Katrina, I have to express my opinion

[Guest EDBSO]

I have just watched the Oprah show and am crying over the outrage that has and is occurring in and around New Orleans.

This is just my opinion:

If I do not maintain my car, truck or bus and cause an "accident" I will be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed!

The owner of an amusement park was recently arrested, charged, convicted and jailed for a very long time when due to lack of maintenance, a person was killed on a ride.

Why do we "forgive" and some <span style="font-style: italic">even defend</span> indifference and gross incompetence from our political leaders. Shouldn't they be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed? Or does the United States only arrest, charge, convict and jail foreign leaders?

I am not sorry if I have offended anyone or everyone. I am so, so very sorry for those poor souls in and around New Orleans who have and continue to suffered gross indignities and many died apparently as a result of gross government incompetence.

Respectfully submitted to my Reatta friends, Robert Fletcher

[Machiner 55]

No offense taken here. I'm with you on this one.

In our local paper we have what they refer to as "Quickly". Silly name but it makes for some very interesting reading. It's akin to the letters to the editor section but you don't have to submit your name , address or anything. It's an anonymous post.

Someone wrote in saying they were tired of all the Bush-bashing and that they should bring back public hangings in the town square for all of the "traitors"

(the Bush-bashers)

I responded by saying that would be OK with me so long as we were able to publicly hang all of the faciests as well. I even sent them a photo of a duel noose gallows (see attached). I've yet to see that one in print... maybe tomorrow. I'll let you know.

[progoofoff]

"Or does the United States only arrest, charge, convict and jail foreign leaders?"

I didn`t come here to read political statements and shouldn`t waste time answering.....but

No, we would do the same thing to deserters, if we could get them out of Canada.

[Rawja]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Someone wrote in saying they were tired of all the Bush-bashing and that they should bring back public hangings in the town square for all of the "traitors"</div></div>

It's appalling how many in this country lack even a rudimentary understanding of the principles on which this country and our constitution was founded upon. They "love America" but loathe the qualities that make America a place worthy of love.

...For those of you shopping early this year I wear a 15 1/2" collar, though I suppose 15 will do in a pinch.

[Machiner 55]

Oh happy Days! My rebuttal to the "Traitors" clip in "Quickly" was in print this morning. America... What a country!

But... I'd better be careful of my emails and mindful of those clicks I hear while I'm talking on the phone.

If anyone's interested, I'll take a 16".

[Vincent Vega]

Not a new problem. This was written in 1929 after the Mississippi floods of that year. The lyrics may sound familiar. Led Zeppelin covered the song in 1975.

Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good

Now, crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good

When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move.

Memphis Minnie McCoy

When the Levee Breaks

1929

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have just watched the Oprah show and am crying over the outrage that has and is occurring in and around New Orleans.

This is just my opinion:

If I do not maintain my car, truck or bus and cause an "accident" I will be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed!

The owner of an amusement park was recently arrested, charged, convicted and jailed for a very long time when due to lack of maintenance, a person was killed on a ride.

Why do we "forgive" and some <span style="font-style: italic">even defend</span> indifference and gross incompetence from our political leaders. Shouldn't they be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed? Or does the United States only arrest, charge, convict and jail foreign leaders?

I am not sorry if I have offended anyone or everyone. I am so, so very sorry for those poor souls in and around New Orleans who have and continue to suffered gross indignities and many died apparently as a result of gross government incompetence.

Respectfully submitted to my Reatta friends, Robert Fletcher </div></div>

My good friend Robert. I understand your opinion, your intentional statements without apology, and your respectful submission.

I recently wrote in another thread that this type of discussion was new for me here in the Reatta domain. Have been party to many such discussions on other forums, but not here. The destruction from Katrina is massive. The toll on local populations is yet truly unknown. The response(s) to the calamity have been inadequate for many and a catalyst for finger pointing and blame.

Some thoughts for the discussion. Government is typically an elected entity here in the states. Local, State, and Federal. Elected. Government heads are elected by the people to whom they are to serve. If an elected official is incompetent, or a scoundrel, then I suggest that those supporting voters are stakeholders in that unfortunate elective choice. Likewise, I believe that person's of adult age, can choose to live where they wish. If one chooses to live in a high risk area (defined as being below sea level on the coast) or (on the San Andreas fault line) or (in Northern cold climates where freezing temperatures are common during winter), then I believe a measure of preparedness responsibility belongs to those choosing those choices. If one further elects incompetent officials to oversee the localities, then some burden of pain rests with those decisions.

That is the philosophy. As an adult, one has responsibilities. Responsibilities to choose wisely for one's self and one's family. The role of government is defined by its proximity to the person, meaning local government has responsibility to the people of that location, state government has responsibility to persons of that state and Federal Government has responsibility to person's of that nation. The interconnection of each and the separate responsibilities of each can be complex in its analysis. Further, one's leanings (socialist, facist, liberal, conservative) greatly influence one's view on the roles that they personally feel the government should play at each intervening level.

At these times, when a crisis has struck, it is a reflection of the community represented, how they respond. It appears that communities (local and state) responded differently in the three primarily affected states (Louisianna, Mississippi, and Alabama). One valid question is "why?". I believe it was choices. Choices by those elected officials in those communities where they served. I feel pained by the loss and destruction caused by Katrina. I feel pained by the choices that individuals made that impacted their lives and family. I feel pained that so many pets and animals were lost due to the fury of Katrina. I feel pained that elected officials were unprepared for this disaster. I feel pained that some choose to "blame" others for not doing, to gain a political advantage.

I know however, that in my case, I have preparedness plans for a host of scenarios. That is my choice. I also know, that if the choice was to leave my dog or stay, we would have stayed, regardless of the consequences. It's about choices. I prepare. I choose. And I vote. Sometimes, the last choice is about more than you. We could not have left our dog behind. We would have stayed.

[manikmekanik]

TOUCHE, FLASH!

Well put, by a well-educated and well-spoken individual!

And to follow V.Vega's lyrical observation, I refer to Clapton...

Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself.

Those looking for blame are wasting precious time and resouces pointing fingers when they could actually help in some fashion. Yet, it seems these days, our TV influenced society has chosen to debate the blame issues, rather than act.

Panikmekanik and I are considering multiple "leaps of faith" in our quest to help others deal with the turmoil created by this disaster in thier lives. We hope to enlist others as well to:

Offer property they hold vacant for relocation of those who want to "escape to Wisconsin" (or northern IL), and offer them lease options, so they can find jobs, and buy the home they occupy. Initial payments would be LOWER than the present mortgage amount, the difference covered by the seller, from reserves, then repaid sellers thru purchase of the property. Charitable organizations will help support these folks 'till they can manage on their own. There are jobs here and millions of people who want to help any way they can.

