FEMA Director called back to Washington - This usually means a vote of no confidence from the presidential admisitration, but this is Bush so don't know what it means till he is either promoted or fired but its a step in the right direction.
Bush lifts wage rules for Katrina - Basically the president gives permission to anyone working on Katrina rebuilding can do what they want wage wise. Good news if you are one of the contractors used in the rebuilding (good news for Bush's friends) but bad news if one of the workers desperate for a job and forced to accepts a $2 hour wage or whatever the contractor decides is "fair". Since fair is usually defined as the bare minimium, I don't see those working on the rebuilding to be the best or the brightest. Personally I would be afraid to return to New Orleans for this reason alone. Definitly a step in the wrong direction for NO.
Media Moguls Regain Control of Media - Nice little article showing how the owners of all the major media new sources, CNN, Fox, NBC, etc, have used the last week to reign in their on air talent and once again return to the sunny size of the Bush agenda. Its a nice writeup comparing the previous week to the next and how most stations seems to do an 180 on approach to the coverage. The media may be liberal but the owners are not, people like to forget that.
Friday, September 09, 2005
"Everyone loses in blame game"
Wish I had a link but just read a column in the paper by Charles Krauthammer called "Everyone loses in blame game." Someone post it in comments if find it.
He startes by pointing out three of the popular reasons why blaming Bush is wrong:
1) Global warming.
He says that there is no relationship between global warming and frequency and intensity of Atlantic Hurricanes. He's right actually, there isn't really any definitive evidence that supports or disproves him. Both are just theories. I do agree that even if Bush had been mister gung ho on the enviroment things wouldn't have changed enough to make a difference.
2) War in Iraq. He says that the problem was that the guardsmen where Iraq but those in Louisianna didn't get to New Orleans. Not sure where was going with that as it doesn't really disprove or prove his point that its a false claim. Personally I think its sure didn't help.
3) Tax cuts. He basically saying that assuming if not for the tax cuts, thus loss revenue resulting in cutting the levee budget is wrong. Even if the money had been there it wouldn't have made a difference. He is correct on that. The levee's where rated for a cat 3 not a 4 or 5. They would have fallen. If anything, the fact that they held as long as they did is a marvel of the skill of the Army Corp of Engineers. Sadly the time that the levees bought was wasted by all levels of government.
Charles then points out that the "author of this calamity... was Nature (or Nature's God)". I find it interesting (say cowardly) he avoided just straight out blaming God. Personally I wasn't aware Nature had a God. Does that mean there are two Gods now?
He then listed "in descending order of culpability" those responsible for the recovery disaster. I mostly agree with his order except for FEMA almost is at 1 slot rather then 3.
1) Mayor of New Orleans.
Charles points out the mayor knew from Hurricane Georges in '98 the use of the Superdome was a disaster and that with 2/3 of the residents failing to get out new plans where needed, yet nothing was implemented. He then held off calling a mandatory evacuation until 24 hours before because was researching his legal authority to avoid lawsuits from hotels and businesses. Well I can understand where the Mayor was coming from on that but there was nothing preventing him from preparing with buses, supplies, and all that until the mandatory evacutation was called. Simply put, yes, the major deserves much blame.
2) The Louisiana Governor.
Her failure to call up the National Guard resulting in a delay. Also Charles points out the disaster with the school buses and says its her fault for not commanding them commandeered until it was too late. Personally, that sounds more like a failure on the Major's part to me. Anycase, the Governor's hesititancy and concern more for the beaurcracy over results definitly means some blame goes there. However, I would place her 3rd or 4th in order of blame.
3) Head of FEMA - "Late, slow, and in way over his head" Not knowing about the convention center while it was on every major news network is a inexcuseable. Good summation from Charles on that one. I think there are so many more reasons he is to blame I do not know where to begin but suffice it to say FEMA and the major run neck in neck for the number one slot to me.
4) The president. - "Late, slow, and simply out of tune with the urgency and magnitude of the disaster." That sums it up nicely and explains why he writes for a living and I don't. Charles says he takes the blame for failure to immediatly "addressd the country on national television to mobilize it both emotionally and physically to assist in the disaster." IE, a failure to lead. True but there is so many other things both past and present he didn't do.
5) Congress.
Charles blames then due to the creation of Homeland Security that really just added one extra layers and allowing it to spend more time "bureaucratic reorganization" rather then a workable plan for disasters (this could also go under why Bush is at fault.) I personally add allowing FEMA to become a second class citizen in Homeland Security and allowing the President to appoint clearly unqualified candidates to important jobs, ie allowing the party to come before the American people.
6) The American people. "They have made it impossible for any politican to make any responsibile energy policy over the last 30 years." I can't really argue with that. SUV buying loving public doesn't exactly disprove the notion. Of course I am confused he brought it up at all as this indicates he thinks global warming played a part, even though he called the idea a "kind of stupidity [that] merits no attention whatsoever." He needs to make up his mind on that. This last reason could then splinter in many directions that are not on topic.
I add a final item:
7) Citizens of New Orleans. Many that could have evacuated, didn't. Many could have helped their neighbors get out, didn't. Instead of forming gangs, they could have helped and protected their fellow citizen. Its a shame that the actions of so few has such an impact on so many. There is a lot that could be said on how the citizens responded both in the good and the bad, but they shouldn't be excused either.
