Hurricane Katrina

[KSigkid]

http://www.readthetattoo.com/

This was a paper I wrote for while in high school - the advisors managed to contact a New Orleans resident, and she's keeping a journal of the ordeal. It's some pretty powerful stuff.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by RACooper


Sometimes politics can cause more damage that the hurrincance

For example Castro is pretty pissed off (at least judging from the news conference) because the offer of 1600 Cuban medical personal trained in disaster relief has been pretty much ignored or rebuffed by the State Department.

Why would you turn down a genuine offer of humanitarian aid, no-strings attached, simply because of political differences.... oh right I forgot what administration is in charge... [/B]

Does America not have the resources, experts, and all that? The resources are there; it's the execution that failed.

I guess America should just allow everyone into the country and let them duke it out on how to help these folks. I'm sure Kofi Annan will act as head administrator immediately and make sure everything is well coordinated.

-Rudey

[RACooper]

Originally posted by Rudey
Does America not have the resources, experts, and all that? The resources are there; it's the execution that failed.

I guess America should just allow everyone into the country and let them duke it out on how to help these folks. I'm sure Kofi Annan will act as head administrator immediately and make sure everything is well coordinated.

-Rudey

Hey all I'm saying is that the Cubans are/where at the Havana airport with the medical supplies and all just waiting for the go ahead.

Besides if the US government or media can critize other nations for their obstenance when it comes to humanitarian aid after a disaster, they should expect the rest of the world to feel the same way now that they are doining exactly that: being a little obstinate when it comes to aid - and primarily (i feel) for political reasons: to admit aid and people from many countries would be the same as admitting that the government failed somehow and/or that the government needs help - either one weakens confidence in the government.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by RACooper
Hey all I'm saying is that the Cubans are/where at the Havana airport with the medical supplies and all just waiting for the go ahead.

Besides if the US government or media can critize other nations for their obstenance when it comes to humanitarian aid after a disaster, they should expect the rest of the world to feel the same way now that they are doining exactly that: being a little obstinate when it comes to aid - and primarily (i feel) for political reasons: to admit aid and people from many countries would be the same as admitting that the government failed somehow and/or that the government needs help - either one weakens confidence in the government.

Again, the US is not a third world country without resources. The US did have the resources to provide disaster-relief so I'm not sure what your point is since you keep bringing this up. In fact, it was a concern that officials didn't use the resources properly.

To bring in Cubans, Canadians, people from all over would not only be unnecessary (we had the resources) but also a logistics nightmare.

I'm not sure what you're talking about with the US criticizing other countries after disasters really, but it seems as if you are using this to elbow America.

-Rudey

[Lindz928]

Originally posted by AGDee
2) I heard one report that the Army now has permission to forcibly remove people who are refusing to leave. I understand that it is for their own good and I, personally, can't understand why they wouldn't leave at this point, but it seems wrong at the same time. I don't know what the answer is.. I guess sometimes, if we aren't saving ourselves, someone has to do it for us, but where will they keep those folks?

I think that some people who are refusing to leave are wanting to stay and protect their homes. I have heard stories of people who left, and their homes were not damaged badly, but people had gone in and stolen everything they had. I saw a story of a man who was standing on his front porch with a shotgun trying to make sure looters did not come into his home. I can completely understand someone wanting to protect their home.

Texas now has a quarter million refugees in the state, with more coming hourly. We're pretty much full and are now working with other states to take the newest arrivals, assess their situation, get them any medical attention needed; bathed, clothed and fed and then sent on via plane to other cities in the US that have offered to help. This will truely be a national effort. I bet there wont be any state in the continental US without NOLA residents.

I just heard that evacuees (sp?) have gotten as far west as Lubbock. For those who don't know much about Texas, that is a pretty far trip across Texas to go and still not be able to find room. It is definately getting full down here. I am concerned about what might happen to the job market in Texas (as well as those in other states with a large number of evacuees). A lot of these people are deciding to just stay in these cities that they are in. That means that our state along could have hundreds of thousands of people looking for jobs and homes here. It could definately put a strain on the markets in these states.

EDIT: I am not trying to say anything bad in this post. I of course want Texas and its citizens to do whatever we can to help those affected. I am just saying that it could cause problems.

EDITED AGAIN because I obviously don't know the difference between east and west. LOL.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by Lindz928



I just heard that evacuees (sp?) have gotten as far east as Lubbock. For those who don't know much about Texas, that is a pretty far trip across Texas to go and still not be able to find room. It is definately getting full down here. I am concerned about what might happen to the job market in Texas (as well as those in other states with a large number of evacuees). A lot of these people are deciding to just stay in these cities that they are in. That means that our state along could have hundreds of thousands of people looking for jobs and homes here. It could definately put a strain on the markets in these states.

EDIT: I am not trying to say anything bad in this post. I of course want Texas and its citizens to do whatever we can to help those affected. I am just saying that it could cause problems.

We just started getting refugees today. I work at a home health agency, and our big problem will be trying to obtain police clearances on anyone for employment.

