Katrina Live Thread XII

Various ^ | 31 August 2005 | Various

[MarMema]

Was reported yesterday that Russia is sending transport planes and something else. Staff for cleanup and search and rescue, I think, a boat perhaps?

[Smogger]

EOC News Conference:

Governor Blanco:

Asked for 40,000 troops (All national guard)

Asked for any uniformed troops but National Guard specifically.

[Rutles4Ever]

Does she mean,like, the schoolbus surrounded by thousands of people?

[milagro]

Exactly!!!!

[Mo1]

I'm watching it now

[Dog]

President speaking....he didn't once mention Gov Blanco....uh oh.

[jeffers]

"To: jeffers

I'm dumbstruck. Is the Battle of New Orleans "on"?"

Depends. If our guys win these two firefights, if word to that effect gets out, if Bush says the right things right now, like "Posse Comitas suspended, 82nd inbound", maybe the lid goes on back on for few more hours.

Maybe.

The "enemy" is part hardcore, part utterly desperate.

Judge capability, not intentions.

[cajungirl]

I just drove down Nicolson dr near campus and observed nothing except three suspicious characters in a pick up with those in the back talking on cells.

We have been told to be careful on campus as people are wandering around. Last nite as we left, their presence was felt and was a bit scary.

My husbands hospital has incredible security this morning,,locked, armed guards, security check point, closed parking where he parks next to street.

AT the River center there is as big police presence in the center. A staffer who was over there said it felt dangerous.

[Diddle E. Squat]

she got the word from the DNC - do nothing, let it either get out of control, or force Bush to step in. the DNC wants the media to be able run video of "residents" (looters) of new orleans being gunned down by the US military. and they will play the race card too. its their dream, Blanco has likely been promised a cabinet position in the Hillary regime in 2008 if she can deliver this.

Tinfoil nonsense.

[Jim Noble]

"We must rebuild New Orleans, the city that gave us jazz, and music, and multiculturalism."

Two out of three ain't bad.

[WoodstockCat]

not true..press conference on right now..she's requested 40K..and has been promised as MANY as she needs..set up sheriffs from Michigan deputized in LA. for arrest; troops coming from Tenn and Ky

[Yaelle]

Bush's voice sounds very wavery. Is he beside himself? (Listening on radio, can't see TV)

[plushaye]

"What's really amazing -- There has been ZERO international sympathy, support or offer of aid to the U.S.?"

This is incorrect. I read Canada, Australia, UK, Japan are among many nations offering sympathy and help. Canada has been asked by the US and is ready to supply emergency medicines from the government stockpile. They are also sending search-and-rescue teams. I heard EU nations could also be willing to do something to help with the oil shortage.This is being considered a catastrophe that has global implications so many nations will help.

[Spktyr]

She's also not issued the proper authority for Federal assumption of command, and she's not issued the shoot-on-sight order that is desperately needed.

She looks like she's sucking lemons. Or is that the Klinton fake-sadness face?

[cgk]

Terry Ebbert, head of the city's emergency operations, warned that the slow evacuation at the Superdome had become an "incredibly explosive situation," and he bitterly complained that FEMA was not offering enough help. "This is a national emergency. This is a national disgrace," he said. "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."

More breakdown in the ranks. Terry Ebert is described elsewhere as 1:32 P.M. - New Orleans Homeland Security Chief Terry Ebbert calls FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina an embarrassment.

[daybreakcoming]

True, but you gotta admit Guiliana had a much more reassuring presence than the LA DEMOCRAT officials.They have missed chance after chance. This is not a time to be political but folks should remember how DEMOCRAT officials handle emergencies.They all but crawled into a hole.

[Willie Green]

Couldn't we have dropped a few pallets of MREs and water on the freeways where people are stuck?

Fly the stuff in with choppers and use the same choppers to fly some of the people out.
I'm beginning to think that the process is being slowed down by trying to keep things "organized". Perhaps it's time to just have the choppers drop 'em off anywhere outside the disaster area. Just pick a high-school football field in any unaffected community and trust that the people living there will help pitch in to provide relief. Spread the refugees out rather then trying to provide centralized "official" evacuation centers. There's plenty of time to get organized after everybody is safe.

[Rutles4Ever]

Gotcha. Thanks for your contributions here.