I am and have been a stanch believer in our government, both Democrat and Repulician. For I felt that ethier one of them was a hell of a lot better then anything else out there in this world. Reading these stories, living these srories, have shown the cracks in our government, when it cares more about it prestige amongst other nations in trade, help or war, then it does for its on cititzens. Things need to change now, or the faith of the people as a whole in this nation, will go out with the tide and who is to say what will come back in with the next.
I live in south Louisiana. I was lucky, Katrina on my left and Rita on my right. But my family, freinds, and neighbors have suffered worse then any forgein country. And we are being treated by our own government like a third world country instead of one of this nations children states.
Thank you for all the help sent to us by our fellow citizens.
But our government reminds me of those big Enron CEO's who could not believe it was all collapsing around them. They never did look in the mirror.

Hurricane Katrina was a national diaster. There needs to be pressure put on local and state officlas to at least follow up on the survivors of the storm. It seems that once the media and politicians pulled out the American pubkic it left to deal with this all by themselves.

It is a terrible situation, but we have to remember the massive distruction and thousands who need help. Unfortunately in the real world, we do not have a super hero who can magically lift and transport materials, trailers and homes with the speed of light.
I feel for those people and commend the ones who have tried to have patience throughout their ordeal. To those who expect nothing but a free handout without so much as a thank you...I hope they go to the end of the help line.

I have read with considerable empathy the comments of those most intimately affected by the storms, wars, etc.--my hope, that the people of the USA and the people of the world come to appreciate the losses sustained. None of us will ever replace with money such loses. But our only real meaningful support is our love and economic contributions.

Kenneth L. Rogers

I AGREE WITH LEROYS STATEMENT EXCEPT FOR ONE THING. A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY WOULD GET A QUICKER RESULT THEN WE DID. I WAS NOT IN KATRINA BUT THE IMAGES TOUCHED MY HEART. THIS GOVERNMENT OF OURS HAS SPREAD ITSELF TOO THIN AND OUR CITIZENS SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF IT. REVAMPING THE ENTIRE THOUGHT PROCESS OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WOULD BE A BEGINNING. THINKING MORE OF THE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF LOBBIERS AND POLITICAL SUPPORTERS. I MEAN RELLY DO WE HAVE A SAY OR ARE WE JUST LULLED INTO THINKING WHAT WE WANT IS WHAT OUR COUNTRY IS STRIVING FOR. THANK GOD FOR FREEDOM YES , I LOVE IT. BUT HOW MUCH CAN WE TOLERATE. AMERICANS SUPPORT THIS COUNTRY NOT THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. HALF OF THEM WOULDN'T HELP US IF THEY HAD TO,WE ARE GARBAGE TO THEM.HELP YES BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF YOUR OWN.

I hung a flag in my window today,
My son had marched away.
I stood a moment and gazed at it,
Then I silently knelt to pray.
"Dear Father in Heaven," I murmured,
"Watch o'er him both night and day,
Bless him and keep him Dear Father,
And if with his life he must pay
Let him give it with honor and courage
That we left behind him may say;
He fought for peace and he's found it
In that Land that the angels array.
"But, Dear Father," I then continued,
"If it should be Thy will,
Bring him back to his loved ones safely
That his place in this world he may fill.
These are my humble petitions,
For my son who is just my boy still.
As for me, Dear Father, give me courage,
And strength to accept Thy will."

My heart goes out to those who have suffered so much in Lousiana and other states but it seems unfair that we Americans run so quickly to accuse our government of disassociating itself rather than defend it. I personally feel we expect our president and his people to be superhumans when disasters take place. Where is forgiveness and team spirit in our country? We have the greatest country on earth. Are we so use to creature comforts that we can no longer gleen life lessons from being removed from our comfort zone? In a land of instant gratification is patience being obliterated? What are we teaching our children?

I hung a flag in my window today,
My son had marched away.
I stood a moment and gazed at it,
Then I silently knelt to pray.
"Dear Father in Heaven," I murmured,
"Watch o'er him both night and day,
Bless him and keep him Dear Father,
And if with his life he must pay
Let him give it with honor and courage
That we left behind him may say;
He fought for peace and he's found it
In that Land that the angels array.
"But, Dear Father," I then continued,
"If it should be Thy will,
Bring him back to his loved ones safely
That his place in this world he may fill.
These are my humble petitions,
For my son who is just my boy still.
As for me, Dear Father, give me courage,
And strength to accept Thy will."

I wish you all the luck in the world.

We are praying for each and everyone who has been affected by this national disaster.We will continue to help in anyway possible.through every storm god is there for you.Look to him and he will prevail.

It's hard to believe that a country such as ours does not have the ample ability to helps it's own. It's hard enough to survive a natural disaster of this magnitude, to only have to endure more tragedy as Lynn has, by no choice of her own. Our country is over in Iraq, trying to help those people to have a better life, when our country can't even help it's own. If this is any indication of our ability to operate as a country, God help us all if there ever comes a time that this Avian Flu ever does strike here.

