I wasn't sure how to do this.

When the hurricane hit I thought, "Things will be fine, they have been before."

When I began reading about the rising water in New Orleans I thought, the water is rising slowly. It's not the same as the tsunami. We're in the U.S, things will be fine. On day three I began to feel angry. Last night I went to bed after reading news websites and emitting horrible squeals and gasps. I read the news because with sensitive kids you can not watch television news because you will live with those horrifying images for the next 5 years. Those horrifying images (image from The Washington Post, from James Nielson of Getty Images, AFP) on the television will appear at the most unlikely times from my children's mouths. They will remember the images they see for at least five years.

Currently my head is exploding and I tend to avoid writing about things which make my head explode because I am not intelligent enought to speak about politics or the suffering of others in any profound way.

When the Tsunami struck in December, I felt guiltily removed from that suffering. Logan and I donated money to the relief effort but I was haunted by the fact that if it had happened in my own country, I would have been moved in an overwhelming way. I calmed myself thinking that in my own country there would be the help, money and resources to save people. I thought things would never be as dire as they were overseas because we are America! We don't let our people suffer as if it's the third world. But then I saw the images and read the tales of suffering of the people left behind, they have been treated as if they are a third world country. They have not been treated as Americans. Shouldn't it have been different?

I want to point all of my anger at Bush and his stupid fucking comments, I mean, Thank God Trent Lott's house will be rebuilt! I want George to have a place to drink his lemonade. It's not that he made that comment, it's that he's saying that as at least 5,000 people are still at the Superdome living with shit and piss and shootings and rapes and no water or food. You stupid Fuck. How dare you. You are the president. You're not some fucking blogger who can say whatever they feel appropriate. You are our leader, you are required to be....to at least pretend to be sensitive to the suffering of people who don't look like you but are Americans all the same.

But no, it's not just Bush who has failed. It's also the city of New Orleans who's failed to perform in a crisis. Just like Chicago failed in 1995. I've been reading about the politics of the city, and if Detroit were under sea level and in the path of a hurricane, it would also be lost. The politics are the same. The lack of effective leadership is the same.

My heart is bleeding and it's true, is now the time to point fingers and cast blame? Shouldn't we be helping?

I'm in Michigan, there is not much I can do. I've donated and the company I work for has promised to match all donations made to the Red Cross by it's bloggers. I started donating a relatively small amount. Today I emailed again asking that one third of my monthly paycheck be donated. Logan was aggravated because we are currently waiting to purchase a misfiring gas range and a dishwasher which hasn't been working for a month. When I thought further, realizing Weblogs Inc. would be matching my contribution, I wanted to donate more because I can wash dishes for a few more months, I can use the microwave for a few more months, but I can not pull that type of cash donation out of my checking account.

My guilt at being white and middle class has gotten the better of me. I'm so sorry for New Orleans. I'm so sorry for the gap between the middle class and the lower class. I'm sorry we didn't take care of you and help you out of a drowning city. I'm questioning my government because people have died needlessly and I hope the questioning will help prevent this type of crisis in America in the future.

I am sorry.

Comments

[Liz in Maryland]

The part of your post that caught me first was about the kids watching the news. My youngest was 8 and in 3rd grade when 9-11 happened. We live about 15 minutes from Camp David and about an hour from D.C. When I picked the girls up from school I quickly realized that the rumors at school had been flying, (that Fort Detrick here in Frederick was under attack)and I had no choice but to put the girls in front of the TV to show them that we ourselves in our close to danger but just on the fringes selves were fine.

But they had classmates who had parents who worked at the Pentagon. And the TV coverage was very scary. But I had to let them watch with me, because I had no way of explaining it all on my own. And now my almost 13 year old says she will never go on a plane again, ever.

Second, the whole respnse to this crisis is bullshit, but if you've ever seen Fahrenheit 911? It's all par for the course.

Sorry to be so long.

[maia]

So well said Melissa.. I think a lot of people are feeling similar right now, you just managed to put it down properly.

[a]

my heart too, is breaking. i cannot seem to tear myself away from the images but each one hurts me more and more. i can't remember ever feeling quite so helpless. i was terribly moved and disturbed by the tragedy in south east asia as well. any suffering makes me sick. but this seems to be worse, in that an entire city is still under water. and will likely stay that way for some time. i look at the images of people pleading, begging. not for something profound, but for water. for food, for shelter. it seems so out of body. i don't know who (if anyone) to blame. i hate that the media is making it about race. shouldn't we concentrate our efforts on more constructive things at this point, then create somethings out of nothings later when these people are at least relativley safe? at brian williams of nbc said, each and every single one of those people are just as valuable as you and i and any one of our loved ones. why are these still suffering so much? i hate this past week. i want to help so bad. we did send money, as they made it clear that is really what they need now. i also sent a backpack with school supplies for www.dosomethingnow.org, for one of the many kids displaced and in texas schools.

again, i am not sure who to blame. i do think this whole thing seemed to overwhelm our system and agree that the response certainly was delayed. either way, i feel sick.

[a]

sorry, that is www.dosomething.org

the "we've got your back" program...

