Hieronymus Blogsch http://www.rjray.org rjray.org - Journal and Log for Randy J. Ray en Randy J. Ray (rjray@blackperl.com) Copyright Randy J. Ray Ongoing Katrina News http://www.rjray.org/politics/katrina.html (Alternate title, "The Politics of Human Suffering")

I'm glad to note after yesterday's post, that military and expanded National Guard presence is now in the area. Helicopters are also all over the place doing what they can. Nut-jobs in the area, though, are screwing things up for everyone by firing upon helicopters and otherwise attacking those trying to help. There are reports of rescue-boats being tipped over, and there is apparently news footage of NOPD officers (in uniform no less) looting stores– not just for food and water, which they're supposed to be getting so that they can help people, but tape of officers carting away new computers and flat-screen TVs. As a co-worker pointed out to me, "this isn't a natural disaster; the disaster here is the lack of preparation and planning."

Some quick notes:

Over at Wonkette.com, they got a message from someone at the EPA, about how (and why) locals have taken to referring to the NOLA flood waters as "Lake George".

Apparently, not enough gub'mint money has made it to "faith-based initiatives", because FEMA is directing donations to Rev. Pat Robertson. Yes, Pat "we should take him out" Robertson. Note that the link this page points to no longer has the charity list on it. From that page, click on "Volunteer or Make a Donation". Also, "Operation Blessing" seems to have moved from the no. 2 spot to no. 3.

It seems that Canada has not only offered aid, but very specialized and highly-relevant aid. It also seems that the Dept. of Homeland Security doesn't want them shifty Canucks crossin' our borders. I hope that one proves to be a misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (well, to be fair, he left Crawford two days ago, only three days after all this started), it's business as usual for the RNC:

Our party's opportunity agenda means allowing families to keep more of the money they earn. The historic tax relief in the President's first term was only the beginning. Americans deserve a tax code that is simple and fair. The Senate needs to do its part by making tax relief permanent and burying the death tax forever.

Call Senator George V. Voinovich at 202-224-3353 today and ask them to vote to eliminate the death tax!

Can't let a little thing like a hurricane get in the way of tax-relief. After all, Condi needs her some new shoes:

What does surprise us: Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza Rice was seen spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes (we've confirmed this, so her new heels will surely get coverage from the WaPo's Robin Givhan). A fellow shopper, unable to fathom the absurdity of Rice's timing, went up to the Secretary and reportedly shouted, "How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!" Never one to have her fashion choices questioned, Rice had security PHYSICALLY REMOVE the woman.
Nero pickin'
Yee-haw!
]]> /politics Randy J. Ray 2005-09-02T01:12-07:00 (Alternate title, "The Politics of Human Suffering")

I'm glad to note after yesterday's post, that military and expanded National Guard presence is now in the area. Helicopters are also all over the place doing what they can. Nut-jobs in the area, though, are screwing things up for everyone by firing upon helicopters and otherwise attacking those trying to help. There are reports of rescue-boats being tipped over, and there is apparently news footage of NOPD officers (in uniform no less) looting stores– not just for food and water, which they're supposed to be getting so that they can help people, but tape of officers carting away new computers and flat-screen TVs. As a co-worker pointed out to me, "this isn't a natural disaster; the disaster here is the lack of preparation and planning."

Some quick notes:

Over at Wonkette.com, they got a message from someone at the EPA, about how (and why) locals have taken to referring to the NOLA flood waters as "Lake George".

Apparently, not enough gub'mint money has made it to "faith-based initiatives", because FEMA is directing donations to Rev. Pat Robertson. Yes, Pat "we should take him out" Robertson. Note that the link this page points to no longer has the charity list on it. From that page, click on "Volunteer or Make a Donation". Also, "Operation Blessing" seems to have moved from the no. 2 spot to no. 3.

It seems that Canada has not only offered aid, but very specialized and highly-relevant aid. It also seems that the Dept. of Homeland Security doesn't want them shifty Canucks crossin' our borders. I hope that one proves to be a misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (well, to be fair, he left Crawford two days ago, only three days after all this started), it's business as usual for the RNC:

Our party's opportunity agenda means allowing families to keep more of the money they earn. The historic tax relief in the President's first term was only the beginning. Americans deserve a tax code that is simple and fair. The Senate needs to do its part by making tax relief permanent and burying the death tax forever.

Call Senator George V. Voinovich at 202-224-3353 today and ask them to vote to eliminate the death tax!

Can't let a little thing like a hurricane get in the way of tax-relief. After all, Condi needs her some new shoes:

What does surprise us: Just moments ago at the Ferragamo on 5th Avenue, Condoleeza Rice was seen spending several thousands of dollars on some nice, new shoes (we've confirmed this, so her new heels will surely get coverage from the WaPo's Robin Givhan). A fellow shopper, unable to fathom the absurdity of Rice's timing, went up to the Secretary and reportedly shouted, "How dare you shop for shoes while thousands are dying and homeless!" Never one to have her fashion choices questioned, Rice had security PHYSICALLY REMOVE the woman.
Nero pickin'
Yee-haw!
]]>