My brother-in-law did receive his trailer there in Bay St. Louis, but it did take two months...It's tiny, but, of course better than a tent, so they aren't complaining...It has to be very difficult for those in tents, with the cold weather coming and the rain off and on...And I just received an email saying that the next town over Waveland is in need of Doctors and Nurses, as well as volunteers...So if anyone wants to help out this small town you can contact Turtle via:turtlebambam@yahoo.com or call this number 208 602 0909.I'm sure they can use all the help they can get right now!
Best wishes,
JoAnn Bush
Los Angeles, CA
www.generation2b.com
www.clippingcoupons4acause.com

I know what you're talking about Ms. Lusich - if you were not from the New Orleans area, it seems as if you are all but forgotten. I live west of the Mississippi river, just a mere 50 or so miles from New Orleans and sustained storm damage and I am yet to see assistance from Red Cross or FEMA. The damage we personally sustained is a mere drop in a bucket compared with yours. If one of these agencies finally make it to my area, I promise I will remind them of your area and of your situation and extreme patience. Hang in there!!

I too agree with Mr. Dupuy. I feel that our federal government is preoccupied with so many foreign affairs that it is not being as helpful as it should for our own citizens. I have reminded my high school government classes over the years that they should remember that the American Revolution had been fought because there was a lack of understanding by the mother country for the concerns of her children. I hope lessons can be learned---I would hate to see history repeat itself.

I am disgusted with the very idea of politics and men and women we put into office who have deserted our good citizens of New Orleans and throughout the United States. Shame on these so called politicians for turning a blind eye to the disgraceful way this government has treat our fellow Americans. Shame on you President Bush for allowing the Katrina disaster to continue to ripen and manifest in the people of New Orleans. You have abandoned the poor, the military, the needy, the elderly, the young, the children, the very essence of this great country to boost your wealthy comrades. How dare you call yourself a leader of the great people of this wonderful country. We the people are disgruntled with the lies you have continued to speak about the war and Katrina. You do not have our best interest at heart but of those within your small circle of well off friends and family. I for one am ashamed of you. Quite frankly, to hell with you!

This country was great when everyone carried his own cross and plowed his own furrows. Who gave the federal government the idea they had to be involved in evey catastrophy? Let us die if we can't make it on our own or with the help of those we know. Remember the dust bowl. Remember the hundreds of thousands who fled from war areas to distant places, usually walking. Nearly everyone in this part of the country came from Georgia,walking or in wagons, to escape the terrible times in Georgia during the Civil War. Some made it and some died. That's life.

Although I am not very pleased with our government as a whole, we must appreciate what little we can. When other countries have severe devastation, the United States is always one of the first countries to lend a helping hand to whomever needs it. Where was anyone else in the world when our country was getting devastated by nature? Our country alone was trying its best to help!! My heart goes out to all of those who have been hurt by the hurricanes! Just remember it was nature who caused this - not the government!

just maybe it's time for a new kind of tea party

I don't believe the rest of the country or the government fully understand the amount of devastation that occured on the coast of these two states. While I know and have friends that are affected from both areas. Who do you help first? The family that lost every single possesion, no home no personal items, not even a baby's toy? Or the one that escaped, moved in with relatives, and got 9 feet of water in the house, no other items remaining that are even salvageable.
Both families can't go home, both families have needs, they have no work, no home, years before they can even start to rebiuld.

I believe the government should have had local companies in charge of housing, not someone from another state, especially from another coast. The debris removal should have been handled locally. The government should have provided equipement and hired local people to do the work. It would have helped in both aspects of life.
Again as someone who is indirectly affected, there are several ways of accomplishing the desired effects in a much more positive way.

Our government has failed!!! The truth though, is that it has been failing for a long time. It takes something like katrina to really show how it is crumbling. The faith of this country is a direct reflection of government. With that said where does the faith come from when the government fails. Step up politicians!!!!! It's time to act not talk.

There has been poverty and homelessness in this nation long before Katrina and Rita hit. It is a shame that it took this kind of destruction to bring it to the forefront of our personal lives. Whatsmore, it's a shame that it will take much more than this to bring it to the forefront of the government's agenda. The government is obviously out of touch with reality in regards to the livlihood of our citizens. People are suffering while the President wines and dines the adultering Prince Charles. What a disgrace this country must seem to other nations. Shame on the government!

It's very sad to read all about the people affected by this terrible ordeal. I too beleived in our country, but to see people here in the United States that way, is unbeleivable. And to think that we are one of the "richest Countries" in the world really makes me think twice about what I once beleived. It's sad to think that when things happen outside of the United States, we are the first ones to help handing out millions and millions of dollars, and yet we can seem to help our own people, Our government is definetly doing something wrong!! Don't you think????

Once again we see that all we have can be gone in the blink of the eye. Again, we are reminded what is the most important things in life. Family, family, family and then friends, friends and more friends.
Our government does not want to do anything unless the cameras are there to see and hear what they are doing. Everything is a camera opportunity for campaigns later on. We, as a people, must bind together, help one another and bear the burden with each other. May God continue to speak to us through nature, people places and things to come.

I have to agree with a couple of earlier comments. The sensationalism of Hurricane Katrina is over, media crews are gone, and it's on to the next big story. There are still people suffering immensely! Also, the focus was all on New Orleans! It's a good thing Robin Roberts from Good Morning America was from Pass Christian Mississippi, otherwise not much aid would have reached that area.

After I read the posted emails from Mr. Brown the director of Fema; it all made sense how one person is so full of themselves they are totally useless. How he could of politically be placed in that position speaks volumes of the political structure. Its who you know; the majority of the time.
His attitude towards people and their plights killed and destroyed many lives. He was not different than Hitler; just meeker and milder but just as dangerous when the opportunity presented.