[cst]

The very belief that "This is America!" is exactly why emergency preparedness was so poor in the first place. Americans need to stop thinking that disaster can't happen to them; that even if it did, aid would somehow be better or more efficiently deployed simply because of the tired rhetoric that America is the greatest country in the world. It's arrogance and ignorance that led Bush to give $5.7 million instead of the requested $27 million for hurricane protection to the US Army Corps of Engineers before the storm hit; it's arrogance and ignorance that has hurricane victims belligerently screaming, "We are American citizens! Get off your asses and help us!" at any TV camera that will train on them for more than a second. Aid for tsunami victims was just as slow back in December, but you didn't see those survivors flailing around in a rage because they didn't or couldn't heed the warnings to get out. Telling people to calm down doesn't work, but that's exactly what they need to do. Anger and gunfire isn't going to make things happen any faster, and each person still stranded has a responsibility to take what they've been given and make something of it. Be it a vote against the government that has let them down or a tell-all memoir in the coming months, each victim of this hurricane has a voice that could be put to better use. Every survivor who's gone on TV to scream at the government for treating the stranded like third-world refugees has made the mistake of believing that America – or any first-world country – has a vested interest in supporting its disadvantaged, whether in crisis or not.

This disaster is heartbreaking and devastating, absolutely. My family has given all we can to the relief effort, and I stand behind every person who suffers in the aftermath of the flooding. What I don't stand behind is the incessant demand from cavilers that Americans be treated better than this simply because they are Americans. Humanity, not nationality, is the reason they should be treated better than this.

[Marn]

I loathe the thought that our country's goerning body might be doing something that is racist, supremacist, segragationist, or purely socioeconomic. Unfortunately, racism and sexism still exist, even within the hallowed halls of the government. And, I agree. I strained to disavow the proposition that the rescue efforts were race or class related, and then I heard Bush talking about Trent Lott's house, and I couldn't deny it any more. Ass. Hole. He was making a joke, a very bad one, and he's a complete asshole for making it while people were dying and suffering. Jackass.

I've stopped watching because I just keep crying. The people who are stuck. The families who've been separated. The children who were evacuated without their parents. And I'm in fucking Oregon. I'd love to say we'd host someone here. I'm in Oregon. I don't want someone to come all the way to Oregon. They've already lost everything, they shouldn't be so far away from who they might find. All I can do is give money, miles, love, and hope.

And the 9/11 anniversary is coming. Am I the only one who still cries about that? I wasn't even directly affected, it just makes me cry to think about all families torn apart, all the people who lost someone.

All of this makes me realize (as if I didn't know it already) how little has been done since 9/11. What would have happened if that had been a bomb instead of a huuricane? We'd be in the same position. Or worse. We're in no better shape preparedness-wise than we were 4 years ago. For all their talk, they haven't actually accomplished anything of value.

[kenya]

bravo, melissa. seems that you indeed spoke about politics and the suffering of others in the most profound way possible - with emotion, truth, and sensitivity. oh, and yes, bush is a dumbass.

in response to a, though, it is impossible and somewhat naive to remove race from the equation. and if we ignore that and excuse the obvious biases (i.e. "finding food to survive vs. looting grocery stores") then those voices may be stifled before they even get a chance to speak. that racial issue is most definitely not a "nothing." please understand that. i agree with you though - and most others - in the case of hating this past week. espesially as a mom... i look at the images of the babies and it becomes hard to breathe.

[Teach]

It makes me sad that you feel guilty about being white and middle class. It makes me proud that you have stepped up and made a contribution, at your own personal sacrifice. I agree that the situation is beyond our worst nightmares. I also know that part of the problem is that the entire infrastructrue that could have been used to help the citizens of New Orleans was completely wiped out. A situation that makes this different than any disaster ever encountered in our history. Being lower class did not cause anyone to die. Do you actually think that it was a calculated decision, because of the black population, to delay help so that people would deliberately die? If that were the case, no one would have issued the manditory evacuation order to begin with....ooops....too late....sorry!

[jenB]

i agree, you said what i feel, properly.

and it is hard to write a tell all memoir about the horror of being trapped in a flooded city 6 months later because you are dead. help had been late in coming and poorly handled. i grieve for all those affected as well.

i actually had a hard time finding a website to accept a canadian credit card, but eventually gave a little money to help as well. a tiny help i hope.

[Becky]

I also have a sensitive child, so without watching the news I think I spent this week without a fucking clue of the suffering that is going on. Now that I have some small idea, I'm in shock. I can't fathom what that area must look like, what it would feel like to be living that nightmare, how many lives were lost because the help just wasn't there. It really just makes me sick.

The thing that struck me today is that they have brought evacuees here, to fucking Phoenix. What kind of disaster must this be to bring people so far...

I'm still in shock and still not completely getting it. Your post was very well written, as usual, and it's helped me to wrap my mind around this whole thing just a little more.

[cst]

jen: Certainly, a dead person can't write a memoir, in the same way that a dead person can't complain on TV about the lack of a relief effort. I wasn't referring to those who died in the hurricane; I hope I came across as more respectful than that.

[JustLinda]

Melissa, I've been reading a lot of essays on the disaster (and even made a piss-poor attempt at writing my own) but yours is closest to how I feel. I can't get into the blame game now because it's so not as important as the help game.

