Since there is such a lack of order with the government, it's no wonder the response was non-existent to those in need. We tend to take a wait and see approach instead of being proactive to reduce the devastation. Incompetent officals were the cause and now it will cost much more to rebuild.

This is getting tedious, many if not most of the people screaming about long waits are the same people who scream that their taxes are wasted on "lazy government employees". I have been in politics for a long time and that is one of the major complaints of both party's constintuencies. "Too many people being paid too much to do too little work". Government agencies are staffed for the routine peaks and valleys of their workload. Last summer's hurricanes are a far greater than the usual peak work load and will overload the routine staffimg and the work is not something you can bring in a few temps to handle. Neither do you want to give out money willy-nilly in light of the absolutely aggregious fraud which has already come to light. This was a storm of a century and it will not be handled routinely. Computer problems happen; travel into the disaster area was disrupted for everyone; and the normal amount of phone lines will be overwhelmed in a disaster of this magnitude. Maybe we should hire 2 times the staff and/or infrastructure only to let them/it sit around waiting for the next big storm which may not come for years? Of course, the electorate would then scream about lazy government workers sitting around soaking up their tax dollars or spending money on things not being used.

SBA isn't the only Federal Program that is assisting Katrina victims. I work for USDA Rural Development and was detailed to the Hattiesburg, MS recovery Center last October. USDA Rural Development worked alongside our fellow Federal employees at SBA, FEMA, etc to assist victims with repairs to their home or to purchase a different home. Rural Development also assisted folks in obtaining an apartment through our multi-family housing programs. I came back to my home state of Indiana in early November, therefore I am unaware of how many folks Rural Development helped down there, but I believe it would warrant the writer of this story to look in it. Our agency sent 30 employees from 10 different states to assist our fellow Mississippi RD employees to man all the Recovery Centers. I don't have a handle on how many preapplications were taken in MS, but gauging from what I saw in Hattiesburg it had to be in the thousands.

What can u do. We (the consumers or victims) in this case know nothing. We have good ol FEMA & other folks that are supposed to help us. So what can u do when they say you're not worthy?

So what is the big deal?

According to the State and Federal Government, our economy is strong and the job outlook is even better. Recent news reports also show that employers in the area, like McDonalds and Burger King, are paying the highest wages ever, so why do the people need loans?

Our dear leaders in Washington have assured us that New Orleans will be rebuilt. So why should we be concerned with a few applications that were turned down by FEMA and the SBA?

Why is that before a disaster everyone wants smaller government,lower taxes and the government "off their backs". Now that it is after the disaster, everyone is there with their hands out and complaining that the government isn't moving fast enough, isn't giving out enough money and isn't there when they need it. You get what you ask for and what you pay for.

Here's a sad story,

My wifes now 90 yr old aunt lost her only husband in 1990, then lost their home and all her memories and possessions in 2005 in Katrina. Her home was near the London Canal breach. She's stayed with us as of 12 midnight the Saturday before the hurricane, when we rushed to New Orleans after convincing her to leave. She told us "I've never flooded before", and "But I can swim", but finally gave in when her closest neighbors told her they were leaving.
Fortunately, she is blessed with good health, and a sharp mind. She's very intelligent, speaks several languages, and is very much into politics. She reads the paper daily, as well as Time Magazine, Newsweek, etc. Her only son lives in California, and has tirelessly handled all the contact/paperwork regarding FEMA, SBA, Utility Co., Mortgage Co, etc. She doesn't like going to Calif (except to visit), and really loves my wife, so she has stayed with us.

I realize that younger couples, and those with young children, are struggling with making a living, helping their kids get back to some normalcy, basically rebuilding their families lives from scratch, and still having to deal with these same issues. But it's a shame that Aunt D. is still waiting. She dreams of one day being back in her home of 40+ years, yet knows it'll probably never happen (waterline up to roof). She dreams of maybe moving in with her 87 yr. old sister and her family in Vera Cruz, but a 2 day visit recently made her realize that probably won't happen, as her sister has many health problems and they could not take care of each other.
She dreams of maybe buying herself a house near us in Baton Rouge, but wonders if it'll ever happen. The SBA loan application has been agonizingly slow, and seems to be far away from resolution.
Others, though their plight may seem more difficult with kids and jobs and cars and housing all being important and urgent needs, have many years to finally get themselves back on track. Aunt D. doesn't have the luxury of time. It's not on her side. She may have one, or ten years left. I see her agony every day, as well as her joy - of living, of having friends and family, of animals (she loves our Yellow Lab, and he her), of sunrise every morning, and of the stars at night. But time is ticking, and she needs her own place once again, where she can make coffee on her own stove, plant her own fruit trees, sweep her own porch, and sleep in her own bed. And she needs it more than any of the other Katrina victims because, in my opinion, she has so much less time to enjoy it.

I cannot believer that the SBA does not make HUGE exceptions, especially with the Katrina victims! They were nearly wiped out, they are trying to stay in the same area, rebuild their community, and continue on. I still know families that are having difficulty filing for their relief. It is a shame in our great country that a person still has to beg.

What should be done is very simple. all those affected should organize and simple go to Washington DC and just set up camp by the White House, The Capitol and all the public parks and monuments.
I promise, our government would then act. Could you imagine world leaders visiting our capitol and seeing this.

Why are people rebuilding in N.O.? Home Insurance rates there will be so high (rightfully so) that a significant majority of people moving back there won't have home owners insurance. Hence, next time there is a big storm (eventually there will be) all of these re-built homes will be wiped out and everyone will expect the govn't to pick up the tab, which is BS. Whomever is moving back to N.O. is ignorant. Yes, it may be tough to relocate and forego your previous residency, but it's the rational decision. I'm sick of people making dumb decisions and not taking responsibility.

all i have ever known of government....is too many chief's...too few little indian's....sad but TRUE

Wise,
Are you implying that people only should live where there is no possibility for disaster? Do you mean to tell me you're so naive to think a disaster cannot occur in other parts of the country? Earthquakes in West, hurricanes in the SE, tornados in the MidWest. Shall we all move to a fabricated bubble in fantasy land that will never get a natural disaster? No, you plan ahead with strict building guidlines and provide everyone with education and knowledge. South Florida rebuilt after Andrew...New Orleans will to. It will take time, but for you to call it a dumb decision is well, dumb...

I don't feel one bit sorry for the people who did not have insurance and who KNEW this hurricane was coming and the possible damamge it could cause. Hurricanes just don't happen overnight and there are people who work for the state and city who can assist with evacuations. It is because most of these people are already being taken care of the government and don't have to do for themselves, so why should they start now? Until the end of time, most of the New Orleans residents who are yelling and screaming for the government to do something for them are to lazy, selfish and stupid to get off their hides and do something for themselves. Like getting a job and paying their way. Why should the rest of the country have to pick up the cost to rebuild a city whose people won't take care of it and will sink into the sea anyway? In all those news clips when you saw people sitting around or stealing because they can't get out of the city, well, you got two legs, WALK! I will not support or send any kind of aid to these people because of all the stealing and whining. The only thing I will continue to support is the animal rescue for all the pets that were left behind.