I can't believe that we go and help every country there is out there and don't help our own American people. Somehow, I think they got it backwards. I feel so sorry for everyone that got displaced due to the hurricanes. Don't give up and believe in God because he will get you through all of this. I do my best and contribute $50 per payday. I don't have much so I give what I can. How do we even know if the monies the people donate are even getting the cash? Just keep calling FEMA and whoever else you need to call. You are all in my prayers every night. Is there some other way people can be more helpful? It just seems like once the news stop talking about it everyone got pushed out of everyone minds, but not mine.

God bless you all.

The US was more diligent in raising funds for the Tsunami victims than helping the people in New Orleans. A reminder "charity begins at home, first" It is shameful the way our government continues to handle this tragedy

One of the problems is the context of reality that has been twarted by the media industry so badly.
The goverment is not even prepared to deal with the effects of global warming, because for a long time they have been covering the truth about this fact.As long as these inept individuals are within goverment
more problems will continue to come, steming from the divorce from reality practiced by the sold out media goverment puppets.

I have been reading some of the comments re: Katrina
and feel so sad for all those who are STILL suffering !I haven't read anything recently about the mayor of New Orleans who to me was quite a hero
before and after the storm struck ! Before, because he managed almost singlehandedly to move his people out and most probably saved thousands of lives because of his fast thinking and steadfastness.
May God bless him !!

I live in Cincinnati. From my office window I watch the trains roll by with car after car of plain little white trailers. I try to imagine how an entire family is going to live in this confined space. I ask God to please place a blessing on each little "home" and to be with those who have survived this devistating event.
America learns from her mistakes. If an event of this magnitude occurs again, state and federal agencies will surely be better prepared.
Let's all pray that we never have tofind out for sure.

Georgette, I totally agree with you.If this would have happened in a third world country. I do believe the response would have been different. I live in Houston TX. And my heart goes out to all the Katrina surviors as well as Rita surviors. Just want to say the least we could do here in Houston was to try and thanks to our Mayor we did that. And were still trying any way we can too help. FEMA is a Joke.

I have been able to witness important conversations involving people with government power seeing that I am apart of an entity....Such statements have been made:

" We find a least 10 to 20 dead bodies a day. Now we are at about 5,000 in New Orleans alone, not counting those we have killed for looting."

" We have killed about 100 looters in New Orleans and 4 on the coast."

" No, we(Homeland Security) can not report the total number of bodies we've found." Eventually we will underestimate the total for media sake."

I am totally disgusted by some of the things I've witnessed here in Mississippi. I wish that this corrupt government could be exposed.

"

My heart, charity, and help go out to all the people who have been hurt in the above states.

However, everyone keeps waiting on the government..... bad mistake.... in the end, it will be the private sector (ie, investors, personal homeowners, personal business owners, etc.) that will rebuild Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana (even New Orleans). Everyone in this country (JUST ABOUT) lives paycheck to paycheck with little thought about hurricanes, floods, tornados, etc. After having been through 6 (7?) hurricanes on the east coast of Florida the past 7 years, I've learned not to wait on the government but to be prepared ahead of time. Yes, it takes money away from going to the movies, eating out, etc., but what is missing a meal compared to not having/not having enough insurance on your house? not having enough money in the bank in case a disaster happens?

The truth hurts, but it will take YEARS for all of the affected areas to get back to where they were 6 months ago. I have a friend who lived near Biloxi when it got hit by that hurricane about 25-30 years ago. It took until the late 1990's for Biloxi to recover...then, look what happens! Another one!

All this reminds me of a quote - "Live each day like it was your last...plan for tomorrow like you're going to live forever..."

i am from new orleans too.keep your head up and be strong what don't kill you can only make you stronger. god has plans for you and your family good luck.

My heart goes out to anyone affected by this horific situation and eveyone should remember that this could be anyone of us in this situation at any minute.Mother nature does not care where she hangs her hat or sits. She is mighty big when she wants to be. Please keep these people in your prayers and don't forget that what you have today may be gone tomorrow. Money will not fix all these problems. We need compassion for all affected. There are many groups of people we need to help in many ways. People that are sent to help the victims are affected also. Thank you

I think we need a new president to come in and take over, and try and fix the mess that Bush has put us in. Maybe flood his home and see how he would deal with it, with no money and all! Its all about him when it comes to what's going on. With the war in iraq long over, our soldiers need to come home to there families... instead of over there dying one at a time!!

Most Americans are one paycheck, hurricane,earthquake or illiness from losing everything. I think what this shows there is no homeland security and certainly no security from anything in this country anyone more even the bird flu when it arrives.(Watch and See)Because there is no health insurance for most Americans when they get sick. Most of the officials are so busy defending themselves from money laundering, lying, taking in donations they should not have, until now there only only concern is SELF! I live in Texas and this could have very well being us here. I am so sorry that we have such SORRY people in place in our government as officals who are our leaders. So, so, sad.

Yes, the help has not gotten to everyone yet, but there are limits to what can be done and in what time limit. Many who have been offered help have refused it. It didn't help that the mayor of N.O. did not declare an evacuation when he should have. If the people of these devastated areas want someone in government to blame they need not go so far as the white house. There is a reason that FEMA's Brown is no longer in his previous postion as well. Why is this Bush or the Republican's problem? Because a democrat wants it to be. Anything to further their own political adgenda. THe fact of the matter is that many people who should have been paying attention dropped the ball and everyday people are having to pay the consequences. Unfortunatley, that is life. Knowing the weather patterns that have been developing in that part of the country, perhaps it is time to move? Those that stay do so at their own risk.

