I don’t think many of you grasp what’s going on in New Orleans right now. To give you an idea, here is something that was written in Time magazine “pre-Katrina”:

If a flood of Biblical proportions were to lay waste to New Orleans, Joe Suhayda has a good idea how it would happen. A Category 5 hurricane would come barreling out of the Gulf of Mexico. It would cause Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans, to overflow, pouring down millions of gallons of water on the city. Then things would really get ugly. Evacuation routes would be blocked. Buildings would collapse. Chemicals and hazardous waste would dissolve, turning the floodwaters into a lethal soup. In the end, what was left of the city might not be worth saving. “There’s concern it would essentially destroy New Orleans,” says Suhayda.

It’s a good thing that we have a President that is on top of the disaster efforts. Here’s what he did while New Orleans was getting utterly destroyed. I mean, if he can run a war from his ranch, what’s playing the guitar while a million people lose their homes? I know there is nothing he can do to prevent the ongoing destruction, but he could at least wipe that stupid smirk off his face and pretend he cares.

POSTSCRIPT:

Is anyone watching CNN? There are people dying in the Superdome right now (mostly poor, black people), a place the government told everyone to gather for food, shelter, and water. You think other black people in major cities are not watching? If I was disenfranchised and saw the outrageous way my people were being treated, I would get pretty angry.

Today I paid $3.15 a gallon for gas. I wonder how all this will turn out. In the meantime I should maybe go celebrate with a drink at one of the many benefit hurricane relief parties.

The Storm After the Storm

Hurricanes come in two waves. First comes the rainstorm, and then comes what the historian John Barry calls the “human storm” - the recriminations, the political conflict and the battle over compensation. Floods wash away the surface of society, the settled way things have been done. They expose the underlying power structures, the injustices, the patterns of corruption and the unacknowledged inequalities. When you look back over the meteorological turbulence in this nation’s history, it’s striking how often political turbulence followed.

…

The political disturbances are still to come.

i.e. riots

Here’s something I’m sending to my Congressional representatives, which I’m sure some intern will promptly trash:

Four years after 9/11, when billions of dollars were spent on homeland security preparing us for terrorist attacks, I am currently watching New Orleans residents suffering on my television set three days after the hurricane passed, with no relief in sight. It seems that news crews have no trouble getting into these areas, but it is hard to see any sort of strong government presence. Where is the food and water drop-offs? Why isn’t there more coordination between state and federal agencies? I can’t help but think that if the evacuees were rich and white, they’d be helped by now. The government has failed these people, and I hope those in charge are held accountable for this gross incompetency.

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Great post!

Finally something worthy of praise.

DCB:

New Orleans is my home. I cannot stop crying. My family is fine. Watching your home being washed away is incredible. I lived in many of the neighborhoods that are now underwater. I know exactly where those folks are standing on their roofs. This is horrible. I have a laundry list of people to blame, but right now, I can only ask that if folks want to do anything, they should give to the Redcross. This is all to much.

Put up a link to donate to the Red Cross, DCB. Use your power for good.

I’m from the New Orleans suburbs and the devastation is horrible. My family is safe, but they are also going to be without electricity for a couple of weeks and can’t return home. My heart goes out to all of the people there, especially the 30,000 people stuck in Superdome and Harvey Jackson, the man who lost his wife in Mississippi.

Donate to the Red Cross

A list of other places to donate through can be found on the Washington Post website

Bush is AWOL - I will take a blow job president over no job one anytime.

Also, if you’re going to be in Fairfax, VA tonight, and you feel like having a drink and listening to some good tunes, come to Transit @ Bridges. They will have a box for Red Cross donations.

There is Hurrican Katrina Relief Fundraiser party this Thursday night at MCXXII(1223 located at intersection of Conneticut and 18th) from 6PM - 9PM. It is $25 and includes open bar, proceeds will go to the Red Cross. Any and all are invited to help raise money for this horrible disaster.

Here is some more information on the fundraiser, this was the invite I received for Thursday. Also, you can donate online at http://redcross.org :

Friends ?

