Security: 2,800 National Guardsmen already walk the streets of New Orleans while 1,400 per day are expected until the number equals 24,000. Lt. General Russell Honore of the Katrina Joint Command Task Force (or some such useless name) and the FEMA director, Michael Brown, are on CNN answering reporter questions about the situation on the Gulf Coast. The message I hear from this briefing is unbelievable: “The situation in NO is dire and the levee breaches hindered our initial effort, but we’ll only do what the state asks us to.” On the bright side, supplies and rescue workers are rushing in even as the disaster grows in New Orleans.
Get rid of the criminals first! Brown is right about one thing in that there is a difference between frustrated/cranky and agitated to the point of shooting officers and aid workers. The latter is nothing but barbaric and warrants no sympathy.
You, yes, you who ask what you can do, if you want to do something, the greatest need of remaining New Orleanians right now is concentrated and widespread military presence. Please contact your senator and representative about this right now!
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News of civil unrest in Baton Rouge: (issued by the LSU Broadcast Center via Julie) “There have been confirmed reports of civil unrest in the Baton Rouge area this morning. These incidents appear to be confined to specific areas in the downtown Baton Rouge area and specific locations around the community. At this time, local law enforcement are reported to have the situation contained. To insure safety, we have instructed that all buildings on campus be locked and we ask that occupants remain indoors.”
LSU will remain closed until September 6th to care for incoming New Orleanians.
