NationStates Jolt Archive

I know I don't post here... ever really, but I'm relatively new. Besides, by the time I see interesting threads, the debate is over. All that's left is people swearing at each other, and reitterating the same old arguements.

So, I feel like doing something fun. Here are the rules;

1) I ask a question.
2) You folks that want to argue about it argue about it.
3) I read through everything that you people say. Then I tell you what is right.

That's it. Argue away, then I'll finish off the thread by telling you all who was right, and who was wrong. Unfair? Sure. Biased? More than likely. Will it be more interesting than seeing people yell until they're blue in the face, not getting anything accomplished, and degenerating into swearing at people? You bet your boots it will be.

I plan on doing this until I get sick of it, or I run out of things to ask.

Rules aside, I'll start with something that's happened recently;
Do you think President Bush is responsible for the chaos in New Orleans? More specifically, was it because of a slow/failed responce to the disaster?

It's mostly the New Orleans local government that's to blame for the government being afraid to give it money for anything. Why? Because it's one of the most corrupt cities in the US. Giving it money for the poor would have been like giving Sadaam money and telling him to give it to his people. It just wouldn't happen. Plus, there were unused school buses. Where were the drivers? Why weren't those used? Now, I'm not saying NO is the only one to blame. I'm just saying that maybe Bush isn't the only one to screw up.

In the end we'll have to say everyone is to blame going back 400 years. But, if we ask who could have done the most? And who did or didn't follow the plan? Well that's another thing. The plan was to remove 60% of the people. 80% were removed. Could more of those other 20% hve been removed, most likely, an error on the part of local govvernment.

What was the next step on the plan? I belong to my county emergency management through ARES/RACES (Ham radio emergency communications). I have training every month in emergency management. We are told that we only need to hold out for 3 DAYS. In 3 days the Feds will be able to take over the situation. Before 3 days the problem is local, after 3 days it belongs to the Feds. That means the Feds show up the first day, evaluate and plan the second day, take over the third day. This is the plan FEMA has told all emergency management teams will happen. Because of this standard, many companies sell "72 hour kits" (You can google that and see how many are available) (After this, I'm upgrading to a 168 hour kit) The kit has everything you and your family might need to survive for 3 DAYS. (If you want to make your own the FEMA web site has lists of what to put in it) Basically, have a backpack with food, water, medicine, health supplies, basic tools, money, clothing, tent, emergency blankets, copies of important papers,etc. so you can grap it at a moment's notice and be able to live anywhere for 3 days. Mine weighs about 40 pounds. (think weight as you build it, the water is heavy enough) Use sample size items.

So, the locals are responsible for those first three days the Feds for anything after that. It is interesting that "talk radio" show had the exact same spin out in three days--"It's not the president's fault, it's the fault of the democratic mayor and democratic governor" BUT the hospital ship had not yet left Norfolk VA. The helicopter carrier would not arrive for another 4 days. Supplies would not arrive for another 5 days. I think it's a little sick that the spin can be sent out more effeciently than help.

Did everybody mess up, YES. Did FEMA mess up YES. Truman said the buck stops WHERE?