The Real News - interview via cell phone "Bigfoot" is a bar manager and DJ on Bourbon Street

Survival of New Orleans ^ | September 1st, 2005

[Former Military Chick]

Thursday, September 1st, 2005

10:46 pm The Real News

The following is the result of an interview I just conducted via cell phone with a New Orleans citizen stranded at the Convention Center. I don't know what you're hearing in the mainstream media or in the press conferences from the city and state officials, but here is the truth:

"Bigfoot" is a bar manager and DJ on Bourbon Street, and is a local personality and icon in the city. He is a lifelong resident of the city, born and raised. He rode out the storm itself in the Iberville Projects because he knew he would be above any flood waters. Here is his story as told to me moments ago. I took notes while he talked and then I asked some questions:

Three days ago, police and national guard troops told citizens to head toward the Crescent City Connection Bridge to await transportation out of the area. The citizens trekked over to the Convention Center and waited for the buses which they were told would take them to Houston or Alabama or somewhere else, out of this area.

It's been 3 days, and the buses have yet to appear.

Although obviously he has no exact count, he estimates more than 10,000 people are packed into and around and outside the convention center still waiting for the buses. They had no food, no water, and no medicine for the last three days, until today, when the National Guard drove over the bridge above them, and tossed out supplies over the side crashing down to the ground below. Much of the supplies were destroyed from the drop. Many people tried to catch the supplies to protect them before they hit the ground. Some offered to walk all the way around up the bridge and bring the supplies down, but any attempt to approach the police or national guard resulted in weapons being aimed at them.

There are many infants and elderly people among them, as well as many people who were injured jumping out of windows to escape flood water and the like -- all of them in dire straights.

Any attempt to flag down police results in being told to get away at gunpoint. Hour after hour they watch buses pass by filled with people from other areas. Tensions are very high, and there has been at least one murder and several fights. 8 or 9 dead people have been stored in a freezer in the area, and 2 of these dead people are kids.

The people are so desperate that they're doing anything they can think of to impress the authorities enough to bring some buses. These things include standing in single file lines with the eldery in front, women and children next; sweeping up the area and cleaning the windows and anything else that would show the people are not barbarians.

The buses never stop.

Before the supplies were pitched off the bridge today, people had to break into buildings in the area to try to find food and water for their families. There was not enough. This spurred many families to break into cars to try to escape the city. There was no police response to the auto thefts until the mob reached the rich area -- Saulet Condos -- once they tried to get cars from there... well then the whole swat teams began showing up with rifles pointed. Snipers got on the roof and told people to get back.

He reports that the conditions are horrendous. Heat, mosquitoes and utter misery. The smell, he says, is "horrific."

He says it's the slowest mandatory evacuation ever, and he wants to know why they were told to go to the Convention Center area in the first place; furthermore, he reports that many of them with cell phones have contacts willing to come rescue them, but people are not being allowed through to pick them up.

I have "Bigfoot"'s phone number and will gladly give it to any city or state official who would like to tell him how everything is under control.

Addendum: Bigfoot just called to report that "they" (the authorities) are cleaning up the dead bodies at the Convention Center right now.

[Dane]

Its an outrage that many Freepers showed more concern over the tsunami victims than our own citizens.

Actually, IMO, it is outrage over the MSM and the race baiters and the ineptitude of the NO and LA govts. all blaming Bush.

The local and state govts. had many years to prepare and knew for at least 5 days beforehand that Katrina was on the way and it seems they did nothing.

Again just look at those school buses, that were not used.

[chris1]

It truly is shocking how inept the whole thing has been.

[ladyinred]

Thank you. I think part of it is that the buses were stopped due to the fact that they were being shot at. The people who tried to help had their lives threatened and it was too dangerous a situation. What a mess.

[longshadow]

Very interesting link you've found there.

Somebody better Hoover up all the info on that website.

Here's one little gem I found under the Comprehensive Hurricane plan, under the "Recovery Phase (III)":

B. Human Services

Location of Disaster Relief Centers and other recovery operation sites shall be the joint responsibility of ESF?7, Resource Support, and the Damage Assessment Teams, which will scout undamaged or lightly damaged facilities while conducting field surveys. Prior to hurricane season, a list of potential buildings should be compiled that meet the criteria for a Disaster Relief Center or other recovery function. These facilities shall then be checked by damage assessment teams for potential use following a disaster. An inventory of city owned properties will also be available in the EOC and certain facilities, such as large community centers, shall be reviewed for use at the time.