Jamie Hess along with Ray Regan, Chris Larsin, Bianca Angelino, Amy Angelo, Colin Campbell, Jessica Ferguson, Sara Allen, Andrea Rodgers and I are putting together a Happy Hour this Thursday to raise money for The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. http://redcross.org/

The details are below. We ask that you forward this to anyone who you think would like to help out.

?DC JazzFest Happy Hour?
To help raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina

Thursday August 31, 2005
6pm ? 9pm
MCCXXIII Lounge
1223 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
$25 (includes a Premium Liquor Open Bar, Jazz, Funk & Acid Jazz Music DJ)

Thank you in advance for your support and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Jamie Hess along with Steve, Ray, Chris, Bianca, Amy, Colin, Jessica, Sara & Andrea

Just a note: Thursday is September 1st.

You should go into politics, DCB! With brilliant ideas like “wipe that stupid smirk off his face,” you could easily take care of all of the weather conditions that the president can’t control.

Be sure to ban me again. I always like finding new proxies.

It’s times like this that make you wish you could do more than just donate money…

No doubt DC Cookie, I wish I had a big ass shop vac!!!!!!!!!!

It never ceases to amaze me when promoters throw parties to “benefit” victims of a natural disaster. “To help raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina”. WTF does that mean? Of course she doesn’t mention the percentage that goes to charity, because it is so little. If they really cared, they would donate a bunch of money themselves. I’m guessing she is donating something like $25, or else she would publicly state her donation amount.

They want you to think they care about a positive cause instead of just bringing attention to themselves and increasing their party lists. It’s disgusting.

Great post.

1) I am not a promoter, I am not even hosting the event. A good friend sent me the invite and I am passing it on because I feel helpless and this is the one way I can help.

2)I did not post what percentage they are donating because I do not know, but am in the process of finding out as several people have asked.

3)The $25 is a minium donation and gets you into the event. People can donate more if they wish.

4)If you want to make sure a 100% of your donation goes to the redcross then go online and donate at http://redcross.org. I did! (And I donated a hell of lot more than $25, not that it really matters as EVERY BIT COUNTS)

5)This is a sad event, I have friends who have lost their homes - who have nothing and I still can’t reach several of my friends who live in New Orleans area, including a close girlfriend from college who lived here in DC with me for a year.

So let’s quit the negativity, DCB’s post was great and I think it is remarkable that my friends throwing this fundraiser were able to get something together so fast and want to do SOMETHING instead of just talking about how horrible the Hurricane was …

So “Not a Promoter” - Get over yourself, get over whatever you are bitter about, and help these people in need in ANY WAY THAT YOU CAN.

Event is Thursday September 1st, the invite had a typo - sorry …

While New Orleans was getting utterly destroyed, you were posting pictures of a great ass and taking an extended private lunch break. The least you could do is stop thinking about sex for a few days.

“While New Orleans was getting utterly destroyed, you were posting pictures of a great ass and taking an extended private lunch break. The least you could do is stop thinking about sex for a few days. ”

Yeah you’re right, especially since i have country-wide powers to lessen the suffering of hurricane victims. idiot

Can’t say I understand how the President was supposed to stop the hurricane. Or comprehend how he will not help N.O. as you implied in your last comment.

I like your blog, DCB, but this is an example of how blind political loyalty has prevented people from being even remotely rational.

If the President can’t play country music, the terrorists win.

Keep on deleting comments, DCB. It makes you seem incredibly insecure for all your shit-talking.

Bush has done one thing right, he has tapped his pop and Bubba to coordinate relief efforts aka raise money like they did for Tsunami Relief.

When in doubt, there’s always Bush-bashing to keep a post interesting…

great blog but no one could have done much and, honestly, the big problems started late yesterday and caught everyone offguard. I don’t think anyone in the US had a clue how bad things were / were going to get -
You may not like Bush - but not necessarily something he didn’t do so far.

In addition to numerous parties that have decided to donate money, if you like psytrance and proggy breaks, come to Mayavada at the Singapore Bistro this Saturday, we will be taking donations there as well.

