The Rage Against...Anything, post Katrina

Guardian Unlimited and AP has the story here. The fury explodes. The innocent pay. The local, state and Federal authorities fail to respond appropriately:

Four days after Hurricane Katrina roared in with a devastating blow that inflicted potentially thousands of deaths, the frustration, fear and anger mounted, despite the promise of 1,400 National Guardsmen a day to stop the looting, plans for a $10 billion recovery bill in Congress and a government relief effort President Bush called the biggest in U.S. history.

New Orleans' top emergency management official called that effort a ``national disgrace'' and questioned when reinforcements would actually reach the increasingly lawless city.

About 15,000 to 20,000 people who had taken shelter at New Orleans convention center grew increasingly hostile after waiting for buses for days amid the filth and the dead. Police Chief Eddie Compass said he sent in 88 officers to quell the situation at the building, but they were quickly driven back by an angry mob.

``We have individuals who are getting raped, we have individuals who are getting beaten,'' Compass said. ``Tourists are walking in that direction and they are getting preyed upon.''

A military helicopter tried to land at the convention center several times to drop off food and water. But the rushing crowd forced the choppers to back off. Troopers then tossed the supplies to the crowd from 10 feet off the ground and flew away.

In hopes of defusing the situation at the convention center, Mayor Ray Nagin gave the refugees permission to march across a bridge to the city's unflooded west bank for whatever relief they could find. But the bedlam made that difficult.

``This is a desperate SOS,'' Nagin said in a statement. ``Right now we are out of resources at the convention center and don't anticipate enough buses.''

At least seven bodies were scattered outside the convention center, a makeshift staging area for those rescued from rooftops, attics and highways. The sidewalks were packed with people without food, water or medical care, and with no sign of law enforcement.

I sympathize with Police Chief Compass' dilemnas. His forces' assets have been decimated. His officers are among the survivors that may have lost homes. They're probably exhausted. Their most likely spread thin. Still, did he expect 88 officers to pacify violent offenders among 15-20,000 survivors? Decisions like these have exacerbated the desolation the survivors have already experienced.

They deserve better.

Pray that they receive the help they need. Pray for the leadership responsible for their care. Pray that light will shine even in the darkness of thugs' hearts as the prowl the NO streets.

Pray, then help. Our brothers need it. Let's give it to them!

Here's how we're doing so far:

Hurricane Katrina: Blog for Relief Day
Thursday, September 1
A day of blogging focused on raising awareness of and funds for relief efforts to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina. See here for more information, and here for the TTLB Katrina topic page.

$ 124,775 in contributions so far
1,175 blogs participating
124 charities recommended

Thank you, everyone, for your generous support. It makes a difference.