Why isn't the governmet doing more to help those from hurricane Katrina?

Question

Seriously, Bush just asked for another $50 billion for the Iraq war. What about helping out our own?

Answer 1

We've got a WAR to fund! We can't waste money helping our own citizens for God's sake! (Sarcasm)
In all seriousness, many of the victimes of Hurricane Katrina believe our government isn't helping them because there are land developers who want the land in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans and in the surrounding areas. The insurance companies are pulling their usual BS offering those victims far less than their homes and property are actually worth, leaving them with almost no choice but to sell. Then the developers make a low offer, scoop up the land, build new houses or condos and turn it into a nice suburb for rich people. Or since the land is near a few rivers, it's sold and converted into industrial complexes or warehouses. Is this all a bit conspiratorial? Perhaps. But where is the help for those poor people down there? If this had happened in the Hamptons, would the insurance companies be offering them low settlements? Would land developers be trying to scoop as much low cost land as they possibly could, would the US Government be ignoring those in need? The answer to all of those questions is NO! I can not believe all of the above answers who said the government shouldn't help these people anymore. Or that they should take care of it themselves. Wow! I am beyond disappointed in you all. These are our fellow AMERICANS. And to turn your back on them is nothing short of disgusting. If any one of you had been down there, and lost everything, I suspect you too would want the government to help YOU, but you could care less about helping those poor people. I'm ashamed that those of you who answered the way you did call yourselves "Americans."

Answer 2

It was decided after Hurricane Katrina, that the State and local governments would take the lead in distributing federal relief funds.

So far 114 billion has been budgeted for Katrina relief and rebuilding by the federal government.

The problem, is the states, well at least Louisiana, is having trouble actually releasing the money.

Mississippi doesn't seem to be having the post Katrina problems that Louisiana is having, getting the funds to those who need them.

Another factor is, just what the federal funds are to be used for.

Many people seem to think, that you lost your house and had no insurance, that the government is going to build you another house.

This, isn't gonna happen.

The federal government, never gives fund's directly to people effected by disasters.

The government funds are used to fix government infrastructure and to provide services.

Not to help individual's recoop their loses.

Answer 3

Is there someone else that needs a sex change down there? They need more money for strippers? We have done everything possible to help them from government funding to private donations to volunteers. There has never been a rescue effort anywhere near this scale in the past and yet, the response is we want more. Most of the rest of the country doesn't see it that way. 24 Billion, 50 Billion whatever it was, should be enough to get people back in their homes.

Answer 4

In the words of the FEMA guy in charge of giving out the money (who hasn't given out the money) "One man's red tape is FEMAs accountability.

A lot of the money was sucked up by Ws Texan pals.

The Mississipi River belongs to the Federal government, not to La. or NO. As such, the Corps of Engineers has the responsibility for protecting all the communities on the Mississippi river.

60% of the entire country of The Netherlands is below ses level and they have designed structures to keep the North Sea out. The North Sea is one of the most hostile bodies of water on earth with waves routinely topping 30 feet. The storm surge from Katrina was barely 15'

Answer 5

Private sector built New Orleans the first time and the private sector can take care of the rest of it.
Billions have been sent down there and you see what got done with it.
The newspaper in my area ran an article about homelessness in New Orleans about 2 weeks ago- you know why these people were homeless:
They were crack addicts (by their own admission) whose families refused to help and there was no public housing for them to move into- they were homeless and living in abandoned houses because they wouldn't give up dope.
Relatively poignant, when you look at the rest of the city, they use their hands to get handouts instead of using those hands to pull them up and see where it gets them.
You know, when my apartment burnt down- the government didn't give me a dime and I was poor-
Being poor doesn't hold you down being lazy does.

Answer 6

It not the responsibility of government to take care of private property. People in New Orleans should move out of the area. It is below sea level. There is no way to protect everyone, all the time, from future disasters.

The war in Iraq is a separate matter. No war is going on in New Orleans.

Answer 7

Some free advice: don't live below sea level, near the ocean in a hurricane zone.
The Gov't has wasted enough money on "Katrina".

Answer 8

At sometime people in New Orleans have to take care of themselves.

In KS after the twister came through by sunrise people were in homes and the streets were cleared.

In MN after the bridge collapsed every 1st responder was there and didn't wait for the government.

MS rebuilt their schools ahead of New Orleans.

The aid workers I talk to said when they came back the locals did zip.

So I think it is time to stop the cry baby rants and take care of yourselves like the rest of the nation does.

BTW: They got all the casinos going hmmmmm what is important to them down there gambling or homes.

Answer 9

A house in the 9th ward was selling for $30k before Katrina. Where can you find a new house for that kind of money, even if it was built with illegal migrant labour. Katrina was bulldozer from God in Nagin's pocketbook.

Answer 10

Enough money has been sent there to build every person a couple of houses plus a car to get fr4om one house to the other. The local government is pissing the money away. The people who re-elected Nagen have gotten what they deserve.