or at least a part of it.

[Pugdog007]

I'm sorry if this has been repeated. But you have to understand that I felt the need to get this off my chest. I said my peace....or at least a part of it.

Don't worry about it she's been saying her peace all over this board for 2 weeks. You are just as entitled. Moreso even. You're American.

[rascalmom]

DisneyAunt, I agree that there is way too much fingerpointing going on & I admit I have guilty of it myself. Part of it is deserved, part of it is premature, part of it is misdirected & part of it is because the whole catastrophe is so horrific that most every one feels a need to pinpoint a cause.

Natural disasters will continue to happen & everyone involved is human. We all need to remember that - for the victims & those trying their best to help. It's terrible to have to have all levels of our government go through "on-the-job" training, but the truth is that we haven't had many emergencies of this scope in our country. And it could have happened on any President's, governor's, or Mayor's watch. The plans and response systems can only be improved from here - we can't go back & change the past. We all need to remember our civics lessons & the reasons we have separation of local, state & federal powers.

The important thing is to do something now - help where & however you can. Donate and/or volunteer however you can. Thank you for being one of the ones who is helping. It sets a good example for all of us.

[DisneyAunt]

Don't worry about it she's been saying her peace all over this board for 2 weeks. You are just as entitled. Moreso even. You're American.


Thanks Pugdog. Just wondering where in Alabama you are. I used to frequent Orange beach and Gulf Shores.

[Pugdog007]

Thanks Pugdog. Just wondering where in Alabama you are. I used to frequent Orange beach and Gulf Shores.

Central - a suburb of B'ham. Gulf Shores is still recovering from Ivan... and of course Mobile was hit by Katrina. These beasts have really been devastating to the Gulf this last year. We just get remnants + 60-70 mph winds this far North.

[DisneyAunt]

Yes...I knew they were still recovering from Ivan. They are also cleaning up debris everyday from the beaches drifting from LA.

[Planogirl]

I'm sure everyone here is saddened by all that has happened. But what saddens me most is this blame game that is being played. Most importantly what the media is reporting and their interpretation of things.

I am single professional woman living in NJ....far away from the awful devastation. I am heavily involved in my local community and you might say it is my second job. I also have the honor of being a board member of my local Red Cross. I was heavily involved in the assitance of families from the 9/11 tragedy.

Why do I tell you this. Because I feel that the fingers are not being pointed in the right direction. I don't want to be part of the blame game but the facts need to come out. Yes ....our government is ultimately responsible but the local government needed to step up to the plate and let FEMA know what they needed.

Was the Red Cross turned away in N.O.....yes....why?? ...who knows ....and we will probably never know...because of politics. Red Cross was there ready to help but we were not able to. Some people have expressed their discontent for the Red Cross because of the 9/11 problems that occured. Believe 9/11 was a rude awakening for all of especially those of us who were there. But things have changed dramatically. As of Friday 9/9 the Red Cross has 8,000 people on the scene, 39,000 trained volunteers, housed 161,000 survivors, opened 675 shelters in 23 states, served 6 miliion hot meals, 5.9 million snacks. So....at least someone is doing something right down there.

I know for a fact that if something were to happen in my community the mayor would be in charge and take control and report to the governor as to what the needs of the citizens are. The governor in turn would communicate to Fed govt what is needed. What happened in N.O.??

There are so many questions that need to be answered by the local government first before we can have questions answered by FEMA.

I applaud George W. for his apology. I will wait to here Mayor Nagins and Gov. Blanco's apology.

Thank you for letting me let off some steam maybe tonight I will sleep a little better. :)
The Red Cross rules and that's all I'll say.

Except to wonder why one particular canine is always so rude. :(

[totalia]

No no. Its fine to vent. I hope you start feeling better soon and I can understand how you feel.

Its not that its been repeated so much that it usually sparks a political debate which results in one side attacking the other and the thread getting shut down. Its nothing towards you. This forum has just been a powder keg recently. Thats what I meant by "Here we go again."

[Bunch24]

Nothing wrong with a little venting from time to time.

But your post definitely made me realize something.

During 9/11, who emerged as a solid hero in the wake of that tragedy? Mayor Rudolph Guliani. He took charge of his city, calmed his citizens and rolled up his sleeves and went to work.

Would anybody consider Mayor Roy Nagin a hero? What has he done except complained about the governor and complained about the president and complained about FEMA?

I really like Nagin, and he's done a lot for the city of New Orleans, but clearly he was not prepared to step up in a time of disaster.

[chobie]

There has already been several threads blaming people.

[DawnCt1]

Here we go again.

You, most of all, whom I don't believe would have had the opportunity to complete a high school civics class in the United States, seem to need to have it repeated.

[DawnCt1]

Would anybody consider Mayor Roy Nagin a hero? What has he done except complained about the governor and complained about the president and complained about FEMA?

r.
This morning on the news, he was complaining that he wanted to hear "jazz again", that he was sick of the "sound of helicoptors". Given what he didn't do, helicoptors should be music to his ears.

