Subj : Re: helpless.... To : alt.tv.nypd-blue From : topcat Date : Fri Sep 09 2005 17:07:07 From Newsgroup: alt.tv.nypd-blue "scribe" wrote in message news:1126269591.933321.233110@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com... > I agree with the idea that it's too early to point blame. But it's not > too early to start building that checklist of questions. > > So...in no particular order... > > - Is FEMA (due to its castration as an independent agency and > absorption into DHS) just one example of how DHS has become a > repository of political patronage: where friends of the Administration > are given an influential job with little regard to their abilities? If > this turns out to be true, I won't comment on the practice (will leave > it for others) but I AM compelled to opine that it seems liked Bush's > buddies are about as capable of running an organization as he is:-) > > - The local leaders of the entire affected areas (and governors of > those states) were caught somewhat by surprise, this is true. But what > amazes me is there seems to have been no plan in place to begin > executing. In short, though for years the thought of developing major > storm plans was broached and discussed, little was done. It reminds me > of something I heard not long ago, "never underestimate the ability of > Americans to ignore the probabilities as long as the sun's shining." > > - Though I know little about the Mayor of New Orleans (I will learn > more in upcoming months) I can speak to the Louisiana Governor. Some > of you know that her father, former New Orleans mayor (and then > congressman) Moon Landreu was one of the most corrupt politicians in a > state that is known for its corrupt politicians. I believe he died > before the evidence was uncovered, though many strongly suspected. No > fewer than three former governors of that state have done Federal time > for corruption and had he not been assassinated, the great Huey Long > would probably have done some too. Louisiana is the home of systemic > corruption, worse than the Tammany chapter in New York's history. When > the dust settles, I would guess we'll find many examples of fiscal > misappropriations and graft going back for years. Such is not a good > environment for developing programs that look out for the citizenry. > > - Though I welcome (to a point) all the celebrity attention, I would > be happier if they'd bypass the photo-ops and work more behind the > scenes. This is not about them. So give your money all you famous > people...and shut the hell up! > > - Went out and bought a few gallons of gas early this morning...price > has dropped SEVEN CENTS overnight. There's no way you can convince me > that the oil companies are skimming fifty cents of cream (at least) off > the top of gas prices that have jumped about seventy-five cents in the > past two weeks. It will be interesting to see how our federal > government handles this matter...but I'll make a prediction...most of > those who are busted will have dirty fingernails. > > - Pork pork pork pork...(and I don't mean "the other white meat:-) > > - Us Americans will respond to this better than our GOVERNMENTS! > > - Final thought...from Randy Newman (how many times have we heard his > tune "Louisiana" in the past week?). This line is from another song on > the same album (Good 'Ol Boys)...Mr. President...have pity on the > workin' man! > > Well, you certainly covered all the "blame bases". My list in order of culpability- 1. The people themselves. Many could have left, but didn't. Also, the ones that didn't are probably very good at protesting to get their way. Why didn't they protest that they wanted buses and transportation out of the city? 2. State and local government. It is their responsiblity first and foremost to protect their citizens. They didn't. The federal government is NOT the first responder. The US military is NOT the first responder. The governor and the mayor have a LOT of questions to answer, but because they're Dems, I doubt they ever will. 3. FEMA - not a good, timely response, but were they overwhelmed? I think so. That fact is proven by the necessity of the US military to get involved. This was a catastrophe unlike any other. Today, the head of FEMA took the fall. How about Nagin and Blanco resign? TC .