Fema REJECTS Russian Aid (CBS News)

[Derek Ortt]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/ ... 7164.shtml

[Canelaw99]

[Derek Ortt]

that is the most idiotic thing we could have possibly done. Who are the "people" in Washington making decisions?

[kevin]

Okay we're now the nation everyone gets upset at who won't take our aid.

[repeatoffender]

monetary aid / resources from other countries should not be refused but if I were coordinating this effort I can imagine foreign teams of rescue workers being a bigger pain in the ass than a help.

[themusk]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/31/katrina/main807164.shtml

Incomprehensible

[TSmith274]

Ridiculous. I'm embarrased.

[ohiostorm]

We always comlain when people don't help us after we help everyone else. This is why.

[Derek Ortt]

if this is true, I can say I am ashamed to be an American

[cancunkid]

Someone needs to get his head out

[kevin]

I am giving the Russians the authority of the People to land in our nation and do what they can to save lives. You have that authority Mr. Putin. Come and help our nation.

[NC George]

Well, I for one don't want any foriegn troops on our soil while our army is deployed in Iraq.

[Talon402]

People, it's not about manpower. I think the "two transport planes" that the Russians were offering are more than outmatched by calling up more guard unites / activy duty from Ft. Bragg.

I certainly don't want foreign troops on our soil either; but remember, there are laws and things in place. And injecting more people into a chaotic situation would be even more chaotic.

Obviously, FEMA / Homeland Security feels confident that the resources to deal with this already exist stateside. If they need "two more transport planes" they will call them up, duh.

[kevin]

Yeah the Russians would invade us, I am sure. That is just insane.

They offered rescue teams, two planes, helicopters etc.

Obviously FEMA / Homeland Security have not been able to establish order or distribute necessities.

[Talon402]

Yeah the Russians would invade us, I am sure. That is just insane.

They offered rescue teams, two planes, helicopters etc.

Obviously FEMA / Homeland Security have not been able to establish order or distribute necessities.

True. However, this supports what I'm saying: Bringing in some Russian Rescue teams (who are all, by accounts not as well trained as American rescue teams) and who may not speak English that well, would only hamper and confuse the situation.

We're approaching the end of the golden 72 hr period for rescues. Considering that it would probably take DAYS if not a week for the teams to get here, what would they assist in???

[mf_dolphin]

People do you realize that planes need an airport to function? C-5's and C-141's aren't exactly small planes. Only this morning did one of the NO airports clear enough that the Air Force could send in advance units to get the airport ready to receive aircraft. Remember that the airpost has been underwater. Nothing work there right now. They need fuel, runway lights, maintenance facilities, ground crew facilities, etc etc etc. While helicopters have been operating in the search and rescue mission they are not capable of providing the heavy lift necessary in this case. I don't know about NO but here in Florida it's been stressed you have to be able to support yourself for a week or more before it's reasonable to expect help.

[CentralFlGal]

Perhaps it was logistics and communications concerns, if the report is true. I'll need more than an unnamed official before I draw a more informed conclusion on this story.

[CentralFlGal]

People do you realize that planes need an airport to function? C-5's and C-141's aren't exactly small planes. Only this morning did one of the NO airports clear enough that the Air Force could send in advance units to get the airport ready to receive aircraft. Remember that the airpost has been underwater. Nothing work there right now. They need fuel, runway lights, maintenance facilities, ground crew facilities, etc etc etc. While helicopters have been operating in the search and rescue mission they are not capable of providing the heavy lift necessary in this case. I don't know about NO but here in Florida it's been stressed you have to be able to support yourself for a week or more before it's reasonable to expect help.

Those machines need a loooooong runway too.

I believe Germany is also waiting for the "go" to get here and lend a hand. The water obviously needs to subside more before more people show up to help.

[Roxy]

Russia offered to send two transport planes with rescue teams, helicopters and other equipment to help deal with Katrina's aftermath.

Well I hope we said no, politely, and asked them to 'standby'.

..And then thanked them...

I can see how those things wouldn't really help us now. It's absolutely true we have everything we need to rescue New Orleans, it's just a logistics nightmare right now.

I am sure once we have a better idea of what's to be done, we will graciously accept aid.

[carve]

Then please..if they want to help,let them help moniterily..all we need is more planes and more people in an already chatoic situation..I do believe other countries can help..but let them contribute money..I believe the 40,00 troops we are sending will be enough..We will have trouble getting them in..