[MelissaS]

Teach: No I don't think people were left to deliberately die. I think being poor and/or ill made it impossible for them to leave. To evacuate. If I lived in the line of a hurricane, I would have had the means and ability to evacuate and I feel guilty for that. There should have been an evacuation plan for those that can not do for themselves. No matter what the color of their skin.

[EdnaB]

Great post. Couldn't have said it better

[clickmom]

I also must also keep the media away from my sensitive children. On 9/11 I had to inform them because my husband worked in the WTC, but this time we are a thousand miles away, and it is only I who is tormented by the images, and voices of those in such a desperate situation. I am ashamed that we, our nation, have left these people to SUFFER and DIE. My head is hanging low, and my heart is heavy. I cannot sleep at night, I am haunted by the injustice of it all.

[Laurie]

Thank you. As a citizen of Louisiana, and one so close to New Orleans, thank you. It's hard sitting here in Baton Rouge, less than an hour from New Orleans and feeling so helpless. I wish I could do more than I have, and it's still just not enough.

[Kris]

To cst: I agree that "but this is America!" can sound racist/classist/naive/etc but I don't think people mean it the way it might sound. I don't think people are saying anything like "but we're god's chosen!" or "but this should only happen to other people!". Instead, what I think people mean is that we are a wealthy country, and we *do* have the infrastructure to deal with this type of situation - and yet, it was still bungled.

It's a shock, not because we don't think natural disasters can happen to us, but because the fact is we're not a third world country and we don't have the same challenges facing us. We should have been able to do better. It breaks our hearts that we didn't.

It will take a while to work out exactly what went wrong here, but I'm sure we'll find that it's not because we didn't think it could happen to us. Rather, I think it will be because of leadership problems - and an inability to figure out who should be handling what. Without a doubt, it's our government that let us down here - not the people working in the front lines, trying to help people the best they can.

[veg4me]

My kids (ages 3 and 7)have seen some images of the destruction that Katrina brought upon the south. Nothing more than damage to buildings and a few people waving from rooftops. They got the gist of what was going on without being bombarded with potential nightmares.

Now we will be emptying their piggy banks and taking a portion of their savings (save 1/3, spend 1/3, donate 1/3) to donate to the relief efforts. I plan on matching whatever their total is (probably only around $20)and taking it to a local donation center with the kids.

I want to protect them from the horrors of it all, but I think it's equally important to instill in them a sense of the bigger picture. Everything in our house revolves around them, but in the great big world they also have to have a place.

Of course, I'll also need to teach them that W is a bumbling idiot ;)

[Heatheranne]

I was finally able to do a post the other day. I've just been so disgusted I didn't know what to say. Yeah, I have a few choice words for Bush also. He let everyone down. He fucked up in a big way. Buy hey, at least he did cut his vacation two days short. What a guy.

[Melissa W]

Thank you for these words. last night as I put fresh groceries into our cabinets and threw out uneaten, slightly stale food - the floodgates opened.

[MelissaS]

Yes Kris, that's what I mean. We are not a third world country without an infrastructure to help our citizens. Because of that, we should be able to help our own people. We know, 9/11 made that painfully clear, that we are vulnerable. We thought we were better prepared to handle a disaster of any proportion. We were wrong.

[Nancy]

Melissa, what a thoughtful, sincere, intelligent expression of this tragedy and the struggle we all have here in America now.
Once again, reading your words bring me sadness and empathy, yet hope because we each are responsible and can each do something to help change the way things are.
My family, too, - I venture to say most families in America - is trying to help in any (even if little) way we can. I want to remember that this tragedy will be continuing for a long, long time. Kwaanza/Christmas/Channuka, etc., are coming soon. Children will deserve presents then and hope for down the road. What I find most humbling in all of this is that in spite of the most horrific experiences, so many of those predominately poor, black citizens, when asked, thank God for their lives and call themselves blessed. In the spiritual realm, they are far richer than most of us, and I am humbled for that.

[Tracy]

Melissa
I couldn't agree with you more. You've made your point beautifully and effectively. One of my very best girlfriends since childhood lives in a suburb of Baton Rouge. I finally heard from her on Wednesday and she and her family are safe and well Thank God. It is heartbreaking to read in her blog about "the new normal" down there. I personally let it all out the other night on my blog. My friend keeps making the point that it is not the time to make it all into a political issue right now. That it is not productive. She is totally right and I mean who would know better than someone living there right in the thick of it. I just can't help myself though. Our little beady-eyed President makes MY head want to explode. He is just the most insincere man I have ever seen. At any rate I am not going to rant here. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your feelings and you expressed them better than I could ever do it. You are a wonderful, compassionate woman.

[Kelly]

Thank you.

[MelissaS]

The problem I have with people saying "Now is not the time to...." talk politics, point fingers, blame, cry racism.....is that talking about these things *is* part of the issue and my talking about it isn't preventing me from doing what I am able to do. If rescue workers were sitting around angrily talking about President Bush or the failure of the New Orleans government, then okay. That would be a problem. But they are doing their work and the volunteers in the shelters are doing their work and I in Michigan and contributing what I am able and along with that I am questioning the politics of what has failed so many in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

[Jenny]

I've been torn up about this all week. You said it well, Melissa.

