FEMA, the Red Cross, and a Chinese firedrill.

**TexaKan** · #1 09-12-2005, 07:57 PM

Here in Kansas we have been preparing in towns all over for busloads of victims of Katrina. Salina has been collecting food and blankets, toilet articles, etc. We have cleaned and readied a hospital that is not used much anymore, set up facilities in an empty YWCA building and the people in general have been really working to get ready to receive and help the victims who were to arrive today. This morning they were disassembling all the equipment and packing it away to be stored or shipped elsewhere. NOBODY IS COMING.
I don't know who's responsible for all the misinformation and aborted plans but it is painful for this whole effort to end up as a drill. A few minutes ago I listened on TV while firefighters who went to Lousiana to help were telling about how they have sat in hotels and staging areas for days waiting to help and FEMA ignored them. Some were given minial work handing out meaningless paperwork.
It is a shame how we continue to squander the help, money and resourses of this country with bureaucratic mismanagement.
God bless and also God Help us if anything else should happen.

Mont · #2 09-12-2005, 08:01 PM

Thank y'all for trying your best to help out. This entire ordeal has been a completely frustrating mess, to put it lightly.

bill · #3 09-12-2005, 08:09 PM

I agree. I spoke to Mont on the phone before everything hit hard here. He was wanting to cook for people. It makes my heart swell with pride to know him. All I could say to him at the time was, seek a local shelter or Church, I was hearing straight from FEMA that nothing was going to be allowed (no food cooking ect). So here we have people in dire need and people wanting to help but for red tape blocking the path. To me, you just put them together.
Never before have I seen things run in this way. (given, I have not seen it on this scale but the plan should work)

#4 09-12-2005, 08:09 PM

We ain't Texas, but New Hampshire was set up to recieve an initial 500 hurricane displaced people as of last Friday. - We are still waiting. Seems nobody wants to relocate so far from home. (To be kind about it)

bill · #5 09-12-2005, 09:55 PM

I saw today where even the Mayor of N.O. is moving to Houston. Give us a few weeks to sort out a few things and we will pick out a few gems to send your way. LOL

**TimOub007** · #6 09-12-2005, 10:15 PM

Oh great, what a figure of excellence there. I guess he is resigning his position too as you have to live in the town you are the mayor of.

He needs to go hide under a rock.

Tim

**cfred** · #7 09-13-2005, 12:26 AM

I know where there's a big rock I'll be glad to hide him under! I'm sure I would have no problem finding people to help me pick it up,,,,,,,,,, and then drop it quickly.

**speckle-catcher** · #8 09-13-2005, 12:45 AM

bill - you wanna make a cash bet that Aramark had their grimy paws in "who" got fed "what" at the Reliant complex?

**BIGSTICK** · #9 09-13-2005, 05:07 AM

I think the reason FEMA/Redcross don't allow you to bring in food and drinks as well as many other items is because they have many of those things CONTRACTED. The night all the victims were brought to the Astrodome the news stated that there wasn't any food or water left. This was about the same time they were talking about turning buses away. They stated that no food or drinks could be brought in that didn't go through ARAMARK. Apparently ARAMARK couldn't handle the load but that didn't matter. What a crock. When I give it'll always be to a small local church. At least that way I know it will go to the right people.

bill · #10 09-13-2005, 06:53 AM

Bigstick, wife and I were talking about the same thing. I have never said no but I had my eyes open, and from now on we will give to local organizations.