Multiple sites shall be identified and geographically positioned to serve the impacted populations without placing burdens upon those who may have lost their private transportation resources as a result of the disaster. Regional Transit Authority may be called upon to provide free transit to recovery centers located along existing bus routes. Recovery center staffing patterns shall be developed along accepted state and federal guidelines and provided from city, state and private agencies.

Feeding and food and supply distribution sites shall be established following a disaster in geographically distributed sites across the Parish. Feeding sites shall be established by ESF?6, Mass Care, in conjunction with ESF?11, Food and Water. The Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army shall provide the lead in establishing and operating these sites. The Second Harvest Food Bank shall provide leadership in the acquiring and distribution of food and water. ESF?15, Volunteers and Donations, shall direct outside resources to the appropriate sites where these volunteer services can best be used. Temporary living areas shall be established when possible on city owned property. ESF?7, Resource Support, shall assist in the location and acquisition of non city owned property. The New Orleans Housing Authority shall be called upon to assist with public housing for the temporarily displaced. [emphasis added to show it is municipal responsibilty per their own plan to provide for feeding of New Orleans citizens following a hurricane, not FEMA]

It's worth noting that this document is an extremely "high level" planning document; in that it lacks any useful level of detail to implement the plan. That's okay IF they developed the appropriate underlying "Implementing Procedures".....

I also found it curious what seems to be missing from what I reviewed of the Evacuation and Recovery Plans: there's virtually no mention of what the law enforcement organizations are supposed to do to maintain order after a disaster such as a major hurricane.

Also missing: a contingency back-up communications plan, to be used during a natural disaster in which electricty is cut-off, phones don't work, and the police radio system fails because some asshole located the transmitters below sea level, and didn't provide back-up fuel storage to keep the emergency generators running after the gas mains are ruptured or shut down.

[VeniVidiVici]

It truly is shocking how inept the whole thing has been.

Yes it is. A little prior planning by the citizenry, even as little as bringing food and water to last for three days as they were requested to do to local last ditch shelters, and local and state authorities who do not run and scream like little children, would've prevented a huge loss of life.

[investigateworld]

You guys are going to have to split my nomination for best post of the day. Good rational thinking and writing.
'Chick', sounds like you've been there.

[redangus]

What about refitting some of the bases being closed by the BRAC commission for use as emergency evac centers. There is probably at least one in every state. Most have housing, and food service areas. Many have some sort of medical facility and many have landing strips, and all have easy access by highway. They could be kept open with skeleton crews at a maintenance level strictly for this type of emergency. Maybe one or two per state based on population or potential threat. I know here in Indiana we have a huge air base in Peru that is not being utilized much anymore.

Just my opinion

[mountainfolk]

The Gretna sheriff sure isn't passing the buck. Maybe he is Texan. I didn't know that more Freepers worried about the tsunami victims than our own citizens. It is frustrating to watch this play out on TV and not be able to pitch in physically and help. The one good that can come from this tragedy is the future planning and preparation for similar act of God situations, as well as terrorist attacks. We have also learned that individual self reliance is vital for survival and the government is only a backup that we can hope will be able to assist us if needed.

[blondee123]

O'Reilly on FOX is the only one who has the guts to put the blame where it belongs, on the Mayor & Governer of NO. They had NO friggen plan. By the way, where is the lady Gov. haven't seen her at all the last few days?

[spanalot]

"Agreed. I was flamed like hell before for daring to say that the govt on all levels here is to blame with piss poor planning and logistics.

Shepard Smith onFox clearly said that they were prohibiting people from walking over the bridge. This call confirms that.

To me this is the height of criminal negligence on the part of the govt. At this point, can anyone blame anyone for looting food and supplies?"

Damn straight - Maybe this S happens in Russia - but not my country - we take care of our own and the negligent oficials must be brought to justice.

[Former Military Chick]

I did not know there were best posts of the day. :)

Having said that yes I have been there, now I am just frustrated and ticked off. I want news not slanted by politics I just want the news. I doubt that will ever happen.

This young man, figured a way to make the storm work for him. Posting a journal of what he saw, documenting it with photo's. Just another source.

Thanks for the comment, friend.

[investigateworld]

Always welcome. The father of my grandchildren is in Iraq, so I always print out what I consider the best comments for our discussions. The Vicomte has the highest number of hard copy print outs.
For helping the oldest do term papers, I (shamelessly) use Toddsterpatriot, as he includes graphics and charts in his posts :^)

[Roccus]

Unfortunately I only have internet access, no computer. (Analog man in a digital world) Hope someone on here with the right set-up captures it 'cause I can't see it staying up for too long.
BTW, I got it from an earlier thread here on FR so I'm only a messenger. }:^)

[restornu]

"Would the Demoncrats do this ON PURPOSE?"

