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Katrina Commission

Why does everyone keep calling for an independent commission to investigate the Katrina response? I have lived in Louisiana for 50 years, and what no one wants to realize is that the response in New Orleans was exactly as planned. EVERYONE living in Louisiana has known for years that if New Orleans took a direct hit, it would be devastating. They also knew that the plan has always been to shelter in place those people who could not or would not leave the New Orleans area. The reality that no body would like to face is that hurricanes have always killed many of those left behind, many of whom think they can just "ride it out." The major problem I saw with officialdom was assuming that those who stayed would do as they had been told, which was to bring provisions (food, water and any other necessities) for 5-7 days, the estimated time it would take to rescue them. Many showed up with only the clothes on their backs. Additionally, services such as electricity/water are always questionable and usually non-existent after hurricanes and to expect anything else defies common sense. My suggestion is not an independent investigation, but the following: Make sure everyone understands that when a storm such as Katrina is coming, get out of its path ASAP by whatever means is necessary. Otherwise, you are gambling with your life.

by Chris Ridgeway on Thu Sep 22, 2005 at 10:03:55 AM EST