[Charade]

Here we go again.

Just a suggestion... stop reading this thread if it bothers and upsets you so much and focus that energy in helping your BF and his family.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And all people who've at some point completed a high school level Civics class agree with you.



:rotfl2:

(sorry--so true and honest..it made me laugh ;)).

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This morning on the news, he was complaining that he wanted to hear "jazz again", that he was sick of the "sound of helicoptors". Given what he didn't do, helicoptors should be music to his ears.


He's talking about reopening the city. :rolleyes:

No need to stab the comment.

[swilphil]

I'm sure everyone here is saddened by all that has happened. But what saddens me most is this blame game that is being played. Most importantly what the media is reporting and their interpretation of things.


What saddens me most is the human suffering, the loss of live, and the horrible ordeal it will be for many people to put their lives back together. The blame game is being played on both sides. Some people seem to think it's okay to blame state and local officials, but not the federal government. It's still a game when it works the other way.

[peachgirl]

The Dems seemed almost disappointed to hear that our President apologized today. They lose some of their ammunition with his apology.

I guess we "lost" nothing then, because he didn't apologize. Although, the man could fall to his knees begging for forgiveness and it wouldn't change a thing about the failures that occurred.

And all people who've at some point completed a high school level Civics class agree with you.

And those who didn't stop with the high school civics class know that the Federal Government sat on it's hands for several days before taking the action they were fully authorized to take and that Governor Blanco did what was needed on Aug. 27..days before the hurricane hit.

[chobie]

What saddens me most is the human suffering, the loss of live, and the horrible ordeal it will be for many people to put their lives back together. The blame game is being played on both sides. Some people seem to think it's okay to blame state and local officials, but not the federal government. It's still a game when it works the other way.


ITA and what a nice way to put it. If someone is "saddened" by blaming threads, then why would they start another one?

[totalia]

Just a suggestion... stop reading this thread if it bothers and upsets you so much and focus that energy in helping your BF and his family.
Here's a suggestion, stop being so nasty.

[totalia]

You, most of all, whom I don't believe would have had the opportunity to complete a high school civics class in the United States, seem to need to have it repeated.
Yes, and apparently you, most of all need to have the same things repeated to YOU as well.

Same as what I suggested for bunch, here's a idea, stop being so nasty.

You will be surprised how much better a reaction you get.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

The radio reported this morning that Nagin has "purchased a home in Dallas and enrolled his child in a Dallas school". So there you have it. That sounds like a great way to get NO on the track to recovery. The mayor moves to ANOTHER STATE!

If Dallas was destroyed and Laura Miller up and moved to Louisiana I think there would be an angry mob tracking her down! And I would be leading the mob!

[bsnyder]

The radio reported this morning that Nagin has "purchased a home in Dallas and enrolled his child in a Dallas school". So there you have it. That sounds like a great way to get NO on the track to recovery. The mayor moves to ANOTHER STATE!

If Dallas was destroyed and Laura Miller up and moved to Louisiana I think there would be an angry mob tracking her down! And I would be leading the mob!

To be fair to Mayor Nagin, he will still be working in New Orleans. His home in New Orleans is unliveable. His child has to go to school, and like thousands of other evacuees, will be going to school in Dallas. If he can afford to purchase a home (I assume to ensure the school district of choice, but I don't really know if that's why) then why shouldn't he be able to do that?

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just find it fascinating that he has packed up and moved out of Louisiana entirely. There must be some other cities within his home state that would be OK for Mayor Nagin and his family in the interim.

I would be willing to bet his kids aren't going to public school, either. The former Dallas mayor had his kids in public school, but now they are in private. Our current mayor has her kids in private school. Nagin probably has his kids in private school too, which means it doesn't matter where his house is. There are no "zones" for private schools. But at least if he bought property then he is paying property taxes to the state of Texas. That's a nice gesture.

[Miss Jasmine]

No no. Its fine to vent. I hope you start feeling better soon and I can understand how you feel.

Its not that its been repeated so much that it usually sparks a political debate which results in one side attacking the other and the thread getting shut down. Its nothing towards you. This forum has just been a powder keg recently. Thats what I meant by "Here we go again."
And you have innocently sat on the sidelines, right?????

AS for the OP, vent away, we all have done. For what it is worth, we saw the Red Cross in action here last year and I just have to say what a fab organization it is. Thank you for all you guys do!

[dixipixi]

Just had to post a few thoughts.

First of all, I live in La. In a little town north of NO. While we did not have the problems of rising water, there has still been plenty of damage. We had winds over 130mph here.

My house and car were totaled. We lost our outbuilding which housed our new riding lawn mower, 4 wheeler, our bikes, weedeaters, and all the other things you use around your home.

Its easy to sit somewhere else and talk about people playing a blame game.

The facts are that NO is a large city and very hard to evacuate. There are only a few roads out and it is many many miles to higher ground.