If I rember correctly, the SBA has been downsizing over the past three years. They are expected to do more with less. Let us not forget that !!!!

It is not surprising to me that this "Administration of the Rosey Scenario" would make another promise it can't keep...to rebuild New Orleans, bigger and better than it was before the Storm. As hard as it might be to desert one's lifelong home, in the real world one must find a way to restart one's life as quickly as possible.

As I am now witnessing from the recovery from the fires that ravaged San Diego 2 years ago, those who decided to rebuild their dream homes are still fighting with insurance companies and contractors and living out of suitcases. Those who took their settlement and decided to immediately relocate to available, existing properties elsewhere are two years into their new lives and focused on new sources of happiness.

The Government should have allowed for the option of immediate buyout of lost properties to allow for those who were willing to get a fresh start, sooner rather than later. The Government did many a great disservice with lofty (but empty) rhetoric about the swift rebuilding of the ravaged gulf coast. Another misguided "rosey scenario" trumping the much needed "real solutions"

Right on M Anderson from Madison, WI! Governments should exist to ensure justice and equal opportunity, not take care of people like children and try to create equal outcomes.

what should be done is the citizens of new orleans should clean there city up themselves,why does the goverment have to help?seems evry time the goverment get involved things go to hell anyway.

Let me point out to the negative attitudes out there that think we are all looking for a hand out - WE ARE NOT!
There are many people that were affected by the hurricane that had both homeowners and flood insurance and each insurance company is saying the other should pay. These people have no home, no insurance, nothing and a mortage they continue to pay that is now for a lot with a slab.
This could happen to any one, any where. Watch CNN, watch the Fox News when they both have reports on what is going on in this area.
Lots of us here a people who are use to fixing things, we cannot fix this. We did not expect this and yes, half of the US really do not even want us to relocate to their towns.
You need insight, you need to visit here.
Obviously there are many who post on here that are such mean spirited people from the start!

What about some self sufficiency and picking one up themselves? There is NO WHERE in the constitution that says these people have a right to any of this. If they choose not to get a job and move forward why should I help them because I have?

I was thinking, there where around 200,000 homes destoryed, let say for a moment that every home owner recieve 200k to rebuild, that would equal what 40 Billion Dollars, and lets say another 25 Billion for Infustructure. So where still below the cost of the nation building taking place in Iraq, one of the worlds largest oil reserves and im still paying around $2.5/ gallon. (don't replay that europe is paying over 5 dollars a gallon, much of that has to do with the taxes in place.)

I'm sick and tired of hearing how the government hasn't helped the victims of Katrina. What makes this the governments responsibility anyway? I for sure don't agree with rebuilding NO at the governments expense. Let's get real people, start taking responsibility for yourselves.

My heart goes out for all the people who lost their homes in Mississippi and New Orleans but what can the Federal govt. due with a loss of this magnitude.No one has said anything about the insurance companies insuring all these homes.Why should they be allowed to walk off and not pay up as they are supposed to.I agree the homes in N.O. that are below sea level should not be allowed to be rebuilt w/tax payers money.

southard

The recovery seems to be going alone slow and steady. Despite the problems in New Orleans the slow move for former residents back into the city might speed up the building process. The states and its residents definitely need some stability. Those in Florida go through the same affect year after year on a smaller scale. We should take notes from their recovery efforts.

This is the just the tip of the iceburg.If you think for a second that Katrina was a major disaster, your crazy. The major disaster is the way its being delt with. Insurances companies pay out on a daily basis for fires thefts etc. But the minute you have to pay out major amounts that dwindle funds or large gross profits you have to apply stall tactics. This is not something new. the government does the same thing. Billions spent on war, no end to the cash, natural disaster! hey get in line! The really sad thing is how in three years from now there will just be a couple of scape goats and then its back to business as usual, until the next disaster.The trickle down theory never works. Its time for accountability.

Wise, I hope that yours is the last of the really tiresome posts saying that NO should not be reinhabited. I suppose that's an option if you want to pay about 30% more for anything that is not bigger than a breadbox, plus oil, but I don't think that's what you want.

NO is there for a reason. It is at the mouth of the Mississippi and the starting point for tons of goods shipped on the Mississippi River, which includes oil. There are oil platforms in the Gulf that need the city as their base. The city was there for a reason, and it was never the largest of cities BEFORE the hurricane. And if you have workers who have to be there, they need hospitals, schools, shops, etc.

Should the new structures be more hurricane-proof? You betcha. Should the levees be made more secure? Of course. Should some areas of the city NOT be resettled? Maybe.

There are thousands of residents who HAVE decided NOT to move back, who have decided that they can do what they do somewhere else, and I'm sure that it was a tough decision for them, and I ache for their feeling of dislocation.

To the others who want to reclaim their sense of place, their heritage and HOME, good luck to you all.

And by the way, here's a quiz for you. Where can you live in the U.S. that DOESN'T or might not have a major disaster or economy breaker every 100 years or so?

to wise: the reason why new orleans and several surrounding neighborhoods were wiped out was because of the federal government's negligence in making sure the levees were properly maintained. i grew up in chalmette. i traveled through the 9th ward, lakeview and new orleans east many, many times...i know where just about every street is...i had friends and family in every part of the city and many of them lost everything...it is the federal government's fault that new orleans was under water due to the levee breaks...have you read the fema baloney? have you read what michael brown said? have you read any of it? or none of it? or all of it? every finger points back to the federal government and their incompentencies...not one congressman or senator can say they had no idea how catastrophic this would be...not one...studies have been done in the past; work orders have been filed in the past...the mississippi river gulf outlet has been a source of controversy since its inception...flooding and storm, tidal surges and its consequences have been well known for 40 years...it is the federal government's obligation, duty to make sure this never happens again...and it is downright shameful that people are still having to wait for trailers, financial settlements from insurance companies, etc...it is downright shameful...several friends are sinking further and further into depression because they don't know what to do...imagine your home torn to shreds, water to and over the rooftop...every memory and sentimental object destroyed, your routine gone, your sense of normalcy gone, your community, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your life gone...just imagine what you would do if, in a matter of 24 hours, your entire life was gone...your entire day to day activities were forever changed...imagine it's you and then say who should do what and when...

How some misguided people can compare the costs of repairs in New Orleans to a math problem involving the cost of gasoline is amazing to me. Where is it written that any govt is required to bail anyone out of their personal problems. I went through hurricane Andrew in South Florida and the US Govt did not pay for my repairs. Can you say home owners insurance? If you are too dumb to protect your investments than who is to blame for that? You live in a flood plain for crying out loud! It's snowing here in Wisconsin is Bush to blame for that?