[Tracy]

Point taken Melissa. ((hugs))

[Emily]

I not as good as a writer as others are, that I know. Hence why on my site I didn't go deeply into how I was feeling, because as I stated, others are doing it for me.

Case proven. Thanks.

[Kate]

I guess I am seeing this in a different light, because I am in Austin, where we now have thousands of refugees that need to be taken care of. It would, and is easy to stand there and point your fingers and say "why the hell wasnt there a better plan or quicker relief?", but you know what, right now, here in Texas, we are in action. The people that are staying at our convention centers and conference halls, are more concerned with getting food in their bellies and a shower. Yes, their lives are forever changed, but at this point, they are simply trying to continue living. So this morning, we took another load of groceries down there. We talked to some of the families, asking them what they wanted or needed. You know what, no one has said "damn President Bush, he didnt get there fast enough", it was more of "thank you everyone for helping". Bus drivers are working round the clock to bring more people here to Texas. We have medical staff working constantly. I guess, here, where we are physically dealing with it, its just a little different.

[melissaS]

I'd like to think you can do both if you feel the need. Questioning things and 'whining' gets answers.

[Kat]

Your mention of feeling guilty is a feeling that has been a cloud over my head these last few days without actually having the forethought to identify it. It's the same feeling I get when I see poverty on my nightly news, or drive past a homeless man on the corner, just magnified by about a million. At least here in Texas, as Kate said, we can actually do something tangible to help. I've heard that many people are going to re-locate to my city (Dallas). I just hope things are better for them here in more ways than just safety from hurricane waters.

[Kate]

I watch the news at night and can't help but pick my baby out of his crib and hold him tight. I can't breath when I see the babies on the tv or hear of their suffering. As I'm standing in his room watching him sleep I can't help but wonder what kind of world I've brought him in to. That could be any one of us on the news begging for help and I think that reality is hitting all of us right now. How did we descend to this point with a man like Bush getting away with such wreckless stupidity?

[frog]

I just nodded all the way through your post. Thank you.

[Sara J]

I am here in Mobile, AL. We are, like TX, getting a lot of the refugees, and our shelters are filling more and more by the day. Donating money is a wonderful thing, every penny will help. But if you feel the need to do more, clothing and baby items are also desperately needed. We all have outgrown baby/childrens clothes laying around, or maybe old recieving blankets, gently used toys, an unneeded bassinet or pack and play, crib bedding, or unused formula checks/samples. The churches and shelters welcome any help they can get, it doesn't have to take money out of your pocket to do so. Adult clothing would be just as welcome, many families are left with nothing.

[gorillabuns]

i think you put into words what many feel about the whole situation. i have a friend that contracts with fema when disaster occurs. he was called sunday night before the hurricane hit to deploy monday to houston to then move to new orleans. how is it that a contract citizen is notified and able to move at a moments notice and the federal government can't seem to watch the fucking tv to get a handle on the situation. if the communication infrastructure was wiped out wouldn't you think that mike brown of fema was able to turn on fox, cnn, msnbc to see reporters on a bridge yelling out street names to get help? how much more information do you need to know to figure out what you are doing isn't working quickly enough? it's amazing to me that reporters were there in the midst of this disaster and harry connick jr was able to tour the city but fema couldn't help anyone until 4-5 days later due to a lack of communication? i know it only takes 8-9 hours to get to new orleans from where i am located. how come on friday, 5 days later, i see an army convoy of 30 trucks with water, flood lights and food finally making their way to the gulf. someone should be held accountable for their lack of action. we should demand it!

[Ani]

Well said.

[sbk]

I guess if we want to ask why, "WHY was a major metropolitan city built below sea level on a flood plain?" and "WHY wasn't a concrete, detailed plan in place for responding to a Category 5 hurricane?" Obviously, the levies didn't do the trick. This was a disaster in the making years ago.

[Alex]

Between Kanye West and the Mayor of New Orleans - I have two new heroes...men not afraid to speak their mind.

[Elizabeth]

Great post, Melissa. I spent hours Friday trying to put my feelings into words and finally gave up, I just couldn't find a way to express how I felt. I did have the boys watch a few minutes of CNN so they would understand why Daddy volunteered to go back to work Fri. night and answer phones during the telethon. I turned it off when Nathan pronounced it "too scary". I still can't believe Bush had the nerve to make a fucking joke about sitting on Trent Lott's porch.

[Paul]

Melissa,

I enjoy your blog. However, after reading this post, I have to comment with a few thoughts... 1) Stop Swearing - you write too well to use f*ck all the time. 2) Blaming W proves you have no grasp as to the law or the magnitude of the logistics for simply getting supplies in. You also took his quote completely out of context - that is what Michael Moore would do. Read the WHOLE speech. 3) I have three college age kids of my own. They know sh*t happens and sometimes there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it . You can spend all day crying, whining, feeling bad (angry, guilty, etc), and blaming others, or you can do something to make things right again. They (like me) all chose to do something constructive to help, no matter how small. I suggest you do the same. Be an example.

[surprised at your comment]

You think the people who are suffering now deserve better treatment than those who suffered in the tsunami because they're American? I think I just went off your blog.

