(no subject)
I have just returned from Berryville, AR. I was listening to a talk show - not a "conservative" talk show, either.
Let me first say that I had heard rumors and tidbits of information concerning what I'm getting ready to talk about. (keep in mind my "inside" information because of working in the law enforcement area)
Many of the victims of N.O. have been transported to Fort Chaffey (sp?) Arkansas. This is located outside of Ft. Smith. (about 3 hours south of here). A mom of a solider stationed there called in to tell the radio host that when some of the people from N.O. were unloaded from the plane - they immediately took off running. They left the airport. The rest of the people were housed at Ft. Chaffey... where there is now raping and beatings going on. The soliders can only shoot the people that they *catch* doing the crimes. She said that she has a relative who works for the 911 system in Ft. Smith and they have confirmed that these crimes - and many others are occuring at the base and now in the Ft. Smith area. Why you ask? Because.... Angola Prison in Louisianna & 2/3 of their population are from three housing complexes in New Orleans. Angola is one of the meanest, nastiest, and dangerous prisons in the United States. No, these are not inmates from the prison - but they are potential and/or future inmates. New Orleans is FULL of gangs. Psychopathic gang members and we are housing, transferring and relocating them all over the United States now. Naturally there is no way of sorting them out from the thousands of GOOD people - but it is something to be aware of.
Now, concerning placing blame on President Bush. I'm tired of hearing it. The mayor of N.O. was well aware of what was going to happen and yet did very little to prepare for it... as well as the governor. As Peggy pointed out - it's mandated that the federal government does not step in on state government unless invited or the extreme emergency situation... which it became an extreme emergency when it was obvious that the mayor nor the governor was doing much about the situation.
Michael, you asked where were the President's troops... I ask you this - where were the LA's National Guard? Why has over 200 New Orlean's police officers quit in the last week? Where was the LA's State Patrol? They didn't move any faster than the Federal government.
When I came out from Wal-Mart's, I noticed that the car parked next to me was from N.O. I felt an overwhelming sense of heartache for them. They had their car packed to the gills with water, clothing, etc. I wondered if this was all of their possessions that they managed to get out with. So, I did a sappy thing... I scribbled out a note on the back of an envelope to these people. I told them that I was sorry and saddened for their situation and for the loss of their city. I said that I was glad that they had made it out safely. I also welcomed them to the Ozarks. I signed it, "God's speed and blessings... Jan Smith" and then stuck it under their windshield wiper. Was this too dorky?
Time for yardwork.