Category Archive

While we were all worried about terrorists, Mother Nature reminded us that she is the real bitch goddess, and sent Katrina our way. Apparently, she’s still pissed.  For one thing, Mount St. Helen’s is acting up again. But the big whammy in her arsenal may not hit us for another 24 years.  April 13, 2029 to be exact: Steve Chesley … Read More

You may be aware that the death toll for Katrina officially stands at roughly 1,300 (and still rising slowly), but were you aware that 6,644 people are still unaccounted for?

Ex-FEMA director Michael Brown is the gift that keeps on giving, as a symbol of Bush Administration incompetence.  From the New York Times: In an e-mail message sent on Aug. 29, the day the hurricane struck, Mr. Brown exchanged messages about his attire with Cindy Taylor, deputy director of public affairs at the agency, according to the report. "My eyes … Read More

A sign of a weak White House, with good results: WASHINGTON – The Bush administration will reinstate rules requiring that companies awarded federal contracts for Hurricane Katrina pay prevailing wages, usually an amount close to the pay scales in local union contracts. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., was among congressmen critical of the administration’s decision to waive the requirement and who … Read More

I thought Katrina-related Michael Brown stories were soooo September 2005, but I was wrong.  The amount of indifference and incompetence is scary: Later, on Aug. 31, [FEMA regional director] Bahamonde frantically e-mailed Brown to tell him that thousands are evacuees were gathering in the streets with no food or water and that "estimates are many will die within hours." "Sir, … Read More

This is so totally cool (mpeg)

Oh, great — more Bush photo-ops: Wilma Now Most Intense Atlantic Storm Ever Hurricane Wilma brought heavy rains to Central America and Mexico on Wednesday as it swirled into the most intense Atlantic storm ever recorded, a Category 5 monster packing 175 mph winds that forecasters warned was "extremely dangerous."

1,337 at the moment, it seems.  Are you somewhat surprised? And Wilma’s coming (*groan*). UPDATE:  And look where Wilma is heading…

Not New Orleans, but no picnic to be sure. 3 dead, many missing.  

From The Left Coaster: The quake struck Saturday. Within two days, the Bush Administration had already started delivering blankets, tents, food, and water. Plus, water, food, blankets, and medicine for 2500 families will arrive in Pakistan tomorrow. More importantly, heavy lift and supply helicopters and engineering support will be there immediately. Now, tell me again, how many days did it … Read More

Bush was hoping to show the nation that he learned something from his pathetic non-response to Katrina.  So he was all set to go to Texas.  One problem, though.  The weather was too nice. President Bush was supposed to land here on Friday afternoon on the first stop of a tour intended to make clear that he was personally overseeing … Read More

* Spoken by a Washington Post reporter in the film "Courage Under Fire" And so there is with Katrina.  NPR got a hold of several taped conference calls between local, state, and federal authorities to discuss emergency plans, evacuations, supplies, coordination, etc.  You should listen to them. Shakespeare’s Sister describes one such conference call, the last call before Katrina hit: … Read More