wml

[h_i_s]

Headline News ... 9-2-05

Much of what is being viewed in the news this morning is quite horrible, as if the reports were not already portraying conditions to indicate that survivors of Katrina are presently existing within what is a far too 'real', living nightmare. (Hopefully all of these links still match up to the headlines they fell under when i typed them. Many newscrews, unable to broadcast live on the TV, as they normally do, have turned to posting their reports online, simple adding news to their site's pages as it comes, or completely overwriting what they last posted ... )


This Morning's Headlines 9/2/05

Astrodome Declared Full Refugees Sent To Other Shelters;
New Orleans convention center, Kids Being Raped, Killed;
Explosions In New Orleans;
Bush To Tour Hurricane Zone;
Doctors Appeal For Help;
Mississippi Death Toll Hits 126;
Tiny Hamlets Do Nothing But Wait For Help
http://www.turnto10.com/news/4887230/detail.html



Last Evening's Headlines 9/01/05

Everyone Must Evacuate
http://my.earthlink.net/article/nat?guid=20050831/43152b40_3421_1334520050831-787488706

The Recovery Plan
Our first priority is to save lives. Our second priority is to sustain lives by ensuring adequate food, water, shelter and medical supplies for survivors and dedicated citizens -- dislocated citizens. Our third priority is executing a comprehensive recovery effort. --Bush. 5:11 P.M. EDT Aug. 31, 2005 -- http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/08/20050831-3.html

Experts Debate Rebuilding New Orleans
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/12537641.htm


Rebuilding to Require Historic Effort
Even many buildings that survived the flood, which covered 80 percent of the city, will have to be razed to protect against mold and disease.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/09/01/rebuilding_to_require_historic_effort/

MASS OF AID OFFERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Assistance from other countries ranged from offers of medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.
http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=119609&region=4

WWW.KATRINA.COM
... lists links to various Gov Agencies & Private Entities, + Message Board & Forum (to assist individuals in locating family and friends).
-- Because her first name is Katrina, she's received an overwelming amount of traffic to her personal site, which she has transformed into a 'Hurricane Katrina Help Site'.
http://katrina.com/

 

[catalina_francisco]

Have been watching a special report on the situation with live film crews and reporters in the worst hit areas and the points they have raised are the slowness in response compared to other similar scale disasters elsewhere (eg. the tsunami) and why that should be be in the US (though they say the main problem seems to be lack of logistical skills and organisation); the problem of the US being a nation which supports gun ownership so only people coming in to help are minimal and heavily armoured vehicles; and that racial tension is rising quickly. They say many of those worst hit are the poor who did not have a choice/way to leave, most African American and the police coming in are white police who are only patroling at best, not offering aid.

They told of an elderly African American woman who was seriously ill and crying who approached a police vehicle and had a shotgun pulled on her with orders to get back or be shot....her family pullled her away to save her and the reporters are astounded in these conditions that it was not enough to start a riot. Seems a lot are hoping Bush's visit will see the aid brought in though they say it is not thought he will go to NO because of the anger the people there are feeling toward him and the lack of response....why am I not surprised?!! Wouldn't it be nice if he rolled up his sleeves and actually got in there and did some hands on help to show he gets it? All he seems to be able to say on the news report I just saw as he was boarding his aircraft was he was 'really looking forward' to visiting the area and perhaps talking to some people....geez you would think he was off to a state fair!!

Catalina

 

[h_i_s]

Rant ....

As we sat watching the news on TV last evening, we both couldn't help but wonder WHY the rescue & recovery efferts seem so chaotic, so slow, so inadequate. There were reports offered in early 2001 (pre- 9-11) which suggested that New York was open to chatostrophical disaster as a prime target for terrorist acts, & New Orleans was at the same level of risk to lives being lost in the event of a higher classed hurricane. We realize Katrina hitting Louisiana, Mississippi, & Alabama to be the biggest natural disaster/catatrophe this country has ever seen. The Government was aware, and had warning in either case of 9-11 and Katrina.

