WashingtoneBayer
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posted on September 2, 2005 06:57:09 AM new
Neglus, I am happy you decided to respond to my post about being non-political but deciding to ignore those who seem to share your "lets blame the president" crowd.
You are correct this should not be politics, but seems like people want to drag it in. Whether you or I think he has the credentials is of little consequence, you either accept it or you don't.
As of this moment he is the head of FEMA. President Bush is going to the area and we may see some changes in the leadership there and more action being taken.
Ron
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WashingtoneBayer
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posted on September 2, 2005 07:04:19 AM new
Linda, you are so correct race shouldn't even be mentioned in this, but of course those who want to keep the Black under their thumb(democrats) are bringing it up to the forefront.
But on the practical side Linda, they had no place to go and no way to get there. Mass transit was not taking the people out.
Listening to Larry yesterday and he and his guest made some very good observations.
Ron
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 07:29:03 AM new
I don't know Dbl - I'm just so used to everything being blamed on the liberal left wing media. You mean something wans't their fault? 
Off Topic:
I listened to Nancy Grace last night... that show should come with a warning label. Her voice going all over the place in her spats of moral indignation made me want to puncture my own eardrums. Besides, she really needs to work on the "moral indignation" act, it just doesn't ring true. Hannity has moral indignation down cold. He's the most ridiculous commentator I've heard but at least I buy that he really believes what he is saying. Nacy Graces act came across more as..Please god don't change the channel don't you see how indignant I am.
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An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
[ edited by fenix03 on Sep 2, 2005 07:38 AM ]
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kiara
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posted on September 2, 2005 07:44:31 AM new
Did anyone see the footage of the young guy who took the school bus and picked up stranded people..... women and babies, and drove the bus all the way to the Astrodome himself? Even though he may be in trouble, he's being called a hero. The teenagers with him pooled their money for gas and also diapers for the babies. The Astrodome was turning other refugees away, but they did let them in.
This is an excellent time to point fingers and put blame where it belongs....... right at the top of all the leadership that is responsible for response time If bureaucracy is so bloated that common sense is entirely lost, there is no hope.
edited for spelling
[ edited by kiara on Sep 2, 2005 07:49 AM ]
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cherishedclutter
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:00:25 AM new
If the head of FEMA had any sense, he would stop giving interviews. Last night on CNN he told Wolf Blitzer what a good job they were doing evacuating the hospitals. A few minutes later they had a doctor from a New Orleans Hospital on the phone telling about the horrible, unsanitary conditions and how desperately they needed to get their patients out of the nearly powerless hospital.
Another doctor (not sure if it was the same hospital or not) was telling about how they had to suspend their evacuation because they were being shot at.
People on this board were asking where the busses were before the Hurricane - they were taking people to the Superdome. I suspect we'll find out that they weren't taken out of NO because the officials didn't know where to have them taken.
Linda - I've just got to say your comment that you would have gotten out no matter how poor you were makes me wonder if you've ever even known a poor person. Truly poor people don't have credit cards - they have little if any cash. In a city with good public transportation they often don't have cars. A person that poor didn't have a way to leave.
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neglus
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:01:58 AM new
I disagree Kiara. I don't want spin doctors anywhere NEAR this catastrophe. Everyone should pull together with a single goal of saving those people in New Orleans and finding decent shelter for them in the months to come. Just like 911 this country needs to pull TOGETHER to meet crises. There will be time for a post-mortem and blaming when everyone is safe.
-------------------------------------
http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards?refid=store
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:12:53 AM new
Kiara - about an hour ago huge convoys of trucks started pouring in to New Orleans... 8 mile long strings of pick-up trucks hauling boats, fire trucks from Los Angeles, ambulances ... you name it. There is a new string coming in now of school buses outside the state coming to get more of the refugees. Also 400 armed NG members back from Iraq have arrived at the convention center where many of the overnight rapes and murders are happening.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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kiara
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:15:25 AM new
Neglus, of course the priority is to assist everyone in every way possible. But at the same time the government needs to be called to task over this because another emergency could strike in any other place right now so the time to learn lessons and address the response time is right now.
I'm not talking about stopping emergency procedures to have big meetings or discussions. I'm talking about the reality of using common sense.
And for those who keep saying they shouldn't have lived there or that they should have left...... in New Orleans about 30% live BELOW the poverty line. How were they supposed to leave?
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dblfugger9
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:16:58 AM new
fenix, I am not saying the media is to blame but I am looking at the fact that they HYPE so many things, people dont pay attention anymore.
I think I posted about one headline of the daily paper here which blared out and read like we'd been hit by a nuclear bomb. (after awhile, its like yeah, right.)
I dont watch Nancy Grace simply because I cant take her voice levels, but she has quite a personal story to back-up all that indignation.
 Where is Bill Hemmer? Read he went to fox? But their website never says when he is on? Last I looked I didnt see anything for his name under personality profiles or however they catagorize their on-air personalities. Now him, I like alot.
.