I’m not necessarily defending FEMA but Ms Lusich can thank some of her friends and neighbors for the delay in getting a trailer. Many people remembered previous hurricanes where trailers were brought in and eventually sold to the recipient for very little amount later. Knowing that people living in tents are getting first priority they are setting up tents in their front yards and applying for trailers. FEMA now has to go out and “qualify” each application to make sure there is a real need. This is taking a lot longer and they are rejecting many who are just trying to defraud the system. I truly hope Ms Lusich will get her trailer soon and I also hope those trying to profit from this tragedy will be allowed to take their profit to Heaven with them to show what they did while they were on this earth.

DO NOT DONATE TO THE AMEEERICAN RED CROSS!! They keep so much of the funds its sick!!!! All the head people bought new cars, put down payments on houses... its just sick and wrong that they could even live with themselves!!! Donate to the SALVATION ARMY... the donate 100% of the money they recieve!!!

If only the Governor of Louisana had gotten around faster in getting FEMA down there, things might be a little better in a shorter time but she waited....... If I was a citizen of Louisana I would not vote her in for another term

I just read a message that stated that we as a country help everyone else in a disaster but no one offered to help us with Hurricane Katrina's devestation. That person is horribly misinformed. Our rediculous president, when offered help by numerous foriegn countries, said to them "No, we can handle this on our own." What a complete idiot! Apparently someone in his chain of command pointed out what an idiotic statement he made, and a few days later he accepted foriegn aid from Greece, Italy, England etc., etc., etc. How did this fool ever get elected a second time? By making another country's issues more important than our own? Unfortunately the answer to that is yes!

I think is sad the devastation that has come from this
event. New Orleans gets rebuilt and all it's criminal
and low income people are dropped into other cities
with nothing but memories of what used to be. The
city moves on!!!!

I wish people would quit blaming the government for everything that is wrong with this nation. you ever think it might be the people. think about we have more lazy and whiny people then any where else. maybe if people would grow up a little bit and quit whining about every little problem they had our government could concentrate on more important things.It is no different then being a parent if the kids are crying and need things other things suffer. our government is too busy worrying about the spoiled people and worried about the presidents ratings. i really don't care he is in office and will be there until he;s gone so get over it.I think they are doing a pretty good job considering this nation is full of very large babies. To those people who lost there loved ones i want you to know i will always honor and remeber those who had the guts to stand up for people who are a lot less fortunate then this nation is. Anyone who has the ability has theresponsibility to help those in need both here and abroad and i don't think we are anymore important then our distant neighbors. Thank you again soldiers and all of your families

God bless the people who lost so much, and the generous Americans who are helping them. We have all sent as much money to the relief effort as we could. Now our tax dollars will pay Halliburton to rebuild New Orleans, so please keep in mind that it was not Katrina that destroyed it, but the break in the levee. The break occurred because the Bush administration took funds appropriated for strengthening the levees, to pay for the war in Iraq.

Most Americans are one paycheck, hurricane,earthquake or illiness from losing everything. I think what this shows there is no homeland security and certainly no security from anything in this country anyone more even the bird flu when it arrives.(Watch and See)Because there is no health insurance for most Americans when they get sick. Most of the officials are so busy defending themselves from money laundering, lying, taking in donations they should not have, until now there only only concern is SELF! I live in Texas and this could have very well being us here. I am so sorry that we have such SORRY people in place in our government as officals who are our leaders. So, so, sad.

Really, I can't say how much I feel for the people of the lovely states of Louisiana and Mississipi. Solely because nothing could have stopped what happened and it's just so unfortunate. That said, I truly hope that everyone involved can keep their chins up and maitain their extraordinary integrity, which has impressed me to no end, being Canadian and all. Now, I noticed in reading some of these posts, that there's actually some people out there (some lady from Colorado) who feel that the US government has met it's obligation and said that people should lighten up on criticism directed the Federal way. Please. For those who say that the US government reacted adequately, I beg of you to research who got there first. The Canadian Navy. Now, I don't say that so you'll love Canada, I say that so that ALL of you make your voices (and displeasure) heard the next time you vote. When are the policies going to shift priority from abroad to your own backyard. IT'S YOUR GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY. That does NOT make me a communist, it makes me compassionate for human life. Too bad your government couldn't extend the same respect. All of my best wishes go out to Katrina victims. I hope the opportunity for change doesn't get overlooked, as that would be the real tragedy.

It is unbeleivable to me the attitude that so many people have regarding this unfortunate event! Why do we have the attitude that we are owed ANYTHING? Go out and get a job and use your hands for work, instead of holding them out expecting a handout! That Welfare mentality is exactly what has put so many people in this predicament. Get busy and fix your own situation, and stop blaming our AWESOME President!

I agree with Nellie, how does President Bush sleep at night knowing so many people are sleeping outside, after losing everything. I think our gov't needs to think about what natural disaters can do, stop being so nieve, and have some type of plan for our citizens who live on or near the ocean coasts. Our citizens should not be in the position their in. I feel for the people who have suffered tremendously, and my heart goes out to you all. I have a good friend of nine years who left Nov. 3 to help rebuild Mississippi. I was sad to see him go, but on the other hand very proud! They say it can only get better. I'll be praying.

