d55
Subj : Re: helpless....
To   : alt.tv.nypd-blue
From : scribe
Date : Fri Sep 09 2005 06:39:51

From Newsgroup: alt.tv.nypd-blue

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!


gnb (already given five hundred bucks...half to human relief, half to
critter relief...will certainly send in more)

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