You want to know where the money and help is? Check out Iraq. While you were so worried about possible gay marriage and abortion rights, you forgot about what really matters, and that is electing a president with at least half a brain to run this country. Sorry for your losses, but you voted for him.

My daughter lost her home in Chalmette, La. which is located in St.Bernard Parish. I wish Mr. Bush would worry about Americans in the storm strickened area like he does rebuilding Iraq,and offering to rebuild a Masque in Iraq. For the money he is offering he could rebuild all homes without flood insurance. My daughter lived in a part of the Parish that has not flooded in over 60 years and was told she did not need flood insurance. Now she has nothing and is a school teacher with three children. Maybe it is better to be a foreigner in our own country, it looks like that is the only way we can get attention.
I had about 25,000 worth of damage, but it was from the wind and I had insurance to rebuild. I think someone in Washington needs to step up.
Is he crazy about the port deal?

Jane Faust:

I am dumbfounded by your arrogance. New Orleans is very, very different from the beach cities of Mississippi. My family and I went through Hurricane Camille and lived through the night and misery thereafter. My parents were grateful for my summer friends from New Orleans...they brought supplies to our doorstep...we recovered. I think you may have never lived through a disaster, other than one that is personal.

I absolutely cannot believe the vitriolic posts on this website. No small wonder our country is going to heck in a handbasket, with such small-minded, self-centered, apathetic (except where it concerns their own needs and wants), vindictive people in its' midst.

What goes around comes around, folks.

When looking at the demographics of the two coastal towns being examined in the "Rising from Ruin" piece MSNBC is doing, it's worthy to note that the demographics of both towns is above 70% white. I thought part of the outrage within the Katrina disaster was how minorities were left out to dry. I am not saying that we should not examine the rebuilding process in a town with a white majority, but isn't that "un-even" journalism?

Why is the Small Business Administration doing home loans in this case? SBA doesn't offer home loans anywhere else. Am I missing something here?

Just where do people get off on saying that these people should just help themselves. They are not affected by any disaster. We pay billions of dollars to help rebuild Iraq, give billions more to help the people in the tsunami nations, and billions more to help people all over the world. What is wrong with helping some of our own. It does not matter whether there were poor and unemployed people there in the Mississippi and Louisiana areas, it seems like it should be the duty of the US Government to help in those situations. Just because it is not your disaster, you would be the first the ask for help if it was.

Why is it that we are willing to go to war and all but completely distroy a country spending millions of dollars to do so, then spend millions more rebuilding that country. Yet, for some reason when a disaster hits home the government runs around with their thumbs in the dark side of the moon pointing fingers about how it is someone elses fault that the process for sending relief is slow and ineffective. Oddly enough, the government tends to point fingers at different branches of itself. What's even more wrong with the situtation is that instead of saying opps we screwed up they say oh we found out that it was so and so's fault, he or she is no longer a member of the government and is now under investigation( A excuse to spend more tax dollars to investigate). Now, that's great the government has found a scape goat, but still over 6 months later the stories have not gotten any better from the people that need help. And relief is hidden behind so much red tape that the government makes it all but impossible to U.S. CITIZENS to get the relief they need so much so that they don't have to sleep in tents on the side of the highway. Growing up in school I remember hearing LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE and that the U.S. is THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY what I have discovered now that I'm a grown man is that isn't true. It's really LAND OF THE FREE (as long as you play by our rules) HOME OF THE BRAVE (when we don't send our men and women overseas to find weapons that aren't there) and the U.S. is THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY (assuming that you are not a below poverty level family). I think saying that all of this is a discrace is way more than a understatement. My heart goes out to all of the victims of Katrina, May GOD be with you because after 6 months of waiting we all know that the government isn't.

So many negative comments from people around the country who seem to think the people New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast were living in flood prone areas with no insurance and no job. Shows how much they know. To buy a house and have a mortgage you are required to have insurance. Period. Almost all of the people who were affected had jobs and worked for a living. What we have gotten with these storms is the insurance companies saw the amount of devastation and are now hedging on paying out any money. Making matters worse is that the year before, the homeowners insurance companies increased everyones deductible for storm damages without any public review. I am sure the people in Florida are familiar with that scenario. We now have hundreds of thousands of homes that were destroyed in the storm surge in areas that the federal government assured everyone was not in a flood zone. As to New Orleans being below sea level, only certain parts of the city are really below sea level. However, the flood maps have not been updated in years and actual levels are at the moment unknown. Now, people would like to rebuild but they do not know if they will have to elevate their house, can rebuild without elevating, or if the government will forbid rebuilding. Those questions will not be answered until the feds determine elevations which is months away. How can you rebuild, using your life savings and insurance money, if you do not even know if you will be allowed to rebuild.

It gets mentioned that the federal government is not required to help these people. Just think what would happen to many financial institutions if suddenly the 200 thousand plus homes all defaulted on their loans. What will happen to all those cities where the evacuees have settled. Now they are tasked with spending money to provide the facilities to handle these people. The city of Houston is overwhelmed with the costs of keeping those evacuees. Don't think they can just send them packing, there is nothing in New Orleans for them to return to. Most of the homes that were flooded are uninhabitable. FEMA has not come thru with the trailers needed to house people.

It's a sad thought but New Orleans, no matter what is done, will be much smaller. The people affected by these storms need some help. Help them get the resources to either rebuild or settle somewhere else. We helped New York following 9/11 and FLorida following Andrew and the other hurricanes of 2004. We need to help the Gulf Coast. Who knows, the next disaster may be your hometown.

I can't believe some of the harsh things people can say, but in this country nothing surprises me. That statement is not for the intelligent people of the U.S.A.. I myself was in the disater area and to me if you haven't experiencd it or really don't have to deal with the slow progress of the situation then you shouldn't make comments. I am a tax paying citizen in Louisiana and just have not had any help at all. So to the people who are still waiting, still calling FEMA, and SBA join the party. It's not about the government or the rest of the country taking the responsility some people really do need alittle help and there's really no help at the time. So lets not be so cruel and have alittle heart sometime, because everyone is not just looking for a hand-out!

God helps those who help themselves...

Matt from N.O (now Philly),

Since you didn't interpret my comment correctly let me elaborate...My comments were directed to those who will not have home owners (or didn't for that matter), which lets be honest here, is not many people in the greater N.O. area. Like you pointed out, places like the West, Fla...all over the country are prone to different 'adverse events,' but each is subject to varying levels of high insurance rates b/c of risk - a simple example: Home Owners in Philly is significantly less than L.A. b/c of earthquakes. So no, we should not all be quarentined to 'safer' areas; live where ever the hell you want, but don't try to re-establish yourself in a 'high risk' area - N.O. - and not take responsibility into your own hands. Everyday I read about how the govn't is failing the people I am talking about, like I said that's BS...Refer to Mike in Oceanside, CA who's comment compliments what I am saying.

