Hurricane Katrina

[Metal Vendetta]

Congressional House Speaker Dennis Hastert angered Governor Blanco by questioning the wisdom of spending billions of dollars rebuilding New Orleans below sea level.

"To kick us when we're down and destroy hope... is absolutely unthinkable," Ms Blanco replied.

(from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4207202.stm)

[Best First]

Jeez. I've been pretty buried in work this wek and i'm sorry to say most of this passed me by untillast nigt.

OPR - so good to hear you re ok, so sorry for what you and your friends are going through. Take care man.

I love the way its fine for teh media to politicise this by apply racist undertones to their reporting but its terribly wrong for someone to question how the government has acted, when they themselves are politicising this by continuing to persue their "Global warming, what global warming?" agenda.

I'm not honestly sure what could have been done, but at least to be seen to bemaking an effort would have given the people on teh ground something to hang on to. As it is...

Hope is already destroyed you f***ing moron.

edit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4207202.stm

shoot to kill?

so... don't send the troops in to get people out, send them in later to kill the people who you left behind?

Oh, and you need to be patient and wait for Aid as it 'takes time' - brilliant.

[Eline]

I just read (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4207202.stm) that they now have a "shoot to kill" policy in New Orleans.

:(:(

[Best First]

i'm sorry, Bush is just an embaressment:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4204754.stm

i'm truly apaulled.

[Metal Vendetta]

They didn't need a shoot-to-kill policy after the tsunami, did they?

America is well and truly f***ed up.

[KingMob]

OPR, dude, so glad to hear from you! Thanks for keeping us updated.

A multi million dollar aid package was passed to renovate the levies, but apparently over the past few years, Dubya had cut their funding by over $30 million dollars in order to help the military, or in other, more ironic words, "the rebuilding of Iraq"

This was what I was reading about. Apparently the NO anti-flood funding has been cut back for the last few years and - according to this one thing I read, so dunno if accurate - there's was a motion going through government right as this started to cut it further.

Re: that racist use of language in those press pullouts. Thats ******* despicable. Can't believe that kind of crap is allowed out.

Also, listened to Bush give that speech yesterday. He sounds like he's been doped or something. Mumbling platitudes and giving condescending answers...

Strong leadership in action!


edit ...just hearing on radio reports of more possible explosions.

[Metal Vendetta]

Also, listened to Bush give that speech yesterday. He sounds like he's been doped or something. Mumbling platitudes and giving condescending answers...

Strong leadership in action!

Of course Bush is a strong leader - he once stood on a pile of rubble and addressed a crowd through a megaphone in New York, FFS.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

Maybe now this will show Americans what a useless leader he is.

a friend of mine was saying that they need buss's to get ppl out - divert all buss from nearby states, thats every school buss. it equates to somthing like 1000 buss's - oh no kids dont go to school on the bus for a week, start lessons late or somthing. ffs big deal, 100000 of ppl are dying. priorties!!!

I could run this crap better - jezzus christ, i cant belive they can mobilize an army half way across the world to take on a sand box but u cant send in the troops, police the area, stick in buss to get ppl out, and get your ******* medical teams into help ppl. then send in troop helicopters with as much bloody food rasion packs from your huge military to stop ppl from dying!

Im at a loss for words - jezzus you have the largest army on earth, the most money on earth - put it to use!

[Best First]

to stop ppl from dying!

ah come on, its only poor people. poor people don't matter do they?

Although they really shouldn't break the law. Its your responsibility to maintian order and not steal bread when your government has abandoned you to starve.

[Metal Vendetta]

Although they really shouldn't break the law. Its your responsibility to maintian order and not steal bread when your government has abandoned you to starve.

I love the way he said he sees no difference between those who steal electical appliances and those who steal food and water to survive.

What a complete c***.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

are the looters terroists yet? - I predict...

"muslim looter captured!"

[Best First]

"Looting in New Orleans proves that the war on terror is the right course of action"

"But Mr President, that makes no sense"

"You Sir, are a traitor"

[Impactor returns 2.0]

"Looting in New Orleans proves that the war on terror is the right course of action"

"But Mr President, that makes no sense"

"You Sir, are a traitor"

Seriously, I hope this country can see what a moron they have now for president.

