On CNN now...

[Canelaw99]

There are troops now at the N.O. Convention Center, and it looked like they had some relief supplies with them on trucks. I'm sure the people are thrilled to finally see them.

[Andy_L]

I don't think the National Guard being there is new...there were Guardsmen there in footage yesterday as well. but i hope you're right and theres LOTS more there now than yesterday WITH SUPPLIES

[stormie]

From CNN Breaking News e-mail:

"-- Convoy of military vehicles packed with supplies moves into flooded streets of New Orleans."

[Ground_Zero_92]

From CNN Breaking News e-mail:

"-- Convoy of military vehicles packed with supplies moves into flooded streets of New Orleans."

I guess you have to get troops and supplies in there before the president's visit today. I'm so frustrated with the handling of this disaster that I just want to scream.

[Stephanie]

That's a good start!

[mascpa]

Any news of supplies going to the Superdome?

[Canelaw99]

Any news of supplies going to the Superdome?

Not to my knowledge. All that I've seen has been focused on the Conv. Center. Maybe someone else has seen/heard about the Superdome....?

[nholley]

[/quote] I guess you have to get troops and supplies in there before the president's visit today. I'm so frustrated with the handling of this disaster that I just want to scream.[/quote]

I am surprised he didn't arrive on a horse leading the supplies in!!

Oh how cynical we are!!

[HurriCat]

There are troops now at the N.O. Convention Center, and it looked like they had some relief supplies with them on trucks. I'm sure the people are thrilled to finally see them.

There's the word FINALLY again. Just about every headline and observation uses it.

SORRY, but we are told every single time a hurricane even looks like it might form to STOCK-UP and prepare. We have been previously told to have a THREE DAY supply of items. This year they've revised it to a FIVE DAY supply.

The storm rolled through during the 29th of August. This is the 2nd of September - just completing the FOURTH day. Jesse Jackson was on TV LAST NIGHT, saying that "folks haven't eaten in FIVE days". Now, TODAY, he said with great judgemental authority that those in charge "knew about the situation at the convention center for FIVE days".

PLEASE.

I refuse to believe that all of these people were prepared and then were blown out into the storm, losing entirely their homes and supplies. What, you couldn't be "hunkered down" with even a gym bag or pillow case full of canned food and bottled water?

Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?

FINE.

But in regards to "finally", maybe it's FINALLY time to see what happens when you refuse to be responsible for your own very life and that of your families. I mean, even to the point of ignoring an official evacuation warning!

Yeah, we do have to help - it is moral - but don't defend the indefensible, be it a lack of responsibility in individual planning OR that proposed in rebuilding BELOW SEA-LEVEL.

[artist]

they have had over 2000 national guard in there before today. The head of the La Homeland Security said last night he has ordered 1400 more each day for 3 days, double the size of the NO police dept. for each day (those were his words) I heard the Governor say last night they have ordered a total of 30,000 over all, but if they need more she will ask for them.

[mvtrucking]

There are troops now at the N.O. Convention Center, and it looked like they had some relief supplies with them on trucks. I'm sure the people are thrilled to finally see them.

There's the word FINALLY again. Just about every headline and observation uses it.

SORRY, but we are told every single time a hurricane even looks like it might form to STOCK-UP and prepare. We have been previously told to have a THREE DAY supply of items. This year they've revised it to a FIVE DAY supply.

The storm rolled through during the 29th of August. This is the 2nd of September - just completing the FOURTH day. Jesse Jackson was on TV LAST NIGHT, saying that "folks haven't eaten in FIVE days". Now, TODAY, he said with great judgemental authority that those in charge "knew about the situation at the convention center for FIVE days".

PLEASE.

I refuse to believe that all of these people were prepared and then were blown out into the storm, losing entirely their homes and supplies. What, you couldn't be "hunkered down" with even a gym bag or pillow case full of canned food and bottled water?

Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?

FINE.

But in regards to "finally", maybe it's FINALLY time to see what happens when you refuse to be responsible for your own very life and that of your families. I mean, even to the point of ignoring an official evacuation warning!

Yeah, we do have to help - it is moral - but don't defend the indefensible, be it a lack of responsibility in individual planning OR that proposed in rebuilding BELOW SEA-LEVEL.

Some good points.

[Canelaw99]

There are troops now at the N.O. Convention Center, and it looked like they had some relief supplies with them on trucks. I'm sure the people are thrilled to finally see them.

There's the word FINALLY again. Just about every headline and observation uses it.

SORRY, but we are told every single time a hurricane even looks like it might form to STOCK-UP and prepare. We have been previously told to have a THREE DAY supply of items. This year they've revised it to a FIVE DAY supply.

The storm rolled through during the 29th of August. This is the 2nd of September - just completing the FOURTH day. Jesse Jackson was on TV LAST NIGHT, saying that "folks haven't eaten in FIVE days". Now, TODAY, he said with great judgemental authority that those in charge "knew about the situation at the convention center for FIVE days".

PLEASE.

I refuse to believe that all of these people were prepared and then were blown out into the storm, losing entirely their homes and supplies. What, you couldn't be "hunkered down" with even a gym bag or pillow case full of canned food and bottled water?

Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?

FINE.

But in regards to "finally", maybe it's FINALLY time to see what happens when you refuse to be responsible for your own very life and that of your families. I mean, even to the point of ignoring an official evacuation warning!

Yeah, we do have to help - it is moral - but don't defend the indefensible, be it a lack of responsibility in individual planning OR that proposed in rebuilding BELOW SEA-LEVEL.

When I put the word "finally" in there I used it because to the people who were at the Conv. Center, this is really the first time they've seen some action. Do I agree with the fact they didn't prepare? Nope, sure don't. However, I do know that if I were there and saw troops coming in I would be thinking "finally". That was it. Didn't mean anything too deep into it....

