Red Cross PREVENTED From Helping in New Orleans

Yes, you read that right! And it is unbelievable. A big thanks to SteveRose who posted this find at Daily Kos. Are we ready for another 9/11? Not if Hurricane Katrina is a test, because our government agencies have failed miserably.

Disaster FAQs

Hurricane
Katrina: Why is the Red Cross not in New Orleans?

Acess (sic) to New Orleans is controlled by the National Guard and local authorities and while we are in constant contact with them, we simply cannot enter New Orleans against their orders.

The state Homeland Security Department had requested--and continues to request---that the American Red Cross not come back into New Orleans following the hurricane. Our presence would keep people from evacuating and encourage others to come into the city.

Click here to see what the Red Cross has to say. While you're at it, write the media, your elected officials, and just generally raise hell. THIS IS WRONG. The Red Cross should given top priority considering people are DYING.

Does Homeland (In)Security really believe that if people were given a few bottles of water and MRSs, that they would want to stay in an area with water contaminated with chemicals, feces, decomposing corpses, and no food? At the very least, the Red Cross should be able to go in with the rescuers to administer basic first aid, and to give out water and a meal. Even if it's bag of chips.

We need some good clear, leadership on this issue, and it sure as hell doesn't seem to be coming from Bush.