[jeanna]

i think she can use whatever words she wants on her OWN blog. if thats how she wants to express herself so be it. you're not helping the situation by criticizing the way she feels. judging someone like that is not "constructive". and i dont think she was trying to say that they deserve better because they are american i think she meant that we should help our own as quickly and much as we do other countries.

[MelissaS]

No, actually Paul I will never stop using the word Fuck. Ever.

I did read the whole speech, it is here. I did not blame the entire thing on one man. I blamed him for his insensitive comment at a time when people are dying. He is retarded to make that kind of remark at a time when so many are suffering.

Also Paul you may want to actually read my post with your eyes open next time. I've donated one third of my pay check to the red cross, which is being matched by my employer. Today we took our kids to buy a backpack full of school supplies as 'A' suggested in the comments.

I am capable of several emotions at once. I am able to question our government and the local government who did not do enough to help the poverty stricken masses and at the same time take the actions I am able to. To say it's one way or another is as ignorant as you accuse me of being. But okay.

'Surprised', you've taken my thoughts out of context. The US can not be always everywhere. We do and will always help where we are needed, no matter who is suffering. However when tragedy strikes in our own country, given the amount of aid we contribute to other countries, it seems we should be able to take care of the poorest of the poor of our own fellow citizens and not leave them to die.

Good luck finding a blog which always mirrors your thoughts and opinions all the time. Oh...wait that would be your own blog.

[Janet]

Another idea to help is found at UMCOR.org. An urgent need for Health Kits is expressed. Also, whatever your donation is to UMCOR, 100% of that donation makes it to its destination; administrative fees are allocated from other sources. Just a thought. I appreciate thought-provoking blogs and people who ask questions, it's what still makes our country great, just hurting right now.

[Pauly D]

Those TRENT LOTT comments were ridiculous. Shows where his head is at.

['surprised']

Thank you for clarifying, your point seemed to come across differently in your original post.

I agree with your explanation, but was shocked at what I thought you had meant originally. Obviously I was wrong, and I apologise.

[Connor]

Hey Melissa - don't stop cussing, SOMEBODY has to get it out there. When I read your post I was thinking, yeah, that is what I would have said if I could write.....
As someone who lives just outside of Houston, and still feels useless, it is so nice to hear that everyone is trying to help. Things are so disorganized down here, but I keep running into amazing people. A lady at Sam's had her basket full of baby things to take to the Astrodome, and another woman was so moved by what she saw when she went to drop things off, that she now has 8 sisters living in her home until they can get to family. It makes me want to cry, it makes me want to hit Bush. Can you imagine living in a place with no privacy, scared all of the time? They are our neighbors....I wish I could do more!

[okgirl]

As much as I love, love, love reading your blog...I think this will be my last visit as well. I wish you the best of luck in life.

[amy]

So I don't get it. Questioning our leaders--which is one of the tenets that our constitution is based upon--this makes people so sickened they can't imagine reading this blog again? Despite the fact that this is not even a political blog?

People make mistakes. Even the almighty GWBush. And his advisors. And Congress. And the mayor of New Orleans. And you, okgirl. And me. Especially me.

When the people who make mistakes are our elected officials, it is up to us to point them out, to elect different officials, to try and fix the problem. And admitting that the Bush administration handled this situation poorly is not the same thing as denouncing the entire Bush presidency. GRAY AREAS, PEOPLE! You can criticize someone's action without throwing away that person.

(This is not to say that I don't denounce the whole Bush presidency. Because I do.)

You know who else is to blame? The Governer of Louisiana, Clinton, Congress, every senator who ever voted against funding the levee projects, FEMA, homeland security, the Engineer Corps, and on and on.

We are sad, we are angry, we are banding together now to help the people who have lost everything. And so we are hopeful, too.

I just hope we can (all) be honest about this when it comes time to figure out where we went wrong.

[Sarcastic Journalist]

All I will say is this as I'm not one to point fingers at just one person. There was major fucking up on SOOOOOO MANY LEVELS. To me, though, and I guess because I'm seeing a lot of the evacuees on a daily basis here, I'm not in "pointing fingers" mode just yet. Yeah, I mumble about it while in the house...but I just want to help now.

[Lisa]

I need to stop watching CNN, because when I see Shrub I want to gouge my eyes out. You think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. I'm not at all. Not even a little bit.

Thank you for venting on my behalf.

[Elizabeth Jones]

I do agree that Bush's comments were insensitive, but as for the government response to this disaster, I blame the government as a whole. Every program run by the government involves so much red tape that it would probably span the entire country. (for example - have you ever waited in line at the DMV?) Anyway, the local governments were thinking the federal government should be in charge and vice versa. The situation got worse and worse as the days and hours passed. Yes, it took too long to get things together.

And no, I don't think that this disaster is a race issue at all. It is, however, a socio-economic issue. People that couldn't afford to get out were stuck. Perhaps the government should've forceably evacuated everyone on school buses before the hurricaine hit. But hindsight is always 20/20.

[MollieBee]

people are still trapped and dying.

http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/

[kate]

i have come back and read this a few times today. i guess what I meant, and I hope is understood, is that here, my priorities, are a little different than others who are a little farther removed from the situation. I talked to my mom today who lives in the Metro Detroit area, and she shares very similar sentiments as you Melissa. I don't disagree, I guess, I am just trying to focus on the situation at hand- the people coming into our towns, the people that have immediate needs, not the people up on Capital Hill. Does that make sense?

