Would the Govt response be different in NO.......

[jannuncutt]

Well, Jann, I'll tell you. Many, many years ago it was acceptable to say Negro. It was polite and back then, it showed respect. Some prejudiced ingnoramuses used a bastardation of the word and said "". It was demeaning and I believe those who used it were what we could call "poor white trash" in order to make themselves feel and look better than their fellow man. However, many Afro-Americans used that same "N" word themselves, among themselves. Was that ok? I don't know, but they did and it was acceptable as long as it was used between themselves. In the sixties, the younger generation started using other terms, "blacks", as I remember. Even then the older generations of "blacks" did not wish to associate with radicals and Negro was still acceptable to them. Now times have changed.

That's the best and most polite way I can answer you.

ETA: Now let me tell you, there is definitely a "pecking order" among people of color in Miami, for example. It depends on your heritage. Bahamian, Jamacian, Hatian and American. I know this for a fact. Told by themselves to me.

Thanks for your response. I thought that you put it very nicely. My question to you was which N word you were referring to and now I know. I am aware that there is a "pecking order" among people of color". As far as the "N" word goes (and, I don't mean Negro), most African-Americans consider it quite offensive and, hate when they hear it, no matter who is using it.

 

[DEPUTYDAWG]

"Mandatory evacuations" - well, actually, they can be arrested for refusing to leave. Now, I don't remember the CA penal code for that, but in one wildfire I worked, when we were confronted by *holes that were refusing to leave or wanted just to "quicky" break through the barriers to go get their *second* car, or some other material posession, the Commanding Officer would make it clear to them, they could be arrested for going back in...or, a gentler reminder was indeed what you all are talking about - signing a waiver stating they understood that NO emergency worker would answer their later pleas for help ("you're on your own" was the quote), and here, on this form, put down your next of kin....That worked every time! (Did we also get true heart-wrenching stories about why they needed to go in? You bet, and a few *exceptions* were made, after checking with other ground personnel and knowing the situation at the time. And they were escorted, so they'd get whatever and get the heck back out. )

But in reality, for this situation - well, arresting them wasn't going to help the evacuation situation, paperwork and transporting would take time and resources away from the primary goal of the evacuation, and where the heck would they take them to? The jail that was going to be flooded? :doh:
(Had they been able to figure out who was going to do the looting, however,...oh never mind...)

 

[T'sNana]

Thanks for the info. I'm like a sponge sometimes and the more info I get, the more ?'s I think of.

"Mandatory evacuations" - well, actually, they can be arrested for refusing to leave. Now, I don't remember the CA penal code for that, but in one wildfire I worked, when we were confronted by *holes that were refusing to leave or wanted just to "quicky" break through the barriers to go get their *second* car, or some other material posession, the Commanding Officer would make it clear to them, they could be arrested for going back in...or, a gentler reminder was indeed what you all are talking about - signing a waiver stating they understood that NO emergency worker would answer their later pleas for help ("you're on your own" was the quote), and here, on this form, put down your next of kin....That worked every time! (Did we also get true heart-wrenching stories about why they needed to go in? You bet, and a few *exceptions* were made, after checking with other ground personnel and knowing the situation at the time. And they were escorted, so they'd get whatever and get the heck back out. )

But in reality, for this situation - well, arresting them wasn't going to help the evacuation situation, paperwork and transporting would take time and resources away from the primary goal of the evacuation, and where the heck would they take them to? The jail that was going to be flooded? :doh:
(Had they been able to figure out who was going to do the looting, however,...oh never mind...)

 

[T'sNana]

Personally, I like getting info from everyone. Many people can add to these discussions and I don't feel information that someone shares whether from experience, knowledge, etc. is crap. JMO

 

[DEPUTYDAWG]

Okay, now you've made my list of people for public office. I hope you have time! GREAT POINTS!! We need people in there who have SEEN the bad and let us know (America) how we can get a handle on it (crime before, during and after the hurricane). So, get some rest... you've got lots of handshaking to do!!! :laugh:

Thanks but no thanks, okay?! I'd hate to be in public office- yet I wouldn't mind working for someone who really did care about the "average citizens," would try to keep an eye on the big picture...one who really listened. There will never be enough funds to do everything that is wanted or needed, and I'd hate to be responsible for saying no to the senior citizens, or the homeless, or etc. etc. And one that had the integrity to not accept a pay raise or a LARGE pension increase (hidden in bill somewhere else), when the state's warehouses are filled with textbooks for schools, but can't be released because the funds to pay for the books hasn't been approved, etc.

I got waaaay OT on that, eh? Sorry!

 

[Ntegrity]

"Mandatory evacuations" - well, actually, they can be arrested for refusing to leave.

I'm not sure of Florida statutes but, to my knowledge, nobody has ever been arrested around here for refusing to leave their homes. There's just no excuse for not leaving low lying areas during a hurricane. I never left until we were threatened with Dennis being a possible Cat 4 at landfall. We packed up and headed north for that one. My house has weathered many Cat 3 storms, but I'm not gonna press my luck by testing it on a 4 or 5.

 

[DEPUTYDAWG]

I'm not sure of Florida statutes but, to my knowledge, nobody has ever been arrested around here for refusing to leave their homes.

I bet it's in the statutes, just maybe never used. I personally have never seen it used (thank goodness)...I'll have to look up TX's some night when I'm bored and can't sleep, LOL.

 

[concernedperson]

A Colossal Failure Of Leaders

Saving people and maintaining order are the first order of government in any disaster. In New Orleans, neither has been achieved.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9174806/site/newsweek

Good read.

