City had evacuation plan but strayed from strategy

Houston Chronicle ^ | Lise Olsen

[Libloather]

Trying to leave, he thought, seemed suicidal. But after four days in the hospital's reeking darkness, he escaped via a Black Hawk helicopter that landed on the roof of the University Hospital under heavy guard because of the threat of sniper fire.

Fallujah South? They may deserve a medal for escaping the hood...

[Earl Robicheaux]

To all who have posted regarding the Katrina/Charity Hospital situation. This is Earl Robicheaux, the guy who was interviewed for the article in the Houston Chronicle post Katrina. And, just for the record, I was in University Hospital with Burkitt’s Lymphoma along with other cancer patients when Katrina hit. There are many ways to try and describe this event, but I will try to say what I think here. This was not a hood, this was not Faluja, this is not a welfare state, and the people that were in hospitals during a very difficult time don’t deserve to be thought as loafers. Ray Nagin had to issue an order for the city, after the lower parish of Plaquemine had completed it’s evacuation. That was the primary reason for it looking like a delay. I am not defending the mayor here, but that is the order which parishes have agreed upon. And, why would Gov. Blanco agree to federalize the National Guard? Hurricane Rita hit the southwest portion of Louisiana, and she had to send troops into that area. That kind of mobility has to be here, in the hands of local officials. The biggest problem, as I see it, was the total lack of adequate communication equipment, no federal response, and no adequate plan for a massive emergency. But, then again, this was a massive problem never before seen. If it weren’t for the U.S. Coast Guard taking the lead to save lives with their helicopters, the situation would have been much worse.
And, just for the record I am a democrat, white, have an earned doctorate from U.T. Austin, and feel that universal health care is sorely needed. Why? Have you ever heard anyone complain that Medicare turned down a senior due to a pre-existing illness? Children, elderly, and people with castrophic illness are not lessor citizens in this so-called society, even if that society ignores them.

[Libloather]

...and feel that universal health care is sorely needed.

Over $400 out of your monthly paycheck - to pay for your neighbor's health?

I can't afford it. Count me out...

[Grizzled Bear]

And, why would Gov. Blanco agree to federalize the National Guard? Hurricane Rita hit the southwest portion of Louisiana, and she had to send troops into that area. That kind of mobility has to be here, in the hands of local officials.

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We still remember when she cried on camera. We also remember the President asking what she needed. She responded “Give me everything.” He asked what she meant, what did she need? “Give me everything.” She later went on camera to brag about this conversation.

Gee you folks elect some very competent leaders.