We heard so much talk of how plans after 9-11 regarding the Government finally taking the risks seriously and vowing to work towards better planning to deal with such issues in the future, and we heard all of the promises the USA Government offered toward ensuring that regardless of the nature and source of any future catastrophes of such huge proportions .... we'd be prepared to act quickly and efficiently. It simply does not seem that they are living up to the promise. Sure, they had an evacuation plan, and AFTERWARDS sent people with vehicles to rescue and transport. Unfortunately, not everyone had the transportation to enable themselves to get out (and yes, i've heard that some chose who did have transportation chose to stay regardless). Not much of a plan in my opinion, seems it was full of loose ends and big holes.

I've heard of the possible plans of NY's former Mayor, Giuliani to run for president. Hell, i 'd love to see them snatch Bush out of his present position in office RIGHT NOW and then put Giuliani in his place so he can show Bush how a real rescue and recovery is handled.

 

[h_i_s]

Have been watching a special report on the situation with live film crews and reporters in the worst hit areas and the points they have raised are the slowness in response compared to other similar scale disasters elsewhere (eg. the tsunami) and why that should be be in the US (though they say the main problem seems to be lack of logistical skills and organisation); the problem of the US being a nation which supports gun ownership so only people coming in to help are minimal and heavily armoured vehicles; and that racial tension is rising quickly. They say many of those worst hit are the poor who did not have a choice/way to leave, most African American and the police coming in are white police who are only patroling at best, not offering aid.

They told of an elderly African American woman who was seriously ill and crying who approached a police vehicle and had a shotgun pulled on her with orders to get back or be shot....her family pullled her away to save her and the reporters are astounded in these conditions that it was not enough to start a riot. Seems a lot are hoping Bush's visit will see the aid brought in though they say it is not thought he will go to NO because of the anger the people there are feeling toward him and the lack of response....why am I not surprised?!! Wouldn't it be nice if he rolled up his sleeves and actually got in there and did some hands on help to show he gets it? All he seems to be able to say on the news report I just saw as he was boarding his aircraft was he was 'really looking forward' to visiting the area and perhaps talking to some people....geez you would think he was off to a state fair!!

Catalina

Yeah, isn't he a trip?? i was discussing this with M .. and had expressed to him that perhaps if Bush hadn't been flying around in his airplane and actually was THERE to at least give some of these people a bit of hope towards believing that help was on the way ASAP, and that their Gov was behind them and ready to ACT .... just maybe after landing ... they won't assasinate his foolish ass (and, if they do ... you won't see our country in tears, as it was when Kenedy was assasinated... it will be a entirely different scene here, i'd be willing to bet).

The biggest joke regarding the USA government's lack of organization, lack of a real plan, and inability of the rescue and recovery effort thus far (beside the fact that our Pres. is a goofy ass, ineffective dumbass)....

1. They had WARNING and KNOWLEDGE of the real potential of the devistation which could result in the event of a hurricane of this level hitting LA ... WAY back in early 2001 ... PRE 9-11.

2. They should have learned SOMETHING after dealing with the recovery/rescue efforts of 9-11.

3. They made promise after promise that the next time ANY type of disaster of huge potential for devistation and loss of life occurred ..... we would be very well prepared.

-- Prepared my ass. He sucks. They suck. And i guess we all know/knew that.

 

[Netzach]

I think the problem points back to whoever decided it'd be a good idea to make the country this stupid-ass big.

In the Netherlands the government on the federal level is worried about water levels. Shit, they have to be, everyone has to be. If louisiana was its own country there would be no question that a LOT of funding would have to be put into preparation for tropical storms. The panhandle league of nation states would all be in agreement on this.

Instead we have fat dumbass federal porkbellies who can't even commit to making Washington DC tolerable. If you want to see feds in action on a citywide local level, take a driving tour of DC. Eeesh.

