Superdome Evacuation Stopped After Shots Fired At Military Helicopter

[jazz lady]

You know, in the long run this may work out well for old NO. This is a perfect opportunity to rebuild the entire city infrastructure so that it drains better, is healthier, smells better (because no stagnant water in the pumping system) and has modern homes and workplaces. Sorry if this sounds callous to a beautiful and historic old city, but heck it's destroyed anyway, we may just as well make it the best possible when we fund the rebuilding (and you know we will).

In theory I agree, but my heart breaks for all that was lost and will never be the same. For me and I imagine thousands if not millions of other tourists, the attraction WAS its age and quaintness. There was nothing like wandering around the French Quarter looking at beautiful old buildings built in the 1700's. Strolling the cobblestone streets and listening to the clip-clop from the horse's hooves as carriages went slowly by. Taking the trolley to the Garden District, with its grand dames of architecture along streets lined with Live Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss. Dining al fresco at a restaurant on a wrought-iron balcony overlooking the cobblestone streets. Listening to great jazz on a hard bench at the un-airconditioned and unpretentious Preservation Hall and loving every second. It was like traveling back in time.

I enjoyed visiting the modern parts of the city. I went to The Top of the Mark with its rotating restaurant and spectacular vistas of the city. But chrome and steel don't do it for me. They have no soul. My time staying in the French Quarter is what I remember best, warts and all. I miss it already.

 

[Ken King]

I can't understand what is taking the military so long to react. How long does it take to load up a couple 130s or C5s and get them there. 10,000 national guard troops are ordered already, but in the meantime they've suspended rescue efforts because some paramedics/EMTs have been shot at, and rescuers in boats can't get anywhere without people trying to get in. Now it's been 3/4 days without clean water for alot of these people, I think they need to stop dicking around and move in to establish a little old fashioned fear, arm the paramedics, drop some rafts, water, and MREs to these people and stem some of the death and disease that is likely to happen.

Ever hear of Posse Comitatus? It takes an act of Congress or needs to be specifically authorized in the Constitution. I can't recall ever reading storm relief and police action being mentioned in the Constitution, so it is left to Congress to authorize their use. Well guess who is in recess?

 

[BuddyLee]

Well guess who is in recess?

How convenient. Does this leave it up to the president whose basically already stated that he'd do anything possible?

 

[Ken King]

How convenient. Does this leave it up to the president whose basically already stated that he'd do anything possible?

No, if the President was to do any such thing it would be a violation of law and would subject him to impeachment. This is strictly a function of Congress and why they haven't drug their butts back to the Hill is beyond me.

 

[PJay]

No, if the President was to do any such thing it would be a violation of law and would subject him to impeachment. This is strictly a function of Congress and why they haven't drug their butts back to the Hill is beyond me.

Earlier it was reported the President called them back.

 

[Ken King]

Earlier it was reported the President called them back.

It's got to be done right and our system is rarely built for speed, but you would think that the legislature could hussle a little more then what we are seeing as of now. Until then it's up to the States to step up and send their Guard, we know were a lot of them are already.

 

[jazz lady]

Congress to Vote on $10B Katrina Package

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050901/ap_on_go_co/katrina_congress

The Bush administration intends to seek more than $10 billion to cover immediate relief needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, congressional officials said Thursday, and lawmakers made plans to approve the request by the weekend.

...

We can expect three separate appropriations bills as we go through this recovery process," Cochran said. "Over half a billion dollars a day is being spent by FEMA."

It is not necessary for all members of Congress to interrupt their vacations to return to Washington to approve the funding. Several aides indicated the money would likely be approved without a roll call vote, a so-called "voice vote" practice often used when there is no dissent about a piece of legislation.

Looks like it's almost a done deal.

 

[Ken King]

Congress to Vote on $10B Katrina Package

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050901/ap_on_go_co/katrina_congress



Looks like it's almost a done deal.

All right

 

[Toxick]

This is strictly a function of Congress and why they haven't drug their butts back to the Hill is beyond me.

No doubt they are all personally down there with their sleeves rolled up, helping out.




Except for a few unnamed senators who think the flooding might be a good way to hide a body, or disguise the cause of death.

 

[Bogart]

I'm so heartbroken everytime I turn on the news and see my old neighborhood totally demolished. I used to live in Biloxi and would visit N.O. a lot. There are more gang members than you would think in the Big Easy. I ran into a few from time to time, but never had any problems. Having been through several hurricanes in my lifetime, I know what it's like to have nothing or close to nothing to return to; what it's like to be in a shelter for 3 days because I wasn't able to fill up my car with gas or because I was in the military and was helping man a shelter on base. I can sort of understand looting for things like water or diapers, but certainly not T.V's and such! I personally think that the rescue and restoration efforts are pretty much going as fast as they can be expected. Not having any water or power for weeks is frustrating, but camping out isn't that bad once you get used to it.
I just can't believe I was just there a few months ago visiting, playing roulette in the casinos and drinking hand grenades on Bourbon street! I can't believe my old house is gone. I just can't believe everything is just gone.

poor you

 

[RoseRed]

Good thing my folks moved up here from Mobile last November.

 

[Triggerfish]

If this was a third world backwards hole somewhere, I’d understand, but this is America, we’re supposed to be better than this.

Says who? Looting, rape, murder, etc happens all the time in this country as well as in many other nations.

 

[BuddyLee]

Says who?

The people of America. If we have the balls enough to boast we're the greatest country in the world we should back that up.

 

[Triggerfish]

The people of America. If we have the balls enough to boast we're the greatest country in the world we should back that up.

Well, the looters and rapists are people of America too and they don't seem to agree. This isn't an isolated incident.

 

[Triggerfish]

Sorry but all nations seem to have their share of "vultures" that loot and rape in chaotic situations. They find an opportunity and go for it.

 

[BuddyLee]

Well, the looters and rapists are people of America too and they don't seem to agree. This isn't an isolated incident.

Sorry, I didn't realize you added that later.

Being that this is an isolated incident it should explain as much. People, no matter where they are will come into conflict with each other. I don't think this is just something American.

 

[BuddyLee]

Sorry but all nations seem to have their share of "vultures" that loot and rape in chaotic situations. They find an opportunity and go for it.

Agreed! You cannot have the good without the bad in any situation.

 

[Triggerfish]

I don't think this is just something American.

That's what I mean, whether American. European, African, or Asian there are always vultures. I just found the first statement that I responded to a bit arrogant.

 

[Pete]

Agreed! You cannot have the good without the bad in any situation.

I agree in part, the ratio of good to bad it much better in a society where people are self sufficient, responsible and respectful. This is a result of years of conditioning to be "entitlement driven" and the norming of imoral behavior.

 

[BuddyLee]

I agree in part, the ratio of good to bad it much better in a society where people are self sufficient, responsible and respectful. This is a result of years of conditioning to be "entitlement driven" and the norming of imoral behavior.

I'll agree to that as well.