Additionally, I don't get the whole blame game fiasco...Events like Katrina are unprecedented and unique, therefore there is no benchmark for response efforts. Quite frankly, everyone did whatever was possible in the chaotic aftermath of Katrina. It's not like FEMA, or any agency for that matter, had their feet up on their desks while aimlessly surfing the web. The same people pointing fingers are the same ones not acting on solutions.

Somehow, it seems appropriate and unsurprising that the SBA and FEMA under the Bush administration would be there to help those who need it least and find those in dire need unqualified or ineligible for loans and assistance. What percentage has been turned down for assistane? ? ?

Let's put Oprah and Walmart in charge of disaster recovery. They seem to act faster, care more for the people, and understand more than about disaster recovery then FEMA.

It's my opinion that if the folks in New Orleans want to rebuild their homes, again below sea level, it should be at their own cost, within their own State and City budgets. I live in "earthquake" country and pay plenty in insurance costs to cover my home and furnishings in case of disaster. I've been a single parent for 26 years, and sure, I have a full time job, but I live pay check to pay check like most everyone else. I know that most people rent, but the cost of rental insurance isn't very high, at the very least when something like this happens your belongings are covered, well worth the small investment. I say, if you choose to live in hurricane country, under sea level, do it at your own risk, at your own cost, and be responsible. I know I am.

Wow, I cannot believe the self-centered, selfish and frankly un-American sentiments that are being voiced here.

After Katrina hit N.O. many people gave up their jobs and left their families to go and help out with the resuce effort. The one government agency that was supposed to take care of the resuce and relief effort messed up so badly that it was left up to private citizens volunteering to rescue many of the affected.

Everyone agrees that the government failed in its duty to its citizens during that awful period. And now the government is again failing them in their time of need. They are asking for a 'loan' not a handout. And just because some previous recipients have defaulted does not mean that all recipients will also default.

So many people here are complaining that these people are slackers who do not want to work and that they should look for work rather than look for a loan. That is beyond stupid. The number one priority is to house and feed your family. If where you work has been wiped out and there is no work for miles around how do you do this?

Hugh and Kevin are correct, if we focused a little more on helping our own rather than spending HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS on a pointless war we could have already solved the problems caused by Katrina.

It's time for people to rally around those affected by Katrina and other disasters....after all if tragedy struck you, wouldn't you want some help? Isn't that how we Americans like to portray ourselves as in the movies? The nation that stands together? Well put up or shut up I say. Stop being so self centered and extend kindness to people who really need it.

Brianna in Seattle, you must be joking! You are telling people to start taking responsibility for themselves, as if they had any control over Katrina. Knock Knock.....anyone in there. Wake up Brianna!

I think people should go after the insurance companies more than the government, how can an insurance company justify denying your claim when your paying them exorbident premiums to begin with. These companies talk a big talk, but when it comes down to the actual payout, forget it buddy. I feel for some of these people who did actually have all the necessary insurance to hopefully help pay for damages, when in the end they get nothing. Insurance companies need to be held accountable as well, that is what we pay them for is to cover any damages we may incur.

Dear Jane in Orlando.
I'm so glad I'm not YOU! How can any human being be so filled with venom for their fellow citizens. The saying "There but for the grace of God go I" comes to mind. I hope you never find yourself in the position of needing aid and comfort from your fellow man.
The law of Karma will apply!

Dear Jane,
I am amazed if you believe all of New Orleans and the surrounding area is as you describe, sitting and waiting.The news clippings are showing the sensational part. I am from St.Bernard Parish which was totally forgotten by the news reports.Not until it was noted that the oil companies were effected did our area get attention. And the citizens of St.Bernard helped each other with rescue and medical assistance and we also walked out of the devastated area.We were in a no flood zone so did not have flood insurance..7 feet above sea level yet we carried homeowners. And to all,this has been worse than any loss you can imagine ie;parents, divorce etc.I have been a tax payer for 30 years and now I need some help. Try not to be so cynical people ,it could be you next time. We just keep praying and believing God will take care of us as he has sent us so many blessings since Katrina. We have made so many knew friends.Living it every day and blessed to be alive.

The fact that many of the 9/11 SBA loans that were quickly dispersed are either in default or fraudulous raises the question; Where is that fine line between giving out loans quickly and lending responsibly? I don't know the answer, but I do know that we all end up paying for bad loans eventually. And I also know that people need help getting back on their feet after a disaster such as Katrina. Again, I don't know the answer. I do think it shows what a mess our government has become. That being said, I really doubt this disaster would have been handled any better by any other administration, this is many many years in the making. The recent administrations simply didnt have to deal with anything like this to show us their similar incompetence.

This article neglects to point out a very important part of the claim process that many people are not aware of. After you apply for FEMA assistance, they may send you an SBA application. They will not provide any grant until you have completed the SBA application and submitted it. HOWEVER, if the SBA application is REJECTED, the claim goes BACK TO FEMA, and they will at that point usually issue a grant. This is exactly how it worked for me after hurricane Ivan; after being rejected by the SBA, FEMA awarded a grant for the amount of the claim. It is very important to complete the entire process!

I feel sympathy for the people in NO but I don't think it is right that they should be whining for help. I have seen so much about NO whining and fussing about not getting help when they needed it but I have also seen Mississippians getting up and taking care of their business themselves. I rarely hear complaints in the media from Mississippians that are in as bad or worse shape than some of the people who are complaining in NO. I wonder why that is? Could it be that Mississippians have learned to depend on themselves and God and not the federal government?

I wonder who did the credit reports for the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1980's? As I recall the government never blinked twice when the bill was 153 billion dollars. Those were the lamers that ought to have been scrutinized, not the every day people just trying to rebuild thier lives after Katrina.

I can sincerely sympathize with those who want to continue to live in their hometowns, but I feel that the taxpayers of this country should not always be responsible for everything. If my home burns to the ground, gets blown from its foundation, gets caught in a mudslide, or gets flooded, the local, state, or federal government isn't going to assist me. If those who were unable to get home loans before the disaster, due to credit problems or lack of income, then shouldn't be able to get loans today. I can't afford to pay increased taxes to repay bad loans. I think we have become a country divided by those who will do what it takes to live and those who want someone else to provide every aspect of their existance. I have a hard enough time providing for my family without the assistance of public housing, welfare, foodstamps, medical cards, etc. that I definitly can't pay for others to sit and do nothing to better themselves. If you want to do better, there is no reason why people can't. Most just choose not to try.

