Hurricane Katrina

Post by **Best First** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 8:37 am

dear god, the way that has been painted, as if its somehow wrong of him to make the point, the fact that the cameras didn't stay on him, that they were going to cut it out, that if someone had realised he had 'gone off script' they would have cut the feed sooner, the notion that it 'would be shame if this overshadowed the event'....

i suppose this is the so called liberal media?

FFS

Post by **Kaylee** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 8:52 am

Nebbie · Post by **Nebbie** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 5:09 pm

Okay this is about the closest I've come to wanting to kill someone in quite some time.

The poor who could not get out bear no resposibility in this. WE have a responsibility to help them! That's what FEMA is for in the first place. If you don't want to do your frelling JOB then get a new one and get out of the way of people who ARE willing to help!!

I can understand being frustrated with the people who were able to leave and refused to do so. But the majority of people stuck down there are the ones who could not leave. And you're pointing the finger at them?!

I have all the respect in the world for Kayne West. It took a lot of courage to say what he did knowing the flak he'd catch for it. Oh, and in case you didn't hear, the mayor of NO got on the radio, Thursday I think, and ripped the feds a new one. Here's the transcript if you want to read it. The problem is, it's all true.

Those of us unaffected, at least directly, from the hurricane are doing all we can to help. My church's local disaster team has already been dispatched, and my office is teaming up with a local oil company to get a few semi trucks full of supplies down there. I only wish we could do more.

This is just one gigantic mess.

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Sat Sep 03, 2005 5:32 pm

Kayne west pointed a finger at someone else. he was right in a lot respects but I keep asking myself this.

As Mayor, isnt it his job to sort stuff out, how come he didnt ask for an extra 40k of men to help untill wednesday? why not within the first 24 hours.

To me I think alot of ppl got the logistics wrong, and underestimated how bad it was.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:38 am

I remember living in the vicinity during the 1992 LA riots. Even as far north of the LA area as we lived, there was some craziness, gang fights and rocks hurling in parking lots. I also remember how relieving it was to see National Guard troops in LA and order restored.

Now the National Guard, which is supposed to protect us at home, all went to the Middle East.

As far as I'm concerned, Bush and every Republican who supported the creation of this one-party monster masquerading as a democracy are all to blame for each day that passes.

Shanti418 · Post by **Shanti418** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 5:22 am

Impactor returns 2.0 wrote: To me I think alot of ppl got the logistics wrong, and underestimated how bad it was.

Impy, they did, but the reason is why? Everyone had seen this coming. That's why it got to the point of a mandatory evacuation. FEMA knew this was going to happen.

To this end, I submit a National Geographic article from October 2004 discussing the possibilities of a hurricane hitting New Orleans, and the federal awareness and budgeting towards the problem.

I SERIOUSLY urge you to read it. The first few paragraphs are eerily prescient.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:07 pm

Geez, that article is creepy. I was really confused when I was reading the beginning as to whether or not I had the right article, or whether I had gone to the current stories page.

Post by **Kaylee** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:30 pm

Also only 10% of the US total potential army (including reserves and volunteers) is posted overseas- the agencies are just too slow getting them to move.

Post by **Best First** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:41 am

Shanti418 wrote:

I SERIOUSLY urge you to read it. The first few paragraphs are eerily prescient.

yep.

Still, at least UK citizens are not being discrimiated against as well:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/katrina/story ... 24,00.html

yay special realtionship.

what a joke.

Obfleur · Post by **Obfleur** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 2:07 pm

It's a good thing that almost anyone in the US can buy a gun. They seem to be very handy in situations like this.

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 2:22 pm

Obfleur wrote:It's a good thing that almost anyone in the US can buy a gun. They seem to be very handy in situations like this.

typical init? - the police are having to combat ppl with guns instead of a disaster

Post by **Best First** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 5:13 pm

but guns make you safe!

Anyway, its obvious isn't it - only white people should be allowed guns.

BB Shockwave · Post by **BB Shockwave** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:18 pm

As sad as this all is, the riots, looting and overall major mayhem, plus a politician announcing that NO should mayhaps be left in ruins -

...this all sounds all too familiar to me. Batman - No Man's Land, anyone? Hope fiction doesn't become reality this time. At least we don't have Lex Luthor as president (thinks) Oh yeah, it's worse...

Optimus Prime Rib · Post by **Optimus Prime Rib** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:11 pm

Ok, enough already. Please.

The banner waving, finger pointing, political agenda crap needs to stop.
Anyone thats been down there in the past week raise your hand? *hand raised* Anyone else? Hmm? No, didnt think so.

I love and respect all of you (ok maybe not predabot), but this isnt constructive. Kanye West is an idiot. Brilliant musician, but REALLY bad with his timing and need to make things worse.His statement was starting fights in shelters around here between white and black evacuees. "How come that 90 year old white woman got a blanket before me?" I had a guy yesterday accuse me of being racist because I asked him to get back in line while me and my Outback crew cooked for them.

