hurricane katrina

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by reefraff
Mike Brown was the first to go but he wont be the last. The governor and Mayor are toast. I saw a story last night that said the mayor has already bought a new house in Dallas, moved his family there and enrolled the kids in school. Amazing how he could find the time to do that already. I read where the levy board has actually spent money to buy a casino, bought a lear jet and were working to develop a waterfront theme park. Seems like someone should have been yelling about that.
The things Holland has done to protect their "land" is amazing. The gate that protects the area around the mouth of the river is something else. I was there in 88 and they still used a lot of the old windmills to pump water out. Probably not many of those left.
THe Orleans Levee District is responsible for maintaining levess and is a quasi-governmental entity. There are several of these district in LA. The board consistes of members that are appointed by the governor. it was always a political "hot bed" with allegations of corrunption, etc. like many cities, states and political subdivisions throughout the country. The levee district actually has a police force and functions like a governmental receiveng tax dollars from sales tax, etc.
To my knowledge, they do not OWN a casino but they do have a river boat as a tenant in a marina. I beleive the casion is OWNED by Bally's if memory serves. Naturally, the distict receives revenue (rent and sales tax) from this in order to support their budget and off-set the 'red" in operating the southshore marina.
A "theme park"would be viewd as a capital investment that would produce revenue to support the district's budgetary needs. I beleive politicians of today would call this "investing". Whetehr someon including me would agree with this or not
For the reord the levee distirct once operated two water front parks........ Pontchartrain Beach and Lincoln Beach. Pontchatrain Beach site was closed in the early 80's and the levee district property sold to the University of New Orleans. The Lincoln Beach site has remained abandoned and I beleive this is the site that was to be developed once again. Linclon Beach existed during segregation times and closed once this went away in the south.
This is nothing new and when Pontchartrain Beach closed it left a "void" in the New Orleans lafefornt amusment area.
Many residents were force to evacuate/seek shelter in TX and many other states throughout the country. The New Olreans School District will not be in session this year. It is up to the Mayor to defend his actions...but there will be no School in NO.
It is up to the levee district to justify the purchase of the jet if it is factual..as some aspects of the "report" you are citing is inaccurate to my knowledge.
Also for the record...the district does have a "gloomy" past.

 

[lovethesea]

Originally Posted by ophiura
Oh and that led to another good one!!

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/09/13/Wo...is_not_a.shtml
They talk about the "AMO" (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation) and its role. These large scale cycles are only becoming more apparent over time...I am sure in some ways it ties into the ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) as well. These are planetary scale patterns.

great....Mother Nature having hot flashes. :help:
seriously, this is so true, it will be interesting when (or if) it will change..

 

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by reefraff
I really feel for those rescue workers. Their idiot Senator made a remark that she wasn't going to cast blame on state and local officials because she knows how hard it is to get their people to work when it's sunny, let alone when a hurricane is on the way. I don't think she meant it the way it came across (but then again when asked why the buses weren't used to evacuate before the storm she said because they were flooded) but she needs to do some begging your pardoning and clarify the statement.
She cannot blame the state..her brother is the Lt. Governor-Mitch Landrieu her objectivity is certainly "questionable". She does not know what it is like to work hard. her entrie family, dad (Moon Landrieu) and brother have been in politics all their life. They do not know what it is like to exist in the "real world".
I am not surprised by the statement...she is not that "impressive" and not the shapest pencil in the desk drawer.
JMO

 

[scubadoo]