In response to Sara from Washington. I guess you dont know what your talking about because the mayor is not authorized to demand a evacuation only the governor can. It was still inforced long before Katrina hit, perhaps you should have drove down there and car pooled everyone you could that did not have transportation.

I was the media's focus on New Orleans that got it he help it needed at the expense of those in Mississippi and other areas. The wheel that squeeks the loudest gets fixed. This didn't happen because our troops are in Iraq. It is a tragedy, life happens, No one is at fault, it just takes time to do all that needs to be done. Not just days, or weeks but months possibly years. No one was prepared for what happened. No one at any level of government or personal position was prepared for the davastation.

Our home burned down, 5 destroyed in 1995. No one hurt. Insurance paid, charities donated, and an angel neighbor opened her home as a clearing house. When people came to gawk she went car to car with a bucket. That is the way it works. That is post WWII, 1950's thinking, We live hitech, but our hearts, minds and spirits must live that time again. Providence always sacrifices some to let the whole remember. How do you save a country? Anyway you can. I am sorry but that is a principle. The whole is humbled and knocked out of their selfishness we hope. Let's give thanks. Nature cleaned our clocks, but the message is the same. May the goodness and charity that spreads from our South go out to a good, still, yet wayward nation. I am so sorry to each hurt.

My daughter, son in law and two granchidren, escaped from Waveland with their lives, but little else. A FEMA trailor is 'on the way'. After two months,the water was restored yesterday. George W. should do his neat little Texas strut down to Miss., pick up a shovel, and do something useful. Could someone down there show him which end of the shovel to hold?

I was going to say I was stunned by some of the comments made on this site, but stun is the wrong word. Saddened might be a better word. Most of the people blaming the federal government are WRONG. Local and State dropped the ball BIG TIME. The American Red Cross busts their butts to assist and Sabrina needs to put down the Kool Aid and get her facts straight!!!

i think everyone should stop blaming the president for the perils of hurricane katrina,he did not cause the hurricane it was a natural disaster.i know from reading this womans story as well as others own personal experiences it has been tough if we stand together we will prevail.when we criticize the goverment and its offspring branches we fail miserably.george bush has more than enough on his plate ,and as american citizens we need to respect the office and the position of the president as well as the man himself.fema is doing what they can.everyone will be helped in due time.rome was not built in a day you know.the resources are there ,so be patient because god only knows how many others are waiting.stop criticizing president bush for the hurricane and the aftermath.he did not do it.patientce and perserveraince will prevail in this situation.god bless America and the President Of The United States.and let us not forget our country is still at war AND WE WILL PREVAIL!!!

I'm feel very sorry for the people who have lost everything that they have lost. I can't imagine it because i've never been anywhere close to that type of situation. What I am tired of though is all of the continuous yapping in these comments about the ineptitude of FEMA to help. Being a person that has dealt with logistics and organization on vast scales, including managing 30-40 different 25-100 car trains of varying commodities and that many more barges, most of the world has absolutely no realistic comprehension of what it takes to do FEMA's job. As everyone says and knows, the scale of this tragedy is beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Well, those of you who do have some business knowledge should understand that the RV industry does not have 400,000 trailers in inventory, costing them tremedous amounts of interest money, just waiting for the next natural disaster. On top of that FEMA didn't have everything set up with the railroads, including how to get them from the factory to the loading point, rates in place for freight costs, someone to take them off at the unloading point, someone to move them from the unloading point to the point where it is needed. And this is the high level of details required. Once that is all figured out, people need to be found to accomplish all of this. And that's not easy to do. Then to do this on a rotating, continuous basis is the next challenge. I'm not necessarily saying they're doing the best they can, but my faith in the people who are doing the actual logistics planning are more than likely not sitting on their hands and laughing. As far as Bush, he doesn't have a hand in this. What can he do? Say jump and watch how high people jump? Things only move so fast in logistics in the typical private sector. If you are expecting something faster, then you use the military and they're not necessarily set up any faster to do anything...they don't have any trains or trailers.
As far as protecting our citizens, would anyone have actually paid attention 100 years ago if they said "Don't build a house or town here called Waveland because 100 years from now, your descendents are going to be overcome by a huge storm surge that will wash away everything they own and cause tremendous heartache and loss of life"? If someone reading this claims that they would then let me be the first to say "Oklahomans, leave the state to avoid the most devastating tornado that will ever strike" and "Californians, leave the state to avoid the most devastating earthquake that man has ever seen". Did I save anyone's life????

I do believe we are pointing fingers in the wrong direction. How many of you know what plan YOUR LOCAL government has for disasters? Go to your next local council meeting and ASK...Give your donations to the RED CROSS,then ask for the FREE information they have about preparing your family for a disaster...and DO IT! Talk with the families next door and across the street and get a "BLOCK PLAN" for disaster. Post the phone numbers of all your state reps and senators on the refrigerator or in your PDA...when you turn on the news to hear that something has gone awry in Washington, again...FOR GOD SAKE GET ON THE PHONE/INTERNET, AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! A government "FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE" doesn't work, if THE PEOPLE are TOO busy with their own lives to get involved!
We need to turn that finger around on ourselves!

On the news today, no one seemed to notice that FEMA former director Mike Brown is STILL on the government payroll. Where is the public outcry about this man still collecting a salary? Hello...is anybody in Washington paying attention???