We tried to get food and water to people. My bus was shot to hell. I had a red cross worker shot right next to me and we were carrying water FFS. So yes, the armed troops DO need to be there with orders to shoot to kill. Its not like they are walking in and shooting everyone they see. You shoot at the emergency personel, you are going to die. Plain and simple.

As far as Bush goes, yeah the vacation was a bonehead move. However; I can attest to the fact that every single person that DID evacuate on time thought this was going to be like every other 'cane and would be back home in 3 or 4 days. Hurricane season is also known as 'random mini vacation season' around here. Noone knew this was coming.

The federal government has NO authority in the case of a natural disaster. I repeat NO authority. In order to help, it HAS to be at the request of the Governor. For all of you Republican haters out there lets clear this up.

Kathleen Babineaux-Blanco (D) - Governor of Louisiana
Mayor Naegin (D) - Mayor of Orleans Parish

every surrounding parish ordered the evacuation as soon as Katrina showed signs of heading our way. Naegin didnt. I know I cant spell his name right lol. Anyway. He waited until 12 HOURS before landfall to order the evac. Orleans Parish has a 72 HOUR EVACUATION PLAN. Now lets be clear: He got out.

Now hes back and throwing racism and curse words onto the television every time Geraldo Rivera shines the camera on him. [composite word including 'f*ck'] HIM.

Blanco sits there talking about how "we can rebuild this city that means so much to us financially" [composite word including 'f*ck'] HER. and [composite word including 'f*ck'] her need for money.

The ONLY civic director I have any respect for is the Police Commisioner of NO who said on national tv "The Governor promised us food, water, and 40k troops today. Do you see them anywhere? Because I sure as hell dont!"

The political statement was just because Im tired of hearing about how the republicans really screwed this one up. NO PARTY IS AT FAULT.

Theres going to be lots of backsliding in order to save political careers after this. But does it really matter at this point?

I believe they should level NO after everyone is out and treating the ruined city as a giant Hurricane Barrier. Makes sense to me. Build Biloxi and Baton Rouge up. BR has grown by 100k people in the past week. Houston has 50k people from NO there. We have 35k.

New Orleans, Louisiana will never be the same. Ever. Please no jokes about Mardi Gras being ruined, or the Saints needing a new stadium. It doesnt matter. 2 weeks ago it was the most important thing to the state. Now, we just want to survive and get on with our lives.

Words of hope, signs of compassion. Thats what we need now. We dont need everyone worrying about who was right and who was wrong. All youre doing is making matters worse. We knew it was a matter of time, but you never really expect it to happen in your lifetime.

God Bless everyone (whether you believe or not) who has supported us.

I know this post has been testy and is an emotional argument at best, but its all Ive got left in me right now. My friends husband, the NO cop, has been keeping a journal of what its like down there. When hes free to come up here I will post it if he will let me.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:51 pm

Glad to see you're alright, OPR.

Post by **Computron** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:08 pm

Optimus Prime Rib wrote: I know this post has been testy and is an emotional argument at best, but its all Ive got left in me right now.

More importantly, it's correct.

Bush is an asshat, and will always be one, but this whole disaster is not his fault. Could he have federalized National Guard and sent them in? Yes, but the NG was going in anyways.

If anyone is to blame it's FEMA and DoHS. They had a piss fight over jurisdiction and command and control which slowed down relief efforts. If Bush was in complete charge (Note: Being president does not equal complete control) I am 100% sure that the NG and supplies would have been in there post haste.

As for razing NO, while it may seem to be a rational course of action, it is political suicide.

Whoever pushes for it will die a political death. (Look at Dennis Hastert, he's under a ton of fire for his comments)

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:36 pm

wow OPR im proud of you, crap man id be an emotional wreck if was where you were, id try but I hate just looking at the images as its so upsetting. its good to know your ok and i wish I could help like u were.

I have to agree with both you and comp, No i havent been there ive just seen the TV images, and ive tried to keep up with them almost 3 times a day, but from I could understand, and from what u explained thats exactly how i felt about it.

Good to know your ok OPR, hang in there, your doing more then I wish I could do. ppl need you and will never forget

take care

Optimus Prime Rib · Post by **Optimus Prime Rib** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:19 pm

Thanks everyone.

BTW Im probably going to quit outback and join the Army. I cant help enough people cooking a steak. However, I can help if I were to finish my degree (that will be paid for) and get my commission. I have 50 hours.. anything over 48 will get you a rank of E-3 and once you hit 90 hours the Army will commission you and give you 18 months duty free to finish your degree.

Civil Affairs Specialist is what Im ultimately wanting to do. But you have to be an officer.

Oh yeah.. and there are a few bases in Europe that I could try to get while Im working on that commission. Imagine OPR in the UK for a weekend bender

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 3:31 am

Sorry about the misplaced blame, OPR. I tend to go for Bush's throat anytime anything bad happens.

I hope everything works out. It's nice to see you back here. I wish it hadn't been a hurricane that did it. Good luck with everything and know that all y'all are in our prayers and donations.

Eline · Post by **Eline** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 8:09 am

Take care OPR. It's great that you are helping other people.

And you're right. The most important thing is that everyone gets food and help. It's just that we, sitting at a safe distance (though below sea level as well...), are wondering why so many things have gone wrong.