Offer to those who proved to be credit worthy before the storm, no matter thier loss, new mortgages to buy a home. This is a real stretch for lenders, but a couple seem ready to take this step, due to the catastrophy.

Offer cars, donated locally for charity auction, to assist those coming to stay a while to get around for work search, and rebuild their lives, etc.

Clothes, food and hospitality are already here, and in the pipeline, with handfuls of trucks leaving throughout each day. Support is here, too.

Rather than looking for blame, or punishments, we all need to focus on relief for those affected. They generally don't care who's to blame, they are too busy trying to survive, and figure-out where the next meal, drink, or resting place will be. Many have no contact with lost family, let alone the rest of us, or they might say...

Quit whining about who's at fault and save us from this hell!

How would one of us feel if we needed help, and all anyone would do is b*t@h and moan about Who's to blame.

I refuse to attack/defend ANY political points made, deferring to help, rather than hinder, those in need.

TIME FOR EVERYONE TO "WALK THE WALK" AND STOP "TALKING THE TALK"

OUR CONSTITUTION PLACES PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE HANDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL, ERGO THE BLAME AS WELL. THAT'S ONE OF THE PRICES ATTACHED TO FREEDOM.

TIME FOR US ALL TO PAY OUR DUES. WORK TO FREE THESE SOULS FROM DESPAIR.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, BUT EARNED FOR US ALL EVERY DAY BY THE FEW WHO DEFEND OR SUPPORT IT.

[Guest EDBSO]

Your considered responses, pro and con were as unexpected as this evening's sunset.

Flash, would love to continue this discussion over a bottle or two of wine. To the silent majority I hope that you are thinking because as Vincent Vega says <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not a new problem. </div></div> Not a unique problem either, many other people and areas are at risk and poorly prepared. FEMA and the rest have known for years that events would unfold exactly as they have in New Orleans. The studies have all been done, now is the time for action.

Do we want to change things?

<span style="font-style: italic">10 days later and there are still dead Americans in the streets. I am speechless.</span>

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Flash, would love to continue this discussion over a bottle or two of wine. </div></div>

Robert,

And we shall.

Please be forewarned that as we partake of the fermented fruit, my belief and adamancy of my correct position becomes even more staunchly entrenched. ;-] (especially by the second bottle.)

More seriously; you have every right to be apalled at the aftermath, and I for one appreciate your willingness to put forth the discussion.

[Jibby]

Ahhh, tired here... but lem'me speak on 'dis.

As you all may or may not know, FEMA cannot get involved in a "disaster area" until the particular state, in which it happened, gives FEMA, permission to do so. It's the age-old, states rights versus federal rights, discussion. Unfortunately, they could not become legally involved, until the Governers of those particular states, gave them the okay, to do so. I'm not implicating the state or federal goverments, in gross negligence, because quite frankly, we all know how slow, any government acts, on anything. Whether it be municiple, county, state, or federal.

But, in any event, as has been said, let us put aside blame, until a later date, when we can fully realize, who is responsible, for any gross negligence.

As for rising gas prices, as had been discussed, in earlier threads:

<span style="font-weight: bold">Tri-State News, Tuesday, September 6, 2005

<span style="font-style: italic">Governers Ask for Oil Profiteering Prevention</span></span>

Apparently, the Governers, of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Wisconsin, have asked President Bush, "to make sure that oil companies are not profiting, at the expense of Americans, during the devastating crisis, that has struck the Gulf region, and is further increasing oil prices."

Rendell, Pennsylvania's Governer, "has outlined a second set of emergency actions that [this] commonwealth is taking, to protect consumers, conserve fuel, and assist victims of the hurricane, in [specifically] Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama."

The joint letter, to Bush, has asked the president, to "move swiftly to cap corporate oil profits and strictly prosecute any violation of federal anti-trust laws, and take all possible actions to protect Americans against profiteering."

Just so that you all know, Exxon-Mobile's profits increased 32 percent to 7.64 billion dollars, from April-June. Royal Dutch Shell, a 34 percent increase, in second-quarter profits, alone.

If I'm not mistaken, and I may be, isn't a 7 percent profit, <span style="font-style: italic">a year</span>, the normal profit that most companies make?

The Sunoco station, near me, is being investigated for price gouging, and I know the reason why. I happen to know for a fact, that the station has three tanks. 94 Octane, Diesel, and 87 Octane.

Under this premise, people, <span style="font-style: italic">for years</span>, have been paying for 89 or 93, and getting 87.

Sound familiar? If not, maybe you should check your local gas station, or ask around, to people, who are "in the know", about these things.

Two Atlantic City, NJ stations are being cited, for price gouging. A Getty and a Lukeoil station, have been cited as the culprits. Both on Route 30, in Atlantic City. They had commited the same crime, as the station, by me. Selling 89 and 93, for the posted price, when the consumer was getting 87.

I wondered why I was getting crappy gas mileage, from the gas, that I purchased at that station. Even the 94, isn't up to par... it's probably 87, as well.

[Guest kennyw]

someone put the blame here. I read it and was a little upset. Go and read for yourself...........http://www.thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline

[Hank]

Update from Biloxi Ms. Please excuse me but i do not want to address the problem in New Orleans as it happened after the passage of the Hurricane.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast took the brunt of the right foreward quadrant and there was total devastation south of the East-west Railroad tracks that are on the average 1000-2000 feet north of the beach. North of that damage runs the whole gamut from Minor to devastation . and as the news is concentrating on new orleans you should relly see the miracle of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as of today power has been restored to over 65% of the area, we got power sunday. the relief supplies are here. in abundance I have seen emergency vehicles from florida to canada to california. working. and there is a spirit of we can make it from the affluent to the most destatute.People actually stop at stop signs. and as soon as power is restored businesses are opening to assist their neighbors. The banks are opening and cashing checks, vouchers, and defering payments to all. Blame ? there may be a goat appear to take the blame but we as citizens must take most of it as we dont really want to listen to big brother government tell us how to live our lives until 30 minutes after the storm hits. Enough rant but if you want the positive response story insist that your local media spend a little time in Biloxi, Gulport, and other coastal Mississippi cities. Where there are thousands of hereos and responders. Hank, The old Hurricane Hunter and Local Civil Defense Director retired.

[luftweg]

Since last week, I tried 3 times to volunteer for two weeks to help with the Red Cross, but still have not heard back from them...

I just graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy, am a registered grad intern, have Red Cross CPR training and various physical exam skills...