Mother Natures rath is indeed unstopable. Our emergency managment departments and personnel are resposible for being prepared to handle what ever she may send our way. The fact that they were not and most like will not be the next time speaks volumes. Please remember this at the next election, our votes put these people in power and our votes can remove them. Bush and his group may be gone in three years, but take care not to allow a "clone" to follow him. His leadership is not taking our beloved county in a direction to be proud of. Mid term elections in 2006 can correct part of our problem and the 2008 election can finish the job. This time its been the Gulf Coast, next time it could be your part of our great nation. Let nothing stop us from reaching out to our fellow citizens in their time of need, who know we make be next.

I have never in my life been so heart sick as I was after New Orleans got SLAMMED with the catostrophic hurricane Katrina. When 911 struck, you could not swing a dead cat without hitting a politician. What a great podium for the grandstanding or grand gestures that meant nothing. The adulterous Mayor of New York is now a hero ? Why because he tugged his zipper up and did his job.. that constitutes an American hero??? who might run for president?? are we certifiably insane???
The right people knew that Katrina was going to hit and hit hard, they did nothing to help the elderly, the sick, the babys, the infirm get to safety. How is it that in a matter of minutes people were there saving New Yorkers without apparent notice but it took days and days for them to rescue or help those simply surviving and dying in the Big Easy??? New Orleans is steeped in culture and heritage. New Orleans is a U.S. State that belongs to ALL the people of the U.S. She posesses a magic and beauty all her own. The treatment of the people there and lack of support for our brothers and sisters was nothing less than shameless for us all. We the people understood the need for emmediate help and assistance, but our Govornment did not? Could this be because New Orleans is prodominantly democratic, relatively poor and mostly African American? Did Mr. Bush and his Kronies feel punishment was warranted because most did not vote for a war monger and self appointed dictator? Whatever the excuse, we have failed the people of New Orleans and should they have an axe to grind for a great many years " they are entitled to it". There is NO excuse for the way they were abandoned. There is NO excuse for the lack of support and aid they were not provided. I did not see anybody on 911 showing coverage of New Yorkers looting in order to stay alive or feed thier children. New Yorkers were not forced to live in sub human conditions and treated like common criminals or worse, animals. Millions of dollars were raised in an instant to help those poor grieving widows and widowers of New York. Where is that same support for the good and kind people of New Orleans? I applaud Anderson Cooper for breaking down on national television. I commend him for his honesty and courage while reporting the truth about the ill treatment of our brothers and sisters. If it was you watching an elderly deceased woman being eaten by rats in the streets, you too may very well have snapped and told the truth as well. That was somebodys mother, grandmother.. daughter..aunt. That woman being devoured by rats was a viable HUMAN BEING with the same value and rights and WORTH as you or I and we sadly disappointed her as well as her family. More could have been done, more should have been done and if we cant blame our Govournment, the least we can do is place the blame on us because we allowed this travesty to occur. I am Canadian and my children raised $500.00 for Katrina relief. They did this on thier own because even they could see little was being done by Mr.Bush and his band or crooked men. Whatever the final outcome I assure you this, what comes around goes around, and one day we will be truely sorry that we ever allowed our fellow man, our brothers and sisters to be treated this way.
Big deal, Bushes popularity went down !! What is sad is that we did not take to the streets in support and protest like we did when Rodney King was wronged
by bad racist politics and that war monger Bush is still in office. Go ahead and blame FEMA'S top man if it helps you sleep better at night, but the person with real power, the power to help and make a difference, to save lives with swift action is the one that should be held accountable and that is Mr. Bush. I am truely sick to death of the excuses we allow this President to hide behind. I am sick to death of seeing Americans living like it's some third world nation. I am sick to death of wars and bad Govourment. I am sick to death of the ill and heinous treatment of minorities in the U.S. I am sick to death that " we the people " means nothing anymore now that Mr. Bush has been given a second term in office. " To the people of New Orleans, I am sorry. I am so sorry you were treated this way. I will never EVER forget or get over what happened to you. I will never let those who did it so cruelly and callously ever live it down ". I am certain God has a special place in hell for those who committed these crimes against you. In God I trust ".
I pray you find peace in all of this suffering and I know New Orleans will rise from the ashes. I myself will cry a lifetime of tears for the beauty, the people and majesty that was and is forever lost.
****************************************************
Louisiana - 1927 By Randy Newman

What has happened down here,
Is the winds have changed
Clouds roll in from the north
And it started to rain
It rained real hard, and
It rained for a real long time
Six feet of water
In the streets of Evangeline

The river rose all day,
The river rose all night
Some people got lost in the flood,
Some people got away alright
The river had busted through
Clear down to Plackermine
Six feet of water
In the streets of Evangeline

Louisiana, Louisiana
They're trying to wash us away,
They're trying to wash us away
Oh Louisiana, Louisiana
They're trying to wash us away,
They're trying to wash us away

President Coolidge come down,
In a railroad train
With his little fat man
With a note pad in his hand
President says "little fat man,
Oh isn't it a shame,
What the river has done
To this poor farmer's land"

Oh Louisiana, Louisiana
They're trying to wash us away,
You're trying to wash us away

To those far away- please understand the following from some from here who came back quickly and worked in relief:
1. The Red Cross did virtually nothing; they got on TV and collected $1+ billion which was spent somewhere and now they want tax dollars for it.
2. Get FEMA director Brown's emails and read them; he was more interested in his wardrobe appearance than Katrina victims
3. We do have a problem with local officials who are letting our town die. The state should act; people can't even get building permits to repair their damaged homes.

thank you

Wow...this story is reminiscent of my sister's situation in Lake Arthur, LA. She is on the "waiting list" for a trailer due to damage sustained to her home from Hurricane Rita. Now I understand what she meant when she said, "honey, they still haven't gotten to the Hurricane Katrina folks yet!" Unreal...