[ edited by dblfugger9 on Sep 2, 2005 08:17 AM ]
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:21:53 AM new
I hate to say this but I think the big difference between this and 9/11 was that there were not many survivors of 9/11. We have dealt with clean up efforts before but never has this nation had to figure out in four days what to do with 100,000 people or cleaning up 90,000 square miles of disaster area.
I disagree that the FEMA director needs to do less interviews. I think he needs to be doing them 24 hours a day while someone that is actually competent takes over his departmental duties. I realize that there is no precedent for this type of situation, but that string of trucks should have started pulling in Wednesday night. We knew Tuesday morning that things were bad, they should have started mobilizing those groups then and ones from the nearby areas should have started arriving the next day.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:28:40 AM new
Haven't heard of him (Hemmer) Describe him - maybe he's being used a a contributor? Or could he be a behind the scenes guy now?
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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dblfugger9
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:31:08 AM new
Ithink its real easy to criticize when your not the ones involved in trying to pull this thing together. It's a mess!! There are reports of police officers just quitting and getting out of there. I feel sorry for them, really. How could any of them in authority be expected to do a half-way decent job with little and no resources, and in the meantime they are victims of the devastation too? I wouldnt do it. Hats off to the ones that stayed! I dont think I'd put myself or my family through that.
.
[ edited by dblfugger9 on Sep 2, 2005 09:43 AM ]
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dblfugger9
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:33:46 AM new
I dont know fenix. Admit I dont hardly ever watch that channel. He used to anchor CNN morning show. Not even sure if they fired him or he quit. There was something about him, I just liked. If they arent using him on-air, thats gotta be a waste. (He was also voted one of the 'hottest' newsmen by some poll or other. He is cute, but I just think he is intelligent and thoughtful in his reporting, thats why I like him.)
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:35:17 AM new
OK - I'm losing that short term faith I had in Bush this morning. Watching him talking to the govenors of LA, MS and AL... I think he's lost. I expected this energized individual, focused, asking questions, strong of voice etc. Instead he's just standing there, nodding and looking... BORED?!?! He's not looking at the people speaking to him, his eyes are wandering all over.
I think the senator from LA was right, this area right now needs Colin Powell. They need someone with his persona and his experience to come in and oversee the finalizing of the evacuations and the rescue and rebuilding of the area.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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desquirrel
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:40:08 AM new
The local officials can't deal with this. You have the mayor of N.O. whining in front of the camera that the aid isn't coming fast enough at the same time a lot of his police are deserting, watching the looters or looting themselves.
The Guard commander is on site with an add'l 8500 troops and another 600 MPs will soon arrive. The President should declare martial law if the governor doesn't and tell the guy to get the job done.
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:41:12 AM new
I found a picture of him... I've seen him. I think he is a fill in and news guy. From what I just read real quick in an article he seems to want to be more of the news guy that the host so maybe it's better that he doesn't have his own show.
OK - He's on right now - he is the news guy. He's the one that the talking heads break to for updates.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
[ edited by fenix03 on Sep 2, 2005 08:46 AM ]
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:42:58 AM new
Am I the only one that thinks that New Orleans will never be low income again?
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An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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cherishedclutter
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:49:48 AM new
At this point, I can't even imagine New Orleans being rebuilt. I would think most evacuees are going to have to try to start over someplace else.
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mingotree
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posted on September 2, 2005 08:51:19 AM new
Bush faces new challenge amid flood of bad news
Thu Sep 1, 2005 4:51 PM ET
Top News
Storm disaster fuels doubts over US terror plans
New Orleans chaos goes on as blast rattles city
MORE
By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is a dangerous political challenge for President George W. Bush even as he grapples with a string of bad news on the Iraq war, soaring gas prices and slumping approval ratings.
The widespread destruction on the Gulf Coast, one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, threatens to hit all Americans in the pocketbook by wreaking havoc on gas prices and the U.S. economy.
The result, analysts say, could be new questions about Bush's leadership and priorities, particularly his decisions to push for big tax cuts and pour billions of dollars into an increasingly unpopular war in Iraq.
"This is a supreme test of Bush's leadership at a time when resources are thin and his approval ratings are perilously low," pollster John Zogby said.
The hurricane's aftermath also could be more bad news for Republicans already worried about the political fallout in the 2006 congressional elections from the Iraq war. Republicans counting on domestic issues to trump Iraq in the minds of voters could find little solace there.
"The U.S. economy in the hurricane's aftermath is going to be a lot more important to a lot more voters than Iraq, no matter how well or poorly it's going over there," said California-based Republican consultant Dan Schnur.
"If the situation in Iraq has not improved, and if the hurricane causes an economic downturn, then Republican candidates have something to worry about," Schnur said.
Bush cut short a month-long vacation by two days to return to Washington on Wednesday, swooping low over the flooded coast for a first-hand view on the way back. He then headed a meeting of emergency officials and made a short public statement from the White House Rose Garden.
The New York Times, in an editorial on Thursday, called his statement "one of the worst speeches of his life."