I have a CDL to drive trucks and transport buses...

Isn't there some way they could use my service?

I can't donate money, as I am studying for my board exams, and have not started my job yet....

frustrated,

K

[Rawja]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As you all may or may not know, FEMA cannot get involved in a "disaster area" until the particular state, in which it happened, gives FEMA, permission to do so. It's the age-old, states rights versus federal rights, discussion. </div></div>

Not much to discuss, The Governor did so on Saturday 8/27.

Here's a link to the press release:

http://www.gov.state.la.us/Press_Release_detail.asp?id=976

[Machiner 55]

Thanks for jogging my memory. Was it Zep's ZOSO album?

[Machiner 55]

Thanks for the links.

Between this link http://www.gov.state.la.us/Press_Release_detail.asp?id=976

and this one of a timeline of events posted by kennyw http://www.thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline

only the blind would be unable to see who dropped the ball. Factual data of who knew what and when they knew it overides emotional rhetoric every time.

[Guest kennyw]

If anything got my attention it was RICE buying shoes. Talk about fiddling while Rome burned! I am also glad to see someone used my link......ken

http://www.thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline

[Guest imported_Flash]

Is there a politician to blame for the critical stabbing of a 10 month old baby today in New York?

Or is the person responsible the one who did the stabbing?

Or maybe a mental health system administrator?

Or....Schumer? Hillary? no no, it has to be W's fault. Or Rice's for buying shoes. I'll check with Michael Moore's website.......he'll know the truth.

[Machiner 55]

The excerpt below is from a Newsweek article that can be read here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9179587/site/newsweek/

Washington, too, was slow to react to the crisis. The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, was reluctant for the military to take a lead role in disaster relief, a job traditionally performed by FEMA and by the National Guard, which is commanded by state governors. President Bush could have "federalized" the National Guard in an instant. That's what his father, President George H.W. Bush, did after the Los Angeles riots in 1992. Back then, the Justice Department sent Robert Mueller, a jut-jawed ex-Marine (who is now FBI director), to take charge, showing, in effect, that the cavalry had arrived. FEMA's current head, Michael Brown, has appeared over his head and even a little clueless in news interviews. He is far from the sort of take-charge presence New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani conveyed after 9/11.

Up to now, the Bush administration has not hesitated to sweep aside the opinions of lawyers on such matters as prisoners' rights. But after Katrina, a strange paralysis set in. For days, Bush's top advisers argued over legal niceties about who was in charge, according to three White House officials who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. Beginning early in the week, Justice Department lawyers presented arguments for federalizing the Guard, but Defense Department lawyers fretted about untrained 19-year-olds trying to enforce local laws, according to a senior law-enforcement official who requested anonymity citing the delicate nature of the discussions.

While Washington debated, the situation in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast deteriorated.

[Guest EDBSO]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a politician to blame for the critical stabbing of a 10 month old baby today in New York? [color:\\"blue\\"] Perhaps

Or is the person responsible the one who did the stabbing? [color:\\"blue\\"] Likely

Or maybe a mental health system administrator? [color:\\"blue\\"] could be, probably more likely

Or....Schumer? Hillary? [color:\\"blue\\"] Who is Hillary? Is she the "we are the President" person from several years ago? no no, it has to be W's fault [color:\\"blue\\"]The depreciating buck does stop "here". . Or Rice's for buying shoes. I'll check with Michael Moore's website.......he'll know the truth. [color:\\"blue\\"]Someone has spiked your fermented grape juice, do not drive, DO NOT operate heavy equipment </div></div>

[color:\\"green\\"] Seriously now; I think that most people have failed to catch my point. I do not want to discuss events during or after Katrina, we have to discuss events before Katrina. Decisions were made years ago not to do a proper job on the sinking levies. Even when the money was allocated it was taken away at a later date.

Conscious decisions were made at the federal level to cut back on the funding for the levies. Taxation levels were cut across the country while economists screamed that they were unaffordable and the gov't budget was already in a deficit position. Deficits went farther through the roof or floor if you choose. Recently the new energy measure gives billions in tax breaks to oil companies. WTF!

[color:"purple"]If you read only one thing read this. Imagine that you are firth generation black poor Cajun resident in New Orleans. Your combined household income for the 5 wage earners is less than you or I pay in taxes. You car is 22 years old and hasn't run in 8 years but is comfortable to sleep in. Politically you are powerless. Economically you are powerless. You are poor, black, invisible and powerless.

FEMA, the Federal, City and State Governments and anyone with a pulse and 1/4 of a brain knew for certain that when (not if) a force 3 or larger storm comes the levies will be breached and the city will be drowned. These events have been predicted very, accurately. The devastation has followed a FEMA script almost exactly as it was predicted years and years ago. They also knew that a large number of disadvantaged (read POOR BLACK) people would die! People in positions of power chose to do not enough. Levy budget money was clawed back and given to oil companies. This is where most of my rage is coming from. They knew about the danger YEARS AGO and did not do near enough.

The poor black man couldn't afford to move before, during or after Katrina.

Back to our poor black residents. They did not have the ability evacuate. They could not afford a bus ride or hotel accommodation when evacuated. This was accurately predicted years ago in numerous reports and NOTHING WAS DONE. Here is where the tragedy and my rage is.

The black under privileged people are so poor that many refused helicopter rescue because they thought they would have to pay for it and they couldn't afford to begin to pay for it.

If a loaded gun is left in the open a crime is committed. If an obviously dangerous situation is not addressed by politicians on all sides then I also believe there has been a crime committed. The New Orleans crime has been decades in the making it is not a partisan Fema, City, State or Federal problem that started Monday August 29, 2005. The crime of negligence has been committed over the past years and decades. All knew that studies accurately predicted that the local indigenous poor black population couldn't evacuate and they chose to do next to nothing to prevent this crime/disaster.

The American infrastructure is deteriorating and the new energy measure STILL gives billions in tax breaks to the poor starving oil companies. WTF!

And now there are 25,000 body bags in new Orleans...as accurately predicted.

[Rawja]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a politician to blame for the critical stabbing of a 10 month old baby today in New York?</div></div>

If there was a Politician who had days and days notice of the up-coming stabbing, saw the stabbing as it was covered moment by moment on national television, and <span style="font-style: italic"> THEN</span> let the baby lay outside without care for a few days, again all while on national television, then still probably not.

But on the other hand, if that politician had an actual department under their command charged with rapid-response for the protection and care of babies, for argument's sake let's call it the post-[color:\\"red\\"]<span style="font-weight: bold">F</span>etal [color:\\"red\\"]<span style="font-weight: bold">E</span>mergency [color:\\"red\\"]<span style="font-weight: bold">M</span>anagement [color:\\"red\\"]<span style="font-weight: bold">A</span>gency that then let the baby lay there for days on end while the nation watched in horror, definitely.