For all those wondering why FEMA is now under Homeland Security..just look at this list of executive orders associated with FEMA ..very POWERFUL and probably in reaction to 9/11 as far as placing it under Homeland Security
Executive Order Number 12148 created the Federal Emergency Management Agency that is to interface with the Department of Defense for civil defense planning and funding.
Executive Order Number 12656 appointed the National Security Council as the principal body that should consider emergency powers. This allows the government to increase domestic intelligence and surveillance of U.S. citizens and would restrict the freedom of movement within the United States and grant the government the right to isolate large groups of civilians. The National Guard could be federalized to seal all borders and take control of U.S. air space and all ports of entry. Here are just a few Executive Orders associated with FEMA that would suspend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These Executive Orders have been on record for nearly 30 years and could be enacted by the stroke of a Presidential pen:
EXECUTIVE ORDER 10990 allows the government to take over all modes of transportation and control of highways and seaports.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 10995 allows the government to seize and control the communication media.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 10997 allows the government to take over all electrical power, gas, petroleum, fuels and minerals.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 10998 allows the government to take over all food resources and farms.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11000 allows the government to mobilize civilians into work brigades under government supervision.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11001 allows the government to take over all health, education and welfare functions.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11002 designates the Postmaster General to operate a national registration of all persons.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11003 allows the government to take over all airports and aircraft, including commercial aircraft.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11004 allows the Housing and Finance Authority to relocate communities, build new housing with public funds, designate areas to be abandoned, and establish new locations for populations.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11005 allows the government to take over railroads, inland waterways and public storage facilities.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11051 specifies the responsibility of the Office of Emergency Planning and gives authorization to put all Executive Orders into effect in times of increased international tensions and economic or financial crisis.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11310 grants authority to the Department of Justice to enforce the plans set out in Executive Orders, to institute industrial support, to establish judicial and legislative liaison, to control all aliens, to operate penal and correctional institutions, and to advise and assist the President.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11049 assigns emergency preparedness function to federal departments and agencies, consolidating 21 operative Executive Orders issued over a fifteen year period.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 11921 allows the Federal Emergency Preparedness Agency to develop plans to establish control over the mechanisms of production and distribution, of energy sources, wages, salaries, credit and the flow of money in U.S. financial institution in any undefined national emergency. It also provides that when a state of emergency is declared by the President, Congress cannot review the action for six months.

 

[scubadoo]

Quotes from Nagin...one stating we all (including himself could have done a better job
"There’s an incredible intensity of focus from the president and his staff to get stuff done," said Nagin, who has been critical of the federal response to the storm crisis. "They want to have accomplishments."
Of Bush, he said, "Every time he’s told me he’s going to do something, personally, face-to-face, he’s done it."
When asked if Governor Kathleen Blanco did a good job in the aftermath of the storm, Nagin said that in the final analysis, “everyone could have done a better job.”

 

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by lovethesea
The mayor WAS in Baton Rouge on and off after the hurricane came through. Unless the TV station that he was standing in front of was incorrect and underneath the image was
"Mayor speaking from Baton Rouge" :notsure:
Yes, he had to go to Baton Rouge early on..that is where Brown was located and the federal disaster "team". For the record he was in New Olrelans, the day before, night of, day after, day after that...once shop was set-up in baton Rouge he went there. Not defneding him...just correcting your post where you indicate he was stationed there...it was just the opposite. he was stationed in New Olrleans.

 

[bgriff]

I am baffled why the American public is not in an uproar with the oil companies. With their quarterly double digit Billion dollar profits, CEO's making double digit millions, one would think they would be in the headlines on their efforts to help rebuild the area which has been so profitable for them!!
Just seems the American public is again being relied on to help our fellow citizens, why can't Corporate America also help? (I'll even throw in your multi-million dollar celebrities as well..) Don't take this the wrong way, I think it's great the number of volenteers, donations, etc that the American public (which includes some companies and celebrities) has/is doing, it just seems there comes a time that these companies should put their share holders expectations aside, and take care of the people.
Phew.. got that off my chest.. Now I'll go back to my tank gazing where I do have some control!! :thinking:

 

[lovethesea]

Originally Posted by ScubaDoo
Not defneding him.. you indicate he was stationed there...it was just the opposite. he was stationed in New Olrleans.

never said he ws stationed in BR...........

 

[lovethesea]

Originally Posted by BGriff
I am baffled why the American public is not in an uproar with the oil companies. With their quarterly double digit Billion dollar profits, CEO's making double digit millions, one would think they would be in the headlines on their efforts to help rebuild the area which has been so profitable for them!!
Just seems the American public is again being relied on to help our fellow citizens, why can't Corporate America also help? (I'll even throw in your multi-million dollar celebrities as well..) Don't take this the wrong way, I think it's great the number of volenteers, donations, etc that the American public (which includes some companies and celebrities) has/is doing, it just seems there comes a time that these companies should put their share holders expectations aside, and take care of the people.
Phew.. got that off my chest.. Now I'll go back to my tank gazing where I do have some control!! :thinking:
we are in an uproar.......its just falling on deaf ears. Most profits have doubled since last year.
Corporate America is doing more than I think you realize. (can more be done?? probably) Just locally here:
Anheuser Busch has halted beer production in 2 plants: Cartersville GA, and Houston TX, just to make canned water. They have also donated those trucks to go where needed to pick up supplies etc. PLUS, 1 million cash donation right away and another coming. THey are also matching all donations by their employees which I hear the donations are still coming in. They have "requested" that they give generously
Energizer: Cash donation, Trucks of lighting and batteries
Ralston Purina: I think about 50 Tons of dog and cat food left town early last week southbound.