In a previous comment, it is mentioned about the Salvation Army; being 100 percent. I have to say, 35 years ago our mobile home and all our possesions except our unpayed for car, burned up. We excaped with our lives only and our two baby girls. It was the Church of the Nazareen, (not our church) AND the SAlvation Army that were there for us immediatly. No one else knew we existed.!!!!!!! I still thank them. They are 100 percent!!!!!!!

It appears as though, as is typical, government officials are more busy building their own empires and protecting their jobs than getting involved in anything like -- dare I say it? -- HUMANITARIAN assistance. They all seem to be looking very busy while waiting for the residents of Louisiana and Mississippi to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Then, they can step in and claim credit for all that was done. I'm reminded, at all times, of the bumper sticker I saw once: "I love my country. I fear my government."
The problem is, I don't think it would matter if the "gummit" was Republican or Democrat; the beaurocracy and red tape would still be just as bad, and the people down there would still be treated as second-class citizens in a third-world country.

I read and understand people's ire regarding govermental help, or the lack thereof, to a degree. It is part of personal responsibility to prepare for life and all that comes with it, hurricanes included. What really bugs me though is when the "Bookies" (read insurance companies) take the premium payments readily and greedily enough, but then drag their feet or try to change the game when a catastrophic event occurs. This is when the government really needs to step in and make them uphold their end of the bargain. There are people in this area still waiting for settlement from Ivan in Sept. 04', now more after the latest storms. God help us next year.

OK, Something wrong here...
I'm in New Orleans helping a frined and have seen a number of trailers from Downtown out to Kenner.
Now explain to me how a Party Club, The Venue, (http://www.thehottestclub.com/main.php) has a FEMA Trailer next to their building when there are people in Mississippi living in tents?

This just isn't right, our Government has become ineffectual and non-responsive.

Time to get the National Guard / Army hauling trailers and knock off this contract hauling BS.

Get the trailers to the people who need them.

Does anyone know what FEMA"s obligation is when it comes to disaster relief? Go to FEMA"s web site and you will see. The first area of responsiblity belongs to the people of the state affected by the disaster. I hear the outcry against FEMA but I hear nothing about the defunct State Governments that are supposed to have emergency measeures in place in case of Katrina disaster. The possibility of a Katrin disaster was well investiagated and documented before it ever happened. Were was the State and local help. I have heard on the news several times how life saving the Churches and Charities have been. I think that these organizations are our saving grace in time of disaster. I don't think that the State or Federal Governments are ever going to learn from any disaster. It will happen all over again the next time.

" Stephanie Alm "
If that is the only beauty you can remember about New Orleans, poverty, criminals and I suspect you meant African Americans, than I feel deeply sad for you. What you are really saying is now they have taken these poor criminals out of the poverty we enjoyed them silently living in, out of site out of mind, and have now brought thier them to our citys, where they will destroy and polute us with thier toxic poor ways? Was that some kind of back handed racist comment? Obviously you did not live in New Orleans, You did not live the suffering watching people die, the elderly, the baby's, the children, those with heart conditions, diabetes, to name a few and right before your very eyes. And sitting in your comfortable arm chair watching these events unfold does not constitute living the experience with those people either. You did not endure the hatefulness of this nation because I am sure it is safe to assume that you are white, affluent and maybe just a little spoiled. Most people looted for survival, others out of pure spite and anger for thier poor and inhumane treatment in this many years. Some looted because no help was being sent, day in and day out. The city gets rebuilt? and what ? the scars instantly go away? The city moves on ? and where does it move too? Does New Orleans and her people move on to new Citys where people dont be wanting thier evil ways? thier criminals ? thier poor?? Do you think these people enjoyed this, like a day at Disney Land ?
now they move on to newer and better football fields??? Do you really think parents enjoyed losing thier children? being separated from loved ones? living in delapitated football stadiums without running water, drinking water or bathroom facilities? They were forced to live in and with rancid water, no food and thier memories alright. The memories and anger of just how some of us down right white Americans have been treating them for far to many years. No, you don't move on, No you don't ever really rebuild, No, you can't replace the dead they are gone forever and No, they should never forgive those who did not help them, and turned a blind eye in thier greatest hour of need.
sometimes I am ashamed to say I am part of this human race because so often it feels more like a inhumane race. I am white, but those are my people in New Orleans. I am white and Canadian, and still those people of New Orleans are my people, my brothers and sisters. I am white and I owe a debt of grattitude to the people of New Orleans. One day she will rise from the ashes, New Orleans will, and God help anybody who thought this was just another day that those poor criminal African Americans deserved.
God bless New Orleans. God bless the beautiful people who understood, we are all deserving and we are all children of God.

I keep reading about all the "RV's" that FEMA is going to house the survivors of Katrina in and have a couple of thoughts. First, when the next huricane season comes along next year, how do you think these trailers and their occupants will fare? Second, since it is obvious to anyone with any common sense that it is just a matter of time until that happens, is there going to be an adequate evacuation plan in place? If someone doesn't think these things out, we might be in for an even more devastating hurricane season in the years to coem.

