A Failure of Government in These United States

This is true. I was thinking of Rudy as a person who knows how to organize and get things done that need done and has had prior disaster experience. The present Director of FEMA is a Bush friend and has no prior experience or education regarding such. And it shows. </font>[/QUOTE]Meanwhile...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina

The people of Alabama have thanked President Bush and FEMA through their representative Govenor Bob Riley who said "Thank you for all the help. FEMA has been absolutely great."

 

It sounds like many people here have never been through a hurricane. A tropical depression, maybe ... but, anyone going through a real hurricane knows:

If you do not get out then you are stuck for a while (or dead). And that is in Texas, where we were 12+ feet abouve sea level (before the storm surge changes the shape of things ... It is normal for the coast to be MOVED in places.

 

This is true. I was thinking of Rudy as a person who knows how to organize and get things done that need done and has had prior disaster experience. The present Director of FEMA is a Bush friend and has no prior experience or education regarding such. And it shows. </font>[/QUOTE]Meanwhile...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina

The people of Alabama have thanked President Bush and FEMA through their representative Govenor Bob Riley who said "Thank you for all the help. FEMA has been absolutely great." </font>[/QUOTE]Oh please, who really cares who is thanking Bush or FEMA? Even if FEMA did it's job in Alabama, there are still problems in Mississippi and LA. There was a breakdown of government on ALL levels in LA and even people are starting to get desperate in Mississippi and are beginning to loot. Did you not see the people digging through trash is Waveland because there have not been food drops? Why are you so concerned with lifting Bush up? He is the Commander and Chief and when things go wrong, he will, along with many others, be blamed. Right or wrong it comes with the job description. Frankly, people in Alabama have reason to be thankful. They were not hit as hard as the other states. I am NOT saying they did not sustain damage or that they don't have problems, so please don't assume that. I just wonder why it so important to prove that people are thanking Bush and/or FEMA?

 

Overall, I'm very happy with the response of our federal and state governments to this natural disaster. Sure, there are questions and concerns. But, a whole lot has been done in advance, during, and after the storm to prepare, warn, evacuate, rescue, secure, relocate, etc. It's a tremendous undertaking involving a lot of stressful work. I praise all those involved from the top to the bottom and that, friends, includes the White House!

I know many people blame and criticize nearly everyone in a position of authority. We should conduct a review with the goal of constructive learning when everyone can reflect back on things, review them events factually in full context - not just the news media's instant selected drama, and consider the possible alternatives that might have been taken. That process should also include some serious "soul searching" among the people of some the areas effected as they reflect upon the conduct of their friends and neighbors in addition to those who've come to help them.

The rush to blame seems to be the way things go these days. Everything is always someone's - someone else's - fault even natural disasters. Nothing is ever our fault or, more correctly, our primary responsibility. Someone just has to "pay" when something goes wrong and the problem isn't immediately fixed. The excess of this attitude hurts our country. It puts everyone in a defensive mode. It drives up the cost and time of getting things done because people have to cover their behinds with legal protection and excessive caution or political positioning.

Some, caught up in their own arrogance, even believe they could do a better job in such complex chaotic matter as the. Maybe they could but given that a lot of well qualified and experienced people are leading the efforts - both government and private - I seriously doubt that. Perhaps some of these complainers will get a chance some day in their own home town to show what they can do. We could even let those they've criticized critique that response. That would give them a realistic sense of how it feels.

None of the complainers have come forth to specifically define when, where, and how the next natural or man-made disaster will strike nor, more importantly, to give their detailed response plan that would, by their own standards, immediately address all concerns, prevent any human suffering, fix any broken systems, maintain normal law and order, restore power and communications, house all the displaced persons, provide all the transportation necessary even on blocked roads, etc. If you know, tell us now so we can all be saved from any hardship.

I think I'll just keep giving thanks that we live in a nation that has the ability, resources, and will to help. I'm grateful for the work coordinated by FEMA and done by many agencies including the National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard as well as a host of private agencies. It's wonderful that our governments - through our tax payer money - can help those in dire need at times like this.

It's great what's happening now in many places where displaced persons are being taken in and helped by complete strangers. We should be proud of our nation - top to bottom - and not critical that every problem wasn't solved on the first, second, or whatever day. American really sets the world example for this.

Local employers are giving employees paid time off to provide volunteer help in addressing the many needs of the displaced persons. Financial contributions are needed by many churches and private organizations like the American Red Cross. It's a time to give in whatever way we can to help our fellow citizens who are done for a while. The governments will send us a tax bill for the part their doing on our behalf. The rest - the special touch - is up to us individually.

 

Duplicate posting.

 

Dragoon, I think that they said that the area was 90,000 square miles. If that is so, it is overwhelming by itself. Also, I think that the SBC needs to acquire more equipment. We cannot rely on the Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

 

Perhaps because so many are so concerned with tearing him down.

He is Commander in Chief of federal armed services only. He is not the "Commander in Chief" of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama. If he is they don't need governors.

Being blamed for the failure of local governments does not come with the job.

Unless you're one of those that want to "Blame Bush" specifically for everything that happens including the weather.

