Michael Brown

[Linda]

I agree with you Bob. I think that the major problems that NOLA experienced started at the local level. It is hard to believe that politics were involved but I think that sweet lil'govner from LA didn't know her buzness, nor did the mayor.

I saw the Mayor on "Meet The Press" this morning. What a pitiful excuse for a leader.

 

[DBOldford]

Twas interesting that "Brownie" was doing a good job, even as hundreds of people suffered and died, until the report that he had misrepresented his former employment on his resume. Screeching halt and big meeting at this point! Ironically and cruelly, this personnel infraction has a critical path attached to it in terms of retribution, whereas the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of people, largely due to disregard and negligence does not. I think history will show that government at all levels failed the people of New Orleans. We will witness a shameless blame game debate amongst the players as they all attempt to save their political arses. We were watching the Hurricane Pam scenarios on Discovery Channel over a year ago, after all. Guess what? While we're all asking why something wasn't done in New Orleans to protect from the inevitable, there are problems just as big in other U.S. cities where funding is being diverted and cut every day by Washington. We are not investing in our country's infrastructure and that unwise action is gaining on us in terms of horrific damage and loss of life. I shudder to think of the damage CA will incur with "the big one." And we have just had a demonstration of how poorly equipped Homeland Security is despite the millions of tax dollars appropriated to that lofty ideal.

 

[Bob]

Twas interesting that "Brownie" was doing a good job, even as hundreds of people suffered and died, until the report that he had misrepresented his former employment on his resume. Screeching halt and big meeting at this point! Ironically and cruelly, this personnel infraction has a critical path attached to it in terms of retribution, whereas the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of people, largely due to disregard and negligence does not. I think history will show that government at all levels failed the people of New Orleans. We will witness a shameless blame game debate amongst the players as they all attempt to save their political arses. We were watching the Hurricane Pam scenarios on Discovery Channel over a year ago, after all. Guess what? While we're all asking why something wasn't done in New Orleans to protect from the inevitable, there are problems just as big in other U.S. cities where funding is being diverted and cut every day by Washington. We are not investing in our country's infrastructure and that unwise action is gaining on us in terms of horrific damage and loss of life. I shudder to think of the damage CA will incur with "the big one." And we have just had a demonstration of how poorly equipped Homeland Security is despite the millions of tax dollars appropriated to that lofty ideal.

I for one have to say that one has to individually have your eyes open. I posted to you about Sonoma County knowing full well that a fault line runs straight through the valley center. I own land in SoWal knowing a Cat4-5 storm could wipe out the area. The levees in NO were not
upgraded because of the already massive Federal deficits, and NO has little political clout with corrupt local officials having even less will. Today, even Democrats rant about deficits[unless the pork resides at home]. Yes, CA will eventually have "the big one", and another major city will be whacked by a hurricane. Infrastructure will not stop the ground from shaking or the wind from blowing one bit. I mean, how would you spend away the Tsunami disaster, a far, far, greater tragedy? Homeland Security can do nothing immediately for a completely flooded city the size of NO. The media scapegoated Brown, he is ruined and is guilty of what, a puffed resume?

 

[Bob]

I saw the Mayor on "Meet The Press" this morning. What a pitiful excuse for a leader.

"Get off your asses" Nagin. What a role model.

 

[Linda]

I like the way you think Bob - Society in general would be so much better off if people took personal responsibility for their actions or inactions. It needs to start at home where parents teach their children that there are consequences both good and bad for their behavior and then hold them accountable.

Back to this thread - Let's find out who is responsible for this mess and hold them accountable no matter who they are i.e. (republican, democrat, black, white, poor, rich, etc.)

 

[SlowMovin]

Personally, I think there's plenty of blame to go around to everybody.

I lived there for a long time myself. I heard the warnings, too, and always kind of brushed them off being too concerned with my petty crap (school, finding a job, keeping a job, etc.). I never even paid much attention when the occasional hurricane did pop up, because I'd been through so many as a kid and nothing much ever happened (at least not to us...Camille and Andrew were just things on TV).

Then I moved away and it all became even more of an abstract concept. Yeah, someday California will fall into the sea, someday we'll have a big terrorist attack in New York, someday New Orleans will be blown away, etc.

Then one day, something actually does happen....

 

[OhioBeachBum]

Otter, you're getting way creative with those smilies...

 

[Miss Kitty]

Where does personal responsibility come in this mess? So many people have become too dependent on the government (federal, state and local) to solve all their everyday woes and when a catastrophe comes along they are paralized to help themselves. I don't want to be harsh, just thinking and typing outloud.

 

[Smiling JOe]

...We are not investing in our country's infrastructure and that unwise action is gaining on us in terms of horrific damage and loss of life....

Right on!
Short term mentality. Do enough to get by today, but spend money today while planning for tomorrow, never. The amount of money needed five years ago to improve the protective systems surrounding NOLA, would be much less expensive than rebuilding the city, not to mention the billions of dollars spent in relocating the people displaced by Katrina. That is just the direct cost in dollars, but this storm cost much more than money.

I don't know that NOLA would have survived a direct hit from a Cat 4 or 5, even if the water systems had been upgraded. From what I understand, NOLA was not greatly affected by Katrina's winds.

 

[Bob]

Right on!
Short term mentality. Do enough to get by today, but spend money today while planning for tomorrow, never. The amount of money needed five years ago to improve the protective systems surrounding NOLA, would be much less expensive than rebuilding the city, not to mention the billions of dollars spent in relocating the people displaced by Katrina. That is just the direct cost in dollars, but this storm cost much more than money.

I don't know that NOLA would have survived a direct hit from a Cat 4 or 5, even if the water systems had been upgraded. From what I understand, NOLA was not greatly affected by Katrina's winds.

You are right about the levees SJ, but when was anyone going to ante up with Bush spending a billion plus a week for the circle-jerk Iraq war. One month in Iraq would pay to upgrade the levees. NO is a one of a kind situation. Unless your going to start berming all major coastal cities. Andrew just missed the heart of Miami, and Hugo went just to the north of Charleston SC. Sooner or later, another major city is going to get smacked hard.