...and no amount of spin, buck-passing, or bringing up what you consider to be "liberal boogey-men" is going to change that.

[ALF1]

<span style="font-style: italic">This is a post I made earlier this week in the Miscellaneous Chat (nee Rants 'n' Raves) section:</span>

<span style="font-style: italic">Newsweek</span> magazine, no longer the liberal publication it once was, really took off on the administration in this week's issue. Quotes from its ConventionalWisdomWatch:

<span style="font-weight: bold">DOWN ARROW for Bush: "Late, lackadaisical and largely oblivious to the enormity of the mess. It's a competence thing."

DOWN ARROW for Homeland Security: "Four years after 9/11, what happens in an emergency? No food, no medical aid, no law. Do you feel safer?"

DOWN ARROW for Hastert: "House speaker says 'it doesn't make sense' to spend money to rebuild the Big Easy. Thanks for your support."

DOWN ARROW for Congress: "After cutting funds pre-Katrina to fix New Orleans' levees, it's set to pass another huge tax cut for superrich. Typical."

UP ARROW for Rescuers: "While bureaucrats dithered, those who stayed on the front lines performed a thousand acts of heroism."</span>

...And the rich get richer, while the poor get bused to Texas.

<span style="font-weight: bold">-- ALF</span>

[Rawja]

I was typing my reply above when you posted, EDBSO.

You bring up excellent points. Unfortunately in today's America we are heading in the opposite direction from addressing the issues of race and poverty, and there is a growing segment of our country that views poverty as some sort of character flaw, and can't see the writing on the wall for themselves.

Poverty is up both numerically and as a precentage.

Income Disparity is WAY up.

Working wages are not keeping up with inflation.

The middle class is shrinking.

Union membership declining.

And bankruptcy ain't gonna save the middle class from crushing unforseen debts anymore.

Not so worrisome when it's "them" but at this rate soon it will be us, and it'll be too late.

[Jibby]

Links, Links, Links...

Hank: You're right, in my not-so-humble opinion.

Luftweg: I have no idea, why the Red Cross, is ignoring you, nor do I care to speculate... but that is jacked up...

Rawja: Apparently,the Governor of Louisiana, did her job. So the "blame", now moves up the ladder. In fact, she did so, in an extremely professional, and competent, fashion. Thanks for the factual information, because they hardly ever tell you about this stuff, in the newspapers, up here... or even on TV for those who don't read. If they did, I most likely missed it.

88ReattaJohn: I agree completely, and although, Rudy Giuliani, may not be the nicest guy, he knows how to get things done, when they need to be gotten done. I didn't like him, at first, but I understand him, now... after 9/11/2001. I was there, I saw... I still have nightmares...

EDBSO: I agree, and 25,000 body bags, is not cool.

ALF1: That's just (bleeped) up! At least Newsweek, is getting a little less liberal, and straying towards the middle-ground, where any news publication should be... in my <span style="font-style: italic">opinion</span>.

Rawja: I remember, when I was impoverished, and I understand how these people feel, how they're treated, and also, how nearly impossible it is, to get back on one's feet, unless someone helps.

[Machiner 55]

Poverty is up both numerically and as a percentage.

[color:\\"blue\\"] Just heard a report today that for the fourth straight year in a row there was an increase in the percentage of the population living under the poverty level.

Income Disparity is WAY up.

[color:\\"blue\\"] CEO's earnings are, on average, 434 times higher than the hourly employees earnings in the companies they preside over and are increasing

Working wages are not keeping up with inflation.

[color:\\"blue\\"] Example: I'm making about $2.00 more an hour than I was in 1990. That's 15 years ago! Our last five year contract expires in October. It's gonna be one cold winter standing around those barrel burners. Everything goes up but our wages.

The middle class is shrinking.

[color:\\"blue\\"] Corporations and muli-nationals are forcing American workers in a wage "race to the bottom". Manufacturing jobs, the kind with living wages and decent benefits are being exported to any country that can offer the lowest cost per unit without offering those third worlders the wages and benefits once enjoyed by Americans. The rich get richer (and want more) and the rest move on to service sector jobs. (Want fries with that?)

Union membership declining.

[color:\\"blue\\"] It's not because people don't want to work in Union enviroments. The manufacturing base is in decline. (See above statement)

And bankruptcy ain't gonna save the middle class from crushing unforseen debts anymore.

[color:\\"blue\\"] Thanks to the businessmen running our government, the safety net of last resort has been mangled.

Not so worrisome when it's "them" but at this rate soon it will be us, and it'll be too late.

[color:\\"red\\"] I sat here for over a half an hour typeing out a response to this last one then I deleted it. To those who understand what is meant by that last statement there's no need to explain or expand on it. For the others I'd just be wasting my breath.

[color:\\"purple\\"] On another note, I offer a timeline from the past.

Keep in mind while reading it that this was accomplished in a time when the telegraph was the state of the art in communications technology. Also keep in mind that the catrastrophe was a complete surprise as there was no way to predict the earthquake event.

For Comparison, 100 years ago:

April 18, 1906

San Francisco was wrecked by a Great Earthquake at 5:13 a.m., and then destroyed by the seventh Great Fire that burned for four days. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of trapped persons died when South-of-Market tenements collapsed as the ground liquefied beneath them. Most of those buildings immediately caught fire, and trapped victims could not be rescued. Reevaluation of the 1906 data, during the 1980s, placed the total earthquake death toll at more than 3,000 from all causes. Damage was estimated at $500,000,000 in 1906 dollars.

All telephone and telegraph communications stopped within the city, although some commercial telegraph circuits to New York and to India, via the Pacific cable at the Ocean Beach, remained in temporary operation.

A messenger arrived at Ft. Mason at 6:30 a.m. with orders from Gen. Funston to send all available troops to report to the mayor at the Hall of Justice.

First army troops from Fort Mason reported to Mayor Schmitz at the Hall of Justice around 7 a.m.

At 8 a.m., the 10th, 29th, 38th, 66th, 67th, 70th and 105th Companies of Coast Artillery, Troops I and K of the 14th Cavalry and the First, Ninth and 24th Batteries of Field Artillery arrived Downtown to take up patrol.

Seventy-five soldiers from Companies C and D, Engineer Corps were assigned to the Financial District at 8 a.m., and another 75 along Market from Third Street to the City Hall at Grove and Larkin streets.

