Good Luck New Orleans

A sign of change? ...

Last night on MSNBC's "Scarbrough Country", Joe Scarbrough (Republican ex-Congressman from Florida), a man normally aligned rather closely with the current regime, was livid about the shamefully slow/inadequate response by the Feds. He wasn't pulling punches either; he was on-site on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi, where the devastation is painfully obvious. Most other R talk-show hosts and Fox apparatchiks are trying to circle the wagons and find excuses, but hopefully the U.S. electorate will finally see through this.

I hope.

quote:

The Republican leadership in Congress has consistently refused to strengthen the levee system in New Orleans, beginning in 1995, when the GOP took control of Congress.

So there was plenty of strengthening before then? I doubt it's such a simple party political thing.

quote:

I see that someone has already said here that we shouldn't help the suffering because of the actions of a few deranged, heavily armed thugs. Pathetic.

You've heard of 'strawmen'?

Paul

You think the people of Louisiana cares at the moment who or what is to blame for this disaster? What they want is help. Sadly this has been slow in coming. Cannot fathom how this can take up to 3 days in a country as mighty as AMERICA.

For Paul Ranson: No doubt this is by far a larger scale disaster compared to NY 2001 but the rate at which help arrived is pathetic.


A quote, one of many from various news sources:
"I really don't know what to say about President Bush," said Richard Dunbar, 60, a Vietnam veteran. "He showed no lack of haste when he wanted to go to Iraq, but for his own people right here in Louisiana, we get only lip service."

If the following is true then we are all doomed!
Humanity is finished

"She was raped for four hours until she was dead," Joseph said through tears. "Another child, a seven-year old boy was found raped and murdered in the kitchen freezer last night."

One young man said he was not looking forward to another night in the convention center and wondered when conditions would improve. "It's been like a jail in there," he said. "We've got murderers, rapists, killers, thieves. We've got it all."

etc............

Pray with the arrival of help, things will improved rapidly for those poor suffering souls.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Ranson:

quote:

I see that someone has already said here that we shouldn't help the suffering because of the actions of a few deranged, heavily armed thugs. Pathetic.

You've heard of 'strawmen'?

Paul

You've heard of "assholes"?

quote:

Originally posted by Bhoyo:

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Ranson:

quote:

I see that someone has already said here that we shouldn't help the suffering because of the actions of a few deranged, heavily armed thugs. Pathetic.

You've heard of 'strawmen'?

Paul

You've heard of "assholes"?

Dunno about Paul, but I have heard of "arseholes".

What's an "asshole" - is it some kind of topologically impossible donkey or a particularly stubborn gravity well?

quote:

Originally posted by Paul Ranson:
This was going to happen sooner or later regardless. Whether now or in 50 years. Paul

From Draining New Orleans could take 80 days- Army

Strock said the Corps had expected the levees that broke to protect the city for 200 to 300 years without failing based on projected storm threats.

"That means that an event that we were protecting from might be exceeded every 200 or 300 years," he said. "So we had an assurance that, 99.5 percent, this would be OK. We, unfortunately, have had that 0.5 percent activity here."

Well, natural disaster and wars can't be avoided. ( only population control measures for humans )

It was said, after the Hiroshima bombing, that the city will never grow anything for decades.

They were wrong.

City of Hiroshima came back a lot sooner than people expected.

Good luck for New Orleans.

Disease is another major natural control of overpopulation.

People went on dying (and were still being born deformed) for decades after the atomic bombs fell on Japan.

No matter how seemingly callously the New Orleans sistuation is being handled. It is nothing like the attrocities carried out by communism in keeping people unaware of disasters like Chernobyl. New Orleans does at least have the power of the world's free news media to argue over the finer details.

Jerkoff and the dim puppet will be safely pushed asside eventually and then we can all find someone else to hate.

There are comments about the speed of invading Iraq - there was a 6 to 8 month preperation time for the invasion when the troops and equipment was moved into place plus I do not know how many months of planning.

