Pondering my FEMA comments, I began to really ponder all that went wrong down there. I've got to say, it wasn't as simple as we initially heard - and I was too harsh on FEMA now that the facts are starting to surface.
I may be out on a limb here... but from everything I've read, it appears that even though FEMA did step in eventually (really, as of last Friday) what really happened behind the scenes played out like a cheap greek tragedy.
First off, the media had declared NOLA safe, except for some minor flooding along Lake Ponchatrain. Then, things started getting worse. The local governments BAILED and believed that state and the federal governments would just "take care of it." Of course, the Federal government was more than happy to contribute a few hands to a "normal" clean up effort. The state was busy trying to get information which was just not there.
Really, after that it was a snowball from hell. And as it got worse by the hour, the local government completely dropped the ball and fled town. The widespread destruction across a three state area and general mayham componded the problem of access to gas, food etc.
Frankly, it could have been worse. I think it goes to show that you can't depend on our Federal government to come bail you out. It's not designed to do that on this scale. It can't be done. You're neighbor is much more dependable.
FEMA is about command and planning, and expecting instant action on their part is wrong - but it was the only government structure that was in tact and which had the disaster background to handle this. We expect FEMA to be ready for this, but in reality, we've got to know that the sheer numbers of people was just too high to evacuate in less than a few days.
Ohh well, enough ranting. My appologies to FEMA and the National Guard... I still think they could have executed some things better - but given the scope, volume, and lack of information - it really was effective for a LOT of people.
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