A major aftershock struck at 8:14 a.m., and caused the collapse of many damaged buildings. There was much panic.

At 10 a.m. Headquarters and First Battalion 22nd Infantry, were brought from Ft. McDowell by boat, and were held for a time in reserve at O?Farrell St. They were later utilized as patrols and to assist the fire department.

At about 10:05 a.m. the DeForest Wireless Telegraph Station at San Diego radioed press reports of the disaster at San Francisco to the "U.S.S. Chicago." Admiral Caspar Goodrich immediately ordered fires started under all boilers, and after a confirmation message from the Mayor of San Diego, the "Chicago" steamed at full speed for San Francisco. It was the first time wireless telegraphy was used in a major natural disaster.

At 10:30 a.m., the "U.S.S. Preble" from Mare Island, under the command of Lt. Frederick Newton Freeman, landed a hospital shore party at the foot of Howard St. to help the wounded and dying who sought help at Harbor Emergency Hospital.

Fort Miley troops, the 25th and 64th Companies Coast Artillery, arrived at 11:30 a.m.

St. Mary?s Hospital at First and Bryant sts. was abandoned to the fire at 1 p.m. Patients were loaded aboard the ferryboat "Modoc" and taken to Oakland.

Entire area in the Financial District, behind the Hall of Justice, was on fire by 1 p.m.

Dynamiting of buildings around the U.S. Mint at Fifth and Mission streets began at 2:30 p.m.

U.S. Army Signal Corps established Ferry Building telegraph operations at 3 p.m.

Mayor Schmitz appointed the Committee of Fifty at 3 p.m. at the Hall of Justice. The mayor also said:

"Let it be given out that three men have already been shot down without mercy for looting. Let it also be understood that the order has been given to all soldiers and policemen to do likewise without hesitation in the cases of any and all miscreants who may seek to take advantage of the city?s awful misfortune."

The Mayor appointed ex-Mayor James Phelan to head the Relief Committee.

Mayor Schmitz, at 8 p.m., was still confident that a good part of downtown could be saved. Unfortunately a possible arsonist set fire to the Delmonico Restaurant in the Alcazar Theatre Building on O?Farrell near Stockton, and that blaze burned into Downtown and to Nob Hill.

War Department received a telegram from Gen. Funston at 8:40 p.m., Pacific Coast time, that asked for thousands of tents and all available rations. Funston placed the death toll at 1000.

Firefighters attempted to make a stand at 9 p.m. along Powell St. between Sutter and Pine, but it was unsuccessful in keeping the fire from sweeping up Nob Hill.

April 19, 1906

Governor Pardee arrived in Oakland at 2 a.m. He was supposed to arrive three hours earlier, but his train was stalled because of sinking of the track in the Susuin marshes. The governor said he would declare a bank holiday today.

Secretary of War Taft at 4 a.m. ordered 200,000 rations sent to San Francisco from the Vancouver Barracks.

Secretary Taft ordered all hospital, wall and conical tents sent to San Francisco from army posts at Vancouver; Forts Douglas, Logan, Snelling, Sheridan and Russell, from San Antonio and the Presidio of Monterey.

Secretary Taft wired Gen. Funston at 4:55 a.m. that all tents in the U.S. Army were en route to San Francisco.

176 prisoners moved from city prison to Alcatraz.

"U.S.S. Chicago" arrived in San Francisco Bay at 6 p.m.

The Great Fire reached Van Ness Avenue during the evening. The army dynamited mansions along the street in an attempt to build a fire break. Demolition to stop the fire was ordered by Colonel Charles Morris of the Artillery Corps.

April 20, 1906

The fire burned as far as Franklin St. by 5 a.m., then attempted to circle south.

At the foot of Van Ness Avenue, 16 enlisted men and two officers from the "U.S.S. Chicago" supervised the rescue of 20,000 refugees fleeing the Great Fire. It was the largest evacuation by sea in history, and probably as large as the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II.

[color:\\"red\\"] On the page I got the 1906 timeline from, there was a copy of the current timeline above it (the one that was posted earlier in the Reatta site) .The following are comments posted by readers of the above post about the <span style="font-weight: bold">current</span> timeline not the <span style="font-weight: bold">1906</span> timeline. I just thought they were interesting.

Chickenma1 @ 09/08/05 12:19:05

"Under the primate second-circuit sociobiological rules, everybody tends to lie a little, to flatter or to evade displeasure, when exchanging signals with those above them in the pack hierarchy."

"Every authoritarian structure can be visualised as a pyramid with an eye at the top. This is the typical flow-chart of any government, any corporation, any Army, any bureaucracy, any mammalian pack. On each rung, participants bear a burden of nescience in relation to those above them. That is, they must be very, very careful that the natural sensory activities of being conscious organisms?the acts of seeing, hearing, smelling, drawing inferences from perception etc, are in accord with the reality-tunnel of those above them . This is absolutely vital; pack status (and "job security") depends on it. It is much less important?a luxury that can easily be discarded?that these perceptions be in accord with objective fact.

As Paul Watzlawick notes, that which is objectively repressed (unspeakable) soon becomes subjectively repressed (unthinkable). Nobody likes to feel like a coward and a liar constantly. It is easier to cease to notice where the official tunnel-reality differs from existential fact . Thus the SNAFU accelerates and rigiditus bureaucraticus sets in?the last stage before all brain activity ceases and the pyramid is clinically dead as an intellectual entity.

We also propose that "national security" is another semantic spook, an Empedoclean knot; that the search for national security is the chief cause of national insecurity and a potent anti-intelligence mechanism."

Robert Anton Wilson, from Prometheus Rising

Darios @ 09/08/05 13:00:09

Never read any RAW, but that quote is pretty good.

Shogo @ 09/08/05 13:41:45

Cluster [@!#!$] klus? ter fuk n pejorative 1. Unofficial military terminology for a notable or conspicuous lack of organization in a situation that requires it, particularly in combat, generally attributed to an overabundance of officers; "cluster" is a reference to the oak-leaf cluster military insignia worn by Majors and Lieutenant Colonels in the US Army. 2. By extension, any large operation, especially by a government, that is both conspicuous and noticeably disorganized.

I?d say this qualifies, on a number of levels.