I cannot believe how mean-spirited people are. They are quick to lump everyone in the same category. The sad thing is that the perception is that it's only the people shown on tv during the storm asking for assistance. I wonder if the skin pigment was different, would there be this same negativity. Do you realize that the vast majority of those who you saw on tv did not even own homes!!! They have no reason to apply for SBA loans. Has it ever occured to you that hard-working individuals need help also?! Come on people, get a grip! I am from the New Orleans area, and 75% of my family (blood and in-laws) were affected....not to mention countless friends. People act as though it is just that easy to pick up and relocate. Do you realize that people lost all of their mental and emotional support as well. Normally in a disaster, the community (as a whole) is in tact. However, in this case, ENTIRE COMMUNITY SUPPORT was destroyed. Absolutely nothing to hold on to except the things they left with. The vast majority of the victim's immediately family members are still dispersed. That is something 99% of the critical people who've never been in this situation can never comprehend!!!

As far as people getting jobs to pay their way....a minimum wage job will not help them get back on their feet....especially in other metro areas. You know, we can help an entire FOREIGN country get on their feet with no problem (at least monetarily), but we gripe and complain about helping our fellow americans. And for those who think the govt shouldn't help, that's why we pay taxes....to help in a time of need. Do you think that those who are being denied loans but worked and paid taxes all of their working life appreciate their hard earn $$$ going to foreign countries and not given back to them??????

IMHO, it is a racial issue....but people don't want to address that.

somebody please tell me what happened to the 64billion$$$ that supposidly went to the katrina survivors to rebuild ??? you can start a small country with 64 bills!!! ANSWER THAT BUSH!!!

I've forgotten what country I'm living in ! I remember when our Government helped Americans first when there was a disaster..Now all you see and hear about is the billions being spent on Iraq, India and any other country that needs help. Something is terribly wrong, Americans need help. especially in Louisiana ,Mississippi, Alabama and parts of Florida.
We have lost thousands of our young men in Iraq and the Arab countries trying to help them stabalize themselves, this is happening while AMERICA is falling apart, We have been abandoned by our own Government, And they are giving away our country. Everyone is accusing the Mexicans of taking our jobs,that may be true, But our government is giving our jobs to India, and our businesses to any Indian that comes over here.(NOT NATIVE AMERICANS)
Walk into any gas station, motel or convenience store and you'll get the BIG picture. And the American tax payer is paying the bill..Thank You Mr. President, Atleast help the Katrina survivors like we did Miami REMEMBER..........

It's not the SBA's obligation or responsibility to GIVE money away. Of course there should be some allowances for the hurricane victims, but they should not be approving loans for people who obviously will not be able to pay them back (otherwise it's not a LOAN). A large number of unpaid loans like that would be a disaster, at the expense of taxpayers, government and the country at large. The SBA is already going out of their way to help - asking them to do more is asking them to act irresponsibly.

There is a certain degree responsibilty the residents of the gulf coast and other hurricane prone areas need to take. M Anderson nailed it when he said people want little government involvement until they need something or someone to blame. I live in South Florida and was hit by Frances, Jean, Katrina and Wilma. Fortunately my home sustained only minor damage but I made sure that I prepared and protect my investment with insurance. I get the needed supplies and when we are recomended to evacuate, we do. The expense and inconvience of preparing for any natuarl disasters is far worth protecting my family. People need to take responsibility for themselves and be grateful for what our government is able to do. If you think another countries government would do better, then move!!!

Not getting a loan, is a blessing. The last thing these people need is payments.

Why am I less deserving of assistance from the goverment than any other citizen in this country. I pay my taxes just like all of my neighbors from New Orleans to Alabama do. When disasters happen in other parts of the country, we send help and volunteer because we KNOW it can happen to any of us. So go ahead and tell us how STUPID we are because we want to rebuild our lives. But remember, disasters can strike anywhere. Our critics could be the next ones being helped by us lazy residents of Louisiana and Mississippi. Oh by the way, Jane from Orlando, how many times did my tax dollars help rebuild Florida.

The people who had nothing, still have nothing,except those lucky enough to get some of the pacifyer moneys. The people who were doers and havers, are doing and having, as before, with or without the help of the government or charities. The whiners have new stuff to whine about. The crusaders have new crusades. The polititions have new things to blame on the other guy, but overall for most of us in the usa, nothing has changed. You want changes ? Pay attention when they're picking leaders. Benjemin Franklin said, ( "the people of this country will ultimately inherit the type of government they deserve" ) Think about that.

Patrick, man hang in there.....things in life come hard{i've thought ...why not me ...a million times}...but when you get what you work for...what you can say...is WE did it...ain't nothing in this old world easy or cheap....God i wish it was...family is everything...you still have that....you'll make it man....our hearts are with ya'll.....BUILD...make a home for your children

As a police officer with a local Mississippi Gulf Coast Dept. I am ashamed to see the ignorant self-rightious people in our country. Not everyone in these disaster areas was looking for or even expected a handout. To be involved with some of the people that lost every single thing they ever owned and some nearly their lives with only a story to tell has really brought things into perspective for lots of people in these areas. If any one single person were to sit and listen to what people here have gone through before,during and the aftermath of Katrina I'm sure the comments on this blog would be somewhat different. I have sat in shelters for "free" in uniform with these people and all they really want is someone who will listen to them and understand what they endured. You really have no concept of the situation unless you were there, therefore leaving you with the decision of who you will criticize next.

THIS SITE IS NOT ABOUT NEW ORLEANS - IT'S ABOUT BAY ST. LOUIS AND WAVELAND, MISSISSIPPI - We don't care what you think about what should or should not happen in New Orleans - I think the moderator of this website should not post ANY comments about any place but the Bay/Waveland - after all, they named it: "TWO towns rebuild after Katrina"

I am in gulfport miss now and have not seen the tenacity that these people are showing. No one is asking for handouts. Just some compassion and recognition that we are all americans and this could happen anywhere. I hope you hardhearted folks live your lives without any catastrophes or hardships. The people i have met here are to be admired and praised.

SBA's appeal process is no better than the people who process the paper work. When I was asked to go to vietnam I went no questions asked, but it you had one SBA loan then you must not need another they think no matter if you lost everything. so my feeling are the hell with my government.

Maybe people should consider not living in hurricane-prone areas, eh? Why do we keep getting asked to subsidize people who take risks? That is why I live in a low-risk area and have appropriate insurance to cover the basic risks.

You know people from all around this world has come to our sides here in Waveland, MS. People, please stop and think before you say what we should be doing. Can you imagine what it would be like to watch every family member work 8 hour days, then go (HOME)to a shell of a house and work for another 4 to 5 hours. Then go into the FEMA trailer and try having a little family time. You get to a point to say "Thank you God for such a wonderful husband and everything we have let around us." I feel people really have no idea what it is like to live here. Many of us here are not waiting for someone to help. The thing that really botheres a lot of people is everywhere you look there is some type of "KATRINA" programs, but when does it get to the people living in Katrina world, trying to start over.

