Common Sense

Who Says America Doesn't Have It? See here.

I just hope a bunch of negative media coverage doesn't start to change people's minds. One of the benefits of web logs is that alternative sources for information can either be more balanced, or at least present another point of view.

Comments

[Alee]

When I hear some of the things going on behind the scene it's really hard to judge the officials in New Orleans. The mayor has begged for backup help for his firefighters who are exhausted. Firefighters from all over the country have volunteered their services to FEMA. Most of them thought they would be helping with search and rescue or other missions they are highly qualified for. Where are they? In Atlanta sitting through FEMA sponsored sexual harassment classes!!! Some of them have been there for four days waiting to be sent to the scene only to find out they are being sent to Texas to hand out flyers.

"They've got people here who are search-and-rescue certified, paramedics, haz-mat certified," said a Texas firefighter. "We're sitting in here having a sexual-harassment class while there are still [victims] in Louisiana who haven't been contacted yet."

[Muirnin]

Thanks Dan for the interesting links!

The whole New Orleans thing is gonna get very ugly. Thanks for opening up this discussion to speak my mind. I may get flamed, but, it won't be the first time!!!!

Initially, I thought the mayor should be held responsible. Even thought of calling Katrina "Nagin's Storm"...similar to "Isaac's Storm" regarding Galveston, TX back in 1900.

Now, I'm not so sure. I'm beginning to think the governor is a bit more responsible. After all, Nagin is underneath the governor as far as plans and orders right?

As far as Bush is concerned, I don't blame him in this situation. He can't be responsible for every city in the US and what goes on there. I believe what is happening in a state or city is the responsibility of the heads of that state and/or city. Period.

According to statutes, the Federal Gov. is called in to a state once all state/local authorities consider their efforts exhausted....and an emergency has been declared and relayed to the Federal Gov. Although we'd all like to think Bush has a crystal ball and knows what goes on everywhere...and knows when to "jump in"........the fact is, he doesn't. He must rely on the heads of state to inform him. He must coordinate plans with the heads of state.

As far as I'm concerned, a mandatory evacuation for the area should have been issued way before the storm came close, given that New Orleans is below sea level.

Simply, the person of authority that did not order a mandatory evacuation of the area within a reasonable time.....should take a huge amount of responsibility in this matter. I was watching the progress and path of Katrina up in Maryland....a day or two before landfall, and I wondered why an evacuation order had not been issued.

Also, it should be the responsibilty of the state to have an emergency plan in effect if the worst should happen....which it did. It only takes common sense to figure an area below sea level could have flooding! There was NO plan, obviously. Since the 1700's, no evacuation/rescue plan was in order for New Orleans? Perhaps we should blame Bush for the lack of preparation in that area as well? Maybe we should blame him for the stupid idea of building a city in that area? I'm sure if Bush had been alive back in the 1700's, he'd suggest building a city in the middle of the Gulf, just so he could see a city and people perish and we could blame him for it.

[Hydrangea]

One of the benefits of web logs is that alternative sources for information can either be more balanced, or at least present another point of view.

Posted by Dan in Politics | Permalink | Comments (2) | Track back (0)

another point of view ????

I think this is the predominant point of view from many. Playing the let's wait and see game has not panned out so far.
However I am also still bothered by that picture of the buses floating around a parking lot!!

[JoeBloww]

I blame Bush for gutting FEMA and stuffing it's corpse with his no-nothing cronies.

Joe

[grammasher]

Muirnin: Well put. My sentiments exactly

[TheAlamo]

When I hear some of the things going on behind the scene it's really hard to judge the officials in New Orleans. The mayor has begged for backup help for his firefighters who are exhausted. Firefighters from all over the country have volunteered their services to FEMA. Most of them thought they would be helping with search and rescue or other missions they are highly qualified for. Where are they? In Atlanta sitting through FEMA sponsored sexual harassment classes!!! Some of them have been there for four days waiting to be sent to the scene only to find out they are being sent to Texas to hand out flyers.

"They've got people here who are search-and-rescue certified, paramedics, haz-mat certified," said a Texas firefighter. "We're sitting in here having a sexual-harassment class while there are still [victims] in Louisiana who haven't been contacted yet."

Posted by: Alee | Sep 8, 2005 9:39:49 AM

FEMA is a joke. Centralized government will ALWAYS fail. Very simple solution to this. Those who are qualified, and want to go--GOYA and GO. You don't need PERMISSION in a "free?" society. This communistic idea that we cannot move without the "approval" of the god of government is disgusting and sickening. Who the hell needs FEMA's permission? Tell them to shove it, get in your car and go. I can give you an almost 100% certainty. If you are qualified for search and rescue, or toxic cleanup etc., nobody in N.O. is gonna "turn you in" to the mean ole gov. for helping out. This slave mentality that we have somehow acquired is pathetic. Americans do not NEED to be told when, what and how. In a "free" society, the government is the servant NOT the master. This whole situation is pathetic. People died. People are still dying. The city is dangerously contaminated. WHY? Because centralized, top down government has proven AGAIN that it is not functional. Why haven't we learned from Russia and Cuba etc.? It has never worked, it will never work. If you are a coherent individual--YOU are in charge of you. If you are qualified to help, and you want to help--get over there and do it. What? You think they will put you in jail for being a quallified volunteer and you go help? Just who is going to turn you in? Go.

[dg]

Common sense, my eyebrow.

Bush isn't to blame, but the federal agencies, who ANSWER to Bush, are? Surely you jest.