Come the flooding of TwoJagsville by the Thames in 202? when Prescott's residential paradise is flooded by a mid winter storm surge and the over topping of the Thames Barrier and the flooding of central London and the flooding of the underground - how long is it going to take to get the people out, let alone bring the city back to life.

NOPD apparently shoot dead five or six US army contractors on a bridge...they're getting jumpy out there.

Six minutes later the story changes, apparently a gunman was shooting at the contractors and the NOPD have shot the gunmen.

Just goes to show how realtime newsfeeds can get it totally wrong.

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Originally posted by Nime:
Disease is another major natural control of overpopulation.

Right.

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People went on dying (and were still being born deformed) for decades after the atomic bombs fell on Japan.

Yes. I am not sure if this practice is going on to this date, but ppl. in Hiroshima were issued a *passport* so that they were discrimiated.

But the infrastructure of city itself was rebuilt quicker than many anticipated.

On-going prejudice towards the off-springs of Hiroshima victims is a separate issue that still goes on in Japan to this date.

Well as an American I had no idea of the poverty and social conditions in the south. It's been a real education for me. I've never been down there as an adult, all that gets reported is wild times at Mardi-gras and the food. The news and reviews are very interesting and enlightening. I will give what I can being on limited income as I am.

Still when the head muppet goes down there in a private jet, smiles and talks about the great boozing and partying he did when young and crying about a Gov't leader losing his home and that he believes he'll shortly rebuild and they'll have drinks on his porch. It is just increadible that he thinks this is going to help comfort the poor and dying that are kept out of camera's view. Tho he has hugged more black people for photo ops in the last few days than he has in his entire life.

I just hope that people realize now what an idiot they elected. ANd the whole lot of them behind him are ineffective leaders with no long range perspective, it's all about what can he do now for Republican solidarity, and budget cuts so he can get in another tax cut to make him look good.

Then man is just incredulous.

glenn

Wolf

Warning - this may piss you off - although it is not aimed at you personally.

As a Scotsman who has been living in the US since 1997 and who travels throughout the US most weeks I have to say that your opening sentences sum up a great deal of Americans and their understanding, not just of world affairs, but also within their own country.

quote:

Well as an American I had no idea of the poverty and social conditions in the south. It's been a real education for me. I've never been down there as an adult, all that gets reported is wild times at Mardi-gras and the food.

This lack of knowledge was initially stunning to me but over time I realised that the biggest problem was the American media and their absolute dereliction of duty when it came to reporting the "facts".

Their level of patriotism is to be admired on one hand but on the other is no better than the slant that middle eastern TV stations like Al Jazeera give to the middle eastern position. This lack of a rounded news service has led many Americans to believe that they are indeed the current super race, a view shared by none other than the current incumbent in the White House. It's no surprise when folks like you admit to having their eyes opened by current events.

However, that said, the current situation in New Orleans and the inept handling of it by FEMA and all the other agencies involved and compounded by the absolute lack of leadership by the "Commander in Chief" has been extensively covered and reported on by the US press so hopefully, if nothing else, this devastating catastrophe seems to have helped the US press get it's balls back and that can only be good for the rest of the world it they manage to manintain the momentum and succeed in separating journalism from "patriotism".

That said Wolf I admire and thank you for being moved enough to donate what you can. I have over 400 colleagues who lived and worked in and around New Orleans and many have lost their houses and all their possesions. Thankfully they are all safe and well with many of them working their backsides off (and even being shot at) as they try to get the electricity supply re-established.

This is an amazing country is so many ways and although the Scottish poet Robbie Burns was not thinking of the US when he wrote "O would some power the gift to give us to see ourselves as others see us." he easily could have been.

I feel better now that's off my chest.