 

Good point! That further remains me that, in addition to all the agencies mentioned, there are many private companies dealing in transportation (railroad, airline), power (gas, electric, water), communication (telephone, television, radio), petro-chemical (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, plastics), farmers (food), etc. that are very hard at work trying to get things going again. Any failures in that, of course, will be the government's fault by some people's standards!

 

That's a very good point, Carpro! Nor does he manage the cities and parishes or counties. Nor does he manage the choices and actions of individual citizens.

 

Perhaps because so many are so concerned with tearing him down.

He is Commander in Chief of federal armed services only. He is not the "Commander in Chief" of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama. If he is they don't need governors.

Being blamed for the failure of local governments does not come with the job.

Unless you're one of those that want to "Blame Bush" specifically for everything that happens including the weather. </font>[/QUOTE]I am not specifically blaming Bush or any one person or government entity. I think all levels of government failed in one way or another. I just do not see the point to try and focus on who is to blame or who was right. What is more important? Proving Bush did nothing wrong or helping those in need?

 

GOOD NEWS!

This Thread!

[ September 03, 2005, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: LadyEagle ]

 

Filmproducer,

As someone who has lived through several huricains and has been without power for up to two weeks, I have some grounds to say some are acting like divas. Don't get mad at me if what is on the tv is not reality. Get mad at the media. But judging by the way the Mayor is acting, I can only conclude that the media is close to the mark. He actually said twice that the CIA might kill him. That is the mindset I am sick of! My heart goes out to the true victoms. But the complainers who are health and just inconvenienced do not have my sympathy.

When I was in the Army, I was in a light infantry unit, which means no jeeps, or trucks. We had to walk everywhere with everything on our backs. We did not carry tents. I often slept in the rain in the winter wraped in a poncho on the ground for weeks at a time. That is when they did not have me wet to the bone in the middle of the night praticing and ambush. Yea some are acting like divas. And it is sad! The good people you are talking about are being done a great diservice.

And before I ever said a word, one of my coworkers, a pacific islander married to a latino stated to me, "They are mostly black, but they are not makeing a good showing of themselves". So don't presume that the view is racial. I want noting but the best for them. Now if they would quit shooting at he helecopters and let things work out as best they can!

 

Sure they do.

http://www.cagw.org

 

The News just announced NO police shot and killed five of 8 gunmen who were firing on Army Corp of engeeners who were trying to fix the levy. Has it occured to anyone that there is a criminal element who does not want rescue or normalacy so that they can carry out there criminal enterprises uninterupted? The federal govt. is not the enemy. The people who use races as an excuse for bad behavior and fire on repairmen are the enemy. Get it!

 

Sure they do.

http://www.cagw.org </font>[/QUOTE]Like securing the borders?

 

I'm glad the police were able to respond and protect the workers on their way to do their job!

Police Killed At Least 5

Satan is really at work among some in New Orleans.

 

10-page warning: This thread will be closed no sooner than 4:00 a.m. ET by one of the Moderators.

Lady Eagle,
Moderator

 

I have lived through hurricanes and without power also. Four alone last year. I just do not appreciate blanket statements about people that you know nothing about. The majority of the people were obeying the law and they had a right to be angry. They were watching people dying in front of their eyes and could not even provide for thier own children, on top of the fact they were not being given any information about what was going to happen, or when they would get food and water. We had the luxery of watching on TV or listening to the radio for up to date news, they didn't. And for your information I do blame the media for the racial images and portrayal. (see previous post) As far as your friend's statement he is also making a statement about a whole class and race of people becuase of the few. Again I do blame the media for this.

 

Good points! There is a problem with some people taking advantage of the situation. These people are, no doubt, criminals in the best of times but now seize the lack of police presence to carry out their most violent dreams. That, however, doesn't reflect the vast majority of people who simply have become victims of a tremendous natural disaster and have done no wrong. They need help from fellow Americans and they're going to get that help. Frustration and desparation is most understandable but they don't have a "right to be angry" at those - which is us, their fellow Americans - who're helping them. Nothing about this situation has been easy for anyone including those rendering aid. Anger from those receiving it is not appropriate. We also do need to be honest with ourselves about the violence that occurred at the hands of a few - more than we'd expected - and address that as well.

It is always so sad when the actions of a few misfits reflect upon the whole. The dramatic news reports are very effective at spreading such false impressions and shaping the views of everyone. It's great that we have a free press in our nation but I often feel they cause a lot of harm just by the selective focus on dramatic issues even in the tone of voice they use and photos they select. It's a business even in a time like this and selling the news - bad news mostly - is where the profits are.

This misrepresentation happens whether you're a victim of a natural disaster not knowing what's coming next or where to go for help and then, adding misery to misery, you're being preyed upon by thugs amongst you or having them form public opinions about you; or, to change the perspective, you're a government official doing your best to get a handle on the extent of the problems, round up the necessary help, and attend to things as quickly as possible; or, thinking back to other events, you're a soldier doing your duty in a lawful manner while a few misfits mistreat prisoners and cast a bad shadow on all.

It's something to think about. We all need to consider the view from the other side and not conclude the wrong things about the people in need.