Why was the rescue effort in new orleans so slow after Hurricane Katrina?

Question

If you don't know the answer i'd be more than happy to take website adresses where i could get quick easy to read information.

Answer 1

Because the Governer didn't declare an emergeny and seek help for two days. FEMA could not come in until they recieved permission from the State. As bad as that sounds, its to prevent the military from one state from invading another state. But in reality, its easier just to bash Bush for not violating the constitution and blame racism and so many other radical things on it rather than open a discussion to change FEMA's policies, which they did on their own.

Answer 2

Considering the lack of evacuation before hand, total devastation of the area, and slowness ot the LA Gov. to request help, was it really that bad?

Now why don't you go ask Democrats why it happened in the first place?

Fact: The Corps of Engineers recognised the potential problem back in the time of LBJ. They made a proposal to block water from coming into Lake Ponchatrain from the ocean side.

Fact: Congress thought it was a good idea, appropriated funds to build a flood gate, and LBJ signed the bill.

Fact: Environmentalists blocked and delayed the work because of some fresh water mussles. In the end the whole deal was killed because of environmental concerns for mussles.

Check the Congressional records if you doubt me. They are a lot more accurate than the web sites.

Answer 3

The hurricane had damaging effects on the communication process in New Orleans. Telephone's even cell phones and Internet access, were not working due the broken lines, power failures and the like, even though some had back-up generators. If George Bush tried to send rescue efforts in, they could not find a way other than air flight (helicopters) because the city was practically under water and roads were damaged due to failed levees. I think it took some weeks for communication to be restored so the real help could finally arrive.

Also, from a political point of view, George Bush was far too preoccupied with his precious war in Iraq at the time, and sending as many troops as he can there. There was some speculation that troops were to be sent home from Iraq, but I believe he vetoed it. Also, I believe he had FEMA take care of the rich upper class folks of New Orleans before they could take care of those in poor black neighborhoods. Explain why Kanye West would say that, "George Bush does not care about black people." Many people blamed the slow rescue efforts on Bush's disorganization, because they thought the war in Iraq was more important - as well as FEMA. Which is why Bush must be impeached.

Answer 4

Really poor planning on all parts; local, state, and federal.
It's easy to blame Bush he's always wearing a target on his chest. Nagin packed all those poor people in the dome and told them it would be safe. They weren't. LA Gov. needed to look at the damage before requesting relief efforts, the thugs were shooting at helicopters. Nobody could fly in.
But everybody wants to blame Bush. He had a weather control system that directed Katrina to the Big Easy. Yeah Right.

Answer 5

All great answers but I have a question that has been bothering me for two years. Why didn't the people that were trapped there get the hell out? They had plenty of warning. Granted, some maybe were unable to but what of the majority? We know some stayed behind so they could loot stores and cause trouble. What about everyone else? If you were on a train track and knew the schedule of the train would you stand there and get run over? I feel for the people that were stuck there due to circumstances beyond their control but but the others brought it on themselves and shouldn't complain. They received lots of benefits they didn't appreciate or deserve. And want more.

Answer 6

Because the people in power positions did a poor job. They didn't understand the magnitude of the situation.

Hurricane Katrina was just as big of a deal as 9/11. It's a shame the media forgot about it so quickly. That event was totally FUBAR.

Answer 7

Two people...Louisiana governor Blanco and New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin. Both drug their feet before, during and after the storm and then conveniently blamed it all on Bush.

Answer 8

That was two years ago now. Noone expected it to be that bad and they have perfected a plan for the next time something like katrina happens........Just let it go already.

Answer 9

Basically, it was a lot of beauracracy, red tape, and too much government involvement. Too many steps had to be taken in order to begin rescue efforts.

Answer 10

because bush is an incompetent person who is not doing his job I'm' telling that man can be racist sometimes.