On Thursday Bush called Katrina a temporary setback for the economy and appeared in public with former Presidents George Bush, his father, and Bill Clinton. He asked them to head a drive for disaster relief similar to the one they conducted after the Asian tsunami.
Some Democrats were quick to attack Bush for a feeble and late response, and drew links between the administration's focus on Iraq while domestic priorities like flood prevention were starved for funds. Continued ...
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
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kiara
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posted on September 2, 2005 09:12:36 AM new
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2005 is being co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross.
Throughout September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation.
http://www.ready.gov/npm/
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 09:13:13 AM new
Hey Dbl - remember yeasterday that I said I though Sheppard Smith was about to blow.... I just realized I have not seen him at all this morning. There is another one(Steve Harrigan) that is going to need a day off very soon. I think Phil Keeting may be their lone survivor soon.
BTW - I think the thugs have found a way to ease the rebuilding effort... just set everything that is still standing on fire.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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dblfugger9
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posted on September 2, 2005 09:33:33 AM new
fenix, I dont watch that channel much (dont know hardly ever stop on it surfing too) so I have no idea what you are talking about. But good call, i guess!
Seems all the right-leaning reporters have left CNN for fox? What is this? A mass-exodus, or a conspiracy by cnn? hmmmm...
I also am dubious how much would have been different had the other party been in charge right now?? Something is getting missed in all this. Just not so sure it all points to the White House Administration. When we had flooding here years ago, the number one complaint was FEMA did act fast enough.
Boy, Bush has had a heck a presidency. 9/11... Iraq...this..sure there are others... Wonder if he is thinking he wishes Kerry had won this job at this point?
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classicrock000
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posted on September 2, 2005 10:03:50 AM new
lol db-I can say one thing-you can have that job.Its thankless and no matter what you do,or whos in office,you'll find people that are dying to rip you a new ass-hole
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beauty is only a light switch away
[ edited by classicrock000 on Sep 2, 2005 10:04 AM ]
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NearTheSea
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posted on September 2, 2005 10:05:03 AM new
The Gov is the highest official in LA, and should have done, requested, screamed whatever to get NG there from the get go
I don't know.
going out ...hope all is somewhat better (I know it will never be really good news at this point  ) today down there
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bigpeepa
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posted on September 2, 2005 11:21:11 AM new
The old cold hearted Linda_K CON-servative said.
"While I'm fully aware that many didn't have other places to go to....they ALL were warned to get out. Those that stayed behind chose to. All this wouldn't have happened to me, because no matter how poor I was, I would have left when the warnings were issued."
All that statement shows is a very cold heart and complete lack of common sense and understanding.
I can't wait to her Linda_K's version of good new about the Bush homeland security and FEMA teams. LOL Come on Linda_K "bring it on" or are you "working on it" I know its "a hard job".
ITS A VERY OLD AND WORN-OUT CON-servative TRICK TO PLACE THE BLAME ON THE VICTIMS.
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mingotree
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posted on September 2, 2005 11:43:13 AM new
DAMN RIGHT, BIGPEEPA!
And fenix says:
""about an hour ago huge convoys of trucks started pouring in to New Orleans... 8 mile long strings of pick-up trucks hauling boats, fire trucks from Los Angeles, ambulances ... you name it. There is a new string coming in now of school buses outside the state coming to get more of the refugees. Also 400 armed NG members back from Iraq have arrived at the convention center where many of the overnight rapes and murders are happening.""
Transportation should've happened SATURDAY OR SUNDAY!!!!!!!
NO, it happens FIVE DAYS AFTER!!
Disgustingly POOR planning!
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meowmix71
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posted on September 2, 2005 11:58:03 AM new
I rarely post on here but I have a few opinions myself on this terrible ordeal
1) Yes there were advanced warnings but many of the people still there were the very elderly, very sick and very poor. Some couldn't just hop in their car, on a bus or whatever to get out of there. Some didn't have gas money to drive away from hurricane.
2) With all the advanced warning and strong possibility that the levees would break, Where were the National Guard troops? They should of had several troops on standby near the city instead of waiting days to deploy them.
3) The reporters were p*ssing me off. Instead of interviewing these people who were trying to wade through the high water, who hadn't had any fresh water or food for a few days, take them some food and water or better yet try to help them get rescued. Everytime I saw these reporters I got mad.
I'm sure I'll have more opinions but enough said.
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piinthesky
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posted on September 2, 2005 12:28:26 PM new
One good thing that i've seen that has come from all of this is that with all of the media coverage focused on the disaster, we haven't heard anything more about Cindy Sheehan and her little trivial problem.
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dblfugger9
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posted on September 2, 2005 01:30:11 PM new
classic: Amen to that.
Pi: i was thinking the same thing sort of along different lines? Is there anything else happening in the world besides this now.
See what I mean about media Hype?
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fenix03
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posted on September 2, 2005 03:17:57 PM new
Mingo - do you really not understand why school busses from other states were not sitting in Louisana on Saturday waiting for a hurricane?
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An intelligent deaf-mute is better than an ignorant person who can speak.
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