This party is one that I have been promoting and helping with, and it has been planned for far longer than the disaster in NOLA has been going on. So ‘not a promoter,’ before you shoot your mouth off again, don’t bother. This isn’t some scheme to get more people in the door.

I see nothing wrong with various parties in the area deciding to take up donations for the Red Cross. It’s a hell of a lot better than just running one’s mouth.

amen Liz

Why not use your powers for good DCB? I generally enjoy your post but lashing out at Bush accomplishes nothing…especially considering he does not control Mother Nature.

I would invite everyone to donate to the Red Cross and pray for all those affected.

Why are all the anonymous haters on this page. Go away.

great how you people dont read things that close any holes you try to poke at… “I know there is nothing he can do to prevent the ongoing destruction”

“Here?s what he did while New Orleans was getting utterly destroyed. I mean, if he can run a war from his ranch, what?s playing the guitar while a million people lose their homes?”

That’s quite a contradictory statement to your disclaimer you add right after it.

one more note:

if anyone’s interested in coming to mayavada on saturday, here’s a link with the lineup, direx, etc.

http://www.mayavada.org

This is crazy. This is a post about a city that been swept away. Do something other than hating on efforts, big or small. This post, an effort, those parties an effort. What effort have you made?

http://www.redcross.org

http://www.wwltv.com

http://www.nola.com

The party I am working with was not intended to be a benefit, and techinically I guess it still is not. This was planned long before the hurricane struck, and long before we even heard about it. But we just figured it would be a nice thing to do if we had a place to give donations.

I’ll most likely end up giving money directly to the Red Cross as well. And Aja, you hit the nail on the head. This of all posts is not one where ‘hating’ is appropriate.

It breaks my heart and cannot believe it is truly happening in the united states. I wish I could figure out how to really help rather than to throw a few bucks somewhere:

Outside the Convention Center, the sidewalks were packed with people without food, water or medical care, and with no sign of law enforcement.

Thousands of storm refugees had been assembling outside for days, waiting for buses that did not come.

An old man in a chaise lounge lay dead in a grassy median as hungry babies wailed around him. Around the corner, an elderly woman lay dead in her wheelchair, covered up by a blanket, and another body lay beside her wrapped in a sheet.

“I don’t treat my dog like that,” 47-year-old Daniel Edwards said as he pointed at the woman in the wheelchair. “I buried my dog.”

how do you know they are all poor and black?

i didn’t read that in the CNN article.

are you assuming based on the demographics of NOLA?

and, what do you mean by “my people?” The American people?

The CNN article did say it was mostly poor African-Americans. Most of these people did not have the means to evacuate.

It is not about treating a certain people a certain way - it is complete devastation - and we can all criticize the government over and over … but truth is we really can not understand the magnitude of what is going on down there … I truly believe FEMA is doing all that it can with out endangering more lives. This is not a race issue, all peoples lives are equally valuable … I do not think it would be any different were it “rich white people” as you stated. As for news crews, they were already there and it is not hard to mobilize a few people versus a mass evacuation that requires coordination.

It is truly overwhelming. We are in NO position to judge, we are not there!

And I am not sure “celebrate” was a good word choice, but I do think people should go out to the fundraisers, have a drink if you will - at least you are doing something … or simply click on the large donate button located at http://www.redcross.org … do what you can!

Criticizing helps no one …

From CNN.Com Breaking News Banner: “New Orleans hospital halts patient evacuations after coming under sniper fire, a doctor who witnessed the incident says. More soon.”

What do you say about this DCB? What do you expect the rescuers do when this happens? FEMA is doing what they can, but what happens when the people they are trying to rescue turn against them?!

The battle between the Senator and DCB is getting so old. It annoys me to read to your both your blogs because you two are just waiting to go at each other.
You both need to grow up - if you don’t like each other - stay off each other’s blogs.
Re - the hurricane - everyone needs to stop pointing fingers - no one wants to see this happen. focus on solutions

Saw Bush’s speech, was uninspired and offensive. Mostly talked about pipelines versus the reality of what is happening.