[Howard]

In my years here on the forum, I don't think there has been thread like this that has lasted this long. It's not about our cars, but about our country (for some, a near country). Everybody including myself has been placing blame on the feds, the state, or NO itself. OK for fun (not really a good word considering the events of the last ten days) lets hear what YOU, the forum group, would have done differently before, during and afterwards? Remember, before answering, make your descisons based on real facts, not what you wish things were like. Lets play the SIMS game. What would you have done? When would you have done it, what are the total picture consequences (for every action there is an opposite and opposing reaction). Run the local goverment, run the state government, hey I just elected you President! In addition, mention has been made about the poor, how would you solve that issue. I think we will all find, it is not as easy as it seems. All in all, this should be interesting. Ok guys, fix the country! Remember how the preamble to the Constitution starts, "We the People". As an unrelated side note, on this day 105 years ago, a major hurricane struck the City of Galveston, Texas. Between 4000-12000 people were killed. Up to this point, the worst loss of life in a weather related disaster in American history. One of the first "on site" movies ever made was taken by none other then the inventor of motion pictures, Thomas Edison. He went to see the horror a few days after the event. That film is still perseved.

[Machiner 55]

I know you want a serious discussion on this topic but right now I can't help myself.

If I were that Charlie Brown fellow heading up FEMA I'd have been sweating bullets in the days preceding the disaster. I'd have followed up on Governor Blanco's Request (plea) to declare a state of emergency.

(look here) >>> http://www.gov.state.la.us/Press_Release_detail.asp?id=976

and tapped every resource available at my command. Not just sit on my hands as it appears he did.... You know.... seeing as how hindsight is always 20/20, this exercise is, at least to me, pointless.

Time to get serious now.

All I can tell you is that I belive in preparedness. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best was the catch phrase back in the Y2K hey-day. And I took it to heart. I spent around $5000.00 in Y2K "preps". 9000 watt generator, Insulated Gen-shed to house it, transfer switch to isolate my home from the utilities, stocked food and ways to preserve it. Barrels for potable water. 450 gallons of gasoline to run the gen. 100 gallons of kerosene for the two kerosene heaters. Extra chord wood. Medical kit including "nuclear thyroid tablets". A well kit and pump. Two shotguns, a rifle, a 9mm, a 32cal. "pea shooter" and enough ammo to supply a small army for a month. A stack of gold coins to put in a hidden safe etc... etc... etc....

I did this in the months <span style="font-style: italic">preceding</span> the end of the last millennium. I didn't wait till two or three days after the date change to do something about what <span style="font-weight: bold">might</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold">might not </span> be coming. I tried to err on the side of caution. I didn't want me or my family to suffer or be part of the problem if things went to he** in a hand basket. (My wife loved me for it.) I did what I think "Flash" is alluding to in an earlier post and that is being personally responsible for ones own well being. As you might gather from my Y2k preps I whole heartedy agree. But.... in the case of Katrina. There were people in that area that didn't, for whatver reason, have the wherewithall (SP) or the finances to make preparations or even leave. And because of this situation it was OK to let them suffer, and or, die? I think not! It is the duty and responsibility of the appropriate government agencies to help take care of those in our society that again, for what ever reason, can't take care of them selves. This is what civilized societies do (or are supposed to do). God helps those who help themselves and the government picks up the slack.

All those suffering people, be they white black rich or poor, at the end of the day, are still people.

One more thing. I don't keep on about this subject because I'm looking for someone to blame (although it would be nice to see some of those I feel are responsible hang) it's because I simply need to know WHY! it happened the way it did. Because:

1.) It really didn't have to play out the way it did and,

2.) It's my nature to figure out why things don't work right and to find a way to make it so they do. That is my purpose. to fix things. Be it machines at work, the furnace in the basement, the car in the garage, women (that's a tuffy), disaster preparedness and response, you name it. I need to know how it works. Especially if it isn't currently working correctly. I just need to know, that's all.

There's more but, I'm tired.

[Guest Greg Ross]

Howard,

By birth and nationality I wouldn't qualify for your challenge but I'll tell you, sleeping beside the elephant has never been more disconcerting!

I/ we generally believe, George Dubyah is a raging idiot, and I hope we collectively survive his second term.

Now, to happened on the Gulf Coast. I have friends there, and my family has close friends there. And I know Roberts' frustration, I cried too. What is most disconcerting is the lack of regard for human welfare. You attempted to wipe out the Native American popupation while creating a Nation and now it appears Black Americans are in your sights and this is destroying your Nation. Creating the welfare state, as reservations did and now ghettos do doesn't solve this problem.

I think we're supposed to learn from history.

Arn't we?

Greg Ross

[Rawja]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">lets hear what YOU, the forum group, would have done differently before, during and afterwards?</div></div>

As John stated, hindsight being 20/20 means that each of us would probably recount a 21st Century version of the tale of the reaction to the 1906 San Fransisco earthquake, with lightning quick reactions and the absolute minimum loss of life and human suffering.

This is however, only the most recent culmination of the series of (and I'm choosing my words carefully here) decisions by the leadership of our country, and merely stating that you'd have a competant head of FEMA is but the pointiest tip of the iceberg.

So, from the beginning (and hopefully without rancor):

I wouldn't have enacted ANY of the rounds of tax cuts. They were unnesessary, fiscally reckless and completely structured to benefit only those at the top. The touted $300.00 relief that the "middle class" got was in effect a loan, which you'll be paying back with interest. I say this as someone who is fortunate enough to have been among those disproportionately compensated by these tax cuts, so either I'm a total idiot or maybe, just maybe I love my country and my fellow Americans enough to see that it is appropriate for me to contribute my "fair share" towards the operational costs of our great land.

I wouldn't have ingnored the previous administrations' warnings about al-Queda, the 8/6/01 PDB, the various "hair on fire" intellegance agencies, etc. that resulted in 9/11. And if that wasn't enough and 9/11 still happened, I would have committed all the resources necessary to make Afghanistan a "showplace" of the military, economic and moral might of the United States of America.

Iraq: wouldn't have happened, period.

Critical departments would be headed by qualified individuals, not cronies. Big contributors/cronies generally get made ambassador to Bermuda or somesuch, not put in charge of critical departments, and now we all see why.

The result of the above descisions would have allowed for the levee's bolstering program to have continued without being unceremoniously halted and quite possibly have avoided the submersion of the city. It would have allowed more of our national guard resources to be available, more of our "regular" armed forces to be available, and would have possibly avoided at least some of the death and suffering visited on the gulf coast and would allow for a quick response to what damage did occur.

By the way, we've all been concentrating on New Orleans (and rightfully so) but the other areas hit have also been devastated, have also experienced the lack of response from FEMA, and as a result have had avoidable deaths and suffering due to governmental negligence. White, middle class people like (I assume) most of you all.

When the bankruptcy bill (which basically takes away the ability of the middle class to go into chapter 7 bankruptcy) was making its rounds in congress, a rider was introduced to exempt those wiped out by a natural disaster. It failed. That is yet another shoe that will drop as a result of this disaster.