Please stop and think about people like us

GOD BLESS
TT

The people in New Orleans work, are working, and have insurance. They paid taxes. FEMA backed the flood insurance policies, and is now reneging on paying. State farm and other insurers are refusing to pay.

I am amazed at the classist/bigotry in this forum. These people are taking care of themselves. But the COnstitution also says the feds have a responsibility to "maintain good order". That means regulating insurers who won't pay, regulating banks using ridiculous standards for loans (SBA loans included), regulating and supervising the funds for the clean up (which people are taking loans out for at high rates and doing THEMSELVES) and helping to PREVENT THIS DEBACLE in the first place, by building adequate levees.

When disasters hit the vicious people with no sympathy for New Orleans, perhaps they will learn. I've found people suddenly get "insight" into situations when they hit them. When the hell of a natural disaster hits Florida, Madison, etc, or personal disasters like cancer, etc hit, some of these people will get a clue. Karma's a B*****, and they are asking for it. It's maybe comforting to think that we Louisianaians are lazy or shiftless. The thought of your government abandoning you, and treating you the way we have been treated, is frightening. Does thinking that it's all our own fault cover your fears of this corruption and indifference?

My family is from Louisiana. My family is rebuilding, without any help from the Red Cross (hah- that money has not hit any of the vitims I know) or the feds. We are the lucky ones, but we know people who are not lucky. Their money was tied up in their houses; without the houses, they have nothing, and they can not afford the outrageous rents being charged in the city. We will remember who helped, and who did not.

You can not build a levee system on Mississippi silt. That is futile. You can not anchor the system to anything stable. The city and state should not have allowed building homes 20 feet below sea level. That should go without saying. The US is apparently entering a twenty year period of strong hurricane activity such as occurred early in the 20th century. Anyone building in these hurricane-prone areas should do so at their own risk. Be forewarned. You can't expect the governement to keep compensating people for making poor decisions.

This disaster is a no win situation for SBA, FEMA, and all goverment agencies involved in recovery. This event required 10 times the normal daily resources of these agencies. Does the normal tax payer want to pay for these resources to be on "stand by"? Of course not. The impact of Katrina created an emotional reaction and desires that no one should go without. But, that is not the nature of disasters. They don't work that way. And when evaluating our governments response we have to be reasonable and realistic. If we don't want to pay to prepare for the worst case scenario, we can't expect to be ready for it. These agencies and their staff will do everything in their power to help. But it won't be enough. Because America expects perfection, reasonable or not.

The man in the story applied for an SBA LOAN, which if he gets it, he'll pay back with interest. This money will not be GIVEN to him, it will be LENT to him if he gets the loan. So far, he hasn't. He is doing what he can to rebuild his home with the insurance settlement he received from his INSURANCE COMPANY. He says the settlement is not near enough to do the job, but that he is glad that at least he has a roof over his head now and that he WILL CONTINUE TO WORK HIS TWO JOBS to make ends meet and to rebuild in BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI.
This sight is not about New Orleans, Louisiana. Watch the news on any channel and read any newspaper or magazine to find out all about New Orleans. Buy an atlas to find the MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST, where the Hurricane hit after hitting ST. BERNARD PARISH, LOUISIANA. And read the articles before you post. Do you just look at the pictures?
And by the way, FEMA, SBA, Red Cross, or any other government entity or charitable entity is not building anybody's house back down here, and most insurance companies aren't doing it either. Even if you had homeowners, flood, hurricane, etc. insurance, insurance companies are doing all they can to not pay up. If it's flood insurance, they say it wasn't flood damage. If it's homeowners, they say it wasn't wind.
This is a true story: Three houses in a row on the same street, the one in the middle is destroyed by water according to their insurance company's adjuster the family never saw. The other two houses on either side are destroyed by wind according to their insurance companies. Flood insurance pays hardly anything. The people in the middle had every kind of insurance they could buy except for earthquakes. They are paying house notes on a slab of rubble and don't even have enough money from their flood insurance to clear their land, much less to rebuild their house. The wife's mother and father were killed in their hurricane-proof house made of concrete and steel with 14 inch walls. And she and her husband are expecting a baby soon. The people on either side have already cleared their slabs and can start rebuilding.
And since when has a category 4 hurricane caused no wind damage? The wind came first and lasted all day. The storm surge came and went in an hour or so. It was not slow rising water, like a flood. It was sudden, like a tsunami. The insurance companies should be ashamed, but of course they aren't. They can't go broke, after all. What would happen to them? THEY MIGHT LOSE THEIR HOUSES.

EXACTly. What can we do. My house was hit bad by Ivan. Unfortunate circumstances left the house without insurance. The estimate for repairs was $26,000. FEMA gave us $5,000 to cover evacuation cost and lost food. The new roof costs were over $8,000. Dennis tore off my blue roof and caused more damage. FEMA gave us $275 for Hurricane Dennis damage. SBA disapproved both our loan applications. At the financial pace I'm on I'll have all my repairs done and paid for by July 2007. I sure hope mother nature understands.
Daniel

It is sad that people have no comprehension of what hardships people in the affected areas went through. If they had coverage they should be compensated just like any other loss would be.
Hopefully, the aid will come through but those of us lucky to live in other areas of the country should count our blessings.
We have one family from New Orleans living in our town and they are doing great.

Wow, reading some of these comments makes me feel ashamed to be American. It is not just New Orleans that needs assistance getting back on their feet. It is a large part of the gulf coast area. It is not just poor people that didn't have a job before that need assistance. You are looking at police, fireman, nurses, garbage men, insurance agents, whatever type of job you can think of. It's not just homes that need to be rebuild it's businesses. I for one am glad my tax dollars are going to help my fellow Americas.

For all the people that are complaining about people wanting to move back to NO and the rest of the Gulf coast area. By your reasoning noone should live in an area that has any kind of natural disater threat. Okay let's see that means everyone needs to move out of California because of the threat of earthquakes oh and while we are at in let's move everyone out of the tornado belt too. Get the hint, people?

Anywhere can have a natural disaster. If you people don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.

To everyone in the Gulf Coast my thoughts and prayers are with you always.

"Be forewarned. You can't expect the governement to keep compensating people for making poor decisions."

Like rebuilding Oakland after the earthquake in '89? Hmmmmmm?