[Honeykiss1974]

Health Care Professionals and Relief Personnel Workers Needed

https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/

We are currently looking for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and relief personnel with expertise in the following areas: Administration/Finance Officers

Morticians*

Chaplain

Mortuary Assistants*

Clinical Physicians

Nursing Assistants/Nursing Support Technicians

Coroners*

Nursing Staff Directors

Dental Forensics*

Paramedics*

Dentists

Patient Transporters/Volunteers

Dieticians

Pharmacists

EMT*

Psychologists

Environmental Health

Physician's Assistants or Nurse Practitioners

Epidemiologists

Physician Chiefs of Staff

Facility Managers

Radiologic Technicians*

Housekeepers

Respiratory Therapists

IT/Communications Officers

RNs

Laboratory Technicians*

Safety Officers

LPNs

Security Officers

Medical Clerks

Social Workers

Medical Examiners*

Supply Managers

Mental Health Workers

Veterinarians

[PM_Mama00]

Originally posted by Lindz928
I think that some people who are refusing to leave are wanting to stay and protect their homes. I have heard stories of people who left, and their homes were not damaged badly, but people had gone in and stolen everything they had. I saw a story of a man who was standing on his front porch with a shotgun trying to make sure looters did not come into his home. I can completely understand someone wanting to protect their home.



I just heard that evacuees (sp?) have gotten as far east as Lubbock. For those who don't know much about Texas, that is a pretty far trip across Texas to go and still not be able to find room. It is definately getting full down here. I am concerned about what might happen to the job market in Texas (as well as those in other states with a large number of evacuees). A lot of these people are deciding to just stay in these cities that they are in. That means that our state along could have hundreds of thousands of people looking for jobs and homes here. It could definately put a strain on the markets in these states.

EDIT: I am not trying to say anything bad in this post. I of course want Texas and its citizens to do whatever we can to help those affected. I am just saying that it could cause problems.

I understand EXACTLY what you're saying. As a recent college grad who can't find an entry level job pertaining to my degree, I've seen exactly how bad Michigan's job market is. We've welcomed in some refugees (not sure on the number) which is great, but not so great for those who can't find jobs because the only places that are hiring are fast food places and let's get real-- that doesn't pay the bills. I hadn't even thought about the job market till you mentioned it.

Maybe states with booming job markets should accept more?

[Lindz928]

Originally posted by PM_Mama00

Maybe states with booming job markets should accept more?

Maybe they SHOULD, and I'm sure they would be willing to..... But in all reality- MOST people are going to go to states immediately around LA and Miss. I doubt alot of people will say, "hey, lets evacuate to Oregon- I hear the job market is better there." hehehe.

[peanutttu]

Originally posted by Lindz928



I just heard that evacuees (sp?) have gotten as far west as Lubbock. For those who don't know much about Texas, that is a pretty far trip across Texas to go and still not be able to find room. It is definately getting full down here. I am concerned about what might happen to the job market in Texas (as well as those in other states with a large number of evacuees). A lot of these people are deciding to just stay in these cities that they are in. That means that our state along could have hundreds of thousands of people looking for jobs and homes here. It could definately put a strain on the markets in these states.

I know that they also as far as Amarillo. My little brother is a paramedic in Amarillo and I believe he said they were getting about 500.

[xo_kathy]

Originally posted by AGDee
I have a concern or two after todays news events:

1) They got one of the pumps working.. that's good news, BUT.. all we've heard about is how contaminated this water is, with bodies, sewage, chemicals, disease, etc. So, they're pumping it all right into Lake Pontchartrain? What then? How do they clean the lake? Was it a fairly clean, usable lake before?

2) I heard one report that the Army now has permission to forcibly remove people who are refusing to leave. I understand that it is for their own good and I, personally, can't understand why they wouldn't leave at this point, but it seems wrong at the same time. I don't know what the answer is.. I guess sometimes, if we aren't saving ourselves, someone has to do it for us, but where will they keep those folks?

1) Excellent point! I don't know how safe or clean it was before, but to pollute any lake like that will be an extreme danger to the ecosystem!

2) I read this morning that if people will not leave their homes, they will not be offered bottled water. I guess they are trying to dehydrate/water borne diesease them out?!

[xo_kathy]

Originally posted by PM_Mama00
Maybe states with booming job markets should accept more?

Where would that be? I know some are better than others, but I don't think anywhere has a "booming" job market right now.

[xo_kathy]

OK, seriously, WTH is up with FEMA? Does anyone have any clue what is going on?!?!?!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050906/...s_evacuees_hk4

Snipet found below...

Gov. Rick Perry had said Sunday that Texas needs other states to help manage the refugee crisis. Officials at Texas relief centers say they are simply running out of room.

An airlift to other states had been expected to begin under the direction of the Texas National Guard.

However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency took over the operation on Sunday and planes never took off.

It was unclear when any flights might actually leave and there was no explanation for the delay. There was no immediate response Tuesday morning to a call seeking comment from FEMA's Public Affairs Office in Washington.

FEMA spokesman Dean Cushman said Monday: "We are not coordinating it as of right now."

What, did they take off for Labor Day or something?!?!

[mu_agd]

Originally posted by peanutttu
I know that they also as far as Amarillo. My little brother is a paramedic in Amarillo and I believe he said they were getting about 500.

We're supposed to be getting about 2,500 on the Cape. I'm glad that Mass is able to help them out, even though it's a long way from home. I know there has been a lot of work done to get these people a place to stay, try to help them with jobs, and to get the children in school.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by xo_kathy

What, did they take off for Labor Day or something?!?!

Apparently. FEMA needs their butt whipped. Our shelters are set-up and ready for evacuees but so far, there are a no show.

FEMA get it together!!