I would not under estimate the DEMS!


ARE THE DEMS OBSTRUCTIONIST in KATRINA RELIEF?(911 vs Katrina)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1475650/posts

[restornu]

"Would the Demoncrats do this ON PURPOSE?"

I would not under estimate the DEMS!


ARE THE DEMS OBSTRUCTIONIST in KATRINA RELIEF?(911 vs Katrina)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1475650/posts

[garbanzo]

We have also learned that individual self reliance is vital for survival and the government is only a backup that we can hope will be able to assist us if needed.

The bigger question is, when did we forget this? The people who crossed the Atlantic believed this. The people who moved into the plains believed this. Somewhere along the line we forgot about it.

[rolling_stone]

His authority is clear...nice site..

III. EVACUATION ORDER

A. Authority

As established by the City of New Orleans Charter, the government has jurisdiction and responsibility in disaster response. City government shall coordinate its efforts through the Office of Emergency Preparedness

The authority to order the evacuation of residents threatened by an approaching hurricane is conferred to the Governor by Louisiana Statute. The Governor is granted the power to direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from a stricken or threatened area within the State, if he deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response or recovery. The same power to order an evacuation conferred upon the Governor is also delegated to each political subdivision of the State by Executive Order. This authority empowers the chief elected official of New Orleans, the Mayor of New Orleans, to order the evacuation of the parish residents threatened by an approaching hurricane.

B. Issuance of Evacuation Orders

The person responsible for recognition of hurricane related preparation needs and for the issuance of an evacuation order is the Mayor of the City of New Orleans. Concerning preparation needs and the issuance of an evacuation order, The Office of Emergency Preparedness should keep the Mayor advised.

[rolling_stone]

Also missing: a contingency back-up communications plan, to be used during a natural disaster in which electricty is cut-off, phones don't work, and the police radio system fails because some asshole located the transmitters below sea level, and didn't provide back-up fuel storage to keep the emergency generators running after the gas mains are ruptured or shut down.


In case the EOC Emergency Operations Center is shut down, they can use the "mobile command center" whatever that is ..two cans and a string? tom tom? smoke signals? Or did that move to Baton Rouge with the "officials"?

it gets better they are supposed to have annual disaster tests etc they are supposed to evacuate those that are unable to evacuate themselves etc...great reading!

[Natty Bumppo@frontier.net]

To anyone with a "Been There, Done That" t-shirt, the plan (even at a high level) is not executable on its face. You don't "scout for undamaged or lightly damaged facilities" after the fact, because if you are planning for a major disaster you have to assume there won't be much operable or else it wouldn't be a major disaster.

You need to preplan your recovery and relief centers outside the radius of the disaster.

I am guessing that the government of New Orleans shoveled bushels of money at someone's brother-in-law posing as a consultant to get this piece of dreck.

Every USMC officer and senior noncom I have ever been privileged to serve with would have the following in big, bold, letters on the front page of a real disaster relief plan:

"Assumptions:

1. The environment will be uncertain at best, and may be hostile.

2. Triple all "official" estimates of evacuees and casualties.

3. All basic services will have failed. Otherwise, this wouldn't be a disaster. The operation must be completely self sustaining, and capable of sustaining the number of people determined in bullet number two.

4. Medical services to be provided will include care for cardiac and obstetric emergencies.

5. The official policy may be "No Pets," but the evacuees are going to try and bring them anyway. Pray that someone doesn't own a horse.

6. We will evacuate the dead. No American gets left behind.

7. Plan on establishing a Forward Command Element onsite, as soon as possible.

8. Three courses of action, minimum: One Surface, One Air, One combined Surface and Air.

9. Airlift is the limiting function. 95% of what you need will have to be moved by surface. The other 5% that goes by air had better be limited to the stuff and personnel you absolutely have to have right now.

10. Provide for the ability to dig big and really deep holes for latrines. MREs produce strange results from the human digestive systems.

11. Although you have to work with them, at best local authorities won't get in your way. At worst, declarations of hostilities may be needed."

There's more, but someone with more recent experience in rapid response planning for a Marine Expeditionary Unit will have to list them.

[Lakeside]

"...where is the lady Gov..."

I would suspect she is nursing a nervous breakdown judging from what we saw of her last.