Web Loafer- Yes, I suppose that the logistical aspects of massive aid from all over can be troubling, but only if various agencies are competing in some sort of power strugle. Drop-off locations could be established and highly publicized, for citizen doantions while the aid organizations handle disbursal in the effected areas. The need will be greater than in past disasters simply due to the sheer number of people who lost literally everything.
Thanks for anything you can do to help.

Jessica- Thanks for pitching in as so many others have done.

In many ways, this disaster (or more appropriately, the aftermath) could have been rpevented and was foreseen by several studies in the recent past. I squarely place the blame on all levels of the government, especially those who represent unaffected areas. True leadership demands that you stand up and take action in emergency situations. For nearly a week, politicians of every region and every party were nearly silent. The total lack of confidence and caring displayed by this silence will live long in the memories of all of us.

Anon- Bush could have- no, should have, immediately nationalized thr national guard as soon as he noticed that the governors seemed paralyzed. Such action is known as leadership, and despite the fact that protocol and law says the governors are responsible, the president has a duty to be more aware of these kinds of situations instead of making speeches and playing the guitar.

Leadership failed across the board, from the local to the national level, but when push comes to shove, we should at least expect our president to take charge as soon as possible. Mistakes made in a quick attempt to save lives are better than delays created by reading the fine print before getting people out of danger. A real leader acts to save lives and lets the chips fall where they may at the end of the day.

The real facts are that the Mayor of New Orleans had NO plan of action other than the evacuation order. Although it was predicted to hit New Orleans as early as 5 days in advance, was predicted to be a category 5…the mayor took no action other than an evacutation order.

President Bush gave him the means and money by declaring the area a disaster zone BEFORE the storm. He took no action but to call for evacuation and get himself and his family out. He knew full well that most of the poor would have no way out of the city, yet even though he had the ability, made no effort to get them transportation. The Superdome was only activated as a shelter after it was too late to do anything else. Yet he now sits in safety blaming everyone else.

The Governor of Louisian had the means to not only call in 7000 LA National Guard, but also active duty military. She had this available to her BEFORE THE Storm! Even AFTER the storm, it was not until TUESDAY that she activated the Local National Guard and not until WEDNESDAY that she called on the Government for help!

Both of these “politicians” had NO plan in place, and NO CLUE what to do in the aftermath. If they want to place blame…they need to start with themselves!

DH and me have donated to the Red Cross and Tuesday when I go back to work I will be encouraging our faculty,staff and students to do the same!

You said the disaster was preventable. Well yes and no. I don’t think anyone could have predicted it would be this bad however before we blame Bush which has become so common we must realize that the Mayor and Governor of the State hold the most responsibility (besides the persons who refused to evacuate). I say this because while the feds could have sent in emergency vehicles to evacuate people beforehand, it has to be requested by the Governor and the Mayor has to let the Governor know he needs this. NO one did this, so please let’s not blame “the government” for this.

I think the blame process is really hindering efforts. Now is a time to pull together. The damage is more widespread and devastating than you and I can imagine, it is beyond comprehension. I remember my hometown in Miami was devastaed by Andrew and the pictures on tv didn’t prepare me. When I traveled down there shortly afterward, I was shocked beyond words. There’s no way for you and I to know how bad it is. And it has been very very difficult to get aid in there.

I’m a veteran of the Coast Guard, and am very proud of what my fellow Coasties are doing, they are the ONLY agency so far that was prepared. FEMA, Red Cross, EVERYONE take a lesson from the Coast Guard. Being prepared is our motto, we were always ready for any disaster. If the CG or National Guard had been in charge you would not see the chaos you see right now. THe civilian sector needs to take a cue from the military that’s for sure.

As to the politics—Jesse Jackson, Elijah Cummings, the NAACP, Urban League, and Congressional Black Caucus need to contribute to this in positive ways instead of bringing down the efforts by spewing negativity.

Thanks everyone for supporting all thse fine folks and please let’s remember the Coast Guard who have put their lives on the line to save so many. They themselves have had little food, drink and sleep and have been working 24.7 and burning up aircraft parts as fast as I write this. Next time you hear Congress wanting to cut funding for the Coast Guard remember Hurricane Katrina.

And for the record, I don’t see the Democrats doing a damn thing either. There is nothing but silence from the politicians of this country. The should all be ashamed.

But go ahead and continue to stick up for your favorite pol’s o-nameless one. I’d still try to help you in a disaster too.

But you liberals love bashing Bush!

It’s time for the hand wringing to stop and for action to start.

Thanks Nariel!

Soooo.. to work then, how can we get this circulated and fast enough…