 

[darth tang]

Corporate donations.
Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Ill.) has pledged $2-million in cash and $2-million in nutritional and medical products to be distributed by organizations including the American Red Cross (Washington), AmeriCares (Stamford, Conn.), America's Second Harvest (Chicago), and MAP International (Brunswick, Ga.).
Aflac (Columbus, Ga.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross, with $800,000 going to the national headquarters and $200,000 to the organization's West Central Georgia chapter, in Columbus.
Allstate Foundation (Northbrook, Ill.) has donated $1-million to establish its own hurricane-recovery fund, which will distribute grants to groups in the Gulf Coast region.
Amerada Hess Corporation (New York) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
American Express Company (New York) announced it will donate $500,000 and match $500,000 in employee donations to the American Red Cross.
Ameriquest (Orange, Calif.) has pledged $5-million in direct contributions and employee matching funds to the American Red Cross and HomeAid America (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and to help create a temporary-housing plan for people displaced by the storm.
Amgen Foundation (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) has pledged $2.5-million to the American Red Cross and to organizations that can assist patients in the Gulf Coast area, especially dialysis and oncology patients.
AT&T and the AT&T Foundation (New York) have pledged $1-million to the American Red Cross and will match up to $500,000 in employee donations; the company will also distribute 35,000 prepaid phone cards to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army (Alexandria, Va.)
Bank of America (Charlotte, N.C.) has announced a $1-million donation, with $500,000 going to the American Red Cross, $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank through the Gulf Coast United Way Katrina Relief Fund, and the remaining $400,000 to be given to organizations serving the neediest areas.
Baxter International Foundation (Deerfield, Ill.) is donating $1-million to relief efforts.
Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany) has pledged $2-million to the American Red Cross.
Best Buy Children's Foundation (Minneapolis) has pledged up to $2-million to match customer donations to the American Red Cross.
Boeing Company (Chicago) plans to give $1-million to the American Red Cross.
BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth) has contributed $1-million to the American Red Cross.
BP Foundation (Houston) has donated $2-million to the American Red Cross, $4.5-million for Gulf Coast-area relief efforts, and $1.5-million to relief groups in Houston.
Campbell Soup Company (Camden, N.J.) has pledged food products valued at $2-million to America's Second Harvest.
Capital One Financial Corporation (McLean, Va.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Chevron Corporation (San Ramon, Calif.) has pledged $5-million for the hurricane-relief efforts: $3-million to the American Red Cross, and $2-million to local charities to be determined by the company.
Cigna (Philadelphia) has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross and will match employee contributions up to $500,000.
Citigroup and the Citigroup Foundation (New York) will donate $1-million in cash, and will match up to $3-million in employee donations to the American Red Cross.
Coca-Cola Company, Foundation, and Bottlers (Atlanta) have pledged $5-million to the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and other organizations. The company is also providing Coca-Cola products such as Powerade and Dasani water to victims of the hurricane.
Dell Corporation (Round Rock, Tex.) has pledged $2-million to the American Red Cross.
Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) has pledged $1-million in cash for immediate relief efforts to the American Red Cross, $1-million in products and technology for longer-term reconstruction work, and $1-million to match employee donations.
DuPont (Wilmington, Del.) has pledged $1-million, with a focus on disaster relief in DeLisle and Pascagoula, Miss.
Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis) has donated $1-million in cash and insulin valued at $1-million to relief organizations.
Entergy Corporation (New Orleans) has given $1-million to create the Power of Hope Fund, based at the Foundation for the Mid South (Jackson, Miss.).

