WDSU - "Martial Law declared"

[GalvestonDuck]

Someone was asking for a link earlier...sorry I can't find the thread...for verification of martial law being declared in NOLA. They just announced it on WDSU's live feed.

Hope that helps.

[alicia-w]

but nobody's got it in writing anywhere. you would think there would be a formal proclamation of this!!!

info is WAY too sketchy.
Here is some additional info:


For shelter information, call 1 (800) 469-4828; Web site

Preliminary damage estimate: $26 billion

Martial law imposed in New Orleans

Nearly 1 million Louisiana residents homeless

Mayor Ray Nagin: 80 percent of New Orleans is underwater. Water 20 feet deep in some places

More than 80 feared dead in Mississippi

200 people stranded on rooftops in the Lower Ninth Ward, including 20 police officers

People who evacuated told NOT to come back to city

Preliminary reports show at least 20 buildings in the city have collapsed

The water is not safe to drink across New Orleans.

Metairie, Slidell and Houma are virtually underwater. Rescue officials were still trying to get to people who were trapped in their homes Tuesday.

All public utility services are expected to remain shut down in the short term due to damage from the storm. Hundreds of thousands of people are without power across southeast Louisiana.

President Bush promises extensive help for Hurricane Katrina victims to get their "lives back in order."

4,000 National Guardsmen were mobilizing in Memphis and would help patrol New Orleans streets

[jasons2k]

It is in writing on the FoxNews story online

[canegrl04]

WTF is the Bush administration? Why don't they have someone hold a press confrence and announce it.This is inept handling so far

[mvtrucking]

As veteran of the military, I can guess that during martial law and the loss of all civil rights during it, the troops can shoot looters on sight. Not positive but very likely.

[LizzardInFlorida]

There is text at the top of the newspage, but no details yet.

http://www.wwltv.com

[fuzzy]

"The situation was so dire that martial law was declared there. Under martial law, the military takes control of the city and everyone, including members of the media, is ordered to leave."

I think they just haven't changed their headlines yet. It takes a little time for the websites to be updated in a situation like this. Also, the local tv stations and newspaper have ceased reporting while they evacuate.

[alicia-w]

I think the authorities in LA are doing a fine job so far. They are trying to rescue people, get people evacuated, and then they have the grim task of setting up temporary morgues. They have to stop that water, but where are you going to pump it out to?

Mobilization of a task force doesnt happen overnight. There are thousands of guard folks from various states getting ready to travel to LA and MS. These sort of situations are EXACTLY why the status of the Guard should belong to the states and not the Pentagon....

[gratefulnole]

As veteran of the military, I can guess that during martial law and the loss of all civil rights during it, the troops can shoot looters on sight. Not positive but very likely.

Looting is the least of their worries right now. They might as well let them loot all the grocery stores etc. in New Orleans because it all going to be ruined quickly anyway.

[HouTXmetro]

I think the authorities in LA are doing a fine job so far. They are trying to rescue people, get people evacuated, and then they have the grim task of setting up temporary morgues. They have to stop that water, but where are you going to pump it out to?

Mobilization of a task force doesnt happen overnight. There are thousands of guard folks from various states getting ready to travel to LA and MS. These sort of situations are EXACTLY why the status of the Guard should belong to the states and not the Pentagon....

With all the states guard being sent to NOLA, what happens if another strong Hurricane takes aim at Miami or Houston or another major city. We still have not reached the peak of Hurricane and it's frightening to even think about another storm hitting.

[CaptinCrunch]

I think the authorities in LA are doing a fine job so far. They are trying to rescue people, get people evacuated, and then they have the grim task of setting up temporary morgues. They have to stop that water, but where are you going to pump it out to?

Mobilization of a task force doesnt happen overnight. There are thousands of guard folks from various states getting ready to travel to LA and MS. These sort of situations are EXACTLY why the status of the Guard should belong to the states and not the Pentagon....

With all the states guard being sent to NOLA, what happens if another strong Hurricane takes aim at Miami or Houston or another major city. We still have not reached the peak of Hurricane and it's frightening to even think about another storm hitting.

Maybe bush will bring home some of our N.G troops from Iraq to help here in the U.S.A.....

[Derek Ortt]

we need the regular army, not the guard, to have total control of the city, as was the case for south dade after Andrew. In addition, the Pentagon needs to be activated as it was then

[sponger]

Agreed Derek!

[alicia-w]

we need the regular army, not the guard, to have total control of the city, as was the case for south dade after Andrew. In addition, the Pentagon needs to be activated as it was then

The Pentagon needs to be activated? What does that mean?

I dont believe that this administration will pull troops from Iraq to support this effort.

This is what the Guard is FOR!!

[HurriCat]

WTF is the Bush administration? Why don't they have someone hold a press confrence and announce it.This is inept handling so far

NOT "GETTING POLITICAL"... However, I'm betting that IF the Feds were jumping in with both feet, then Bush would be getting accused of grandstanding or stomping on people's rights. Darned if you do - darned if you don't applies.

So far, I think it's being handled properly - the STATES are working their own issues, and the Fed is ramping up to come in as needed. This is how a Republic should operate.

And we do have a FEW more guys than those in Iraq. We don't need the sneaky little digs we're seeing in other posts at having troops over there.

[lurkey]

I believe (someone can correct if I'm wrong) the State and local governments have to request Federal help and troops. Something to do with the US Constitution (has to with state rights), the federal government cannot just "jump in" and usurp state and local jurisdicition.

ETA: Yes, I know Federal gov't usurps state and local jurisdicition all time, but I think with something like this, they will wait for the states that are affected to make the determination that the Federal troops are needed.

Plus, aren't there all sorts of rules and regulations about the the use of the US military (troops) in situations like this?

[Derek Ortt]

unless a national emergency is declared. Then, all power is in the hands of the feds. That has only been done in the Civil War

[MBismyPlayground]

Actually the active military is stepping in with a joint task force of a combination of Guard and Active duty, which will include an airlift unit. Trying to contact son in law to see what news is at fort bragg today.

[soonertwister]

Regarding the looters, I believe that the authorities should round up as many as they can, and detain them until everyone else has left the city.

Then allow them to get out with the clothes on their backs, but offer them no assistance, just get them beyond the city and turn them loose.

Let's see how many want to loot in New Orleans again.

[MomH]

Folks --

Mayor Nagin said during his interview last night that President Bush has told him to make a list of what was needed and wanted and it was his. That list was to be delivered this morning. Some things just take time. In this day of instant gratification we expect to fix problems immediately. This is one problem that can't be fixed that way.

Keep them in your prayers and do whatever else you are able.
MomH