“This American Life” has an episode covering several stories from people who endured the post-Katrina hardships. This is a must hear episode that tells ground zero eye witness stories that are, simply put, shocking.
Some highlights:
Why didn’t people just walk away from the Superdome and Convention Center? Well, as it turns out the authorities wouldn’t let them leave the city.
Why didn’t people evacuate? This is a question I have heard often. Did you know that more than 20% of the population of New Orleans is below the poverty line? Did you know by the mayor’s estimate at least 80% of the popluation evacuated. So, in most cases, those who stayed behind had no place to go and no money to get them there. Another interesting tidbit: the storm came aground half a day earlier than expected. Many people didn’t even hear about the storm until the day before. Lot’s of folks didn’t want to get stuck on the highway and hit by Katrina.
Why did people at the Superdome and Convention Center keep lining up for buses that they were told were coming, but those who were drilling them to line up in the hot sun every four hours knew buses weren’t coming? In case you haven’t been to New Orleans in the summer time, let me tell you, the heat will kill you; especially if you are old, sick, or an infant.
Why were white people allowed to walk out of the city, but black folks weren’t?
Why were the authorities aiming weapons at American citizens, firing shots when people were attempting to leave the city, and threatening to shoot people who were seeking dry ground?
Why were private citizens’ chartered buses, which were purchased with their own money to get themselves out of the city, comandeered by the military?
Looters?! In almost all the cases in which looting took place these people were survivors grabbing supplies for distribution among the old, sick, and children.
Why couldn’t FEMA get through to people who were dying? Too many roadblocks? The media could make it through in Consumer SUVs!
Most importantly, it is interesting to note that although many in the federal government and idiots like Limbaugh have tried to place blame on the state and local governments, reponsibility for support and recovery was the federal governments responsibility before Katrina even hit ground as was determined by the federal declaration of a state of emergency, which soundly placed responsibility with FEMA.
“The more one learns about him,” Republican commentator William Kristol said on Fox News Sunday, “one is surprised that he’s in that job in the first place.”
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, however, said FEMA had a disaster plan in place, but Louisiana leaders did not implement it. “Brown is getting a bad rap,” he said.
Bush called him “Brownie” and said he was doing “a heck of a job.”
My question: “a heck of a job” doing what? Killing poor darkies? Good job Brownie!
My point: This administration, yes federal, is guilty of criminal negligence and has allowed countless to die and tens of thousands to suffer needlessly. Michael Brown, although guilty, should not be the only head to roll.
Aaron Fulkerson 