Then again if we were a morass of tiny countries, can you just see the refugee crisis at a time like this? I suppose they could sneak some people into North Dakota for a few months before the North Dakotan parlaiment would even notice.

 

[graceanne]

i don't mean to sound mean but please if you are going to do this make sure these ppl are safe. we live in a sick world full of sick people that use opportunities like this to do harm.

That's so mean! (jk)

Actually K and I have talked about it, and we're going to do a background check on anyone who wants to move here. I have a friend who's a PI and she'll do it for me for free. I mean putting us in danger is one thing, putting our kids is another.

 

[FurryFury]

You know I was reading coverage today and there were quotes from two tourist from different places! Now I'm sorry but if you are in New Orleans as a tourist? What the fuck were you thinking when you didn't get out??? Geez!

Those poor people who have mostly lived in poverty their entire lives, had no way out and still done. They have really not been taken care of as well as we would take care of others in other countries. I hope this horrible situation brings about enough outrage and debate that some fundamental changes are made and not just in New Orleans.

 

[FurryFury]

It has been big news in Europe and from what I have seen on the BBC, there is genuine concern and heartache for the people who have suffered through this disaster, but no sympathy for Bush who they are mostly saying is being shown to despite his big words about providing home security for his own people and being the workld power, not be able to cope or provide that security and care in his own country let alone run the world. There have been stories of people being told to go to Continental in NO to meet buses which will take them to safety, only to be still there over a day later with no water or food and no buses or any other forms of help arriving...stories of people dying in shelters without food or water and having to keep the bodies amongst them in the heat because there is no other option. A lot of discussion has been around the continual requests over the last 12 months in particular to reinforce levees around NO which had been leaking only to be told there was not enough money to do it and it was a low priority financially compared to Iraq. So seems as usual, while many people don't trust or respect Bush, they do care what happens to the American people on a compassionate and humanitarian level. Those who are caught in the devastation of what little remains of NO and other affected areas are being called refugees on the news reports....but not refugees who are receiving help apart from a few national guard sent in to chase looters and shoot to kill.

Catalina

This is good to know.

Thanks for posting this, Catalina!

Fury

 

[catalina_francisco]

This is good to know.

Thanks for posting this, Catalina!

Fury

YW....the general feeling I am getting here is disgust with Bush and astonishment that he is so unprepared as to not be able to handle such an emergency given his promises to protect all....and not only not be very prepared but seem to have no idea where to start and throw his hands up as if it might fix itself. He made a statement a couple of hours ago I heard that it was just not good enough that it has taken so long for any help to be organised for 'those por people'. Duh...now who's fault is that?!! Just hope what some have suggested as in this is like shouting to the terrorists that there really is no great plan to protect America and so is defenceless, does not have serious repercussions.

Catalina

 

[FurryFury]

YW....the general feeling I am getting here is disgust with Bush and astonishment that he is so unprepared as to not be able to handle such an emergency given his promises to protect all....and not only not be very prepared but seem to have no idea where to start and throw his hands up as if it might fix itself. He made a statement a couple of hours ago I heard that it was just not good enough that it has taken so long for any help to be organised for 'those por people'. Duh...now who's fault is that?!! Just hope what some have suggested as in this is like shouting to the terrorists that there really is no great plan to protect America and so is defenceless, does not have serious repercussions.

Catalina

Me too!

I just heard him say he felt the efforts so far were okay or some such crap.

*grr*

The man is so clueless.

Everything is mostly based on economics. They thought it would cost too much to be prepared. They thought the people most in danger were not important.

Now how much is this going to cost? I'm not talking just in terms of actual money either but socially.

Fury

 

[Netzach]

No to his credit I think he said the efforts were unacceptable.


No shit.

I wonder how many Karl Roves he had to line up to figure out to say that.

Don't get me started. I sent money to the Red Cross today it makes me feel better than thinking about this. Maybe I'll do it again.

I should run a special on phone sessions and donate all profits. Wank for NOLA.

 

[FurryFury]

No to his credit I think he said the efforts were unacceptable.


No shit.

I wonder how many Karl Roves he had to line up to figure out to say that.

Don't get me started. I sent money to the Red Cross today it makes me feel better than thinking about this. Maybe I'll do it again.

I should run a special on phone sessions and donate all profits. Wank for NOLA.

He has said both. I just saw him on my TV saying some BS that made me want to gag.

Fury

 

[Marquis]

On the hating Bush issue, I don't even know what to say anymore.

Before he got elected I thought he was funny. I was bitter and spiteful after he got elected, especially because I was one of the rare Democrats that actually liked Gore. After 9-11 I reached a new disgust and hatred for him. By the time he won the second term its all just become kinda sad. Kinda makes me think the whole country is a little pathetic. At this point, I have to honestly say I don't care anymore, nothing surprises me. I barely consider myself American at this point, and I am absolutely ready to move to another country if it gets much worse in the upcoming decades.

 

[TNRkitect2b]

At least there are organizations that are commited to helping out in what ever way they can. As an architect in training (Just like Skyline ) I have an appreciation for what it will require to re-build the devastated areas.

My School of Architecture (5 hours north of the MS coast) is looking at teaming up with Architecture for Humanity to provide the needed expertise and labor to provide refugee housing to the displaced.

THis is not going to be a quick fix, as it will take a couple of months before any rebuilding in any scale will be possible. First the infrastructure needs to be repaired, then we can start rebuilding the communities. It may be a year or two before some of the displaced are able to go back to the area.

Yes, it is that bad.

But we will rebuild and go on.

I refuse to get started on the idiots in charge of the Federal Aid efforts right now. Suffice it to say, that someone dropped the ball on this one.

 

[FurryFury]

Asked later how the richest country on Earth could not meet the needs of its people, Bush said "I am satisfied with the response. I am not satisfied with all the results."

*shakes head*

 

[Krinaia]

It has been big news in Europe and from what I have seen on the BBC, there is genuine concern and heartache for the people who have suffered through this disaster, but no sympathy for Bush who they are mostly saying is being shown to despite his big words about providing home security for his own people and being the workld power, not be able to cope or provide that security and care in his own country let alone run the world. There have been stories of people being told to go to Continental in NO to meet buses which will take them to safety, only to be still there over a day later with no water or food and no buses or any other forms of help arriving...stories of people dying in shelters without food or water and having to keep the bodies amongst them in the heat because there is no other option. A lot of discussion has been around the continual requests over the last 12 months in particular to reinforce levees around NO which had been leaking only to be told there was not enough money to do it and it was a low priority financially compared to Iraq. So seems as usual, while many people don't trust or respect Bush, they do care what happens to the American people on a compassionate and humanitarian level. Those who are caught in the devastation of what little remains of NO and other affected areas are being called refugees on the news reports....but not refugees who are receiving help apart from a few national guard sent in to chase looters and shoot to kill.

Catalina

I'm glad to hear that. Often what I see are how much other countries hate arrogant Americans. And sometimes, we deserve it - okay, often I think we do. And yes, Bush is incapable of stepping to the plate. I'm reminded of a Bill Mahr comedy.politcal commentary routine wherein he makes a point of saying Bush's seven minutes of continuing to read to schoolchildren after being told America had been attacked - shows just how incapable he is of being able to immediately react. He should have been on his feet and getting to work. Fortunatley, the State of New York was able to react.

And I'm not sure about this ruler of the world thing - I don't think I have truly a good enough understanding of the global market and such to understand how one country could even claim to control it or be the biggest baddest bully on the playground and for others to agree. Especially when there are other powerhouse bullies.