Fav quote so far:

"New Orleans has been 'huricane'ated' "

[Best First]

its not just him though is it, you have to bear in mind he is the face of an administration and that these people seem to have a similar contempt for anything that doesn't fit their agendas.

its all pretty sickining, people are dying and the main focus seems to be on making excuses.

[Metal Vendetta]

its all pretty sickining, people are dying and the main focus seems to be on making excuses.

And shooting people. Don't forget shooting people.

[Best First]

strange how the first thing that gets mobilised is the people with guns rather than the people with food isn't it?

[KingMob]

You wonder what goes on in their minds.

'What's that? People are starving and getting sick? Meh, they can deal for a few days, what do they expect me to do about it?
Oh, what? People are stealing SUVs? But that'd hurt the fake economy and undermine the war-effort! Scramble the Natonial Guard, shoot to kill those probably black or islamacistic unpatriotic traitors!'

Yeah, well, obv not, but when that is the way it can look due to the people in charge's inability to communicate properly....

[Impactor returns 2.0]

The White house

"ppl are dying Mr President"

"black or white?"

"mainly black sir"

"... now watch this drive!"

[sprunkner]

I'm glad you're okay, Joey.

F***in' Bush. I'll tell you why that bastard in the White House doesn't care-- it's because all the f***in' white people are out of NO.

Shameful, illiterate, self-serving, f***ing racist Republican government. What assholes-- anybody with even a basic knowledge of the US Constitution should know that this government is supposed to work as a shared-party system.

I was a missionary for two years in the South. We, white guys in suits, were allowed to go anywhere and talk to anyone in the worst neighborhoods in Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. White people shot us with their hoses and slammed the doors in our faces. Black people welcomed us with open arms whether they were interested in our religion or not.

I am ashamed and sick.

[Shanti418]

Yep, the haves all evacuated. It's the have nots that are stuck dying.

And you KNOW KNOW KNOW development and building firms are just salivating and dancing in their shoes at the ability to get rid of all that unsightly poverty and the chance to rebuild and remake the coastline in the name of profit.

We DO have the most money and the most well funded army in the world. They're just halfway across the world. Over 60% of our National Guard's people, resources, and vehicles are in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of course, the bad thing about that is then it's like, "Well, I guess we shouldn't have our NATIONAL guard in other countries. So I guess we'll have to start a draft."


Of course, don't say ANYTHING bad about the federal reaction: That's playing politics, and those left wingers who even dare to say things like, "Why did it take FOUR days to get troops in?" are just despicable. Yeah right.

I mean, why did Bush FLY over the f****** destruction? And then he goes to f****** MISSISSIPPI? I mean, I know Mississippi is bad too, but people are not actively dying there. They're just actively white.

When 9/11 happened, Bush was in there ASAP standing on that damn rubble talking out of his bullhorn and ass. WHERE WAS BUSH THIS TIME??? I WANT TO SEE THAT BASTARD AMONGST THE POOR AND DYING KNEE DEEP IN TOXIC WASTE WATER TELLING THESE PEOPLE ITS GOING TO BE OKAY.

And this is a totally f***** up angle to the story, but it's weird, because it's messing with our precious, precious gas, all of a sudden everyone feels affected.

I think (or hope or dread) that this could be the straw that breaks the American economic camel's back.

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES

And another thing on the racist aspect: All you see is black people on the TV. Because they make up most of the poor people there, and they can't get out. All you see is black people looting. All you see is black people dying in the streets and carrying guns and babies. So I was watching MSNBC, and they had some good news: they were going to show people who had made it out alive and wanted to tell their family and friends that they were okay. So what did they show? About 15 white people standing in a parking lot somewhere in suburbia with smiles on their faces telling their relatives that they're perfectly find and they'll call them when their cel phones work.

I've cried at least once a day for this entire week, and I'm so, so tired...

[Impactor returns 2.0]

I think bush is a cock, but i dont think its his fault to be honest.

[Pretender Bumblebee]

Bush was on a five week vacation and ended it THREE DAYS AFTER the disaster happened.. don't tell me about him being in NY. I live here.. no one wants him here or to hear what he said. No one in NY voted for this mad man. Don't tell me he is some hero after 9/11 . So far all he has done is come up with crazy home security themes and a war in Iraq that is unrelated.

People that voted for him for some insane reason in New Orleans and Mississippi are dying and hes NOW deciding to go there? That's BS how ever you slice it.

