01 September 2005
Unreal
I don't have words to describe how appalled and shocked I am. New Orleans looks like East Timor, not America.
"Storm victims were raped and beaten, fights and fires broke out, corpses lay out in the open, and rescue helicopters and law enforcement officers were shot at..."
If I had read this out of context, I would assume they were talking about some third world country, not New Orleans.
And not just New Orleans, but the entire Gulf Coast.
"According to the White House, nearly 155,350 sq miles (250,000 sq km) has been affected by the hurricane - an area roughly the size of the UK. "
This is just unbelievable. I have a pretty good idea of the logistical nightmare that the rescue and evac operations are facing, but I still can't understand the pace. Why can't we rescue these people? Why can't we manage to get them some food, water and medical assistance? Why can't they be evacuated?
"This is a national emergency. This is a national disgrace. FEMA has been here three days, yet there is no command and control. We can send massive amounts of aid to tsunami victims, but we can't bail out the city of New Orleans."
Thousands are going to start dying (if they aren't already) if nothing is done. Dehydration, other heat-related illnesses, cholera and dysentery are going to start rearing their ugly heads soon. The city is a public health nightmare, with the standing water and bodies. There is no sanitation; no bathrooms, no clean water, not to mention shelter or food. I can't believe this is happening in the U.S.
How has this gone so desperately wrong? Why is there no communication? And why (someone please tell me if you know) are people shooting at the National Guard and others who are trying to help? Those people aren't even human. And why if all these journalists can get in and get footage, why can't THEY take some food and water with them? Seriously.
FEMA--send some of these people to me. I will buy their plane tickets and house them until they can go home. Seriously. If anyone wants to help, here is a list of charities that desperately need assistance to give to the people of the Gulf Coast. Cash is best, and please designate it for hurricane relief.
My heart and thoughts go out to those stranded in that hellhole. I'm going to give my kids a huge hug and thank God that they're tucked up safe in their beds, and pray for those who aren't.
posted by Julie at
10:09 PM
6 Comments:
Hey Julie,
My DH & I are wondering the very same thing. It seems that FEMA has really screwed up. 3 groups of the guard have been sent from CO already to help out, SPs, Communictions & Medical.
AND we totally agree w/ you on the media. They seem like vultures just driving by filming while people are begging for help. Last night a reporter was interviewing a poor woman who hasn't had her insulin for 3 days and while he was talking to her, she passed out. A nearby nurse (who was also a victim) screams out for someone else to donate their insulin and gives her a shot. It's just so uncomprehendable.
Oops! So mad I can't spell!
I found out today that it wasn't FEMA that messed up, it was the Gov of LA & the Mayor of New Orleans. Apparently they didn't know propper procedure and FEMA & the Guard were just waiting for the Gov to "let them in."
It's atrocious and heartbreaking.
I have sat here wondering WHY no one was helping, when it occurred to me that are surrounded by water. People can't "just drive in and get 'em" or run over and help real quick. Every move has to be strategically (sp.) planned.
Still, I am disgusted and appalled at the lack of help they are receiving. Why do we run to the aid of third world countries, but when it happens to our own we turn our backs! WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT!?!?!
It's a mess, alright.
go read my blog...
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