Slainte

Jim

Well said, Jim.
I guess I was more aware of the poverty than most, due to my upbringing.
It is easy enough to enjoy your lifestyle and not give a second thought to those far less fortunate. And the slippery slope includes thinking that the poor want to live that way, etc.
Our media, liberal or otherwise, is, in most cases, just as bad as Al Jazeera as you said. That is a tough pill to swallow for most in the US but I think it is true.
David

quote:

Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
Wolf

Warning - this may piss you off - although it is not aimed at you personally.

As a Scotsman who has been living in the US since 1997 and who travels throughout the US most weeks I have to say that your opening sentences sum up a great deal of Americans and their understanding, not just of world affairs, but also within their own country.

I was going to say something just like this but couldn't find the words, well done Jim for saying it better than I ever could.

Kudos to Wolf though for his total honesty...

quote:

Well as an American I had no idea of the poverty and social conditions in the south. It's been a real education for me. I've never been down there as an adult, all that gets reported is wild times at Mardi-gras and the food.

Then Jim said..

quote:

This lack of knowledge was initially stunning to me but over time I realised that the biggest problem was the American media and their absolute dereliction of duty when it came to reporting the "facts".

Their level of patriotism is to be admired on one hand but on the other is no better than the slant that middle eastern TV stations like Al Jazeera give to the middle eastern position. This lack of a rounded news service has led many Americans to believe that they are indeed the current super race, a view shared by none other than the current incumbent in the White House. It's no surprise when folks like you admit to having their eyes opened by current events.

However, that said, the current situation in New Orleans and the inept handling of it by FEMA and all the other agencies involved and compounded by the absolute lack of leadership by the "Commander in Chief" has been extensively covered and reported on by the US press so hopefully, if nothing else, this devastating catastrophe seems to have helped the US press get it's balls back and that can only be good for the rest of the world it they manage to manintain the momentum and succeed in separating journalism from "patriotism".

Agreed. Let's hope so.

Jon

If there was a god the hurricane would have hit the "christians" in the White House rather than the devoted believers in the south.

America would fold permanently if anything serious happened to Washington.

It's time Jerkoff of Home Security recorded what happens in the White House in the interests of national security.

Wolf,

Don't be too hard on yourself or your fellow country-men.

The USA is a big place with a population 4 or 5 times that of the UK. Heck, Even Alaska is about as big as Europe, never the UK.

Your lack of awareness of conditions in part of the USA could, more sympathetially, be compared to our lack of awareness of Europe.

My guess is that half the population of the UK would be hard-pushed to name all the states in the EU never mind Europe. And most would be hard-pushed to name the capital cities etc etc.

And I doubt if very many had ANY idea of what living conditions are like in rural Romania or Bulgaria or could even even identify Hungary or Austria on a map of Europe......

There's a lot to be learned fron this disaster (as I said in my post on page 1), but that applies to ALL of us, not just Americans.

Cheers

Don

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America you suck! Shame on you for letting your own fellow citizens suffer in their time of great need. Such a polarised and racist society. I am glad; I was not born an American.

Wellyspyder - Long live your small country - with you in it. Stay there asshole!!

quote:

Originally posted by Don Atkinson:
And I doubt if very many had ANY idea of what living conditions are like in rural Romania or Bulgaria or could even even identify Hungary or Austria on a map of Europe......

This is actually a very good point, Don.

Austria I could identify, but I'd have to guess the others!

Wellyspyder, it's easy to get on our high horse and have a go at America or Americans for not being aware of what's going on in other parts of their country but to do so is to forget that there are members of this very forum who are from the States who might be more than a little offended by your comments, but moreover are themselves ashamed by how their president and his administration have conducted themselves in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

I'm sure there are many too who have had their eyes opened, probably for the first time, as Wolf has reflected with commendable honesty, to the plight of many thousands of their fellow citizens who have been living below the poverty line in America's deep South, and who have now seen their homes wiped out by Katrina.

Jon

It seems almost churlish now to point out that Louisiana has a lower standard of living than parts of India. Live with it. They do all the time. Or did.