I am reminded of the pedophile priest scandal here in Boston, in which Catholics in the area loudly and persistently called for the ouster of Cardinal Bernard Law, who oversaw the Boston archdiocese. Law knew about the abuse, you see, and moved guilty priests to other parishes, and anyone who did that ought to be fired. And ultimately, he did leave his post.

Sure, Law did wrong. But you know what really pisses me off? Those same Catholics who hated Law LOVED the pope. Not ONE of them called for the POPE'S resignation. Other than myself, I can't think of ONE person who even suggested holding John Paul II responsible for the pedophile epidemic in the Catholic church, which, incidentally, was NOT limited to Boston. Not by a long shot.

Now that he's gone, it's even more taboo to criticize JPII at all, as his immortal soul rides a fast track to sainthood. But I'm still waiting for someone to tell me how he's not every bit as responsible for what happened here as Bernard Law was, if not more so.

So forgive my disdainful laughter as I read of completely NON-common sensical people who simultaneously issue free passes to George Bush while condemning those who he hired to do extremely important work, and who are failing miserably.

And I will guarantee you, guar-an-TEE, that not ONE single person is fired or reassigned in the wake of this abomination.

[Muirnin]

Muirnin: Well put. My sentiments exactly

Posted by: grammasher | Sep 8, 2005 11:55:23 AM

Thanks Gram,

Sorry it took so long to respond......just checked back.

[farmgirl]

NOte: FYI..
If you are qualified certified whatever the credentialing system is for your type of skills:

The college registras offices across the country are expediitng providing certified transcrips for you to prove that.

They are in many cases waiving any fees.

NO for sure: have talked to the person my self ..usually takes 3 days to a week to get this transcript and a fee is involved.

She could have gotten hers in an hour if she picked it up but they mailed it to her and it came NEXT day and no fee required.

So if you have these qualifications and need transcripts to prove it to go to the disaster tohelp...call your colleges..they geared to help.

Executive order signed by governor to allow licenses from other states and certs from other muni's to be valid in Louisiana..

The various licensing agencies will work with the employers in Louisiana to verify your credentials.

If you have access to hep vacinations go ahead and get booster. Same with Tetanus...they good for ten years..but might want that boosted too.

If you do get the stomach upset...don't grab the immodium..Your doctor may advise you to let that run it course and Rx something for you.

Don't hoard but stock up on chlorine. Even the powedered type we use in the pools will work and easy to store away.

Don't expect antibiotics to fix everything..

If I sound abrupt forgive me..

this may be redundant and it probably on web sites dedicated to helping..but dont' have the time to research and you guys are family ...

[Muirnin]

Posted by: dg | Sep 8, 2005 12:34:49 PM

What the hell are talking about?

I'm sure others have thought this, but didn't have the nerve to post it.

[Isabell]

blame Bush for gutting FEMA and stuffing it's corpse with his no-nothing cronies.

Joe

Posted by: JoeBloww | Sep 8, 2005 11:30:43 AM

Well of course, Bush is to blame for everything. I cut my finger yesterday and it hadn't been for Bush speaking on TV I would have been paying attention to what I was cutting. That damn Bush!

[TheAlamo]

Simple. The governor of LA calls the governors of surrounding states...as is constitutional, and has worked this way for over 200 years!

"hey gov. we got ourselves a mess here in N.O. We need search and rescue teams, toxic waste cleanup, nurses, doctors etc. Would you be so kind as to call for qualified volunteers from your state?"

"Yeah, gov. we're already on it, and were ready before the storm hit, but the feds want to take over. They say we can't go until FEMA or the Pres. or somebody with authority gives the go-ahead."

"Tell them it is illegal for them to do so, and send the volunteers. The constitution of the USA is the supreme law of the land--not FEMA, they have NO LEGAL JURISDICTION."

"Damn! Gov.! You're right! You and I as governors have more authority than they do! Man I am glad I decided to read that document. Heck, I'll send 'em on. Where should they meet your liasion?"

Really hard isn't it?

[!]

Hey Joe.....GO BLOWW !!

[George T.]

Thanks farmgirl, I'll go buy more chlorine. You just never know when I may need it. Also, FYI, Shakley produces a cleaning product that will kill viruses like the Aids virus. I purchased some. Its strong. Maybe, needed in N.O.

[!]

I have enough clorine around here to last for years. Any thats wants some just coem to my house. lol
When DENNIS struck here there was no shortage of the county and red cross and churches dropping of cleaning supplies with promise of help in cleaning up on the way. I am still waiting for the latter. Not holding my breath.
If I was physically able I would have had it all cleaned up by now myself, but I just can't do it all myself in a timely manner. The mold is there. nice and black. I do a little bit each day. One day it will get done. A year from now.
Neighbors had helped son and my kids but they have jobs to and a life. You cannot expect them to do it all.
Bottom line, do not promise help to folks if you are not going to fullfill your promise. The emergency management people siad there were folks coming in from all over the country to help. That was two months ago. Now they are all in New Orleans (I HOPE) helping out. But I hope that some of those people want hold their breath either.
Our goverment in many departments needs a damn overhaul. the tax structure, healhcare, social security, AND most of all Fema. Its needed it for many many many years. There is just to much going on the stop and focus on any one thing for any amount of time these days. Hopefully someday progress can be made. Its been such a long time coming.
God bless our soldiers all over the world doing the good for the people and GOD bless this county and God Bless our President.
If more people in this country would do their jobs as they should be done and not simply punch the clock are show up and put in their hours and just wait for payday to come then the USA would be a hell of a lot better off ! JMO..