It's a travesty. I just hope that this image of America and what a warleader in power causes to happen at home and makes people vote better. I'm begining to think that an aristocracy has quietly arisen in America. When people start figuring it out - I think there will be trouble, civil war type of trouble but then again maybe I've just been reading too much science fiction. But what's happening in Lousiana is science fiction.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

For those interested in finding the right charity to which to donate, ABC News posted this article with a listing of websites for the more prominent legitimate relief organizations.

 

[kerker_miester]

We made it

I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, best wishes, concern, and caring. I am fine we have power but it comes and goes still, phone is up and down as well as internet. We made it truough with a little damage but I am sure that if the storm had come 20 miles more west I am not sure I would be writing this. I wish I could help anyone else that is worried about relatives and friends in the path but alass I am not sure how. things are very confusing at this time with things going on. As to the reason I did not flee well call me stupid but Grandma is 87 and set in her ways, mom is 69 and just as stubborn well like I said call me stupid if you must I just could not leave someone I loved to face it alone and not be there to try to save them. I know how blessed/lucky/yol we were but I would do it again if I have to.
Again Thanks to EVERY ONE and please think in your own way about those less fortunate than I.

Kerker Miester

 

[TNRkitect2b]

I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, best wishes, concern, and caring. I am fine we have power but it comes and goes still, phone is up and down as well as internet. We made it truough with a little damage but I am sure that if the storm had come 20 miles more west I am not sure I would be writing this. I wish I could help anyone else that is worried about relatives and friends in the path but alass I am not sure how. things are very confusing at this time with things going on. As to the reason I did not flee well call me stupid but Grandma is 87 and set in her ways, mom is 69 and just as stubborn well like I said call me stupid if you must I just could not leave someone I loved to face it alone and not be there to try to save them. I know how blessed/lucky/yol we were but I would do it again if I have to.
Again Thanks to EVERY ONE and please think in your own way about those less fortunate than I.

Kerker Miester

GLad you made it safe and sound.

 

[Krinaia]

On the hating Bush issue, I don't even know what to say anymore.

Before he got elected I thought he was funny. I was bitter and spiteful after he got elected, especially because I was one of the rare Democrats that actually liked Gore. After 9-11 I reached a new disgust and hatred for him. By the time he won the second term its all just become kinda sad. Kinda makes me think the whole country is a little pathetic. At this point, I have to honestly say I don't care anymore, nothing surprises me. I barely consider myself American at this point, and I am absolutely ready to move to another country if it gets much worse in the upcoming decades.

I feel the same way... I'll go to Canada. I have family in an area that could easily sneak over the border and my fucking blood comes from tribes that saw no borders anyhow. But this scares me the most - TNR and I have been chatting and we see America = Roman Empire and I think there are a lot of signs it will fall. It's happening already. It's scary. And if there is sufficent braindrain, look at Lousiana and just think of how long it will take for there to be mass chaos and the countries that will arise here. Perhaps the Native Americans will take the southwest. The Californians will have their own country. The breadbasket which is already deserted becase of big market farming pushing individual farmers out of business will probably return to some sort of vigilante. Tennesse, Kentucky, and the Virginias and the Carolinas will be a mass of conservative redneckism and all un-white people will be made to leave. Florida will exist as a tourist trap to the rest of the world. And New England? I think it will be the aristocratic nation of big money and big corporation with no resources and will fall hard eventually. Maybe. Maybe not. It would take less then a decade.

I'm begining to wonder if I shouldn't worry overly much about paying off those federal student loans faster and sooner and simply enough so i don't get in trouble now... and stockpile for what may come.

<sigh>

I could be over-reacting, but remember, I read too much science fiction as I said earlier.

 

[FurryFury]

I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, best wishes, concern, and caring. I am fine we have power but it comes and goes still, phone is up and down as well as internet. We made it truough with a little damage but I am sure that if the storm had come 20 miles more west I am not sure I would be writing this. I wish I could help anyone else that is worried about relatives and friends in the path but alass I am not sure how. things are very confusing at this time with things going on. As to the reason I did not flee well call me stupid but Grandma is 87 and set in her ways, mom is 69 and just as stubborn well like I said call me stupid if you must I just could not leave someone I loved to face it alone and not be there to try to save them. I know how blessed/lucky/yol we were but I would do it again if I have to.
Again Thanks to EVERY ONE and please think in your own way about those less fortunate than I.