Yes, our local and state govts did not do everything they could have. Hindsight is always 20/20. This storm blew up very quickly. I have lived all my life here and I am always prepared during hurricane season with the basics (water, medicines, full tank of gas, cash money, etc.). But this was an absolutely devastating storm. It did me no good to stockpile things when the house they were stored in was totaled.

I agree about people trying to help being turned away. That has been very hard to take. Not just the Red Cross, but average people as well. There have been many people around here show up with boats to try and help rescue people, but they have been turned away.

What I'm trying to say is this: The aid we have seen around here has come from the American people. Thank Goodness for them. The people of La. and Miss. thank everyone involved. It takes our hard work and working together to overcome disaster. Don't sit around and wait on the govt (from the local level to the feds...just don't count on them). They are going to sit around and blame each other for things not getting done while the people themselves are busy helping and rebuilding.

I don't have time to listen to officials blame each other. I'm trying to rebuild my life and get back to "normal". I could care less what govt does or doesn't do for me. When it comes down to it...it's up to me and my husband to survive and provide for our family.

[Planogirl]

Civics class? From a previous timeline thread:
The Homeland Security department had a procedure for just such a muddle, a declaration of 'an incident of national significance' -- the trigger for federal officials to move emergency assets without waiting for requests from local governments.

Why does everyone forget about this "incident of national significance" feature? FEMA did not HAVE to have permission before helping out those who were trapped.

Also, why does it matter if the mayor is in Texas for now? Don't we constantly hear that President Bush can govern from anywhere including from Texas of all places?

[bsnyder]

Civics class? From a previous timeline thread:


Why does everyone forget about this "incident of national significance" feature? FEMA did not HAVE to have permission before helping out those who were trapped.

Also, why does it matter if the mayor is in Texas for now? Don't we constantly hear that President Bush can govern from anywhere including from Texas of all places?

I think the issue was more that the military couldn't be called in, not FEMA. And the incident of national significance feature doesn't address that.

I would be willing to bet his kids aren't going to public school, either. The former Dallas mayor had his kids in public school, but now they are in private. Our current mayor has her kids in private school. Nagin probably has his kids in private school too, which means it doesn't matter where his house is. There are no "zones" for private schools. But at least if he bought property then he is paying property taxes to the state of Texas. That's a nice gesture.

Ack - don't get me started on elected Democrats who are in lock-step with the teachers' unions and then send their kids to private schools. I don't know if that's the case with Mayor Nagin, but let's not totally derail this thread.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

It doesn't matter that the mayor has moved here. I just thought it was a bizarre choice.

[bsnyder]

It doesn't matter that the mayor has moved here. I just thought it was a bizarre choice.

Personally, it seems like a stupid thing to do, from a PR standpoint.

Maybe he's already decided he won't be running for re-election, or that he's sure he'll be defeated if he does. Who knows. Hopefully he's doing the best thing for his family.

[Earstou]

opened 675 shelters in 23 states
I was registering new volunteers to work in one of those shelters, but it was closed (as were others in Kansas) because no one wanted to come here. I was just wondering if you knew how many other shelters were also closed down like this? I was told FEMA requested these shelters be put up, and will be footing the bill. Is that correct from what you know???

[snoopy]

Most people, Republican and Democrat, agree with you. And all people who've at some point completed a high school level Civics class agree with you.

The Dems seemed almost disappointed to hear that our President apologized today. They lose some of their ammunition with his apology.

This Dem is neither disappointed, nor did she hear where our President apologized. Care to enlighten me? I thought he said, "And to the extent that the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility. I want to know what went right and what went wrong." Whats to be disappointed (or elated) about? He didn't tell us anything we don't already know, he's responsible for what happens at the federal level. And he said he wants to find out what went right and what went wrong. So fine, he should absolutely go do that. Hopefully the investigation will result in firing the rest of the incompetent political flunkies at FEMA and Congress passing legislation removing FEMA from Homeland Security.

But don't insult me as an American because I'm not wowed by the President saying he takes responsibility for what he should be taking responsibility for. Nor am I disappointed. His words are merely that, just words. I judge him by his actions thus far and what he will do in the future, not by the words he says in a speech.

[Missy1961]

This Dem is neither disappointed, nor did she hear where our President apologized. Care to enlighten me? I thought he said, "And to the extent that the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility. I want to know what went right and what went wrong." Whats to be disappointed (or elated) about? He didn't tell us anything we don't already know, he's responsible for what happens at the federal level. And he said he wants to find out what went right and what went wrong. So fine, he should absolutely go do that. Hopefully the investigation will result in firing the rest of the incompetent political flunkies at FEMA and Congress passing legislation removing FEMA from Homeland Security.

But don't insult me as an American because I'm not wowed by the President saying he takes responsibility for what he should be taking responsibility for. Nor am I disappointed. His words are merely that, just words. I judge him by his actions thus far and what he will do in the future, not by the words he says in a speech.

Same here.