It's about time we see stories about Mississippi! We have suffered great devistation here, and it seems no one cares, all we hear about is New Orleans.
Selika, I agree with you...The Red Cross is a joke.
I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My children and I were in our home while it flooded, due to the near 30 foot storm surge, an experience I hope they never have to go through again. Yes, I had homeowners insurance, and yes I had hurricane insurance. However, being at 20 feet above sea level, and not in a "flood zone", I had no flood insurance. We lost everything in our home, including the car in the garage. While the insurance companies bicker about the water being flood or wind driven I have rebuilt, using all of my savings. I have yet to receive money from insurance. Today we sit in a home with only one working sink, no kitchen cabinets or countertops,and no living room furniture; and we thank God for it every day. We are one of the lucky ones.
Anyone who thinks people here are just sitting around waiting for a "hand out" is just plain ignorant, and obviously has no clue as to the damage received here.

It's about time we see stories about Mississippi! We have suffered great devistation here, and it seems no one cares, all we hear about is New Orleans.
Selika, I agree with you...The Red Cross is a joke.
I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. My children and I were in our home while it flooded, due to the near 30 foot storm surge, an experience I hope they never have to go through again. Yes, I had homeowners insurance, and yes I had hurricane insurance. However, being at 20 feet above sea level, and not in a "flood zone", I had no flood insurance. We lost everything in our home, including the car in the garage. While the insurance companies bicker about the water being flood or wind driven I have rebuilt, using all of my savings. I have yet to receive money from insurance. Today we sit in a home with only one working sink, no kitchen cabinets or countertops,and no living room furniture; and we thank God for it every day. We are one of the lucky ones.
Anyone who thinks people here are just sitting around waiting for a "hand out" is just plain ignorant, and obviously has no clue as to the damage received here.

Bob from Santa Ana sez:

Maybe people should consider not living in hurricane-prone areas, eh? Why do we keep getting asked to subsidize people who take risks? That is why I live in a low-risk area and have appropriate insurance to cover the basic risks.

I believe there are many earthquake faults running
through Santa Ana. In fact, there are many you don't
know about because there are more discovered every
day. As a former Californian I can't get too
judgemental concerning the hubris evoked by many
from out of the stricken area. But I would rather
be in South Mississippi than Southern California.

I'll try not to complain about my tax dollars when
The Big One hits.

Poor decisions or not, its a simple fact that there is no "step" system for getting back on your feet in this country. You either qualify or you don't. God forbid you should be $5 above the qualifying dollar amount. I know from personal experience that is it easier, and sometimes, franky, more beneficial, to pass those jobs at Mc'Ds and Burger King in order to qualify for state aid. It is a shame. And yeah, I don't favor rebuilding in areas below sea level, but again, people were devastated...we expect our government to bale us out and we get grumpy when it can't. That's our real shame: we don't rely on our neighbors as we should.

By the way: am I the only one to notice that the "trifecta" of hurricanes are all female names? Nothing like the rath of a woman scorned!

The people whose homes were destroyed and had homeowners insurance who is not paying out should be suing the insurance companies. Just because you do not have "flood insurance" does not mean your homeowners insurance should not pay. If a tornado had hit everything would be destroyed just like in a flood. Does anyone remember the F5 that hit Oklahoma City back around 1998? Everything flattened. Flood or tornado...it doesn't matter HOW your home is destryoed...IT'S DESTROYED!! Go sue your homeowners insurance. You are paying them to replace your home and belongings in case of ANY disaster...they are just trying not pay because of a "technicality" in terminology. Don't let them get away with it...if they do when a disaster hits OUR towns, we'll be faced with the same evasion of homeowner's insurance not paying. Even if you don't rebuild, that money is yours because it's insurance. Pay off your mortgage and take what's left and go build in another part of the state, or start over in another part of the country. By they way, the self righteous people who say "God helps them who help themselves" should read the Bible better. That phrase is NOT in there and it is absolutely NOT true. God helps those who ASK, (read James), whether you are able to help yourself or not has no bearing on it. What a self righteous Pharisee anyone is to say the victims of Katrina are not helped because they don't help themselves. You are so uninformed and totally blind.

T. Ryan, you and i keep tring to tell the same thing.....and some of these people....STILL don't understand....is it ignorance?.....we are not in New Orleans!!!

THESE are the kind of Americans our policies have wrought: bitterly divided, self-righteous, uncompassionate (and WHINEY in their self-righteousness).
Imagine RFK were still alive and "dreamed things that never were and said 'why not?'" Could you imagine the derision he'd get from some of this group? Would be interesting to know their political affiliations--if we'd even need to ask...

Bob, Next time you Democrats have a severe earthquake on your hands just blame yourself for being so foolish to live in California....

We are so sick hearing about the "poor" Katrina victims. We survived the Northridge Earthquake in CA and never asked for Federal aide. No one in the media has the guts to be honest and state that most of the people had no insurance, no jobs, did not want jobs and were on welfare. That is not the government's fault. When will we take responsiblity for ourselves. I worked two or three jobs after the earthquake and would NEVEr expect the government to help me. That is my responsiblity. No wonder our country is falling behind. All the media liberals are not helping any. Do you want a welfare country? It is time we face facts - Katrina was a horrible catastrophe but certainly we cannot take care of these people forever. Wake up America, help yourself. This is a great country and just appreciate it and quit whining and complaining. Why should anyone help you when you did not bother to have insurance on your property in the first place.

The real trick is to keep living. Don't give up. Remember this forever and remebmer on election day. Mississippians, don't give up and keep on going. Learn from governments mistakes, because they won't. Hold your leaders to their promises and call them on it when they fail(and they will fail). Good luck and don't get mad at those idiots with nothing but negative things to say. Ignorance is bliss and "it won't happen to me" attitude will bite them in the ass someday.

When will the people of the Gulf Coast wake up and realize they cannot possibly rebuilt (especially in New Orleans). How ludicrous. It should only be at their own risk. Why should the government be responsible and of all things to blame our President in the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. The media goes right along with all this. I would never expect the Federal Government to replace or repair my home - where in the world did that idea ever get started. Why would anyone move back to an area where there surly will be another devastating hurricane - nothing can stop the water - floods will certainly be a reality of life. If anyone should take the blame now, it is the local government who are so inept it is unbelievable and the people who think they should rebuilt. We are wasting our money. I am glad and proud that we helped in the aftermath of Katrina, but it is now 6 months later and you either leave and go on with your life and most of all find another job to support yourself - No government agency is responsible for our lives. On one hand, we don't want the government to be "Big Brother" but on the other hand we want them to give us everything for free. There is No Free Ride - wake up and help yourself.

Again the Media blames President Bush for the breaking of the levees in New Orleans. Why don't we hear the local and state government being to blame. I guess it's easy for the liberal media to blame the President. New Orleans should never have been built where it was and no homes should have been built below sea level - and now you want to rebuilt - surly if another flood comes AND IT WILL, President Bush will be blamed again.

Do not rebuilt New Orleans - the same disaster will happen again. No levee can hold back the water.