Kerker Miester

Glad to hear you are safe and sound!

Fury

 

[FurryFury]

At least there are organizations that are commited to helping out in what ever way they can. As an architect in training (Just like Skyline ) I have an appreciation for what it will require to re-build the devastated areas.

My School of Architecture (5 hours north of the MS coast) is looking at teaming up with Architecture for Humanity to provide the needed expertise and labor to provide refugee housing to the displaced.

THis is not going to be a quick fix, as it will take a couple of months before any rebuilding in any scale will be possible. First the infrastructure needs to be repaired, then we can start rebuilding the communities. It may be a year or two before some of the displaced are able to go back to the area.

Yes, it is that bad.

But we will rebuild and go on.

I refuse to get started on the idiots in charge of the Federal Aid efforts right now. Suffice it to say, that someone dropped the ball on this one.

I'm glad to hear what you had to say. I think it's great that you have the ability to help when the time comes to rebuild.

Fury

 

[La Kajira]

I am not moving. I am damn proud to be an American, and am so PISSED that people are criticizing the relief efforts.

HOW many times, in recent history, has an ENTIRE city just VANISHED? An ENTIRE CITY, people... not just a building... not just a couple of blocks.

An entire city. Please think about that. How do you get people out? Boats, and helicopters.. and from where do you deploy them? and how, until the waters calm, the wind stops, and the danger of tornado's is over?

How do you get basic essentials to these people?

By boat... by helicopter... yes, I have read the news, watched it, and yes, my opinion of Bush is pretty black. I will not be voting for him again. However, lets not leap in and start bashing things before we think them through.

The truth is, yes, there were people that could not afford to leave. But there were others that could have, and didn't, which is bogging down efforts to evacuate those that truly could not.

Perhaps the planning and logistics might have went a little better, but I'd really like to take a moment and give thanks for the GOOD things. For all the hard working rescuers, to all the police, National Guardsmen, etc. who are risking their lives to help.

C'mon people... quit knocking, start supporting. It's easy to criticize something you have never had to deal with yourself, it isn't so easy to do.

That's my opinion, anyway.

 

[TNRkitect2b]

I am not moving. I am damn proud to be an American, and am so PISSED that people are criticizing the relief efforts.

HOW many times, in recent history, has an ENTIRE city just VANISHED? An ENTIRE CITY, people... not just a building... not just a couple of blocks.

An entire city. Please think about that. How do you get people out? Boats, and helicopters.. and from where do you deploy them? and how, until the waters calm, the wind stops, and the danger of tornado's is over?

How do you get basic essentials to these people?

By boat... by helicopter... yes, I have read the news, watched it, and yes, my opinion of Bush is pretty black. I will not be voting for him again. However, lets not leap in and start bashing things before we think them through.

The truth is, yes, there were people that could not afford to leave. But there were others that could have, and didn't, which is bogging down efforts to evacuate those that truly could not.

Perhaps the planning and logistics might have went a little better, but I'd really like to take a moment and give thanks for the GOOD things. For all the hard working rescuers, to all the police, National Guardsmen, etc. who are risking their lives to help.

C'mon people... quit knocking, start supporting. It's easy to criticize something you have never had to deal with yourself, it isn't so easy to do.

That's my opinion, anyway.

Having been in the active duty army stationed in Kansas during the floods of 1993, and in the National Guard before then and since, I HAVE had to deal with disasters, and have first hand experience with the logistics and mobilization requirements to respond to disasters.

I stand by my statement.

The ball was dropped on this one.

 

[Marquis]

my opinion of Bush is pretty black. I will not be voting for him again.

I wonder how many other previous Bush voters spend time pondering this question.