He startes by pointing out three of the popular reasons why blaming Bush is wrong:
1) Global warming.
He says that there is no relationship between global warming and frequency and intensity of Atlantic Hurricanes. He's right actually, there isn't really any definitive evidence that supports or disproves him. Both are just theories. I do agree that even if Bush had been mister gung ho on the enviroment
2) War in Iraq. He says that the problem was that the guardsmen where Iraq but those in Louisianna didn't get to New Orleans. Not sure where was going with that as it doesn't really disprove or prove his point that its a false claim. Personally I think its sure didn't help.
3) Tax cuts. He basically saying that assuming if not for the tax cuts, thus loss revenue resulting in cutting the levee budget is wrong. Even if the money had been there it wouldn't have made a difference. He is correct on that. The levee's where rated for a cat 3 not a 4 or 5. They would have fallen. If anything, the fact that they held as long as they did is a marvel of the skill of the Army Corp of Engineers. Sadly the time that the levees bought was wasted by all levels of government.
Charles then points out that the "author of this calamity... was Nature (or Nature's God)". I find it interesting (say cowardly) he avoided just straight out blaming God. Personally I wasn't aware Nature had a God. Does that mean there are two Gods now?
He then listed "in descending order of culpability" those responsible for the recovery disaster. I mostly agree with his order except for FEMA almost is at 1 slot rather then 3.
1) Mayor of New Orleans.
Charles points out the mayor knew from Hurricane Georges in '98 the use of the Superdome was a disaster and that with 2/3 of the residents failing to get out new plans where needed, yet nothing was implemented. He then held off calling a mandatory evacuation until 24 hours before because was researching his legal authority to avoid lawsuits from hotels and businesses. Well I can understand where the Mayor was coming from on that but there was nothing preventing him from preparing with buses, supplies, and all that until the mandatory evacutation was called. Simply put, yes, the major deserves much blame.
2) The Louisiana Governor.
Her failure to call up the National Guard resulting in a delay. Also Charles points out the disaster with the school buses and says its her fault for not commanding them commandeered until it was too late. Personally, that sounds more like a failure on the Major's part to me. Anycase, the Governor's hesititancy and concern more for the beaurcracy over results definitly means some blame goes there. However, I would place her 3rd or 4th in order of blame.
3) Head of FEMA - "Late, slow, and in way over his head" Not knowing about the convention center while it was on every major news network is a inexcuseable. Good summation from Charles on that one. I think there are so many more reasons he is to blame I do not know where to begin but suffice it to say FEMA and the major run neck in neck for the number one slot to me.
4) The president. - "Late, slow, and simply out of tune with the urgency and magnitude of the disaster." That sums it up nicely and explains why he writes for a living and I don't. Charles says he takes the blame for failure to immediatly "addressd the country on national television to mobilize it both emotionally and physically to assist in the disaster." IE, a failure to lead. True but there is so many other things both past and present he didn't do.
5) Congress.
Charles blames then due to the creation of Homeland Security that really just added one extra layers and allowing it to spend more time "bureaucratic reorganization" rather then a workable plan for disasters (this could also go under why Bush is at fault.) I personally add allowing FEMA to become a second class citizen in Homeland Security and allowing the President to appoint clearly unqualified candidates to important jobs, ie allowing the party to come before the American people.
6) The American people. "They have made it impossible for any politican to make any responsibile energy policy over the last 30 years." I can't really argue with that. SUV buying loving public doesn't exactly disprove the notion. Of course I am confused he brought it up at all as this indicates he thinks global warming played a part, even though he called the idea a "kind of stupidity [that] merits no attention whatsoever." He needs to make up his mind on that. This last reason could then splinter in many directions that are not on topic.
I add a final item:
7) Citizens of New Orleans. Many that could have evacuated, didn't. Many could have helped their neighbors get out, didn't. Instead of forming gangs, they could have helped and protected their fellow citizen. Its a shame that the actions of so few has such an impact on so many. There is a lot that could be said on how the citizens responded both in the good and the bad, but they shouldn't be excused either.
Some Predictions for Rest of '05
1) Sadly the amount of dead in Katrina will be higher. In range of 35k.
2) The economy, due mostly to cost of oil, will enter a recession.
3) Bush by end of the year will pass another tax cut for the super rich. Once again it will have no impact on the economy.
4) The Katrina Commission will absolve the federal government of any responsibility, place it entirely on the local and state officials and thank Bush and Brown for a timely response that saved lives.
5) A "fix" will be to return FEMA to a cabinet level position.
6) "Brownie" will be named to the FEMA cabinet position.
7) The investigation into the White House leak will end with no charges filed and the grand jury dismissed.
8) Bush will sign into law a bill to seek out more oil reserves in response to Katrina and suggest that some exploration be looked into for alternative fuel sources but will not require it by law.
9) John Roberts will easily be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
10) Albert Gonzales will be confirmed to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court.
2) The economy, due mostly to cost of oil, will enter a recession.
3) Bush by end of the year will pass another tax cut for the super rich. Once again it will have no impact on the economy.