Keeps getting worse and worse…

Throwing parties and or going to ones to help put a profit into the pocket of scummy club owners sucks. Just go to the redcross people. Bush is and idiot. He fucked up his first term and he has nothing to loose this term.

DCB said what everyone’s been punnani-footin’ around. I also can’t help but think why more isn’t being done and would all this be different if it were a predominantly “rich and white” area.

The Hurricane itself is somewhat irrelevant, It’s about a disastrous event (whatever that may be) and ‘people’ needing assistance afterwards.

When 9/11 hit, in the middle of New York City… A ‘National Emergency’ was declared. National Guard, Feds, Local, State, Firefighters, EVERYONE stepped up. They were walking into burning and collapsing buildings.

So, the hostile-environment argument (what happens when the people they are trying to rescue turn against them) shouldn’t even be used as an excuse.

So you are suggesting that the rescuers put their lives in danger?

I really think burning buildings and snipers are two very different things…

And New Orleans as a whole is not a POOR area, there were plenty of “predominantly ?rich and white? areas” destroyed. Several friends of mine poor - very rich have lost their homes, everything they owned that they could not bring with them and many lost their lively hood too!

This is a disaster that has affected all walks of life.

Why are you people comparing this to 9/11? One disaster spanned a dozen city blocks - this one spans hundreds of square miles. There were still hospitals in new york had power. The transit system was, for the most part, in tact. Relatively few people lost their homes and belongings. I mean, these two scenarios are so mind-bogglingly different… really, I’m at a loss.

So you are suggesting that the rescuers put their lives in danger?

Yes, I was pointing out that it’s what Emergency Management Personnel do on almost a daily basis.

To undermine their job and neglect the fact that what they do EVERYDAY is in fact “putting their lives in danger” would be un-appreciative, and wrong from the rest of us.

RCR, I was the one who made the 9/11 comparison … but I don’t understand what your comment/ question is.

Why has it taken so long to assembly enough national guard troops, or whoever, to go in and secure the NO area? Because there wasn’t any looting as I walked around in the French Quarter last Saturday night.

“?New Orleans hospital halts patient evacuations after coming under sniper fire, a doctor who witnessed the incident says. More soon.? What do you say about this DCB?”

Exagerations to buy time and give excuses of this massive failure of a relief effort. While I have no doubt that a few bad apples are making it difficult, to think that a homie with a pistol is preventing rescue or supply drop-off of 60,000 people is ludicrous.

P.S. Windy: I know your heart is good with your happy hour, and I wish it raises money, but I just feel it’s kinda weird to go out and drink to do good for the victims.

Go ahead and bash the shit out of Bush. Bash him without rational rationale or cogent thought. I could give half a rat’s ass if he can’t control the weather. He’s the President of the United States and we have an entire city dying and it’s getting worse by the hour and not better. How could he coordinate efforts better? Fuck if I know but he’s the man who stands up and says “follow the leader” and in this case the leader can’t seem to get food and water to his citizens that are dying on TV, y’know where the five thousand TV reporters are camped out talking to the people that are dying. To paraphrase Bill Pullman in Aliens -”Game over man, game over…why don’t you put Wolf Blitzer in charge!”

So fuck Bush. Is it fair? Who cares, fair play and placing blame where it’s deserved hasn’t been a priority to him for five years so why should it be to me today?

DCB, I still think you’re an insufferable dork for the most part but I do read your blog and think think you put up a very good post. Good work.

inSomnia….have a pizza on my tab.

You know there are also these people called “governors”….

There’s also a thing called “the National Guard” a disporportionate amount of which is literally pounding sand and getting shot at halfway across the world instead of being available with trucks and helicopters and doctors and soldiers to assemble the massive rapid response recovery effort that this situation calls for.

Comparing this to 9/11 is apples to oranges. Pseudo-military attack vs. natural disaster.

However, I will be curious to see whether the left-wing politicizes this the way they criticized the Republicans for politicizing 9/11. My guess is yet.