Why blame FEMA? They are government employees (only about 2500 full time) selected by the politicians you elected over the past 20 years or so! Look in the mirror! True, FEMA is coming in with big bucks, all the while being accused of wasting the money they are spreading about (damned if you do... damned if you don't.) But the REAL meaningful giving has been from the churches who fed, housed and clothed people from the day of the storm onward.

Is it a surprise that "contracting out" aid falls short of true neighborly aid and comfort?

The real shame is that so many Americans turn to the government in Washington instead of their fellow citizens across the country. We don't need self-serving politicians so much as we need the honest compassion, support and good will of the many good people throughout the country.

Remember: charity is tax deductable! Any rich folk out there not happy with the way FEMA spends their taxes can solve the problem for themselves by giving their money to charity rather than trusting politicians to do it for them!

One little comment that Teddy Roosevelt said once.
"There can be no divided allegiance here, any man who says he is an American, but something else, also, isn't an American at all" I believe that this is in the catagory of being called "AfricanAmerican". Why do we keep symbolizing this? They are Americans. They are dark skinned, so what? They are Americans and I pray some day soon that we will drop the African American. My greatgrandson is of two colors and he is the most beautiful, most adorable little boy and I am going to encourage him to drop the African, and just say "I am an American" and be proud of it. Theodore Roosevelt said "in the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated as an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in the very fact an American and nothing but an American, There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else, too, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American Flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilations, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile....We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language....and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is the loyalty to the American people." Guess we may be considered "slow learners". He is so right

Our government has to adopt a new mind set. For all the money that gets sent to third world people we get nothing. You can't buy friends. All I see is Yankee go home. I think we'd get a lot more 'bang for our buck' by taking care of our own first.

If my neighbor was starving and so was my child and I had a crust of bread, I'd feed my child.

Dear Teddy Roosevelt, please explain the truth of
" African American " to Judy and how archaic this way of thinkling really is:

" History lesson number 1 "

Lets see, Maybe it's because you shackled them, put them on ships and kidnapped them. You brought them to America and enslaved them. You denied them even basic human rights and education. You impregnated thier women and sold them, sold thier husbands and children. You used them to build your nation and democrocy, as slaves. You denied them so very many things, that the very least you could do is ackowledge and respect thier freedom and heritage today. They are Africans by decent, who were cruelly enslaved by Americans and still suffer at your hands to this very day. The name " African" is thier God given right to use if they so choose. I think a vast many would be insulted that you want to deny them thier heritage. Last I looked " African " was NOT a four letter word. No matter how often you scrub those ahnds.. that stain of cruelty will NEVER go away. If I were African American, I would not want to be saddled with the American name with all that is happening in Iraq. I would simply call myself a kidnapped once enslaved American, seeking a civilised country of non racists to live in, and the right to my heritage and birth. Whats so diffcult about that?

The beauty of diversity is simply that " diversity "

Thank you Sabrina for that enlightening message about the American Red Cross. I had often heard service men who had to call on the Red Cross at some point during their military career expess a tremendous dislike for the orginization. They had no respect because the Red Cross did not assist in times of family emergencies and they wanted to come home from overseas when a close family member was dying or died. I do know first hand about the good works of the Salvation Army. Many years ago when I lived in another state. A man came into our lives. He was what some would call a hopeless alcholic. No matter how drunk he got, he managed to find his way to our home. One day in eight degree temperature, he managed to make it as far as my sidewalk where he collasped. After a long stay in the hospital, I loss tract of him when he was discharged. After a year he came to visit us. Said he had been taken in by the Salvation Army. They gave him training, assist him in finding a job and a nice place to live. They assist him in gaining his self respect. Even though he was a stranger who entered our lives, I will forever be grateful to the Salvation Army and have faith that Mr. C was not the only one who has regain their dignity with the help of this wonderful Organization. Sabrina, thats where my donations, tithes and offerings go! Thanks again. Maryalice

If I saw two children starving and I had only one piece of bread, my child or not, I would split that bread in two, feed each child just enough, and go hungry myself. I would also ask myself how I ended up living and paying taxes in this so called civilised country that would allow me to only be able to find one piece of bread for food. I would be asking why my Gov. is dropping mounds of cash on the heads of Iraqi's, instead of feeding the poor and homeless suffering for many reasons including Katrina in my own country.

I am going to volunteer this weekend in Waveland with my church. From friends of mine in Waveland, I heard that many trailers arrived but w/o keys so people were sleeping outiside of their trailers. Way to go FEMA.

NBC please investigate the RED CROSS, when the CEO of Red Cross makes $651.957 annually, their priorities aren't right and American's who truly want to help have been suckered again.

Most of the people that have made such negative comments about our country need to go somewhere else and live for awhile to appreciate what we have. It has only been since world war 2 that we have become so dependant on a central government-believing that it is the sole provider for everyone that is in dire straits. We have become a weak people and weak people make for a weak nation.

With every thing that is going on in politics today, we need to get rid of the whole lot and start over. Get it back to a Government of the People by the People and for the People. Not the lobby's, oil barron's etc. Our people need our governments help and with out us WHO is going to fund the government? We live in the greatest Country in the world. Our government needs to remember that and if they can't it's time to replace them with people who will. We need to help our own not our pockets. There is no reason for any child to be hungry in this country. It's a shame they do.