He's crying to his dad and Clinton for help. The man only knows how to take vacations! He is not a smart man or good president. When he speaks we wonder what he is saying or how many people had to help him prepare the words he is stumbling through to say.

If you dont' think a civil war in this country isn't possible take a look in the media.. outside in the paper. It's going to be just what Bush always wanted .. the conservatives vs the liberals and personaly they can have Atlanta.. and keep Texas.. Keep Bush there where he never should have left in the first place to respent us in any way. Im more then happy with New York chicago and Los Angels. Obviously a civil war isn't going to happen but its sad how much this country has become split over this mad mans policies and lack of concern for anyone that he doesn't relate to or like. The people are scared and hungry and confused.. this should have long been taken care of. bush showing up there does as much as Bush showing up in NY did after 9/11. Its a lot of words and going through the motions but nothing accomplished. THe troops in Iraq should be in the Gulf of Mexico region now helping to calm the situation. Hes busy on vacation while thousands have died and 800,000 thats EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND houses were DESTROYED!!!

You want a civil war.. you can have it.. please leave.. you can have bush and everything he stands for as I think he has made a nice mess of what used to be a great country to live in. A city built under sea level and he is busy cutting financing there. Rice is busy buying $1000 shoes while this is going on.. please .. anyone defending Mr. Bush here and his whole administartion should be ashamed of themselves.

The racist crap has to go too. This isn't a black and white issue. People are dying of all races. People of all races are scared. The news shows some african americans looting a wal mart and suddenly its a race issue. WHat are these people supposed to do? Get them the help they need.. no one wants to hear any more speaches from a mad man president who never should have been in office in the first place. White people coudln't wait to get out of there. Well black folks are people too and that this disaster has even become a race issue is dispicible.. so are you Mr. Bush. You may have won the votes of right wing conservatives.. but you don't represent me or the people who foolishly voted for you down in that part of our country. They need you .. not to fly over.. not to give speaches.. They need you to send in the neccessary support to help out this city in crisis. Yes it may be a lot of blacks, I'm sorry mr. president if that bothers you.. but they are people in this country and you best well get moving on helping them.

Republicans couldn't wait to impeach Clinton because he's a horny guy.. if being a total incompitent boob isn't reason for impeachment then someone have an affair with him (I know he's ugly and stupid.. just do your service for the country girls) and lets get him out of here. He's done a great job killing our troops in Iraq, making more European countries at risk to terrorist, raising gas prices, lazing on his ranch in Texas while a part of our country was destroyed by a hurricane.. and they wanted Clinton out for lying about an affair? Priorities Republicans.. we have you the white house for two terms.. its only 5 years now and Bush is the most hated president ever not only here but in the world. Great job. Yep much better then Clinton ever did.

This country is a total mess! I hope in 3 years we can fix what is left of it but first thing is first.. help out those PEOPLE of all walks of life and colors down there.. and stop with your dumb speaches that your expert came up with! Hopefully they will all boo you right out of Louisiana and back to your ranch. Good luck to everyone there and stay strong.. I wish I could say you were in good hands but you really aren't. It will take all of you coming together and supporting one another in this to get through it. The president may be too busy counting his money on his ranch but the people of the country and world support you. Don't give up. A city can be rebuilt, lives can't be.

[Best First]

That post almost made me cry PB. Take care dude.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

even news reporters on the ground are starting to say (well the clever ones) dont thik its bushs fault

A, the sentators and gov did not ask for help untill wednesday.
and thats the way it works
B, logistics are not handled by bush, he actually 24 hours after the disaster allowed emergency cash.

Its logistics, its logistical error, because its a huge logistical problem.

I never thought id say this but Bush really isnt to blame, its all the state govoners arguing amonst each others, and the Senator and the gov down thier on the coast.

I think it will become clear, right now you have polticians out for bush blood, but pointing fingers is daft.

[Best First]

even news reporters on the ground are starting to say (well the clever ones) dont thik its bushs fault

the clever ones or the murdoch ones?

What about the funding issue? How is that not his fault?

And the notion that he doesn#t know what is going on until a govonor pipes up is hilarious - its a freaking hurricane.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

A. reporters from BBC 1, and even C4 - both ends of your spectrum saying the same things.

B. Funding the dam building was bushs fault as they didnt think there was a big enough threat, thats his gov problem. but currently hes freed up money in congress to help pay for all of this, so hes doing whats being asked for.