 

[darth tang]

More corporate donations, starting with an oil company.
ExxonMobil (Irving, Tex.) has donated $7-million to the American Red Cross.
Fannie Mae Corporation and the Fannie Mae Foundation (Washington) will donate $500,000 to the American Red Cross and $500,000 to longer-term rebuilding efforts supported by housing organizations.
Ford Motor Company (Detroit) has pledged $1-million to be divided between America's Second Harvest, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. The company has also donated 150 used vehicles, valued at $2-million, to the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation (McLean, Va.) has donated $10.1-million to relief organizations, including the American Red Cross.
General Electric Company (Fairfield, Conn.) has donated $6-million to the American Red Cross and plans to supply medical devices, water-purification systems, and other goods and services valued at $10-million. The company has also pledged $2-million to the Red Cross to match contributions from current and retired GE employees.
General Mills (Minneapolis) has pledged $1-million in cash, and is donating products valued at $1-million to be distributed through America's Second Harvest.
Grainger (Chicago) has pledged more than $1-million in cash and supplies to the American Red Cross.
HCA (Nashville) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross, and an additional $1-million to the HCA Hope Fund to provide direct relief to affected employees in the Gulf Coast region.
HP Company Foundation (Palo Alto, Calif.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross and has pledged up to $1-million to match employee contributions.
Humana Foundation (Louisville, Ky.) plans to donate $1-million, of which half will go to the American Red Cross and half will be divided among local relief groups.
Intel Corporation and the Intel Foundation (Santa Clara, Calif.) has pledged $1-million, as well as 1,500 laptop computers and other services for distribution to shelters, to the American Red Cross.
Johnson Controls (Milwaukee) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
JPMorgan Chase (New York) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross and will match employee donations up to $1-million.
Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.) has given $2-million to the CDC Foundation (Atlanta) to support the public-health response to the hurricane through its Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund and has pledged an additional $1-million for long-term recovery support.
Koch Industries (Wichita, Kan.) has pledged $1-million to the American Red Cross, and $250,000 to the Salvation Army.
Kraft Foods (Northfield, Ill.) has pledged $1-million in food and cash to America's Second Harvest, the American Red Cross, and AmeriCares.
Lamar Advertising Company (Baton Rouge, La.) has donated $1-million to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
Levi Strauss and Co. and the Levi Strauss Foundation (San Francisco) have pledged $400,000 in cash and clothing valued at $1.5-million.
Lowe's Companies (Mooresville, N.C.) has pledged $2-million to match customer donations made to the American Red Cross.

 

[darth tang]

MasterCard International (Purchase, N.Y.) has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross and $500,000 to AmeriCares.
Mattel (El Segundo, Calif.) has donated $100,000 in cash to the American Red Cross and toys valued at up to $1-million to be distributed by the American Red Cross and Gifts in Kind International (Alexandria, Va.).
McDonald's Corporation (Oak Brook, Ill.) has pledged $5-million in cash to relief efforts, as well as products and supplies.
Medtronic Foundation (Minneapolis) has given $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Merck Company Foundation (Whitehouse Station, N.J.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Merrill Lynch (New York) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross and has pledged up to $500,000 to match employee contributions.
Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Wash.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross and other relief organizations; the company has also pledged technology assistance and support valued at approximately $5-million.
Miller Brewing Company (Milwaukee) plans to donate up to $1-million to the American Red Cross, including $500,000 for immediate relief and up to $500,000 to match employee contributions. The company also plans to send 15 truckloads of bottled water each week through the month of September to support recovery efforts.
Monsanto Company (St. Louis) has pledged $1-million, $750,000 of which will go the American Red Cross and $250,000 of which will go to three United Way chapters in Louisiana.
National Football League (New York) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
New York Life Foundation is donating $1-million to the American Red Cross.
New York Yankees have donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Nokia (Irving, Tex.) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Northrop Grumman Corporation (Los Angeles) will contribute $2-million to the American Red Cross.

 

[darth tang]

Target (Minneapolis) has donated $1.5-million to the American Red Cross, $500,000 of which has been earmarked for immediate relief efforts.
3M and 3M Foundation (St. Paul) has pledged safety, cleaning, and medical products valued at $1-million to relief organizations and $500,000 to match employee donations.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (Minneapolis) has pledged $5-million to Habitat for Humanity International (Americus, Ga.) to help rebuild homes in the Gulf Coast region.
Toyota (Torrance, Calif.) and various affiliates have given $3-million to the American Red Cross and $2-million to the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund (Houston).
UBS (New York) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Unilever United States (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.) has donated $1-million in cash to be split evenly between the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The company will also donate products valued at $2.6-million to be distributed by America's Second Harvest, the American Red Cross, and other groups.
United Health Foundation (Minneapolis) has pledged $10-million to the relief efforts.
UPS Foundation (Atlanta) has pledged $1.25-million, which includes $500,000 in cash and up to $750,000 in medical and health-related items to be divided among the American Red Cross, America's Second Harvest, and other relief groups.
Verizon Foundation (New York) has contributed $5-million to the American Red Cross.
Wal-Mart (Bentonville, Ark.) has pledged $15-million in cash to help federal relief efforts, and has donated $1-million to the Salvation Army and $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Walt Disney Company (Burbank, Calif.) has donated $2.5-million, of which $1-million will support the American Red Cross's immediate relief efforts, $1-million will go to children's charities engaged in rebuilding efforts, and $500,000 will support volunteer centers.
Weather Channel Companies (Atlanta) has donated $1-million to the American Red Cross.
Wyeth (Madison, N.J.) has pledged $1-million to the American Red Cross, the Children's Health Fund (New York), and other relief groups. The company will also provide free 30-day replacements of Wyeth products through authorized pharmacies and will aid patients who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Xerox (Stamford, Conn.) has pledged at least $2-million in cash, equipment, and services to the American Red Cross and other relief organizations

 

[darth tang]

The way I see it corporate America has stepped up, including the Oil companies. What I posted is just the monetary donations, it doesn't include companies that have sent supplies and volunteers.
Corporate America is doing their part.

 

[lovethesea]

now lets just hope that it all get used properly. Locally I see tons of food/supply drives filling trucks full of these items. Magnify that times all of the cities in the country doing this. I hope they are being directed to the appropriate places and not just sitting on a parking lot or filling up a warehouse.

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by Sinner's Girl
I love how so many people can comment about something when they don't live there or know what's going on.
Off my soapbox.
Should have, could have, would have...you don't really know unless you're there...
Considering the number of people Houston has taken in, willingly and with open arms, I think some of us can speak even if we haven't been living in New Orleans...it had a WIDE impact all across the country even if we weren't at "ground zero" for it.

There are expectations here to close most of our large scale shelters by the weekend. At one time 25,000+ people...now down to I think 5,000 or so, declining at 1,000 a day they say. We've absorbed thousands upon thousands into our community, and set up for them in less than a day. And there but for the grace of God goes any one of us. I love that so many people CAN give freely of what they have - money, time, space - when they don't live there and know what's going on...and I think they are entitled to comment as well, personally. We disagree, but not personally

Just because we weren't there we can still have an opinion on what we are reading and seeing, IMO. Maybe because we are OUTSIDERS it is worthy of listening to what people have to say. We are observing. And frankly, I think there are lots of people who let that city down. A lot of people who cut those people loose for DECADES. Just saying "its Bush" is avoiding the issue. And it ticks me off. It just never truly came to light for me until now. Again, a lot of this is coming from sympathy, compassion and total frustration that people living there were put in this situation!!! And I think it will take a NATIONAL effort with the opinions of people who DON"T LIVE THERE to try and see it doesn't happen again.
The story of the nursing home almost seems like a small scale comparison of what happened in the city. Ways to get people out, plans to get people out...just didn't do it.
This is not intended to be personal, again. This is my opinion.

 

[fish_wok]

Dumb niggers should have evacuated ,
Bush shouldv sent in 3 evacuation teams and then dropped the
M.O.A.B
on New orleans
For reference to round eyes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massive_Ordnance_Air_Blast

 

[cartman101]

HOLY! look how many replies i got with my thread! I thought it would neva happen

 

[scubadoo]

A link for understanding New Orleans lingo aka How to tawk rite.....Who Dat? Many folks back home are spread out accorss this great land...perhaps this will help you to understand what you are hearin....
http://www.gumbopages.com/yatspeak.html

 

[lovethesea]

I DO want to read that later...thanks...but I just saw where Nagin wants to bring back 180,000 people in the next 2 weeks???????????????????????????
I brought this up to a family that is now going to my childrens school from NO. They were there last weekend for the "12 hour blitz". She said "he's crazy.....no way....not possible.....where is he going to put them....the MOLD is rampant even in homes without major water damage. (theirs)