Is anyone going to be held accountable for the failed Katrina response?

Question

One of the most shameful episodes in modern American history - failures at every level of government. Will anyone pay??? Why do we let these fools get away with this level of incompetence?

Answer 1

First of all America needs to understand that this was a show of Racism. The greatest minority in Louisiana was African American. Bush is to be held accountable for millions of things gone wrong in America. This just proves that there is yet another thing that he has done to let the people of America down. Bush cheated his way into office, he will cheat his way out of this, just like he cheats his way out of every other responsibility.

Answer 2

Hopefully those responsible in government - Ray Nagin and Kathleen Blanco - will be held accountable, but don't hold your breath.

But there's an issue I have with your answer. The government is not our mommy and daddy, even though the left seems to say they should be. WE are ultimately responsible for OURSELVES. The "victims" of Katrina were largely those who abdicated their personal responsibilities and who expect the government to feed, clothe and house them. Those people end up eliminating themselves from the picture one way or another. You're blaming the wrong people. Those who suffered the worst did so because they failed to accept personal responsibility to take responsible action to save themselves. I used to live in New Orleans. I saw these people daily. I knew, years ago, when the hurricane we always talked about finally hit they'd be whining and dying and you know, I'm not happy that I was proven right and won't even say "I TOLD YOU SO" because there's no pleasure in being right in a situation like that.

Answer 3

What I don't see is why the government is responsible here. It looks to me like those green peace hippie tree-huggers were the ones responsible. They're the ones who held up the levy repairs for decades with their Battle Against the Levy bs. The workers would've made all the necessary repairs if they weren't tied up in lawsuits all the time. I think it's the people that indirectly caused the levy deterioration through their lack of foresight and reasoning skills that should have been responsbile for the whole thing. And people should figure out that where hurricanes go is not a good place to live. Common sense is needed here.

Answer 4

I don't understand why there has to be a blame put on anyone in the government. I live here in Baton Rouge which is just one hour from New Orleans. I was here when the hurricane was on it's way. Yes they told the people to evacuate. They even had buses run through the city taking people to the coliseum. The Mayor announced it on the news and the radio where and when the buses would be. All those people who stayed thought they were just going to ride out the storm. They were too stupid to realize that a category 5 was! And then when they realized there were not many police around and stores left unguarded they stole everything. No not just food and basic needs to survive. They stole Nike shoes, gold chains, plasma t.v.'s, and what ever their hearts desired. They even shot and killed the cops that were trying to protect and save their behinds. I know exactly what went on my mother works for FEMA. And all those crap heads moved to my city, and started robbing our cars and houses.

Answer 5

The Federal Government shouldn't have assumed that the city and state governments could've handled it without their assistance. They should've come in within 24 hours after the storm hit with at least a small force of recognizance aircraft, rescue choppers and supplies. I believe there was a combination of factors: the Feds didn't know how bad the initial damage was and they had too much faith in the local fire, rescue and National Guard members to overcome the situation. Because of that they responded slower than they would have otherwise. It's heartbreaking... but in the end it's really just a set of circumstances that we'll have to learn from (and I think we have). Making someone "pay" for this bad situation is like firing Daddy from the family because he didn't take you clothes shopping at the mall until the weekend after school started.

Answer 6

There were idiots at all levels of government (local-state-federal) when it came to the Katrina response. I'd really like to see those responsible, no matter their party affiliation or job title, to be held accountable. But since the feds point their fingers at the local officials and vice versa, no one will let the buck stop with them.

A real leader would let the buck stop with them. Too bad we don't have any real leaders anymore.

Answer 7

Accountable for what? Did someone at least try? yes. So what you are saying is that if I saw someone choking on a peanut in the restaurant and I did the Heimlich maneuver on them. They died I should pay because what I tried didn't work? Pay for what? did someone invent a weather machine and cause Katrina to happen? Man I tell you what these liberals wont complain about.
DONT LIVE WHERE IT FLOODS PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

ok lets get the mayor of new orleans or go for the govenor of LA since that person knew what was going on the best and had the authority to ask the government for the aide. Or we can let things be and realize this person will never make the same mistake again.

Answer 9

You kind of answered your own question - failure was at every level so it is difficult to punish everyone. Nobody can be held singularly accountable, everyone contributed to the failure. It was a really catestrophic event that is hard to be prepared for. I don't think everyone genuinely wanted to help as best they could. I think it's probably better for focus on the rebuilding at this point than to dwell on placing blame.

Answer 10

careful what you ask for, be glad youre not getting all the government youre paying for. nobody in government is ever held accountable. being in government means never having to say youre sorry. government thrives on failure. 'oops, if we only had more money & power'. look at all the new agencies in the last 6 years, we're less safe & less free than ever.