4) The Katrina Commission will absolve the federal government of any responsibility, place it entirely on the local and state officials and thank Bush and Brown for a timely response that saved lives.
5) A "fix" will be to return FEMA to a cabinet level position.
6) "Brownie" will be named to the FEMA cabinet position.
7) The investigation into the White House leak will end with no charges filed and the grand jury dismissed.
8) Bush will sign into law a bill to seek out more oil reserves in response to Katrina and suggest that some exploration be looked into for alternative fuel sources but will not require it by law.
9) John Roberts will easily be confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
10) Albert Gonzales will be confirmed to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Bush's Katrina Dodge Strategy
Well, the Bush's administration has finally crystallized it strategy to avoid blame for the Katrina. Its called "not" playing the blame game as shown at the Wednesday White House news conference. This new purpose is further supported by Republican leadership who have also engaged in attacking others for engaging in such wrong behavior. How dare the public want to know what went wrong so its not repeated. We are such bastards for wanting answers. Tsk shame on us for questioning our masters, as Anne Coulter would say, that makes us traitors.
While our leaders bash us for daring to want answers, we have FEMA attempting to cover up the scope of the tragedy. Apparently they don't want the press to show the dead, the destruction and basically just want them to go away. I guess they figure if have nothing nice to say... should take priority. Also its interesting that while we are not supposed to play the blame game, its seems that Republican Speaking Points headhunters keep showing up on the news blaming state and local government. They are right of course, state and local deserver blame, but to obsolve the federal government, ie the Bush Administration, would be criminial.
Fortuntaly while our politicians are focused on saving their careers, the new continues to do an excellent job in cover this event, the aftermath and the litany of mistakes. For the first time in a long time they are doing their jobs.
Evidence of this politic dodging mixed with an excellent coverage is was shown on MSNBC by Keith Olbermann with a video timeline that shows the politicans dodging and lies with the actual truth. Thanks to Crooks and Liars for capturing that.
The press is doing their job finally of demanding the truth and seeking answers, the politicians are doing the job of spinning the truth and speading mis-information, now its time for the public to do their jobs. Seek out the truth, use our heads to find it, and make sure the politicans that failed to do their jobs at all levels of government are shown what we think of how they did their jobs. No more medals for incompetence should be the new call for this post-Katrina era.
While our leaders bash us for daring to want answers, we have FEMA attempting to cover up the scope of the tragedy. Apparently they don't want the press to show the dead, the destruction and basically just want them to go away. I guess they figure if have nothing nice to say... should take priority. Also its interesting that while we are not supposed to play the blame game, its seems that Republican Speaking Points headhunters keep showing up on the news blaming state and local government. They are right of course, state and local deserver blame, but to obsolve the federal government, ie the Bush Administration, would be criminial.
Fortuntaly while our politicians are focused on saving their careers, the new continues to do an excellent job in cover this event, the aftermath and the litany of mistakes. For the first time in a long time they are doing their jobs.
Evidence of this politic dodging mixed with an excellent coverage is was shown on MSNBC by Keith Olbermann with a video timeline that shows the politicans dodging and lies with the actual truth. Thanks to Crooks and Liars for capturing that.
The press is doing their job finally of demanding the truth and seeking answers, the politicians are doing the job of spinning the truth and speading mis-information, now its time for the public to do their jobs. Seek out the truth, use our heads to find it, and make sure the politicans that failed to do their jobs at all levels of government are shown what we think of how they did their jobs. No more medals for incompetence should be the new call for this post-Katrina era.
Hurricane Katrina Timeline
Think Progress has an excellent timeline of Katrina and the government response. Worth a read with multiple links to back up the account.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
More Katrina Links
We stood idle as a city fell to its knees - Essay written from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Katrina Aftermath. Worth reading.
Barbara Bush, dumbass bitch - The White House's failed attempt to respond to Barbara's Bush "better off now" remarks about Katrina. Talk about being oblivious.
The Pendulum of Reporting - A New York Times write-up about how the press has finally find its voice after many years of quiet. Its about damn time. If they had continued to do their jobs years ago instead of allowing themselves to be quieted, maybe not so many lives would have been lost such as say someone with experience being in charge of FEMA instead of an unqualified crony.
Many Evacuated... - Just a well-written story about all the work to go.
Barbara Bush, dumbass bitch - The White House's failed attempt to respond to Barbara's Bush "better off now" remarks about Katrina. Talk about being oblivious.
The Pendulum of Reporting - A New York Times write-up about how the press has finally find its voice after many years of quiet. Its about damn time. If they had continued to do their jobs years ago instead of allowing themselves to be quieted, maybe not so many lives would have been lost such as say someone with experience being in charge of FEMA instead of an unqualified crony.
Many Evacuated... - Just a well-written story about all the work to go.
The Daily Show and Katrina
Make sure to watch the repeats of the Daily Show Wednesday. Jon Stewart just nailed it. Absolutely freaking nailed it.
"For people who are saying 'well stop pointing fingers at the President, the Left Wing Media...No. Shut Up. No. The is inarguably, inarguably a failure of leadership from the top of the federal government."
"He didn't even stop his vacation for three days..."
- Jon Stewart, Daily Show 9/6/05
He later then had the audio of Barbara Bush's comment about being better off and then back from commercial showed the timeline of Bush's "response" to the disaster. When broken down like that, its even more appalling and indefensible.
Saturday 8/27 Week 5 of Bush's summer vacation begins.
Sunday 8/28 Still on vacation even though clearly a cat 5 was near the gulf.
Monday 8/29 Hurricane hit, Bush doing a town hall meeting on Medicare in Arizona.
Tuesday 8/30 Levee collapsed over night. Bush was in San Diego for ceremony marking end of WWII.
Wednesday 8/31 New Orleans underwater. Bush makes decision to cut vacation short, goes back to Washington.
Thursday 9/1 "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." - Bush said on Good Morning America. Copious amounts of data is available to prove otherwise.
Friday 9/2 Goes to Kenner, LA to "take charge" and that New Orleans "will rise again." Later gives "Brownie, you are doing a heck of a job" to FEMA head.
What amazes me is the defenders don't even get that as a leader, the President gets the blamed for all successes and failures. EVERY failure is his fault because he is the leader. That is part of the price of being in charge. The fact that none of them get that fundamental fact, including Bush, is part of the reason he is such a horrible leader.
The fact that his defenders have to keep pulling more and more rediculous excuses out of their ass is actually further proof at what a pathetic leader Bush is. The fact that the man has to have such blind faith to stand tall...that not a testament to his leadership, its a testament to his failure. True leaders can stand in criticism. True leaders can take it and learn from it. Bush cannot. Simply put, Bush failed. His entire last 4 years as a leader, as the President cost thousands of lives and an entire city. No. Shut Up!
"For people who are saying 'well stop pointing fingers at the President, the Left Wing Media...No. Shut Up. No. The is inarguably, inarguably a failure of leadership from the top of the federal government."
"He didn't even stop his vacation for three days..."
- Jon Stewart, Daily Show 9/6/05
He later then had the audio of Barbara Bush's comment about being better off and then back from commercial showed the timeline of Bush's "response" to the disaster. When broken down like that, its even more appalling and indefensible.
Saturday 8/27 Week 5 of Bush's summer vacation begins.
Sunday 8/28 Still on vacation even though clearly a cat 5 was near the gulf.
Monday 8/29 Hurricane hit, Bush doing a town hall meeting on Medicare in Arizona.
Tuesday 8/30 Levee collapsed over night. Bush was in San Diego for ceremony marking end of WWII.
Wednesday 8/31 New Orleans underwater. Bush makes decision to cut vacation short, goes back to Washington.
Thursday 9/1 "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." - Bush said on Good Morning America. Copious amounts of data is available to prove otherwise.
Friday 9/2 Goes to Kenner, LA to "take charge" and that New Orleans "will rise again." Later gives "Brownie, you are doing a heck of a job" to FEMA head.
What amazes me is the defenders don't even get that as a leader, the President gets the blamed for all successes and failures. EVERY failure is his fault because he is the leader. That is part of the price of being in charge. The fact that none of them get that fundamental fact, including Bush, is part of the reason he is such a horrible leader.
The fact that his defenders have to keep pulling more and more rediculous excuses out of their ass is actually further proof at what a pathetic leader Bush is. The fact that the man has to have such blind faith to stand tall...that not a testament to his leadership, its a testament to his failure. True leaders can stand in criticism. True leaders can take it and learn from it. Bush cannot. Simply put, Bush failed. His entire last 4 years as a leader, as the President cost thousands of lives and an entire city. No. Shut Up!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Yahoo's Katrina Metasearch for the Missing
Katrina: Metasearch for Missing People
Click the link above, can look by location of the effected areas or search the Katrina lists from across the Web.
Click the link above, can look by location of the effected areas or search the Katrina lists from across the Web.
Katrina News Coverage Opinion Pieces
"How're they doing?" - Nice little write-up from Jeff Jarvis on Buzzmachine.com about how the press coverage of Katrina is doing. He makes excellent points and I agree with most of it. He feels it could be a turning point with "new humility, transparency, fallibility, and humanity". I say not likely but one can hope. In the end, the almighty ratings and thus dollars will get in the way.
Reporters Show Their Teeth - This one by Howard Kurtz is a nice little write-up showing how finally after nearly half a decade of complanency and cow towing to the Bush Admistration, the Press is finally baring their teeth and demanding answers. Not even 9/11 accomplished this. But Katrina has finally reminded the press why they exist, to seek out the truth whether we will want to hear it or not. The truth about what went wrong and right about Katrina needs to be discussed and with politicians already in damage control mode its up to the 4th estate to find the truth for the public. I hope they are up to the task as I still have my doubts if this new found aggression will last for the long difficult months ahead.
The World Reaction - Article describing some of the various reactions from the media around the world. "How could this happen in the richest, most powerful country in the world" seems to sum up the article nicely. Its also an answer the Americans need to.
Murders Most Foul - Article describing the dead bodies being found in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and other refugee locations as many people where found dead including a 7 year old with her throat cut. A gruesome telling of human depravity.
Stupid Defiance - Up to thousands of New Orleans residents refuse to leave their devasted, mostly underwater homes. Rescuers keep asking to leave, try to explain why they need to leave, point out the lack of food, clean water, and no knowledge of when supplies will be available. Yet the fools will not listen. This level of blind stupidty is part of the reason why the death toll will be so high. Its also something to consider when blame is being assigned. The average NO does take some of the blame for the death toll, its not just the governments fault.
FEMA Chief Waited to Deploy - AP is reporting that FEMA Chief Michael Brown waited until after Katrina struck to dispatch 1000 homeland security employees to the region and gave them 2 days to get there. The article reports that one of the duties was to "convey a positive image" about the government's response. Just an example of how this man was over his head. That is a how a CEO responds to the sinking ship of his business, not to a disaster with lives on the line. With decisions like that Bush is sure to give him a Congressional Medal and cabinet position.
Reporters Show Their Teeth - This one by Howard Kurtz is a nice little write-up showing how finally after nearly half a decade of complanency and cow towing to the Bush Admistration, the Press is finally baring their teeth and demanding answers. Not even 9/11 accomplished this. But Katrina has finally reminded the press why they exist, to seek out the truth whether we will want to hear it or not. The truth about what went wrong and right about Katrina needs to be discussed and with politicians already in damage control mode its up to the 4th estate to find the truth for the public. I hope they are up to the task as I still have my doubts if this new found aggression will last for the long difficult months ahead.
The World Reaction - Article describing some of the various reactions from the media around the world. "How could this happen in the richest, most powerful country in the world" seems to sum up the article nicely. Its also an answer the Americans need to.
Murders Most Foul - Article describing the dead bodies being found in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and other refugee locations as many people where found dead including a 7 year old with her throat cut. A gruesome telling of human depravity.
Stupid Defiance - Up to thousands of New Orleans residents refuse to leave their devasted, mostly underwater homes. Rescuers keep asking to leave, try to explain why they need to leave, point out the lack of food, clean water, and no knowledge of when supplies will be available. Yet the fools will not listen. This level of blind stupidty is part of the reason why the death toll will be so high. Its also something to consider when blame is being assigned. The average NO does take some of the blame for the death toll, its not just the governments fault.
FEMA Chief Waited to Deploy - AP is reporting that FEMA Chief Michael Brown waited until after Katrina struck to dispatch 1000 homeland security employees to the region and gave them 2 days to get there. The article reports that one of the duties was to "convey a positive image" about the government's response. Just an example of how this man was over his head. That is a how a CEO responds to the sinking ship of his business, not to a disaster with lives on the line. With decisions like that Bush is sure to give him a Congressional Medal and cabinet position.
Monday, September 05, 2005
"I'm sick of the press conferences"
"Nobody’s coming to get us. Nobody’s coming to get us. The secretary has promised. Everybody’s promised. They’ve had press conferences. I’m sick of the press conferences. For God sakes, shut up and send us somebody."
- Aaron Broussard talking about efforts after Katrina on Meet the Press before breaking down in tears.
Mr Bush,
All we have seens since you took charge is a series of clearly staged press conferences as you visit Mississippi for the 3rd or 4th time and does a fly by over New Orleans. I don't want you pretending to care and playing the politics, I want to see results. Its seems everyone else, both Republican and Democrat realize right now is not the time for politics. Politics take a backseat to the devastation. Shut the Karl Rove machine down for god's sake.
Also President Bush quit blaming everyone but yourself. Take ownership for your failings so they will not be repeated. Rather then rewarding the FEMA head for his mistakes as you have everyone else in the administration, fire him. He was a crony that was not qualified for the postion. He should have never been put there in the first place. You failed as your job to look out for the nation when you put someone that unqualified in such a position and you failed at your job for failing to realize it fast enough, end your vacation and get supplies and troops in postition.
Fundamentally this disaster is what a president is for. Everything the office is about comes together in a time of crisis and you failed us in a way few have in history. You should be ashamed. You should be embarrassed and most importantly, as president, you have to put that aside, address the failings and get them corrected. To do that properly you must start with yourself.
- Aaron Broussard talking about efforts after Katrina on Meet the Press before breaking down in tears.
Mr Bush,
All we have seens since you took charge is a series of clearly staged press conferences as you visit Mississippi for the 3rd or 4th time and does a fly by over New Orleans. I don't want you pretending to care and playing the politics, I want to see results. Its seems everyone else, both Republican and Democrat realize right now is not the time for politics. Politics take a backseat to the devastation. Shut the Karl Rove machine down for god's sake.
Also President Bush quit blaming everyone but yourself. Take ownership for your failings so they will not be repeated. Rather then rewarding the FEMA head for his mistakes as you have everyone else in the administration, fire him. He was a crony that was not qualified for the postion. He should have never been put there in the first place. You failed as your job to look out for the nation when you put someone that unqualified in such a position and you failed at your job for failing to realize it fast enough, end your vacation and get supplies and troops in postition.
Fundamentally this disaster is what a president is for. Everything the office is about comes together in a time of crisis and you failed us in a way few have in history. You should be ashamed. You should be embarrassed and most importantly, as president, you have to put that aside, address the failings and get them corrected. To do that properly you must start with yourself.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Hurricane Katrina Links
Hurricane Katrina Aftermath:
DomeBlog - A blog report from Astrodome about conditions and events for refugees there.
