From: dxAce
Organization: Wassamatta U.
Newsgroups: rec.radio.shortwave
Date: Sat, 03 Sep 2005 16:52:24 -0400
Subject: New Orleans crisis shames Americans



John Plimmer wrote:

This is the headline from this BBC report
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4210674.stm

I am proud to say that as a little old South African in a third world
country at the Southern tip of darkest Africa we had a devastating flood in
my little town in 2002.
The skies had not even cleared from the raging storm when the air force
choppers arrived in force.
They rescued those in need, brought in emergency personnel and special riot
police to prevent looting.
Although the flood put out water supplies, washed away our connecting roads,
power and sewerage systems, mighty teams of specialists arrived within hours
and all services were restored within 48 hours except the roads that took a
few days longer. The choppers brought in food until the roads were
reconstructed.

I felt very proud to be a South African at that time and was immensely
grateful for the smooth running and super national rescue effort that took
place seemingly so easily, like a well oiled machine.

What happened to mighty America...???

Well, we're still here... and guess what? You're still in a third world
country
that can't take care of it's own problems... do a Google on AIDS or a host of
other problems. And guess where your little third world country has begged in
the past? The USA. Guess where it will continue to beg in the future? The USA.

We'll be OK... I can't really say the same for South Africa.

What did the Federal Emergency Management Agency do...???

Exactly what they're supposed to do, considering the enormity of the problem.

Heads should roll for this debacle - it is inexcusable in a superpower with
all America's vast resources.

I guess we'll have to decide that issue. It certainly won't be up to you or a
third world country like South Africa to decide whether heads should or will
roll.

Have a pleasant evening.

dxAce
Michigan
USA

Um, Jack, you gotta realize that if you criticize our country a lot of
people, like the Drakeman, are going to get ****ed. You're going to catch a
lot of heat. It's the "our country is better than your country" attitude.

The truth is, the enormity of the problem is more than the emergency
agencies had ever planned for and they are still, at this late date, having
trouble getting their arms around it. The lack of leadership, starting with
the president and FEMA head Michael Brown is so appalling that even
conservatives are calling for their heads. The Prez, probably at the urging
of his handlers, cancelled his vacation and flew over the hurricane ravaged
Gulf Coast. After considerable criticism he started making more appearances
on camera with other federal and local officials, with lots of back-slapping
and promises. But relief is slow and sporatic. Michael Brown admitted on a
television interview that he was unaware that 20,000 people had been told to
go to the convention center and wait for help. They were abandodned there
for days without food & water. He said in the interview he would take
immediate action. It was several days before help finally arrived. Michael
Brown belongs in prison. Despite what the right-wing apologists on this NG
might tell you, the truth is if Bush were running for re-election he would
be soundly defeated, as a result of his lack of leadership in this enormous
tragedy as well as dissatisfaction with his handling of the Iraq situation
in the opinion of the majority of Americans.

Brace yourself - gratuitous flaming to follow.

Greg