September 12, 2005
Monday

The Mayor of New Orleans has changed his mind again and now thinks that the U.S. Government response to Katrina devastation was slow because so many affected citizens there are African American.  This sounds ridiculous but makes sense given the Mayor's political predicament.  If he can't blame somebody else, he may be blamed by his constituents for any screw ups.  As it seems to be developing, if the actual New Orleans death toll is really 99% less than forecast, perhaps everyone involved, Local, State and Federal officials did a pretty good job warning and rescuing hurricane victims.
 
Jason van Steenwyk, a Florida Army National Guardsman who has been called up six times in the past couple of years in Florida hurricane relief emergencies yesterday was quoted as saying, "The federal government pretty much met its standard time lines, but the volume of support provided during the 72-96 hour was unprecedented. The federal response here was faster than Hugo, faster than Andrew, faster than Iniki, faster than Francine and Jeanne.  For instance, it took five days for National Guard troops to arrive in strength on the scene in Homestead, Fla. after Hurricane Andrew hit in 2002. But after Katrina, there was a significant National Guard presence in the afflicted region in three days." 
 
The ultra left wing movie stars, rockers and rappers making wild accusations about President Bush on television, not surprisingly could use a civics lesson on what are the duties of different divisions of government; Only Congress can allocate funds to a disaster area, not the President.  George Bush cannot call out the National Guard either.  Only the State Governors can do that.  Here in earthquake threatened California we constantly are being told, "In a disaster your government may not be there right away to help so prepare yourself to survive.  Be sure to have water, food, family escape and communication plans, etc"   It took three days to get major help to New Orleans.  This sounds "right on" to me!  Look how much was accomplished on the first week after the hurricane'

More than 32,000 people were rescued, many plucked from rooftops by Coast Guard helicopters.

The Army Corps of Engineers has all but repaired the breaches and begun pumping water out of New Orleans.

Shelter, food and medical care have been provided to more than 280,000 refugees.

President Bush is on the ground today in New Orleans.  Counting his flyover the second day of the tragedy, this is his fourth trip to the region.  All in all the President, the National Guard, FEMA and maybe even the Mayor of New Orleans did one Hell of a great job helping and saving citizens from the flood.  Isn't it time to stop the silly blame game?

Mark Neckameyer
Irvine, CA - USA

 

Write a Letter -------Read Letters

E-mail the Editor

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska