Posted on 09/02/2005 5:23:21 AM PDT by OESY
...Of all the bad news from New Orleans, the most disturbing has been the reports of spreading disorder, with looting, marauding gangs and even sniper fire at helicopters and rescue workers. Americans sometimes expect their government to do far too much....
One reason for the New Orleans breakdown is the size of the calamity, whose growing severity caught nearly everyone by surprise. Louisiana National Guard troops that were deployed initially for rescue and relief efforts weren't available for the more basic duties of public security. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also geared to providing relief, not order, and only yesterday did the federal government begin to focus on the potential anarchy. Among our political leaders, only Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour seemed to appreciate the genuine risk of disorder, with his early warnings that looters would not be given the benefit of the doubt.
By the way, the allegation that enough National Guard troops aren't available because many are deployed in Iraq doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The Louisiana Guard has something like 3,500 men and women deployed in Iraq, but that leaves another 8,000 or so troops available for post-Katrina duty, and neighboring states undamaged by the hurricane have still others who could be called upon. All told, the Pentagon now estimates that 30,000 National Guard troops will be deployed along the Gulf coast, and another 3,000 regular Army soldiers to pursue the armed gangs on the loose. Our advice is: Do whatever it takes.
One frequent reaction...: New Orleans is typical of Third World countries, something that was thought could never happen in America. This happens to overlook a fair chunk of U.S. history... including riots and violence. But it is also a sign of complacency born of prosperity and the resilience of our legal and civic institutions....
(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...
Yesterday the governor was saying that all is OK at the superdome and there were no shootings in the superdome. She did not mention the murders and rapes that were allegedly taking place at the superdome, as described by a doctor who said he had to leave the superdome for fear of his own safety (per Fox News last night). The doctor described the lack of communication and command control as the problem.
is your friend saying NO is run by "girly men"
PC out of control.
That is a good bit of it. But the prevailing decadent culture and large poor black populations are also major contributors
I shudder to think on what would happen if something like this hit Philly. The Badlands would EXPLODE.
You forgot ---- firearm.
Ammo alone is not enough.
The President just alluded to this in his 9am speech. He said the relief efforts were insufficient.
That is mostly directed at FEMA, which has plans in place to handle a major attack on a US city.
Perhaps we will be better prepared should terrorists strike in the future and count our blessings that they have not done so yet.
"Finnaly someone with some productive ideas."
Another...use Michael Moore's fat behind to close the leavy break.
If Philly ever exploded , thsoe thugs and monsters would loot, rape and pillage their way down the Main Line, with no resistance all along the way.
I don't trust the governement -- local, state or Federal -- to take care of me and mine.
I repectfully disagree on the culture part. NOL had crime, sure, and many parts of the city were not safe before the hurricane. But that again is attributed to lack of leadership. In the aftermath, the poor planning, lack of leadership, and lack of communication only makes this worse.
Walter Maestri, director of emergency management for Jefferson Parish, La., just outside of New Orleans, "We had a plan and we followed it (on storm coverage). Mayor Nagin and those in Jefferson believed that within 48 hours food, water and security would be here. It didn't happen."
seems the article misses the mark.
The TRUTH is the authorities are trying to "PC" the disaster responsnce.
They are trying to share feeeeeeeelings with looters NOT stop looters. The leaders tried to USE looters to attack Bush NOT stop looters.
This is no different than shooting treason on the battlefield. It is the law. The democrats were trying to impose woodstock in a disaster area.
This is what we have after stepping up homeland security for four years. I am not blaming the government at all though, I was never foolish enough to expect anything from them anyway.
Come away from this tragedy with the lesson of self preparedness. You really are on your own.
There was plenty of looting during the Blitz, sometimes by auxilliary firemen.
The Supreme Court has ruled that gov't has no obligation to provide protection to you, even if you directly call for help.
Start with Martha's Vineyard.
.....
I vote many of the LA displaced hurricane disaster victims should be offered shelter at THE KENNEDY compound estate in Florida.
Think Ted Kennedy and his clan has any "SOLUTIONS".... nope.
"Forget prison camps...summary execution on the spot..."
That's what martial law means!
However, it's hard for an American Reservist to
shoot-to-kill a fellow American.
They wont smak anyone down .The Civil Liberties jerkoffs are probably down there already just waiting for a military person (headed by the evil Bush ) to shoot a poor black man.
Not when they're shooting at you.....
Kinda clears the mind and clarifies your thoughts...
NeverGore :^)
If you break the speed limit --- zero tolerance.
If you break someone's neck --- let's try to understand.
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