My guess is yes, that is.

It’s unfortunate they can’t all be here, but you can’t predict hurricanes, and frankly, this type of disaster has been a matter of time for New Orleans since they’ve laid the first bricks.

I regret saying anything, as I really don’t want to further this discourse, suffice it to day that it is EVERYONE’S fault that we sat idly by pretending like this would never happen to New Orleans.

And I think it is just a tad too early to be having “happy” hour fundraisers. For christ’s sake, these people are in the midst of a crisis. Yes, give money, give lots of money, but I can’t imagine hobnobbing with socialites with the thought of these people presently fighting for their lives. There is a notion called tact, and a happy hour fundraiser right now is severly lacking it.

Call it politicizing by the liberal left if you like — most people would call it cause-and-effect:

“No one can say they didn’t see it coming”

In 2001, FEMA warned that a hurricane striking New Orleans was one of the three most likely disasters in the U.S. But the Bush administration cut New Orleans flood control funding by 44 percent to pay for the Iraq war.

By Sidney Blumenthal

Biblical in its uncontrolled rage and scope, Hurricane Katrina has left millions of Americans to scavenge for food and shelter and hundreds to thousands reportedly dead. With its main levee broken, the evacuated city of New Orleans has become part of the Gulf of Mexico. But the damage wrought by the hurricane may not entirely be the result of an act of nature.

A year ago the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed to study how New Orleans could be protected from a catastrophic hurricane, but the Bush administration ordered that the research not be undertaken. After a flood killed six people in 1995, Congress created the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project, in which the Corps of Engineers strengthened and renovated levees and pumping stations. In early 2001, the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a report stating that a hurricane striking New Orleans was one of the three most likely disasters in the U.S., including a terrorist attack on New York City. But by 2003 the federal funding for the flood control project essentially dried up as it was drained into the Iraq war. In 2004, the Bush administration cut funding requested by the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for holding back the waters of Lake Pontchartrain by more than 80 percent. Additional cuts at the beginning of this year (for a total reduction in funding of 44.2 percent since 2001) forced the New Orleans district of the Corps to impose a hiring freeze. The Senate had debated adding funds for fixing New Orleans’ levees, but it was too late.
Click here

The New Orleans Times-Picayune, which before the hurricane published a series on the federal funding problem, and whose presses are now underwater, reported online: “No one can say they didn’t see it coming … Now in the wake of one of the worst storms ever, serious questions are being asked about the lack of preparation.”

For more: http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2005/08/31/disaster_preparation/

CAST OIL You need to go to college and get an education. Thanks for your pizza offer I rather just you dontate that money to the Red Cross or toward an Education. OH and your wife is a total freak. Its pretty safe to say that half of DC loves hitting it to.

hear, hear RCR

“My people?” Last time I checked we were all one people…Americans. Lets stop being devisive and work together. Right and left. Black and white.

this blog is obscene. no transition from ass pictures to this topic. but i am becoming a phil follower if nothing else.

“Where is the food and water drop-offs? ”

awesome command of the english language my friend.

“And I think it is just a tad too early to be having ?happy? hour fundraisers.”

You know, having none at all would be even better. Make sure to wear your Lance Armstrong and Tsunami fundrasier bracelets, I hear those are hot.

Screw issues with funding and I already know Bush sucks Shit!

FEMA sat on it’s ass 365 days a year for the last several years. When emergency response is needed there is snails pace motion. These guys are paid to plan for every contengency and you’re telling me the exent of devastation currently experince in LA was beyond FEMA’s ability to predict and plan an immediate response…BULLSHIT!

Tommy you couldnt have said it any better. With 100% bro.

How was the event last night at 1223?

I didn’t go.

I heard it raised around 7Gs. Great news.

Yes the event last night at early count around 1030 PM raised well over $4,000 - but with doantion buckets and other donations was expected to reach 7 or 8 Grand.

I realize it seems weird to go to a “happy” hour but at least it accomplished something, people did something instead of just discussing, complaing, etc.