It's been a long day today. It will be longer tomorrow. I cant imagine what next week will bring.

Love to you all,

Kate

[baseballmom]

Well said...it made me cry to read that the very poorest of countries (Guatemala, Columbia, etc.) are offering US aid now, and probably at great expense to their own people. Go figure.

[bren]

I just want to know what you think Kerry, Gore, or anyone not Bush and republican would have done.

[Kris]

I've worked in search and rescue, and have a lot of friends who work and volunteer in this area. I appreciate exactly what it takes to gather a response to this type of disaster, and there's no question in my mind that this was mismanaged. Despite what Paul thinks, this isn't just a case of people just don't understand how difficult it is.

I also lay the blame for this disaster at W's feet. Not because of his idiotic statements (although those certainly don't endear him to me), or because I think he should have managed the situation all by himself. I blame Bush because he's directly responsible for the appointment of Michael Brown as the head of FEMA. Michael Brown, who has *no* experience in the field, unless you count being fired from the International Arabian Horse Association for being incompetent. How did he get the job? By being a good little GOP'er, and helping Bush get elected.

So is it W's's fault? Hell yes. Wouldn't the same thing happen if a different politician was president? It certainly could have - and if it had, I'd be blaming them the exact same way too. We shouldn't excuse our leaders for making these disastrous choices because "well, everyone else does it". We should demand that they're responsible for any decision they make. That's what the job is all about, after all.

[MelissaS]

I suppose my anger at Kerry or Gore would depend on whom they appointed as the head of FEMA. It would depend on how the situation was handled. It would depend on their reaction to the events unfolding in New Orleans even now.

Kerry and Gore would be responsible for the government they were leading just as Bush is. Bush is currently failing. And yes his Trent Lott comment fills me with burning rage.

I've never said nor implied I know it all. These are simply my opinions. I've also never said Bush was solely responsible for the disaster in New Orleans. I do think it is impossible to ignore his part in all of this.

I'll tell you one thing: Thank God this president is morally superior and doesn't get blow jobs.

[Lori]

It is so utterly heartbreaking. I am outraged that relief was delayed, but we can't point the finger at one person. I am no fan of Bush at the moment, but we can lay blame on many people. Many systems failed. Many leaders were inadequate down the ladder.

I feel guilty also, but I think this is a normal emotion.

This is a very hard lesson to learn. Lets hope something like this never happens again.

[MelissaS]

I also have to add that you are right Elizabeth, it is a socio-economic issue, however it would be foolish not to wonder how it is that the poorest of the poor are largely african-american. Why is that? I have no answers but I do have questions.

[roo]

Melissa, I agree:
Bungling the Al-Quaeda threat, lying to the nation about the threat of weapons of mass destruction in order to embroil us in a Holy War, gutting the social contract, eviscerating funding for public health (vaccines, etc.) and particularly women's health, running up the national debt to unconscionable levels and doing one's best to hand the nation's economy over to corporate special interests, entrusting the education of our nation's young to religious zealots, oh, and refusing to fund necessary infrastructure to protect New Orleans and being an insensitive clod,

should not be impeachable offenses.

Clearly, getting an adulterous blow-job should.

You couldn't have said it better: Bush is a Fuck.

[sbk]

This is weird timing... I just got an e-mail from an aunt who fled New Orleans with my cousin who was set to go to Loyola this month.

The levee question? A core of engineers said that the current levees in New Orleans would protect the city from a category 3 hurricane. The U.S. government provided funding that would help the levees withstand a category 4+. These levee funds were used to cover funding previously misused by dirty politicians who are now serving prison time. In a more affluent neighborhood, the community -- the citizens themselves -- raised over one million dollars to strengthen their levee to withstand a category 4. The levee was reinforced and still in tact today. It appears that flooding in New Orleans could have been avoided had the monies been used appropriately. Tough call.

Second, the Coast Guard and other military personnel responded quickly (my neighbor is a CG pilot on skeleton crew at the MI air station) to first and foremost rescue the people that refused to leave after a mandatory evacuation was issued 24 hours in advance. First, it was a warning, then a MANDATORY ORDER. 200 buses were provided to transport people to Baton Rouge or the Superdome. The elderly and ill were first to go by ambulance, then the remaining citizens by bus. Emergency personnel were there to help evacuate people, a phone number was provided if you or a family member needed help, and a plan in place to get you out of harm's way.

After the storm, as we all know, the situation was worsened by the broken levees and the death toll was rising everywhere. Not to mention that N.O. is not the only catastropic situation in the area. Bodies are still everywhere in Lousiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The military was responding to the situation there and then in New Orleans when the flooding began. To rescue the people that REFUSED to leave.

I admit, my first reaction was similar to most everyone's on this comment section. I was angry and pissed at Bush (as I usually always am; I still think he's an arrogant prick) and ready to point fingers. But I didn't have all the facts. And still don't. So instead of being pissed without knowing why, I started asking questions.

