katrina vs California fires: discriminatory response?

Question

absolutely.

Answer 1

Nope.

But if i pointed out how in San Diego there is no looting, shooting and other violent crimes being committed en mass (like following Katrina).

and that there are 10's of thousands of people at the Qualcomm stadium and there are no rapes, shootings, muggings and kidnappings (Like the astrodome following katrina)

and that the national guard is not having to be called in to stop shootings and other violent crime...


I'd be called a racist.


Funny how putting out facts makes me a racist eh?

Answer 2

To whoever said reports of looting were not reported because of the media spinning news, are wrong. Not just local stations, but national ones like CNN were reporting on looting and arson. The difference here is that there was a lower number of people attempting to take advantage of those who just lost everything and that police were strictly enforcing the law upon anyone who even thought about looting. It was mentioned several times that anyone thinking about looting should think twice.

This entire disaster was "ABSOLUTELY" NOT a discriminatory response. Do your homework before taking your opinion on anything. Not everyone in California is rich. Different people of different classes and ethnicities were evacuated. Even with dealing with illegal immigrants, the concern was not to rush them back to the border. The concern was to have them safe and out of the fires (the Harris fire covered a lot of the areas where immigrants run and hide in order to enter the country). I can name several places where there were evacuees of lower classes. Indian reservations, which usually don't have a strong reputation of being rich and white, were evacuated.

San Diego specifically, WAS prepared for these fires. That is why there was such a greater response. After the 2003 Cedar Fires (where people were angry with the government for not giving the public a strong enough warning), San Diego prepared for the next time it would happen. The weekend before the fires hit, red flag warnings were made of strong Santa Ana winds -- hell, I even made a bulletin post about it and how I hate Santa Ana winds (hot, dry weather is gross and usually leads to brush fires). On the news they covered how the fire department and cities were gearing up for the possible fires. I don't think they thought it would get this bad -- but we still knew better from the last time.

Another advantage is that San Diego is a military town. Marines, Army, Navy, etc. There is an advantage if military is right there as opposed to several miles away.

And as many mentioned before, people at Qualcomm stadium were not taking advantage of each other. People remained optimistic and were willing to help each other out. I don't know what it is, but the people of San Diego were very loving and willing to take care of each other rather than to heavily depend on the government. Yes, government help was wanted and needed, but many people wanted to do things for themselves and for others. There were so many volunteers, people were turned away. Several donations were made by people and companies around the community. So many were willing to give out of generosity.

It isn't about black or white because obviously, Southern California is very diverse. Watch the news again. Try visiting the San Diego news sites. You will see there were all kinds of people affected by these fires -- myself included. I am Filipino. I have dark skin and black hair. I am not rich. Have I felt like my physical features were made into an issue because of these fires? No.

Answer 3

No. Just a contrast between the competence levels of state and local officials. California has competent officials. Louisiana had none. Mississippi also got hit by Katrina. A lot of rebuilding of commercial and residential areas has already been done. Meanwhile, the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans looks like a third world slum. That's not discrimination. That's a difference in competence and leadership.

Answer 4

No, just better prepared officials and agencies at the local level. The Blame game leftist play isn't going to work this time. The responsibility for any catastrophe lays at the feet of the respective local officials.

Answer 5

Doesn't anyone find it odd that 10,000 residents sought shelter at the Qualcomm stadium in San Diego yet there are no reports of rape, murder or mayhem? It's not about black or white, rich or poor. It's about quality of character.

They mayor and citizens of New Orleans should take a look at the citizens of San Diego and surrounding areas and learn an invaluable lesson in decorum and decency.

No one wishes tragedy upon any part of our nation. The "real" victims of both are in our prayers.

Answer 6

actually there are Mexicans taking food and driving it by truckloads to Tijuana, but that won't be broadcast on your television. If someone is looting it wouldn't be broadcast either. The media paints the picture they want to paint. That has been true throughout history.The president said he is using everything at the countries disposal to help California. The country did not do that for Louisiana or Mississippi. How can you blame local government? I agree they totally screwed up but its the countries job to step in. They said the black people looted and the white people who did the same thing were survivalists... its racist.. but of course YOU people wouldn't think so.

Answer 7

Nope. The President's calendar is planned months is advance. The Governor of Louisiana told him everything was under control and it was not necessary to break other engagements in Canada to come to New Orleans. Mayor Nagin said the same thing. We now know how well those two , along with Mike Brown the FEMA director, handled that situation. So, point your finger elsewhere.

Answer 8

I'm not American but from an outsiders perspective......I hope that the 'powers that be' learned from the Katrina fiasco and thats why response is better.

Answer 9

The difference? Strong LEADERSHIP in California vs. clueless buffoons in N.O.

Answer 10

I think the government learned from its mistakes and is better prepared for disasters now. Katrina was on a level we weren't used to, so it caught many by surprise.

Also, the key to getting help is asking for it and from my understanding, LA didn't until much later than CA did. CA asked for help immediately.

Live & Learn. Stop throwing up the race card.