Come on! How long does it take for you people to realize that this Administration is not about or for the people, the citizens that helped elect it,it's all about the foreign powers that regulate oil prices and busing in people from south of the border to "do the jobs that we won't do". Well, maybe if the cleanup jobs along the coast paid $10 an hour, instead of $3.75, we would all line up for an application. Like has been said, "I didn't vote for him" or the crooks he appointed.".

It's really saddening to see negative remarks from people, but not suprising when you look at where they're from. Southerners, with all our flaws, are a tough breed, but we're also some of the most compassionate and generous people. My family donated money to Florida when they were devestated by a hurricane and they did the same when parts of california were damaged by an earthquake. There are dozens of places in this country that are prone to natural disasters, but that's just motivation to make us build better buildings, infastructure and governments. It's not a license for everyone else to sit from the comfort of their own (intact) home and criticize those who made different choices than they. I hope the God you serve takes pity on you, because these responses have been the most disturbing and cold-hearted things I've read since the disaster.

Why should we help those people who used their FEMA money on designer purses, clothes, etc. My heart goes out to the people who are trying to get their lives back together and who are getting the run around from insurance companies. I wish there was something I could do. But the people the news who were stealing and attacking rescue workers, angers me. These are the people are the true reasons why the rescue, relief and recovery efforts failed, and why some of these comments have been posted. Don't be angry with the people who are posting negative comments, they are only commenting on what they have seen and read about. They are only commenting on some of the situations or people, not all. Be angry at the people who have ruined the reputation of the wonderful people who live in the affected areas. Be angry with the people who didn't want to pay for insurance or refused to leave, and now the country has to take care of them and clean up their mess. After I lost my home in 1992 during Andrew, I was devestated, I lost everything and insurance was a nightmare and I didn't have the help and resources that is now available. I had to rebuild, relocate and start a new life. I used up every penny from my savings, had to find a new job, relocate my children and everything. Trust me, it's hard, but you've got to remember that everyone has a heart and everyone in America wishes this didn't happen, but you can't judge a person by what they write. This is America, and they have a right to say what they feel. But you can hunt down these people whole stole, raped, murdered and took advantage of this disaster, turn them in and make them pay. That is something that could speed up the healing process for lots of us. Life isn't fair sometimes, but sometimes it is.

#1 - Please recognize that the Mississippi coastal towns are not in New Orleans. Bay St. Louis, Waveland etc. are not below sea level. New Orleans was destroyed by a defective levee system. Mississippi towns, with homes that have been standing for 100+ years, were destroyed by the winds of Katrina.

#2 - SBA may have records to show that they have "approved" loans but these must reflect preliminary approvals. Our daughter's family was "approved" for a loan of $190,000, an amount much higher than she requested. They had applied for just enough to repair their home.

All of her neighbors were also "pre-approved" but no one has actually been able to obtain a loan. Apparently these funds can't be used to refinance current mortgages, only for repairs. This just increases debt for people who have already used up their savings and family donations. Our daughter continues to make mortgage payments on a home that can't be lived in. A refinance combined with repair loan would have lowered her monthly payments slightly but SBA's final analysis was that they wouldn't qualify. This is the case with everyone in the neighborhood.

Her husband is a licensed roofing contractor. He has work. She is a dental assistant who has returned to work since her dentist used his savings to repair his office. (He also wasn't approved by SBA.)

The only explanation that I can see is that SBA is running two sets of books.

If the individuals who seem to know everything would take a little time out of their lives, visit the areas hit by the hurricanes, hear the stories of the individuals; do a little giving instead of complaining, and open their hears vs. their mouth they would realize that most of the individuals are up against the government, insurance companies, red-tape, etc.

Our church sends volunteers every other week to help, no one, and I mean NO ONE, has mentioned anything but positive comments about the people and their resiliency.

As the old cliche states, A person should have to walk a mile in someones shoes before they find fault. Some of these individuals only have the shoes they were wearing at the time the hurricane hit.

I noticed some of you are from Florida and other areas close by, why not drive and find out for yourself. I am sure your would be eating your words.

The week I was their I met volunteers from many areas; why not give a week, it will be the mist fulfilling week you will ever spend.

i just watched a video clip on the news this morning in which BUSH and fema were told of the impending disaster along the gulf coast when,NOT IF, Katrina made landfall there.... they knew before hand... i say no more excuses and blame. Lets all work to get our great country back to where we need to be and concentrate on our on soil and not sand thousands of miles from here.....God Bless all of you affected by this disaster...our prayers will continue until all is healed......

Wow, what has happened to the so called "christain" compasion we hear so much about today? If you people that have been writting the terrible things I have been reading are "living" your religion I pity your expeience on judgement day. You are truly christains with a small c.

Well I live up in snowy Upstate NY, not to many Natural disasters up here. I would like to address all those individuals who have posted negative comments regarding those who were affected by the hurricane.

As I recall the United States of America is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people". Our government was established to govern our lands, and help the people of those lands as needed. What gives you the right to selectively help those who you think deserve it? What gives you the right to decide where some should or shouldn't live? I am sure most of you supported the war in Iraq, and the 200 Billion Dollars we have spent thus far in that country to fight a war against someone with imaginary "WMD". I am sure you also support the "War on Terror" we continue to fight around the world. So why is it so hard for you to support your fellow Americans? These are people who lost everything in a hurricane many predicted, yet most everyone was unprepared for the actual event. How is that so different from the attack on 9/11 ?? Was there not warning before those attacks?? The victims of that disaster were as equally unprepared for the actual event as the victims of Katrina, weren’t they?? No one expected an attack of such planning and magnitude. No one expected the towers to fall. However they did and Americans were falling all over them selves to help those victims. With fire in their eyes they donated time, money, and what ever support was needed to those that needed it. We vowed we would do what ever it took to never forget those that perished that day. We would do what ever it took to rise again, and honor their memories. Why is it so different now?? Because there isn't a crazy lunatic to chase, our a country to invade?? There were ENTIRE TOWNS which were lost in this disaster!!!!! How can a blind eye be turned away from that level of devastation.

Those of you who have posted negative comments with regards to those who were affected by Katrina should be ashamed to call your selves Americans. To me it is un-American to not help your fellow countryman in their greatest time of need.

As for the SBA, FEMA, and the BUSH administration, is anyone really surprised at the level of attention and responsiveness we have seen towards this disaster?? I mean come on people its not like there is "WMD" in Mississippi!!!!

I have read all the negative responses on this link and I am dis-heartened by the lack of concern these crude individuals have for the common man. Yes we pay taxes for things like Katrina. What better way to spend our money. Or would you like it to continue to line the pockets of our glorious politicians. Let's hear the song you would sing if this happened to you. Hopefully justice will prvail and you will have your chance to be without. Now with seeing the video that was released I would hope that you would at least, and I mean at least have some compassion for the thousands that lost their lives and their homes. By all means I want the federal government to spend every dime of my taxpayers money for Katrina Victims. EVERY DIME!!!!!