Nime

I've been to New Orleans a number of times and the standard of living in some areas is indeed extremely poor.

However, I've also spent time living and working in India and I have absolutely no idea how you can possibly claim that the State of Lousiana has a lower standard of living than parts of that country.

Do middle have class Indians have a better standard of living that the Louisiana poor? Sure they do, but to claim that the state has a lower standard of living than parts of India is very misleading.

Jim

Thanks guys I take your comments well. I have traveled to Europe and never think myself better or superior and oft times wish I could live there. Some things about the way cities have developed and are run is just so right. Our state of affairs with other nations is pretty abismal except that we do rally the help when disasters strike. I won't go into our political jabing and controlling, I think that is horrible to say the least.

I grew up near Philly in a nice suburb but knew little of the downtown poverty, we just didn't go down there in the 60's. I remember being in church classes that talked about poverty, but we just didn't see it so it was difficult to empathize as a teen. I've lived most of my adult life around Southern California, barely getting ahead as a landscaper, not much money to travel to other cities and states. As I don't go down into Watts here in LA, that's just a stupid thing to do if you don't know your way around or have a reason to be there. So I'm not one to shed light on poverty. However, other races I come in contact with in my social or work life I give as much attention to and politeness, understanding they have had a tougher time than I have. I give to social food and welfare programs now that I have some to share. But in my adult life I've been much more concerned about our environmental issues and it's just horrible the way we pollute a great nation with the resources we have. I'm a card carrying tree hugger. And don't get me started on urban sprawl and paving over our great agricultural lands just so people can have a yard and detatched house.

I do know if we had higher minimum wage and jobs for more disadvantaged we'd have much less crime and poverty. Just something to get a toe hole on climbing up, or I should say keeping head above water in our current economic situation. The middle class is fast dissapearing here. You're wealthy and employed, or sinking. How do i get to make a change when I'm barely keeping my head above water? I don't know. I give when I can.

I also vote against anything Republican and am scared of what the right is trying to do in America. Not that the Demacrats are all that much better when in power, but their mission statement is more equitable.

well cheers all, here's to solving problems and better times.

Glenn (Wolf)

A very magnaminous posting considering all the negative stuff that has been thrown out here towards the US.

If more people displayed your level of action (and not just empty words) the world would be in much better shape.

If you ever get to Chicago or you happen to be near San Diego (where my Head Offfice is) I'll buy you a beer and we can both moan about the shrub in the Whitehouse!

Of course we can also gaze longingly at the California girls but that's a whole different thread!

Slainte

Jim

PS Two of my work colleagues are still unaccounted for in Louisiana so my hopes and prayers go out to them.

quote:

Originally posted by Exiled Highlander:
Nime

I've been to New Orleans a number of times and the standard of living in some areas is indeed extremely poor.

However, I've also spent time living and working in India and I have absolutely no idea how you can possibly claim that the State of Lousiana has a lower standard of living than parts of that country.

Do middle have class Indians have a better standard of living that the Louisiana poor? Sure they do, but to claim that the state has a lower standard of living than parts of India is very misleading.

Jim

Just about as misleading as your blinkered attitude to the awful truth that you cannot face. But please do keep up the knee-jerk flagwaving. The US needs all the patriots it can get given the circumstances that prevail in the US today, yesterday and tomorrow.

The world's bully has just droppped its underpants and we can smell the bullshit from right across the (US globalised) world.

Perhaps they should soak up the water in New Orleans with some of the home-grown cotton that the US subsidises for more than its market value just to kill off a few more blacks in Africa?

Too strong? What about a utterly miserable level of aid (% US GNP) promised but never delivered. Which is entirely dependant on dropping import restrictions on the ship-loads of dumped US goods in African ports?

And the christian US "government" (I use the term loosely) demands action on human rights from third world countries? Oh yeah?

Stay off the booze. I know it helps numb the pain but you keep referring to it like a cripple needs his crutches.

Any of those California Girls black, still muddy and still poor?