Come to think of it, a better analogy would be an octopus wearing shoes as the reverberations of this disaster and the descisions that have been made will continue for a long, long time and will affect millions in many unexpected (unless you've been paying attention) ways.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20, but foresight, even imperfect foresight has value, and what we are experiencing is the result of a complete lack thereof.

Before you write me off as just a "Bush-hater" think about the substance of what is being said. I've chosen my words carefully and tried my best to keep this post free of invective. I owe all that I am to the opportunities that America provides the motivated and intelligent. The leadership of this country is <span style="font-style: italic">actively</span> acting against the interests of the <span style="font-style: italic">people</span> of this land. I include Democrats in this statement. We need to get informed, and I'm not talking about watching TV news, I mean actually informed and engaged in the political process.

Who's really to blame? Ultimately It's us. We have allowed the ruling class to distract us with petty "culture war" politics while they loot the treasury, and again I include Democrats as complicit in the crimes committed against the people whether by action or inaction as the case may be.

In a gesture of goodwill I'll even forgo my irritating (for some) sigpic for this post.

[Machiner 55]

Awsome!

[Guest imported_Flash]

Rawja,

1st, I appreciate your carefully chosen words, and even more appreciate your not posting the irrating image at the bottom of it. If your sentiments are against the decision makers of both major parties as stated, then you did a disservice to your cause by posting the image that appeared to mock one member of one party, in the earlier posts.

To the other above posters;

Many good points have been made. The decisions preceeding this castrophe certainly seem questionable in hindsight. I am a believer (as correctly interpreted above) in personal preparedness and responsibility. I do not understand "5th generation poor". I believe that family, then neighbors, then community, then state, then federal government is the correct safety net system. I do not see any problem with the response of thousands of Americans to this tragedy. I've seen images of hundreds of volunteers wanting and trying to help. With boats, trailers, busses, medical supplies and so on. People from many communities not affected by this tragedy, just wanting to help. They are from all races, political ideologies, and religious foundations. This is the true story.

Regarding the decision makers and their decisions preceeding this disaster. Again they were elected. Often by those who were impacted by their decisions. As adults, you have responsibilities to be informed. If you choose to elect officials who regard you as expendable, then you share in those decisions. I simply do not understand 5th generation poor. We have a public eductaion system in this country. History is full of examples of individuals from very meager beginnings, making a living and rising above their poverty. History is full of examples of peolple who left their countries to work under very hard conditions to escape a worst poverty of their homeland. We, today, have thousands (some would say millions) of people trying to gain access to this "miserable" nation, so that they can have a chance. A chance in the system that has been alluded to here as abusive, intollerent, non-representative, exploitational, and a host of other adjectives.

Should we choose to drop the politics from this discussion and review the thousands of selfless acts of compassion, giving, helping hands from accross this nation and the world, we would discover a truly remarkable thing happening. People caring for their fellow man. Regardless of how they voted.

[Guest EDBSO]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">lets hear what YOU, the forum group, would have done differently before, during and afterwards? </div></div>

This quilt shows staggering statistics for Handgun Murders for 1992:

? Japan 60

? Canada 128

? USA 13,220

Is this a cultural difference? This quilt was made in 1995 and it won a Judge's Recognition Merit Award in 1996 from the Eastern Long Island Quilt Guild.

I am privileged to know the artist.

Lets start today, right now by <span style="font-weight: bold"> destroying all the guns.</span>

[padgett]

Well two things:

1) I was assigned to New Orleans for almost two years and decided I did not want to live there. Hotel I used to stay at in East New Orleans(and went through Jeanie there) is now under eight feet of water.

2) When we had our current home built in Orlando I made sure it was situated on high but protected ground and with good drainage. Those things are important around here.

Given the fact that New Orleans is sinking (when the city was first built it was above sea level and the levees were first constructed to contain the Mississippi flood waters), what happened is not surprising and has been predicted for years ( 2001 ). This is only going to get worse.

So the real question is not how to rebuild but whether to rebuild. It might be best to rebuild the city on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain where the land is a bit higher and firmer.

It is going to be interesting to see what the insurance companies do. If they declare New Orleans "uninsurable" that would be the end.

[Jibby]

Well, another two things...

1) EDBSO: If we destroy all the guns, what will we do about the people who have <span style="font-style: italic">illegal</span> guns, that are <span style="font-style: italic">illegally</span> imported. I don't hunt, because there is no point, <span style="font-style: italic">for me</span>, to kill a defenseless animal. I don't carry, for the purpose of having a gun. I carry, because it is necessary. I stopped an armed robbery in Virginia, with my personal protection piece. If I didn't have it, 6 people might be dead, right now, and that includes myself. Now, hypothetically, if we had no firearms, how would we protect ourselves from dangerous animals, like a raging bear? Would we just poke him with a stick, and hope he went away? Would we fill him, like a pin cushion, with arrows, or bolts, and hope he doesn't become more enraged, and tear us to shreds? Would we hope that the police... who, by the way, have no legal responsibility, to <span style="font-style: italic">protect</span> any United States citizen... would get there in, say, 10 seconds, to help us out? Any law enforcement officer, would agree, that it is a <span style="font-style: italic">crime</span>, for some of our State Governments, to make it nearly impossible, for the everyday average citizen, to get a carry permit. Destroying all the guns, is not the answer, in my <span style="font-style: italic">opinion</span>. Making sure that we will have no need for them, is the answer. With less violent crime, there will not be a need, for the everyday average citizen, to carry. This, of course, is something that would happen in a perfect world, which ours, is not. By the way, firearms training courses, are a good idea, and should be instituted in all States, as something you must complete, to get your permit. There are many incompetent people out there, carrying concealed, that are not properly trained, for carry. This is my not-so-humble <span style="font-style: italic">opinion</span>.

By the way, Japan, being a mostly peaceable nation... were those crimes, committed by Yakuza? And if so, would an armed, and competent citizen, have been able to prevent the deaths?

Padgett: We already know, that the insurance companies, will not pay a "red cent", to anyone. They'll find some clause, that'll let them get away with their worthless green paper, and computerized credit.

<span style="font-weight: bold">PS: I believe the difference in handgun related deaths, between Canada, and the United States, is a difference, in the ideals, of the people. Let's just face that "facts", that people here, are more angry, and more ignorant.</span>

[Dennis Rodgers]

I have never thought of this forum as a political podium, however what we are seeing in New Orleans is 60 years of corrupt local city & state goverment, this is what you get with the welfare state and uncontrolled entitlements. People depending on the government for their basic survival, it is a sad situation. I found it very sad that the reason many people didn't evacuate with 5 days notice was because they didn't want to miss their welfare checks due in the mail around the first of the month.