Yahoo's Katrina Lists of Missing Lists - A list of all the lists that name the missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - Java applet from the associated press that allows a look at the map with zoom function.
The World Responds - CNN article on pledges of help from countries all over the world.
Comicbook Related Charity events:
Newsarama Charity News - Updated thread from Newsarama.com updating on comic book related Katrina Charity events.
Bendis Board Charity - Items, artwook, video, tons of different stuff for auction for Katrina Victims.
Rob Liefeld Katrina Auction - Liefeld has put up the artwork for Teen Titans #27 with all proceeds going to Katrina relief.
Political:
CNN - The big disconnect on New Orleans - Basically how reporters are reporting one version of events with pictures and video and Bush admin officials say another view.
Bush Policy on NO levees - Summation report on how recent budget cuts may have resulted in the levee collapse.
Reports of Relief Arrival - CNN piece on arrival of relief supplies arriving to New Orleans
DomeBlog - A blog report from Astrodome about conditions and events for refugees there.
Yahoo's Katrina Lists of Missing Lists - A list of all the lists that name the missing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - Java applet from the associated press that allows a look at the map with zoom function.
The World Responds - CNN article on pledges of help from countries all over the world.
Comicbook Related Charity events:
Newsarama Charity News - Updated thread from Newsarama.com updating on comic book related Katrina Charity events.
Bendis Board Charity - Items, artwook, video, tons of different stuff for auction for Katrina Victims.
Rob Liefeld Katrina Auction - Liefeld has put up the artwork for Teen Titans #27 with all proceeds going to Katrina relief.
Political:
CNN - The big disconnect on New Orleans - Basically how reporters are reporting one version of events with pictures and video and Bush admin officials say another view.
Bush Policy on NO levees - Summation report on how recent budget cuts may have resulted in the levee collapse.
Reports of Relief Arrival - CNN piece on arrival of relief supplies arriving to New Orleans
Thursday, September 01, 2005
New Orleans SOS
Sigh a few days ago we all thought that the US dodged a bullet. Sure some damage but nothing we can't handle...then the levees broke. The result is not a town, or a village, but one entire city destroyed.
Its pretty clear...everyone is overwhelmed. From the residents of the effected area, to the citizens of the US, to the reporters covering the event, and the rescuers trying to do everything they can but lacking the manpower to do it. The US use to have the man power for such events. We called then the National Guard. However most of them are overseas, as is the money, manpower, skill, equipment and everything else you can name. Sadly, to pull out of Iraq to deal with this is not an option. A constiutional crisis looms large and very little could spark violence.
So where does that leave New Orleans. I guess where often it leaves us in times of crisis. With each other. With the citizens of the United States and the World. The outpoor of help is everywhere. In the tears of the effected and the audience that watches in horror. On the radio, over the airwaves, the cries for help are heard, and everyone is trying to answer. Even the networks are joining in with one of the Heroes fundraiser campaigns. While the crime, looting, and gas gouging speaks of the horror of the human condition, the desire to help, the empathy and pain that many feel also shows its greatness. Times of great hardship require a response of great love and sacrifice and the nation is responding. Be sure to give to your favorite charity to help.
Its pretty clear...everyone is overwhelmed. From the residents of the effected area, to the citizens of the US, to the reporters covering the event, and the rescuers trying to do everything they can but lacking the manpower to do it. The US use to have the man power for such events. We called then the National Guard. However most of them are overseas, as is the money, manpower, skill, equipment and everything else you can name. Sadly, to pull out of Iraq to deal with this is not an option. A constiutional crisis looms large and very little could spark violence.
So where does that leave New Orleans. I guess where often it leaves us in times of crisis. With each other. With the citizens of the United States and the World. The outpoor of help is everywhere. In the tears of the effected and the audience that watches in horror. On the radio, over the airwaves, the cries for help are heard, and everyone is trying to answer. Even the networks are joining in with one of the Heroes fundraiser campaigns. While the crime, looting, and gas gouging speaks of the horror of the human condition, the desire to help, the empathy and pain that many feel also shows its greatness. Times of great hardship require a response of great love and sacrifice and the nation is responding. Be sure to give to your favorite charity to help.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Katrina and the news
I am sure many have been watching the news coverage of Katrina as it made landfall. CNN showed a "man on the scene" type approach, often with Anderson Cooper talking about random stuff, trying not to get knocked down and of course hammering whenever possible just how dangerous what he is doing. Now he of course thinks that makes him heroic, the rest of us know it just makes him stupid. So CNN is doing the "you are all going to die" approach to Katrina.
Fox News, as much as I hate to say it, trumped CNN this time. They took the "this is the facts and what is happening now" approach. Less man on the streets wasting our time, more informative, and more insightful. This is all just leading to landfall.
During and especially afterwards however, both news stations became doppelgangers, just talking about the same stuff over again with the same footage over and over again as really no one knew anything. Rescue operations where just beginning, the damage assessment just starting. The horror revealed, but not digested. Basically back to the business of worse case scenarios, crappy guesses, cheerleading and useless information.
