I'm a really long way away from the disaster area (thank goodness), but after reading news channels today I felt the need to post, even though it is hard to find words to express just how wretched things are down there. I'm dismayed that looters have fallen to attacking hospitals (and aren't being shot by the national guard/police for trying), saddened that so many people seem to have died despite an evacuation order, and annoyed that New Orlean's flood/hurricane defence shore-ups were issued just 1/6th of the requested amount by the current administration last year. Months ago, there were reports that if a hurricane hit before a huge investment was made in flood defences (including wetland renewal, dyke infrastructure, and so on) this would happen - and funds were used for the Iraq war, and domestic counterterrorism instead. That's disgraceful, and really should be impeachable. I'm also disappointed in Homeland Security. Their evacuation plan completely ignored the poor and sick, or those without vehicles. Amtrak were even allowed to get away with leaving passengers at New Orleans stations (with transfer tickets, no less), before driving the empty trains to safety!
Anyway, this is probably not the time for recriminations. I hope the death toll is lower than currently feared. :-(
Mood: tired
Music: None
No comments:
Post a Comment