 

[Texana]

There are plenty of places to point fingers.

For years and years, the infrastructure of New Orleans and much of Louisiana has not kept up with the need. Blame it on poverty, corruption, and a segregated population (not just white/black, but Creole/Cajun as well.) All you have to do is drive over the border from Texas on the same interstate into La. and you will know you are in La.

There has long been a problem of poverty and crime in the Big Easy. There are places I could go as a child (spending summers there with my grandparents) that I could never take my children this summer. The public schools are notoriously bad, and this has only reinforced a class system of generational poverty.

The governor of La., Kathy Blanco, seemed emotionally overwrought and almost unable to cope. Add to that a seemingly slow response from FEMA, a "go easy on looters" first response that backfired in encouraging the gangs and criminals to take control, and an overall denial from citizen to politician of just how bad things could get, before the storm made landfall.

Please keep the children in your thoughts and prayers. We will be teaching them and caring for them in the months to come. I know that next week this will be a personal reality for me. Every school I know (and we are on the outskirts of Houston) is taking in these children. (I'm home sick today. Children share everything. )

Also, some of the finest people I know are from Louisiana. Mr. Texana grew up in New Orleans. Keep them and Houston in your prayers.



:sick:

 

[tybee204]

I have never witnessed it but have been told by City Leaders on Tybee that anything over a Cat 3 threat would result in forced evacuation on Tybee. A 10 ft storm surge at high tide would put all of the Island underwater and likely destroy all dwellings and the one bridge on and off the Island. There would be a zero percent survival rate.

 

[T'sNana]

Thanks for the link! Great read!

A Colossal Failure Of Leaders

Saving people and maintaining order are the first order of government in any disaster. In New Orleans, neither has been achieved.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9174806/site/newsweek

Good read.

 

[T'sNana]

I have never witnessed it but have been told by City Leaders on Tybee that anything over a Cat 3 threat would result in forced evacuation on Tybee. A 10 ft storm surge at high tide would put all of the Island underwater and likely destroy all dwellings and the one bridge on and off the Island. There would be a zero percent survival rate.

If that's the case, I don't even want to see what they refer to as a Cat. 5+!!!

 

[jannuncutt]

I referred to "African Americans" as blacks or negroes too. I see nothing wrong with that. If anyone should "drop the crap" it's those of you who are so hung up on using the politically correct phrase of the day. I'm sick of it.

....................I never implied that I had a problem with that - because I don't. I am also, not hung up on using the politically correct phrase of the day. My objection to her use of "the Blacks" is that it implies that all Black people are of the same mind - that they all think alike and that they all behave the same way - as if there is the "Black" way.

 

[BarnGoddess]

Geez, neither do I. Jan, what exactly is your problem? I'm totally confused by your attitude. It seems like you're trying to pick a fight but I can't figure out why. Maybe Marthatex and I are older than you, but I referred to "African Americans" as blacks or negroes too. I see nothing wrong with that. If anyone should "drop the crap" it's those of you who are so hung up on using the politically correct phrase of the day. I'm sick of it.

You'll have to add me to your short list Ntegrity. Been there, done that. Martha's experience and family connections in Politics bring an interesting viewpoint to our forums.

 

[T'sNana]

But Martha's gotta quit TOOTIN'!!! Sorry couldn't resist that one!

You'll have to add me to your short list Ntegrity. Been there, done that. Martha's experience and family connections in Politics bring an interesting viewpoint to our forums.

 

[Mabel]

................

The governor of La., Kathy Blanco, seemed emotionally overwrought and almost unable to cope. Add to that a seemingly slow response from FEMA, a "go easy on looters" first response that backfired in encouraging the gangs and criminals to take control, and an overall denial from citizen to politician of just how bad things could get, before the storm made landfall.

............................



:sick:

Apparently FEMA is all but dismantled, according to this article:


Destroying FEMA

This year it was announced that FEMA is to "officially" lose the disaster preparedness function that it has had since its creation. The move is a death blow to an agency that was already on life support. In fact, FEMA employees have been directed not to become involved in disaster preparedness functions, since a new directorate (yet to be established) will have that mission.

 

[yingyang]

I hope when this situation is under control, we, the people, stand up and demand answers. Our government has been working for their own interests for far too long. It's about time they begin working for us again.

:clap: :clap: :clap:
Of everything I have read on this and other forums, I think this is the most succint statement made. Thank you Mabel.

 

[Casshew]

I haven't read all the responses. but to answer the orginal question - I don't think it would have made any difference if the victims were mostly white people - the rescue effort would have been just as disorganized & lacking.

Race has nothing to do with the shameful organization & rescue effort of the first few days of this disaster.

By the way, it looks authorities are getting their acts together and help is finally reaching these poor people.

 

[concernedperson]

I haven't read all the responses. but to answer the orginal question - I don't think it would have made any difference if the victims were mostly white people - the rescue effort would have been just as disorganized & lacking.

Race has nothing to do with the shameful organization & rescue effort of the first few days of this disaster.

By the way, it looks authorities are getting their acts together and help is finally reaching these poor people.

It could have been that blistering interview with mayor Ray Nagin. He was some mad and nothing that we haven't all expressed, he just did it on the air and didn't mince words. Or it could have been the shocking news coverage of the convention center that set the world on end.

 

[Casshew]

Okay, now I have read the whole thread ~ many varied opinions here.

Marthatex, my friend ~ :blowkiss: