Re: followup on New Orleans - disgraceful

We can't even teach our kids to read and write. How can we expect to teach
them (and their parents) about hurricane survival?

I live in S. Florida. I hear of a tropical wave coming off Africa and get my
gas tanks filled and luggage packed. I LIVE with 20 gallons of bottled water
in the garage. I have escape routes planned. Why do I do all this? Because I
don't think it is the city/state/Federal government's job to save my sorry
ass if I am too lazy or stupid to care to do it myself.

This storm gave a week's notice to the Southeast US and 3-5 days notice to
each area it affected.
I am sorry. If I was SO DUMB as to not pay attention to the warning signs
(and evacuate if I had to) I should be willing to pay the price for my
arrogance and/or ignorance.

That being said, the corralling of refugees into the convention center and
the SuperDome WAS part of the effective planning of the NO/LA
governments...not stocking food and supplies in them was the error. It
didn't matter...within hours of the storm, both places became stockyards of
humannity and the people had to be moved to safer ground BY THE PEOPLE WHO
SENT THEM THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!

The stories of police turning back refugees trying to leavie New Orleans via
the interstate and being turned back because of looting in areas en route
are indicative of a problem WITH THE POLICE, not with the planning.

Finally: the Army Corps of Engineers knew that the levees were subject to
breach/failure under catastrophic conditions such as this. They have known
not just since the Bush administration but since Camille in '69 and they
were reminded by the 10+ cat. II+ hurricanes that have hit or missed NO
since then. If blame for the levee breaks is to be placed, it should be
placed on ALL the people who had the opportunity AND obligation to keep
these levees in as good a position and condition to prevent this tragedy.

just my 2 ¢



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