(edited to correct a typo)

[KG4HPN]

Don't assume these folks didn't prepare. Do YOU keep your entire hurricane kit in the attic?

[themusk]

I refuse to believe that all of these people were prepared and then were blown out into the storm, losing entirely their homes and supplies. What, you couldn't be "hunkered down" with even a gym bag or pillow case full of canned food and bottled water?

Ever try to lift and carry five days worth of water and canned goods? Some people can do it, almost no women, children, injured, or elderly can -- which means, in principle, their portion needs to be added to the burden carried by others. Ever try to fit it in a pillowcase? Try to carry such a weight through floodwaters? See any of the people being lifted off the roofs being allowed to carry 5+ gallons of water with them?

This is, actually, a dilemma I'm trying to solve for myself: how to maximize my personal food and water supply, and have enough room for at least a jacket, a tarp, and a few other basics, in an evacuation kit. My current best solution is to opt for commercial Coast Guard approved survival food bars (the sort you'd see in a life raft), as much water as I can physically carry (far less than five days), and an MSR water filter (only a filter protects against contaminants). It's tough for me to figure it all out. And I'm supposed to be a professional at this.

In reality, you can't count on people being able to carry more than a couple of days worth of water, more of food, and that presumes that they were in a position to

A) understand what they will need

B) obtain it (for example, trapped tourists would be at an extreme disadvantage when it comes to putting together such a kit)

C) get it out and carry it with them

If you can do this, by all means, do it -- I would have no sympathy with someone who had a bugout bag and left it behind. But the fact is, even very well prepared professionals -- our soldiers -- are often separated from their kit when things go wrong on the battlefield. This is one of the reasons I carry a very basic survival kit in my wallet at all times (how many of you have a compass, a knife/utility tool, a water carrier, a signal mirror, and firestarting equipment on your person right this moment?) Yet even my wallet kit could be separated from me by rushing water or a blast that rips my pants from me, or through civil unrest.

You can't count on having anything, not even your senses or your limbs, after a disaster. Relief efforts work best when as few persons as possible urgently need immediate help to survive, but it's not possible to assume that all persons who need such help need it because they did not prepare, nor is it astonishing that a disaster that affects millions would leave thousand without emerrgency supplies.

When evacuation is not a factor, frankly, forget about that five days. I think people should store more like two+ weeks worth of food and water.

[Canelaw99]

just to clarify- I didn't say what you quoted me as saying, that was Hurricat

[themusk]

just to clarify- I didn't say what you quoted me as saying, that was Hurricat

Sorry -- I mangled the quotes it seems.

[Canelaw99]

LOL, quite ok - I've done that before too

[mahicks]

Don't assume these folks didn't prepare. Do YOU keep your entire hurricane kit in the attic?

LOL...No...But my grandfather going through Camille taught me to keep and Axe in the attic. I live in Tallahassee and it was one of the first things that I put up there when we moved here. Just one of those strange, passed down from generation kinda things. I'm sure my neighbors would think I'm a weirdo if they knew that though

[caribepr]

There are troops now at the N.O. Convention Center, and it looked like they had some relief supplies with them on trucks. I'm sure the people are thrilled to finally see them.

I refuse to believe that all of these people were prepared and then were blown out into the storm, losing entirely their homes and supplies. What, you couldn't be "hunkered down" with even a gym bag or pillow case full of canned food and bottled water?

Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?

FINE.

But in regards to "finally", maybe it's FINALLY time to see what happens when you refuse to be responsible for your own very life and that of your families. I mean, even to the point of ignoring an official evacuation warning!

Yeah, we do have to help - it is moral - but don't defend the indefensible, be it a lack of responsibility in individual planning OR that proposed in rebuilding BELOW SEA-LEVEL.

God. You are disgusting! I have read numerous posts of yours and *moral* is the least of what you have within you. I wanted to wait to find out how hurricanes in Fla affected you last year but after reading this post...I can't wait anymore.


"Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?"

Who the hell do you think you are??? The Final Judge??? "Just as we all do." Did you go back and toss that in to appease any that might find that a bit prejudicial???????? Put something aside? Have you ever been poor to the point of paycheck to paycheck? I'm NOT saying ALL these people fall into some general category of *poor, but fine people* I'm sure there are welfare ripoff artists, scammers of all sorts but frankly, living most of my life among many sorts of people, it shakes down to a minority - those who use and abuse the system. Most, for whatever reason, usually ignorance (not stupidity, ignorance, based on culture, whatever) are just trying to get along every day. I find your comments revolting and would implore you to get involved with some sort of work with those in society less able than yourself. I lived in Orlando for 13 years and can give you, and would be HAPPY to give you, the names of such organizations where you can contribute your expertise, if not your compassion.

[ncbird]

I am the first one to say those who are able to evacuate should have done so. But this....

Save the "poor-mouthing". I bet these people had their sodas, smokes, chips, dips, lottery tickets, booze and other things - just as we all do. Why couldn't they then have something put aside for what everyone agrees is a known, even joked-about "doomsday" scenario?

I find heartless and very disturbing.... There were many elderly people, women with children, and those without the means to leave the city. They needed help to get out. The buses that were suppose to get them out when the evacuation was called are sitting in a lot flooded. (Look around some other threads you will see the pics.) These are poor people!!!!!!! Do you have any idea what POOR means? Do you have one clue what it is to wonder if you will have money to buy food to feed your children or pay your rent. Do you know that elderly people living on Social Security often have to choose weather to eat or get the medicine they need in order to live?

Instead of making such statements get on your knees and thank the good lord you can buy those things.. because in the real world, not everyone can.