C. Of course he knows whats going on, but you have senators and govoners, they call the shots in the region, 24 hours after the event the world didnt even know how bad it was, the ppl in charge down there understimated the size of the disaster and used 14k of troops, 24 hours later they realised it wasnt enough like everyone else did, this is now wednesday, bush is taking reports from these very. they ask for more help, 40k of men, bush gives orders to congress to send the, they do.

the rest of milatary of USA has a response time of 72 hours, u cant telport 1000 trucks, with 10 ton of aid, and damm building equipment across the USA in a day. it takes time.

also its worth noting that 10 hours before the hurricane it was force 3 rated. when it hit it increased to force 5. if they had know it was force 5 they would have ordered a full evacuation.

But its been sent.

for me the govoners understimated the disaster, bushs gov underestimated the possbility of this kind of disaster.

So the disaster possibly could have been avoided with funding to the leves. - bushs fault.

but the current disaster -is the fact ppl havent been helped, we arnt talking about disaster prevention anymore, but looking after ppl who have been hurt by the disaster.

and in this situation Bush hasnt done anything wrong. the country senate and govoners have been slow to react.

now im off to get drunk.

[Shanti418]

also its worth noting that 10 hours before the hurricane it was force 3 rated. when it hit it increased to force 5. if they had know it was force 5 they would have ordered a full evacuation.

That's totally incorrect. Katrina was catagory 5 for at least 12-24 hours before, and that's when they ordered a MANDATORY evacuation. It slipped down to a catagory 4 right before it right land (with 140mph winds instead of 165mph). The problem with Mandatory evucations, though, is that if you barely have enough money to live, you don't have enough money to leave. If you've got a relative in the hospital, or an elderly parent, you don't leave. But there was at least 24 hours before where anyone who knew anything knew it was going to be worst case scenario. They just didn't know how bad worst case could be.

but the current disaster -is the fact ppl havent been helped, we arnt talking about disaster prevention anymore, but looking after ppl who have been hurt by the disaster.

and in this situation Bush hasnt done anything wrong. the country senate and govoners have been slow to react.

I'm sorry, but I don't think local and state authorities can be expected to handle this amount of need. Although I do agree that no one knew the level of response needed until at least a day after the storm.

But Bush's budget that cuts FEMA funding, Bush's budget that takes away levee funding, Bush's war that's more concerned with rebuilding another country than some city filled with impoverished blacks...don't tell me that has nothing to do with it.

[Impactor returns 2.0]

thats where im comming from tho, no one really knew the level of the crisis untill it had happened, that makes logical sense, it took time to evaluate that 10'000's of ppl hadnt not left the states.

Now im not sure who its up to tell ppl to leave, is that the president of the governor? - so im not to clear on them things as im from the UK.

No im pissed of with Bush because this kind of disaster could didnt hae to happen for global warning and dam defence reasosn instead of spending cash on war efforst.

but, I dont belive that bush can be held responsible for the crisis that occured afterwards.

Im not saying hes in the right, because he should have given cash to make them defecnes tight etc... but when it comes to helping ppl who have been without food and stuff for 5 days etc. i belive thats more the gov and the senates fault, not bush. there i let him off the hook. i thin hes done exactly whats been asked.
If not, why hasnt he?

[Metal Vendetta]

This whole thing has been a PR disaster for the Bush administration for one reason and another, and I can only hope the Democrats make full political advantage of it. Sadly, I think Fox will call it as a victory for the president, once the guys with the M16s have gone in and shot all those pesky looters.

[/bitter drunken sarcasm]

[Shanti418]

The mayor of the city is who ordered a mandatory evacuation, I believe.

And the thing was, the idea that the mayor would call for mandatory evacuation, the idea that they would already be setting up for disaster before it happened, is not exactly something that happens that often.

It's just like the levees, really. The emergency system was designed to handle so much (and the level it could handle was lower b/c of diverted funds and Nat'L Guard manpower), and it held, and then it just gave way, and it's taken until now to control the manpower/supply breach.

The basic problem is that FEMA wasn't really equipped to deal with a hurricane and a flood simultaneously. And in their flood planning, they didn't plan to be operating in lawlessness.

God, I love Kayne West. That guy has got balls as big as grapefruits, and it's sad that's what you have to have to say something that's on your mind instead of the teleprompter.