However, every know and then, these stations remind them why we need them. TVNewswer has done an excellent job of showing the shining moments and the not so grand moments.
One moment that stands out however is a phone report from CNN's Jeanne Meserve during 8/29 Newsnight. It was a sad accounting of the some of the lives lost and why. Also what she experienced while down there trying to give her report and the emotionial cost. It was a rare moment of humanity in the news coverage. A shrinking of the distance between reporter and subjects. Sometimes you need objectivity...and sometimes you don't.
Click here for the mp3 audio.
Fox News, as much as I hate to say it, trumped CNN this time. They took the "this is the facts and what is happening now" approach. Less man on the streets wasting our time, more informative, and more insightful. This is all just leading to landfall.
During and especially afterwards however, both news stations became doppelgangers, just talking about the same stuff over again with the same footage over and over again as really no one knew anything. Rescue operations where just beginning, the damage assessment just starting. The horror revealed, but not digested. Basically back to the business of worse case scenarios, crappy guesses, cheerleading and useless information.
However, every know and then, these stations remind them why we need them. TVNewswer has done an excellent job of showing the shining moments and the not so grand moments.
One moment that stands out however is a phone report from CNN's Jeanne Meserve during 8/29 Newsnight. It was a sad accounting of the some of the lives lost and why. Also what she experienced while down there trying to give her report and the emotionial cost. It was a rare moment of humanity in the news coverage. A shrinking of the distance between reporter and subjects. Sometimes you need objectivity...and sometimes you don't.
Click here for the mp3 audio.
Serve iTunes to the PSP
Somehow someone figured out how to serve up your iTunes library to the PSP. It doesn't really replace the nifty iPod but its something goofy to do especially if have a sudden jones for a song.
Instructions are at the Digikid Blog.
Instructions are at the Digikid Blog.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
PSP 2.0 is go.
Sony has finally gotton around to releasing the firmware update for the PSP. The two main features of this update is a pretty nifty web browser that works suprisingly well and wallpaper to replace the current background with whatever picture want to.
Hopefully soon websites designed with PSPs in mind will pop up for our enjoyment. Sony already has one but of course its just really adverts for sony crap. Also if someone comes up with a pic converter let me know. Because of the screen dimensions some pictures need to be converted to the dimensions etc for optimum viewing but until the playstation forums has proven to be exceptional with many PSP wallpapers and people willing to convert your posted pics so click here for some stuff to use.
Also check out WinPSPortal out for a program available for the PSP. Not sure what it does but might be worth goofing with.
Hopefully soon websites designed with PSPs in mind will pop up for our enjoyment. Sony already has one but of course its just really adverts for sony crap. Also if someone comes up with a pic converter let me know. Because of the screen dimensions some pictures need to be converted to the dimensions etc for optimum viewing but until the playstation forums has proven to be exceptional with many PSP wallpapers and people willing to convert your posted pics so click here for some stuff to use.
Also check out WinPSPortal out for a program available for the PSP. Not sure what it does but might be worth goofing with.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
PSP Update 2.0?
From Sony:
The PSP Firmware 2.0 Upgrade for the North American market will be available during the week of August 15th, instead of on August 12, as previously reported.
Designed to compliment the comprehensive entertainment experience of games, movies, music, photos and wireless connectivity provided by the revolutionary portable device, the firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the unit’s built-in Wi-Fi capability and wirelessly search the Internet from Internet Access Points or hot spots. The firmware 2.0 upgrade will be available for download directly to a PSP using a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to a PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP through a USB cable.
How come it seems so hard to release stuff in the US and not Japan? You would think by now they would have figured out a way to make sure that translation etc, was a straightforward process almost as simple as flicking a switch considering no product nowadays is hardly ever not released in both countries.
The PSP Firmware 2.0 Upgrade for the North American market will be available during the week of August 15th, instead of on August 12, as previously reported.
Designed to compliment the comprehensive entertainment experience of games, movies, music, photos and wireless connectivity provided by the revolutionary portable device, the firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the unit’s built-in Wi-Fi capability and wirelessly search the Internet from Internet Access Points or hot spots. The firmware 2.0 upgrade will be available for download directly to a PSP using a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to a PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP through a USB cable.
How come it seems so hard to release stuff in the US and not Japan? You would think by now they would have figured out a way to make sure that translation etc, was a straightforward process almost as simple as flicking a switch considering no product nowadays is hardly ever not released in both countries.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Not just Natalee "Aruba" Holloway is missing
Either its the new thing, or maybe just maybe, the media is realizing that other people disappear everyday. All in the same week, two media NBC and The Los Angeles Times, have indicated that they realize there is a bias in the media on covering missing person cases.
This of course is something I blogged about a long time ago but still interstesting to see others acknowledging it. The real question though is will there be change from it? Highly doubtful. Why? Its business people. The simple fact is the covering the death/disappearance/etc of an affluent family's missing female member is ratings gold. Especially when the pissing person is young and beautiful, followed by the family members greiving being quite beautiful. Have you seen Natalee's mother and aunt? They are gorgeous, which is why they are thrown up on television screens at every opportunity. As for why money is a factor? Well other then influence taht money brings, its a matter of convience. They usually have someone who doesn't have to work, which means they have time to fly around the country, to interview, to show up on the talk shows etc. Don't really have an explanation why men and non-white are not covered. Pretty sure there are slight racist overtones but more likly its again business. Ratings simply wouldn't be as high (course that doesn't speak well of the country).
