Do you agree that the destruction that Katrina caused is the fault of our federal government?

Question

Or would you blame the local state or New Orleans government? Or would you blame me, a citizen of nearby suburb Metairie, for not paying attention enough and informing the authorities that we are in danger of being flooded.

Of course, hindsight is 20 20 and all that stuff, but in this disaster there were some warnings that people talked about before, but I guess we weren't as serious about it. For example, there was a Scientific American article that was eerily prophetic in its predictions about New Orlean's being flooded exactly like it was. In fact, I highly suggest you all read it.

Answer 1

I think you're asking about the inaction after the destruction?
I blame it mostly on the inept mayor first, then the governor. I was pretty surprised that the people re-elected that idiot. Bush gets some blame but very little.
Are you saying the destruction was caused because their levy wasn't strong enough? That's the fault of the local government for not making it stronger.

Answer 2

first of all, your question. the destruction Katrina caused was caused by Katrina, second, was also caused by your state and local government for stealing and wasting the billions and possibly trillions of federal dollars that have been dumped into the state and New Orleans to make the levies capable of withstanding the kind of storm that could and would hit New Orleans. the federal government has done more for the state of Louisiana than it ever deserved. just look at similar circumstances in other states, the federal government played the same role. the first response has to come from local government. Louisiana's failed their citizens, not the feds. Florida some years ago went through some 5or6 bad hurricanes and you heard no such of an out cry. let me remind you that Mississippi had just as much damage as you guy and you don't here them whining. Take personal responsibility! if someone says, hey a killer storms headed your way, you better move your butt and not wait for George
Bush to come and save youra$$.

Answer 3

The only one responsible for the katrina damage was mama nature. The Army Corpsof Engineers has stated right along that the levies were not designed for that severe a storm. There were flaws in the designs, I heard, and that would fall onto the backs of the contractors used.

I do blame the federal government for the lack of effort since the storm. The hardest hit areas are largely the same, and most of those people left town and will not return.

What is interesting, is that the damage was predicted for many years with a storm that severe, but as usual local government paid little attention.

Answer 4

It was the states fault that they were not prepared,they had years to make sure they dams would be able to withstand something like that but they did not want to spend the money. Also,New Orleans has had so many near misses that I feel like they just never thought it would happen.The Federal government could have acted quicker but the point of the matter is that it happened, its horrible and no one should have to suffer the way the people did. Hopefully this will not ever happen again.

Answer 5

I guess there are too many who have never been involved in emergency response, or even a drill. Anything that big takes time, money, anticipation, and a lot of money will be wasted. After all, as they say, time is money?

The major letdown was of the local and state people, that is if you let people live 15 ft below sea level. I know they do in Holland, but their dike system is to large you don't even know you're on it. Why have busses ready with no drivers? Nagin asked for 35,000 body bags! Obvious a lack of preparation for something that shouldn't be a surprise? And still the Feds take the heat? Now FEMA had its problems too, with some lack of coordination, but unfortunately that will ALWAYS be the case in something of this magnitude.

The lesson is to be prepared, both as elected officials and particularly as individuals. After all, we are basically responsible for ourselves?

Answer 6

I don't know if anyone can be held responsible for the hurricane.
It seems to me that any person who lives below sea level should expect to get flooded during a storm. It is their responsibility to be prepared for anything. Nobody made them live there.

The recent Nor'easter that hit us in New Jersey caused floods and made the state a disaster area. Most of the people who live here are aware that storms sometimes cause floods.
Fortunately for us, there were enough VOLUNTEER emergency squads to help those that needed to be rescued.

Up here when you live in a community you are expected to be a good citizen in that community. We did not wait for some federal agency to do it for us. We helped each other.

I would suggest that wherever you live that you get involved with the community and do whatever you can to contribute to the well being of your community. The only person someone can blame for not being prepared is themselves. Strong communities do not wait for assistance. They help each other.

Answer 7

No I do not. I think the destruction rendered by Katrina was because WE THE PEOPLE dropped the ball !!! Those folks where living in an area KNOWN for flood problems and failed themselves and others by not making sure thru their government and Representatives that they could withstand such a storm.The levy system failed due to a lack of money being spent on it.The floods happened as much as a 'choice' of the voters as any other factor.WE DROPPED THE BALL......WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURES LIKE MATURE ADULTS AND QUIT TRYING TO FIND 'BLAME' IN OTHERS!!!!!!

Answer 8

I blame the hurricane, but that's just silly little ol' me.
New Orleans is a city built under the sea level. I'm amazed that more damage wasn't done.
New Orleans should have built a better dam a long long time ago.
It was delayed for so many years for so many reasons.

Answer 9

In New Orleans, it is due to the substandard material and the way the levees were built.This was the fault of the Army Corp of Engineers. Corners were cut, and money was pocketed by people in charge of this project.The Hurricane itself did relatively small damage in certain areas, when compared with the flooding which occured from faulty levees.

Answer 10

I don't blame anyone for the destruction. A hurricane is a hurricane. I live in an area where we have to worry about tornado's and I can't blame anyone for those, but I do blame the federal government for the mistreatment and delays on getting the poor victims out of that horrific situation.