I did not make it either Senator, as I did not leave work until well after 8 but I did go online an contribute.

I encourage everyone to contribute at http://www.redcross.org - the money goes straight to the relief effort.

The event last night raised over $6,000. Thank you, to everyone that could make the event (and/or) helped promote it.
I hope to see other fundraising events and efforts spring up around the DC metro area in the next couple weeks.

I understand the irony of having a ?Happy Hour? when there is devastation, destruction, and extreme tragedy. Yes, upon retrospect the phrase ?happy hour? was not the best phrasing.

The concept behind the event I agree with it.
That?s why I was one of the hosts, and tried to promote it the best I could.It?s a fundraiser to help a disaster. That?s all that matters.

Who cares what you call it? For lack of better words, the bar hrs. before 9 p.m. are commonly referred to as the ?happy hour?.
The victims of Hurricane Katrina need money ? bottom line.

People are still going to go out & drink, regardless of what?s going on in the world.
At least, we can try to corral them to a venue where their money will be filtered to people in need.

If you throw events, if you?re good at bringing people together… Then you should bring them together for this cause. That?s your duty.
Not everyone has tons of money to donate, but they can donate what they can.

I have a close girlfriend who went to Tulane. She brought other members of her alumni with her to last night?s event. They all have tons of family & friends in Louisiana. They weren?t bitching about how throwing a ?Happy Hour? was gauche. Instead, they were commending us for putting together a fundraising event so quickly. That?s all I needed to hear.

Some people are great at blogging, some are good at promoting, some people are good at making money, some people are good at the non-profit grunt work, and some people get really hands on & join Red Cross/Peace Corps/etc. Everyone needs to try to use their talents to help raise awareness and money for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

For example. ..DC Bachelor is posting links and commentary of the situation. He is trying to open up people?s eyes to the tragedy around them. I applaud him. That?s doing something, that?s making a difference.

Then there are people who just want to criticize superficiality. You?re just as bad as the superficial, if not moreso.
Because?at least those supposedly ?superficial? socialites are putting their money towards a good cause. If you don?t want to show up to these events, because you think it?s tacky - don?t. That?s fine; contribute the way you want to.
Now, if you don?t have money to donate, then at least call up the Red Cross and try to find a volunteer opportunity to help man the call centers.

If all you can contribute is a critique to write up some cheeky piece about ?doing nothing?. Unfortunately, some people will believe that you are serious.

http://www.seenster.com/movabletype/archives/2005/09/oh_you_silly_ge.html

And ?you can harp on about the stupidity of the nation for believing something you write-up as a satire. You can marinate in your glorified intellectual pretension and pretend that you are so much better than everyone else. Maybe, you have even donated? Maybe not? I don?t know?
I just hope that this is a poor-taste joke used to stir up debate.

Yes, it is kind of ridiculous that marketing gimmicks of plastic bracelets are created. Yes, having ?happy hours? for tragedies is kind of questionable. Until, you recognize why they are created. I ask for you to look past the ?gimmicks & marketing”…and to look at what these people are trying to do. They are trying to find alternate ways to bring awareness & raise money for people in need. You have to try to reach people any way you can.

People become so desensitized to the constant media barrage of tragedy, corruption, and disaster that they become almost immune to it. They?d rather close their eyes, put their hands over their ears, and go about their pretty little lives. You have to try to reach all people, any way you can?no matter how ridiculous.

Many people would prefer to ignore tragedy then to address how they can help. If wearing a plastic bracelet, or going to a ?happy hour? will remind them to give, and hopefully remind them to give again & again, then wear those plastic bracelets!! Maybe, going to an event will inspire them to get creative and contribute some other way. If these things can make even a small difference ? then Thank God, for silly plastic bracelets and happy hours.

I believe that if you are blessed with intelligence then use it for something constructive to help others. If you only want to vent & critique, then you?re just further contributing to low morale & apathy. Low morale and apathy are huge problems this country faces. These are things you should try to write about, instead of critiquing gimmicky fundraisers that are contributing to disaster relief.

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