Sorry but no amount of federal goverment can get people off their asses to save their own.

[Jibby]

If that last statement, about them waiting for the welfare checks, is true, then it proves my postscript, in the last message. People are entirely too ignorant, in this country.

[Guest imported_Flash]

[quoteThis quilt shows staggering statistics for Handgun Murders for 1992:

? Japan 60

? Canada 128

? USA 13,220

I am privileged to know the artist.

Lets start today, right now by <span style="font-weight: bold"> destroying all the guns.</span>

Robert Robert Robert, my dear friend Robert.

Are you toying with us? I know how much you enjoy stirring the pot.

We must certainly make plans for that discussion, er I mean the sharing of a bottle or two.

In regards to your comment on destroying the firearms, it is odd that the cities with the most restrictive firearms laws here in the states, have the highest number of gun deaths. Washington DC, New York NY, Chicago, Los Angeles Ca, etc. Most due to gang activity and turf wars, drugs etc. At last count, I believe there are now (2005) 38 of the 50 states that have "Shall issue" language in their state legislation, which allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm, after passing a training course and firearm proficiency exam. These typically include cursory reviews of applicable laws governing the use of force. Further, virtually all the "factual" data concludes that in each state that enacted "shall issue" legislation, assaults, murders, rapes, went down. HCI has their own set of statistics, however many thurough studies by professor? at the University of Chicago, clearly prove that firearms save thousands of lives each year. There is a cultural difference. There are constitutional differences as well. But these things I know you already know, so I must conclude that you are bored or simply taking advantage of the emotions.

Regardless of this, I am very confused as to its application on the original intent of this thread which I thought was aimed at governments failure to the victims of the Gulf Hurricane, and further the victimization of the poor as viewed by those from outside our borders.

But to no matter, I still cherish your input.

[Dennis Rodgers]

Sorry Padgett

Not so, the same government(us) that is getting blasted for slow response will insure the un-insurable, you can take it to the bank. At our continuing expence, New Orleans will be rebuilt at a very high price by the same corrupt State and local government that has kept their constituents poor while lining their own pockets. You would think that with over 60 years of Democrats running the show, both in state and local politics that Louisanna would be a utopian example of left wing politics.Not.

[Guest EDBSO]

Ok so I might have to fill in some of the dots for a slightly cleared picture. We are calm on the surface but paddling like a duck under the surface.

Here come the dots. The data is old 1997 data: Everything has gone up since then. The average length of stay for gunshot injuries was six days, compared with an average of 4.9 days for all medical conditions. And the average treatment cost per assault case was approximately $24,000. Estimated hospital charges for firearm-related injuries in the United States in 1997 totalled over $802 million, reflecting the often catastrophic consequences of gunshot wounds. In 1997, these injuries resulted in 2,500 intracranial injuries, 669 spinal cord injuries, and 1,000 small bowel resections. Over 60 percent of patients underwent more than two procedures while in the hospital. The majority of patients admitted with firearm-related injuries lived in low-income areas and were admitted to large urban teaching hospitals. And Guess how many had insurance. And if they did have insurance they would be driving our rates through the ceiling any how! Who do you think pays and long term rehabilitation costs$$$$$.

So savings per year would conservatively be $1,000,000,000. Much more than enough money in only 1 year to do all the New Orleans work.

New Orleans had long known it was highly vulnerable to flooding and a direct hit from a hurricane. In fact, the federal government has been working with state and local officials in the region since the late 1960s on major hurricane and flood relief efforts. When flooding from a massive rainstorm in May 1995 killed six people, Congress authorized the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project, or SELA.

Over the next 10 years, the Army Corps of Engineers, tasked with carrying out SELA, spent $430 million on shoring up levees and building pumping stations, with $50 million in local aid. But at least $250 million in crucial projects remained, even as hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin increased dramatically and the levees surrounding New Orleans continued to subside.

Yet after 2003, the flow of federal dollars toward SELA dropped to a trickle. The Corps never tried to hide the fact that the spending pressures of the war in Iraq, as well as homeland security -- coming at the same time as federal tax cuts -- was the reason for the strain. At least nine articles in the Times-Picayune from 2004 and 2005 specifically cite the cost of Iraq as a reason for the lack of hurricane- and flood-control dollars. (Much of the research here is from Nexis)

In early 2004, as the cost of the conflict in Iraq soared, President Bush proposed spending less than 20 percent of what the Corps said was needed for Lake Pontchartrain, according to this Feb. 16, 2004, article, in New Orleans CityBusiness:

The $750 million Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Hurricane Protection project is another major Corps project, which remains about 20% incomplete due to lack of funds, said Al Naomi, project manager. That project consists of building up levees and protection for pumping stations on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles and Jefferson parishes.

The Lake Pontchartrain project is slated to receive $3.9 million in the president's 2005 budget. Naomi said about $20 million is needed.

"The longer we wait without funding, the more we sink," he said. "I've got at least six levee construction contracts that need to be done to raise the levee protection back to where it should be (because of settling). Right now I owe my contractors about $5 million. And we're going to have to pay them interest."

That June, with the 2004 hurricane season starting, the Corps' Naomi went before a local agency, the East Jefferson Levee Authority, and essentially begged for $2 million for urgent work that Washington was now unable to pay for. From the June 18, 2004 Times-Picayune:

"The system is in great shape, but the levees are sinking. Everything is sinking, and if we don?t get the money fast enough to raise them, then we can?t stay ahead of the settlement," he said. "The problem that we have isn?t that the levee is low, but that the federal funds have dried up so that we can?t raise them."

The panel authorized that money, and on July 1, 2004, it had to pony up another $250,000 when it learned that stretches of the levee in Metairie had sunk by four feet. The agency had to pay for the work with higher property taxes. The levee board noted in October 2004 that the feds were also now not paying for a hoped-for $15 million project to better shore up the banks of Lake Pontchartrain.

The 2004 hurricane season, as you probably recall, was the worst in decades. In spite of that, the federal government came back this spring with the steepest reduction in hurricane- and flood-control funding for New Orleans in history. Because of the proposed cuts, the Corps office there imposed a hiring freeze. Officials said that money targeted for the SELA project -- $10.4 million, down from $36.5 million -- was not enough to start any new jobs. According to New Orleans CityBusiness this June 5:

So, would an extra $1,000,000,000 a year each and every year help a lot of people? I think so.

<span style="font-style: italic">Or I could be toying with you. </span> I am thinking that some seared red meat with or a Port for desert. Perhaps both would go nicely with the fermented grape.