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It may very well sound (and be) elitist to say what I've said. Surely I shouldn't judge people in a situation I've never encountered.

I have to also, on the other hand, have faith in myself that if placed in a situation such as that, that I would rise to be a better person.

On a different note, I think the assumption that the federal government is responsible for this debacle in any way is a farce. Emergencies of this nature are the responsibility of the State and local government. The federal government can only act once asked, and even then they can't just control forces as they see fit (national guard) without permission from the state. Even if congress had written out a blank check for the states affected on the moment the eye of the storm passed over them, it wouldn't have done any good without competent leadership in the state level.

The whole convention center nightmare was because the mayor (an allegedly corrupt person) told them to seek shelter there with no established command infrastructure or supplies.

You have people who have lost everything, angry because they are trapped in the superdome. You have people who have lost everything hiding out in the 2nd floor of their flooded houses because of fear. Hiding from looters, rapists, police and even rescue workers. Keeping everybody in one place....even in the squalled conditions was the more logical choice. It's just sad that the choice wasn't backed up with a proper support structure for food, water and waste.

Aside from all this, there is a severe issue not even being addressed yet. It will take a minimum of 90 days (and that's if god himself came down and helped) to pump out the toxic sludge this flooding created. Where will everyone stay for that time? Not to mention rebuilding and such...will the poor (did they have insurance) come back or move on and if so...with what savings?

So many questions...I'm not trying to get off topic per say, but I think the local culture of moral atrophy, large homeless population, and low income played a large part in the negative aspects of the aftermath. This doesn't excuse the idiocy of the rescue efforts....but that wasn't my point today :)

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um...no I'm not. I don't prescribe to any one type of political party or anything like that. I feel that binding yourself to a group of people that dictate your opinions on matters is just a silly idea.

I'm simply trying to form an opinion as an outsider on the collapse of society and the reasons behind it. Perhaps its just to preachy for my site...

DATE:

Maybe . . . it just came off sounding as if you weren't very empathetic toward the people stuck in Louisianna without food/transportation/money/connections. I was surprised, considering the volunteer work you've mentioned that you and Jen do on a regular basis. The last two postings seemed almost elitist in tone -- very hostile toward the poor and extremely judgmental of their way of life (pre-hurricane).

I understand and agree that the horrible crimes being committed down there are appalling -- but also, I've just got to think, "Put yourself down there for a week in those circumstances and *then* you can start condemning people." Ya know?

But then again, that's just me, and I know this isn't a political forum.

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Dennis, What happened to that great Catholic School upbringing? Actually Im sure Ill get crucified for this but I agree with you and the article. Im sorry if I come off as a heartless bastard, but here are some things that have really been bothering me

1. They were told to evacuate 2 days ahead of time, I dont care how poor you are, start walking, Think of how far away you could get in 2 days.

2. The 42" TV Guy: what the hell are you thinking? I can see stealing food water. I have heard an answer to this on the radio when you have or come from nothing, something is better than nothing even amidst choas. Bullshit! THERE IS NO ANSWER OR EXCUSE. There should have been a shoot to kill order put out on these bands of lowlife disrespectful people.

3. The people at the Superdome: Well you didnt leave, you have a roof over your head, your relatively safe and your alive, you have nothing to complain about.

4. People on there roofs: instead of waiting for the government cheese to fall from the sky, get off your asses and try to help people that need it more than you.

5. Do I think the local and state government is partially to blame in the slow response yes though if you stayed you should have prepared better yet over prepared. Did we know the levees would break no, should they have been built to withstand a cat 5 to begin with yes. All forms of government need to take heat for this mostly local and state but some on the federal.

If you think im a republican your wrong, far from it.

WHAT IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO IS LACK OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. Everyone is so dependent on everything and everyone else, that they are ready to point fingers at everything when they should be pointing them at themselves.

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I can actually understand why some people stayed...I'm sure after 3 or 4 evac's over the course of a year I'd get sick of it as well.

What really gets me is, this event showed that a lack of planning or organization can really fubar a situation. But I have to wonder if all these people who feel so good about donating money and canned goods and diapers...etc..etc....do they realize that throwing more stuff into a logistical nightmare will only make it worse.

people who have proven they can't manage or plan...these are the people we're giving all this money and stuff to.

Also...the police should have commandeered all the food storage stores and controlled free distribution of perishable goods to control looting...instead they just played fucking tag with them all day.

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Let me guess -- you're a Republican, right?