Post by **Best First** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:05 am

I'm glad you are ok OPR, i don't agree with everything you are saying but i see no need to get into that now.

Take care.

Optimus Prime Rib · Post by **Optimus Prime Rib** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 4:14 pm

Best First wrote:I'm glad you are ok OPR, i don't agree with everything you are saying but i see no need to get into that now.

Take care.

Thanks Paul. That means alot to me that you are willing to just drop a potential argument

Youre a great guy and I owe ya a beer or 10 whenever we finally meet up. I guess I owe Impy a few too.. as long as Im passing beer out Snarl gets some too.. but not TOO much.. Im still poor lol

To everyone else, shots of 'Tussin!

Predabot · Post by **Predabot** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:31 pm

Optimus Prime Rib wrote:We tried to get food and water to people. My bus was shot to hell. I had a red cross worker shot right next to me and we were carrying water FFS.

Holy f*cking sh*t man!

The guy didn't get killed did he??

I have to say, it seems as if there's a lions-heart beating in that big chest of yours. I can only commend you on all the work your doing, and the really big balls you have.

I don't know if I, or anyone I've ever met or seen, would acctually do what you are doing now.

Keep it up man. But please, I beg of you, don't join the army.

I know there may be more you can do now, if you join a quickie, but after the disaster have ended? It will take time, and you'll be there for long, but what about your family? Becoming a soldier might involve moving around, wich is not a stabile environment for your kids.

Also, the most important point to me, an army is when it comes down to the core, about killing, taking lives. That is the normal job of the army.

And you want to save lives, something to think about.

Is there really no other way than joining the army?

Post by **Computron** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:35 pm

Optimus Prime Rib wrote: Youre a great guy and I owe ya a beer or 10 whenever we finally meet up.

If he actually bothers to drink it...

I bought him a beer and he spit in it.

Then he threw it at me.

All truth.

Well truth is involved...

Pink lemonade anyone?

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 6:25 pm

I owe besters a few Becks I belive - the plot

"here you go Mark, this is a key you can buy drink with..."

- "this key can be exchanged for beer?"

"yes"

- "ill be right back..."

Post by **Best First** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:27 am

The whole world owes me beer, i exist and you are thankful.

as for not getting into an arguement, i think i may be ill.

sprunkner · Post by **sprunkner** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 2:49 pm

I bought Besty a pint.

Then he kissed me.

(And my wife was right there!)

Post by **Best First** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:30 pm

i was aiming for her...

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 3:45 pm

Computron wrote:
Pink lemonade anyone?

Classic!

jboyler · Post by **jboyler** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 1:28 am

This one should probably be a PM, but I think it is good advice for anyone who is considering the services.

38 Bravo has both officer and enlisted positions. If you are really interested in this, let me know and I can do some research on it for you.

BUT...

If you want to join just as a reaction to what you are seeing in the hurricane, I want you to know that it is probably a really, really bad idea. If you want to help people you'd probably be better off working for a hospital or an NGO like the Red Cross.

I can also tell you from experience that the Army is neither fun nor easy. While some days I really enjoy my job, it is often more frustrating than anything else. There is also the fact that you will probably not help people in the way you really want to. IMO, you will probably spend a year sitting around 'training', followed by a year handing out cash to Iraqis whose goats got blown up.

Keep in mind that I'm not a 38B, so I don't know how they play ball, but that's just my perception of things. When you join the Army you have to be willing to roll the dice, and if you really have your heart set on doing a certain job in a certain location be prepared for dissapointment.

I'm sorry if I sound like I am trying to talk you out of it, but I have seen way too many people come into the army for bad reasons without understanding what they were getting themselves into.

Anyway, if this is acceptable to you, go to www.armystudyguide.com They have a very good forum where you can ask people about their army experiences. I poked around and they have some info on joining as a 38B but not much on what your day-to-day army duties will be like. Something to ask about.

If you head to the recruiter, understand that the enlistment procress will probably take a while. When I enlisted I really didn't care about things like enlistment bonuses and specialized training and stuff like that. The army is hurting for people right now, so milk these guys for every benefit and bonus they can possibly give you. Also, make sure everything you agree on is in writing.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the recruiter's job is to get you into the army, not necessarily into the MOS that you want. If you want to be in Civil Affairs, let them know you want to be a 38B and don't take any other job. Be aware that if you qualify you might have to wait for a class to open, and don't ever be afraid to walk out on a recruiter if they won't give you the job you want.

After that, you're on your own for Basic and AIT. Basic is written for the lowest common denominator, so as long as you have even the slightest bit of guts and determination, you'll do fine. I can't comment on AIT because every one is different.

Three more things:

A) I have seen several sources say that 38B requires airborne, and the AIT is at Ft Bragg. I hope you like the idea of spending lots of time in North Carolina.

B) Some sources have also said that 38B offers language training. While I was at the army's language school I never met a single 38B. And if anyone actually gets you to go to DLI, you have my condolensces.

C) Be prepared to go to the sandbox at least once during your enlistment.

Hope this helps.

-J