Like, "Why in the hell didn't Bush get there sooner?" Because, thanks to my neighbor, whenever a president shows up anywhere, security must be at a maximum and no-fly zones put in place. Not a good thing when you're trying to maintain a rescue situation. In fact, Bush was highly criticized for showing up at Ground Zero only five days after 9/11. Rescue workers asked that he stay away because they had to put their efforts to a halt. It makes sense to me now, knowing that, but at the time I was ticked off.

Also, it's not the president's fault, as much as it pains me to say it, that funding wasn't released immediately. Congress HAD to approve the emergency funding, not Bush.

One thing that does make me sick is that my family had to stay at a sub-par Mississippi hotel in Jackson that had jacked up their prices to $100 a night: no air conditioning, no cable, no ammenities. Sickening.

I know it's becoming cliche, but tragedy really does bring out the best or worst in people. And seeing the looting and violence in Lousiana and the price gouging elsewhere for the displaced victims breaks my heart. Watching rescue workers and the flood of regular people, corporations, and countries donating time and money to help makes me proud.

It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, but I hope I'm getting my arms around why. In the meantime, thanks for all the links to charitable Web sites. I have contributed (in my family's name). I hope that everyone can agree on one thing: to do the same.

[MelissaS]

I'm not sure where I gave the impression I blamed *all* of the calamity on the federal government. The New Orleans government clearly holds some responsibility. Detroit seems quite similar to N.O in the corrupt politicians and low tax base (since their population is so poor...where do you get tax money?)

However, you mention the busses taking people out. Clearly not enough. You mention the private citizens raising the money to fix their levees: there's the issue. The haves and the have nots.

Bush not being on the scene was not the issue, it was the lack of ANY federal presence. People had to BEG and plead to get anyone down there. I hope I'm not a victim of a huge disaster begging for the government to help.

The people who have died in New Orleans are victims of the government both federal and local.

My website is not a political one. I rarely cover politics because there are hundreds of sites which do it better than I ever could.

I have opinions based on the reading I have done and continue to do. I hope you all do the same.

Bush is not alone responsible, no president ever is. However he is responsible for the stupidity of the things he flings from his mouth. I wish he'd shut up, maybe getting a blow job in the oval office would do the trick.

[sbk]

Melissa, please know that I was not responding directly to your blog or calling you out on anything. I was using this as a forum to simply pass along information that was passed to me from people that were and are there.

I wasn't defending or instigating. Only spreading information from victim and rescue worker and my own thoughts separate from anyone else's. No comments were made to rebut or refute. But I guess that's the point of the comment section: to discuss your thoughts.

Two hundred police officers in New Orleans (out of a 1,200-person force) have quit and two have committed suicide. This is obviously a very sensitive and emotional topic for everyone. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

[cmhl]

excellent post..

[amy]

It is no secret that FEMA has been grossly undefunded since it was drawn under the umbrella of National Homeland Security in 2003. We have spent the money normally reserved for natural disasters on preventing terrorist attacks.

And to that I say--who needs a terrorist when our own ineptitude has killed THOUSANDS of people? Al Queda or whoever else out there that we have spent so much to thwart is laughing. They COMPLETELY succeeded in their mission.

[aci]

Melissa, have you seen the op-ed pieces about this in the NYT? I think your sentiments echo theirs, albeit more gracefully and less aggressively. To anyone who is attacking Melissa's point of view, I suggest you go to www.nyt.com and read some vehement opposition regarding the handling of this tragedy, especially Bob Herbert's essay.

You know what's pissing me off today? That we have a new chief justice "overnight"--I may be overreacting, but how is it that the White House can nominate a chief justice in the blink of an eye--yet take days and days to react to the hurricane disaster?

[Just My Humble 2cents]

My outrage is aimed first at the Mayor of New Orleans, who did NOT evacuate those people when he had five days warning. He knew those levies could not handle a storm over a Cat 3, he took money intended to fix the problem and instead used it to buy casinos and airplanes. Second is the stupid Governor who did not make sure there was a go to person handling the situation. She can blame a lack of ability to communicate with the stricken area, but hell if news networks were reporting from it there is no excuse. Third is FEMA and I hope somebody is fired.
The sad thing is the rest of us should learn a big lesson here, but we will be bogged down in the blame game. We can dig in our pockets and give a corrupt organization like Red Cross our money, but we won't forget those images of our fellow Americans begging for help.

[Manolo]

Speaking of the Red Cross.. On Friday, my brother went out and bought cases of water and tons of clothes to donate. When he got to the Red Cross site, they told him they were only accepting cash donations and refused all of the goods he brought that are very much needed down there. I just don't get it.

[melissaS]

Is he in Houston or another Hurrican relief area? My guess is that they aren't accepting those types of items since the logistics of getting it to the people in need are prohibitive. I'm just speculating of course.

[RockStar Mommy]

Wow, I can't believe that "surprised by your comment" somehow took from this post that you think that American's in a crisis deserve better treatment than those in the tsunami. Do people really believe what ridiculous bullshit comes out of their mouths (and fingers) or do they just make it up because there's nothing better to do? Life's imponderables, I guess.

I guess when you post politics it's to be expected - even if you are COMPLETELY FUCKING RIGHT.