Any case, we will continue to see the march of the pretty white affluent white woman bemoan the death/disappearance of her pretty white family member for years to come.
This of course is something I blogged about a long time ago but still interstesting to see others acknowledging it. The real question though is will there be change from it? Highly doubtful. Why? Its business people. The simple fact is the covering the death/disappearance/etc of an affluent family's missing female member is ratings gold. Especially when the pissing person is young and beautiful, followed by the family members greiving being quite beautiful. Have you seen Natalee's mother and aunt? They are gorgeous, which is why they are thrown up on television screens at every opportunity. As for why money is a factor? Well other then influence taht money brings, its a matter of convience. They usually have someone who doesn't have to work, which means they have time to fly around the country, to interview, to show up on the talk shows etc. Don't really have an explanation why men and non-white are not covered. Pretty sure there are slight racist overtones but more likly its again business. Ratings simply wouldn't be as high (course that doesn't speak well of the country).
Any case, we will continue to see the march of the pretty white affluent white woman bemoan the death/disappearance of her pretty white family member for years to come.
Hooking Up
I have been watching the program on ABC called Hooking Up. Its comes on Thursdays at 9:00pm. It basically follows 4 or so woman as they use online dating to find the perfect man. You would think it would be extraordinary entertaining or maybe uplifting. Instead its kind of sad.
Now the woman, simply gorgeous. We all wish woman that looked like them where on online services. The ages are the 20s and 30s cause 40s are apparently too old or don't date. I think the producers wasted an opportunity in contrasting how age plays a part in deciding a mate. So we have a bunch of photogenically stunning woman seeking the perfect man. Of course this means photogenically stunning men to start. Its interesting to see how the woman immediatly shutdowns when eyeballs her date is bald, or not tall or built enough. So physical is a priority on the ole checklist.
Then comes the dates...and the breakups. It will sound like I am picking on these woman, but they do the breaking up (ie just don't call him back) in every case shown. Now this just could be creative editing, I don't know. Often over minor things or way out there expectations. Some of these woman are making evaluations on whether she could marry him after the first date. Its the first date!!! You don't know shit about the person yet these woman are making those kind of decisions. One woman definilty likes the confident aggressive jock type. But god forbid he gets too aggressive. So she likes it, but doesn't. And somehow the guy is supposed to know the line is. If he doesn't guess it just right, bye-bye. I could give more examples but suffice it to say, the men are expected to be physical love at first sight followed by mental love at end of first date. There is a reason they continue to be lonely.
What makes it sad though is these woman don't seem to be bitches. They actually seem pretty great, someone that would probably be fun to date, develop a relationshipship with. You root for them. You want them to find happiness. I wish they where bitches so could yell in joy for every failure but instead I just think what opportunities they probably wasted. What possibilities of happiness never discovered cause this guy was bald, or too nice, or whatever thing was not good enough. If only they realized perfection doesn't exist. That a checklist is a guideline, not a rulebook. Until they realize that, I will continue to hope for the best.
Now the woman, simply gorgeous. We all wish woman that looked like them where on online services. The ages are the 20s and 30s cause 40s are apparently too old or don't date. I think the producers wasted an opportunity in contrasting how age plays a part in deciding a mate. So we have a bunch of photogenically stunning woman seeking the perfect man. Of course this means photogenically stunning men to start. Its interesting to see how the woman immediatly shutdowns when eyeballs her date is bald, or not tall or built enough. So physical is a priority on the ole checklist.
Then comes the dates...and the breakups. It will sound like I am picking on these woman, but they do the breaking up (ie just don't call him back) in every case shown. Now this just could be creative editing, I don't know. Often over minor things or way out there expectations. Some of these woman are making evaluations on whether she could marry him after the first date. Its the first date!!! You don't know shit about the person yet these woman are making those kind of decisions. One woman definilty likes the confident aggressive jock type. But god forbid he gets too aggressive. So she likes it, but doesn't. And somehow the guy is supposed to know the line is. If he doesn't guess it just right, bye-bye. I could give more examples but suffice it to say, the men are expected to be physical love at first sight followed by mental love at end of first date. There is a reason they continue to be lonely.
What makes it sad though is these woman don't seem to be bitches. They actually seem pretty great, someone that would probably be fun to date, develop a relationshipship with. You root for them. You want them to find happiness. I wish they where bitches so could yell in joy for every failure but instead I just think what opportunities they probably wasted. What possibilities of happiness never discovered cause this guy was bald, or too nice, or whatever thing was not good enough. If only they realized perfection doesn't exist. That a checklist is a guideline, not a rulebook. Until they realize that, I will continue to hope for the best.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Susan Torres dead
May not know who Susan Torres is. She and her family was the opposite of how Terri Schiavo was handled. Where one was forced to die with no dignity, this one was able to. Where one was a lesson in greed and abuse of power, this was a lesson of a parents love. Where one was abuse by the media, this was one of restraint. She saved her child, and her family allowed her to pass with dignity.
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