[Nancy]

Yes, but important to note, rockstar mommy, "surprised by your comment" then wrote a second comment and apologised.

[Jess]

I heard Bush make that remark about Trent Lott. I could not BELIEVE how awful it was. Who the fuck does he think he is? I'm so relieved to know that his rich buddies will have nicer homes built - Nevermind all the people who have lost EVERYTHING. Good ol' Trent will always be comfortable.

Fuck. It makes me so sick at heart.

[FlippyO]

Well, li'l Shrub clearly gets his caring from his mother:

In a segment at the top of the show on the surge of
evacuees to the Texas city, Barbara Bush said: "Almost
everyone I’ve talked to says we're going to move to
Houston."

Then she added: "What I’m hearing which is sort of
scary is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is
so overwhelmed by the hospitality.

"And so many of the people in the arena here, you
know, were underprivileged anyway, so this--this (she
chuckles slightly) is working very well for them."

[brandy]

I'm delurking after months of reading SB to say that I think you couldn't have said it better, I agree that Bush is an asshat, and that on the odd occasions that I disagree with you, I don't get all pissy and think you're wrong, it's more like, wow I hadn't thought of it like that. I think this is an excellent post, and I'm sure you thought about it extensively before you put it up here.
Oh, and I know this isn't even my blog, but I can't help myself: f u c k...fuckity fuck fuck. What fun would it be to even have a blog if you have to censor yourself? You're an excellent writer, and I enjoy all of your writing.

[melissaS]

I heard Barbara last night and I still don't think I've recovered.

[ellamama]

I had my first crying fit last night in the grocery store. The local private school had pulled a truck up to the parking lot and people were loading items for children and babies into the truck. Elementary school children were packing things into the truck and the some parents are driving it down south. I know money would be more prudent, but this was giving the kids a tangible way to help. The diaper aisle was emptying as people shopped for kids they would never know. I walked around with my own two children, aged three and three weeks, thinking about what we would need most if we had nothing. What would other forget? What would lift spirits?
I haven't written about this disaster at all on my own blog, but I just wanted to say that you said it all here. Thank you.

[jill]

Here is an interesting read from the City of New Orleans website outlining the "plan" for evacuations in case of a hurricane. I agree that the federal government should have been quicker to respond once it was realized that the need for help was there, but come on now the city and state government did not do anything. The governer herself did not sign the declaration to send in the National Guard until WEDNESDAY!

http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?portal=46&tabid=26

[MelissaS]

There is no doubt the city of New Orleans has failed it's citizens, many many times. Any reading you do on the subject will spell that out clearly to you.

I guess I'm just hoping now that my state has the resources and finances to guide us through a natural or man made disaster because it is now clear the federal government has tied up emergency management into a big knot of bureaucracy.

Funny though, Governor Blanco asked the president to declare an emergency for the State of Louisiana due to Hurricane Katrina on August 27.

He missed that since he didn't return from vacation until August 30th.

Gosh he didn't offer up the troops for her to sign for, for many more days. I wonder why? No really, I do wonder why.

[jill]

As posted on CNN...Bush issued a desaster declariation on Sunday the 28th...

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/28/hurricane.katrina/

Bush issues disaster declarations
President Bush announced Sunday that he had issued disaster declarations for Louisiana, Mississippi and parts of southern Florida. The declaration for Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida will allow residents there to apply for federal disaster aid.
__________________________________
And the governer is still refusing to sign over control of the national guard.

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/09/05/D8CEBED81.html

Blanco has refused to sign over control of the National Guard to the federal government and has turned to a Clinton administration official, former Federal Emergency Management Agency chief James Lee Witt, to help run relief efforts.
________________________________________
BTW, my father was in New Orleans on Tuesday and stated that he did see National Guard around the streets...few, but they were there. He stated when he was talking to them they were at a loss as to what they needed to do. Resue survivors, stop looting, gather the many dead. It's horrible and i do understand your frustration ecspecially when living in a city with the same political make up as NOLA, but one can only hope that your community jumps up and demands the tools to make sure that this never happens in their city.
DH and I were discussing the fact that it was like if it isn't NY or Chicago or LA that there would not be help if a disaster hit...be it a natural disaster or man made.
Melissa you and Logan have done what you can to help the people in need now you just need to get active to make sure your community never has to face this type of poor planning.

[ElizabethT45]

I just saw Manolo's question about the Red Cross. It says on their website that they ask for cash instead of goods because it costs them more to ship, sort and distribute donated items than it costs to buy the products locally. There are dozens of organizations who would love to accept his items, just Google the name of the city and "Hurricane Katrina aid" or something like that.

[Crits]

Really brilliant. Just stumbled upon this blog and am so EXCITED!! I swear, you could have taken the words out of my mouth. Haven't even penetrated the surface and so impressed. Between laughing and crying... maybe b/c we had to buy the keg o' mayo at Sams CLub not too long ago. Haha. Love the blog and can't wait to keep reading!

[Marta]

My favorite quote :

Aaron Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish, said on CBS' "The Early Show", "So I'm asking Congress, please investigate this now. Take whatever idiot they have at the top of whatever agency and give me a better idiot. Give me a caring idiot. Give me a sensitive idiot. Just don't give me the same idiot."