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Original poster

Can't believe what's happening in America!!!!!

241 replies

Forgetmenot · 01/09/2005 18:46

Have just watched the news and I'm so upset seeing all those people who just seemed to have been abandoned by the authorities, their government and the rest of their country!!!
They have no food or water and the police are only concerned with looters!!
Why isn't the whole country rallying round to help for gods sake!!!

OP posts:
happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 18:47

They are trying to, but the situation is very bad. Communication has been cut off for 3 days. The people think they are being ignored but they are not.

Roobie · 01/09/2005 18:49

I think due to the sheer scale and nature of the disaster there are logistical problems associated with the relief efforts - due to the lack of road links etc. I imagine it is not a quick straightforward matter, hence the perception that the authorities are taking their time.

marne · 01/09/2005 18:53

America has so much power and money, why cant they help they're own people, why is it taking so long? There are so many people without food and water waiting for help, where is it?

whimsy · 01/09/2005 18:54

I've watched it too and am that this is happening in America of all places

whimsy · 01/09/2005 18:55

Sorry meant to be , so sorry

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 18:59

This is the single largest natural disaster that America has ever suffered. The devistation is greater than that of 9/11. Roads into and out of new orleans are cut off. They are trying to medivac people out in helicopters, but some of these have been shot at.

They are trying to do what they can, but in a similar way to the tsunami disaster this has overwhelmed procedures. I don't think this is the time for america bashing tbh. I just feel sorry for the people involved

biglips · 01/09/2005 19:02

alot of people had been robbing stuff and foods from shops ans also Walmart to survive as in the newspaper it said that it will take about 2 months for the water to dry up

compo · 01/09/2005 19:02

me too hmb

whimsy · 01/09/2005 19:02

I hope you don't think im American bashing the emoticons thing was a genuine mistake!

Roobie · 01/09/2005 19:03

I don't think there is anything morally wrong with 'looting' for food and drink to survive....

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 19:05

No whimsy, I saw your second posting simultaniously.

There seems to be so little sympathy and so much, 'Well you are so rich, why not sort it' feeling flying round.

The people that it happened to are homeless, hungry and scared, just like after the Tsunami. As usual it is the poorest in society that have sufferend most.

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 19:05

No whimsy, I saw your second posting simultaniously.

There seems to be so little sympathy and so much, 'Well you are so rich, why not sort it' feeling flying round.

The people that it happened to are homeless, hungry and scared, just like after the Tsunami. As usual it is the poorest in society that have sufferend most.

Original poster
Forgetmenot · 01/09/2005 19:06

The British press/journalists appear to be giving the impression that Americans in a crisis turn into selfish, greedy, uncharitable, every-man-for-himself sort of people!
I'm sure they aren't!
This is just my interpretation of the news coverage not my own personal opinion!

OP posts:
Thomcat · 01/09/2005 19:06

Yeah but looting for clothes, which is what I saw on the news, jesus.

It's all dreadful.

compo · 01/09/2005 19:07

Bush is getting an ear bashing too

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 19:07

But you said

'Why isn't the whole country rallying round to help for gods sake!!! '

That didn't seem so supportive to me, possibly I misunderstood you?

Satine · 01/09/2005 19:10

It does seem as though the veneer of civilised behaviour and law and order has gone. Scarey to see how fast normal society can break down. But as someone said, I guess the stranded residents think they have been abandoned. Although the radio news earlier said that a rescue helicopter had been shot at!

moondog · 01/09/2005 19:11

I see the most of them see to be the black urban poor.

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 19:12

An army helicopter at that. One National Guardsman was shot earlier today but is OK.

The ambulance helicopters will not fly until it is safe to do so, and the roads are out. It must be awful.

They are talking about having to evacuate 20,000 people from New Orleans and it may be many weeks or months until they can return

happymerryberries · 01/09/2005 19:13

These things always seem to hit those least able to cope most

moondog · 01/09/2005 19:13

Maybe it will make Americans question their insane foreign policies??????

Thomcat · 01/09/2005 19:13

It is mad. They so urgently need help yet the help is being shot at

compo · 01/09/2005 19:15

moondog, why would a natural disaster make them question their foreign policy. Who's American bashing now?

moondog · 01/09/2005 19:19

Compo,just that sometimes natural disasters remind us that life is tough enough without throwing man made ones into the mix,that's all....

American bashing!Better tell Peachskin! She thinks I'm a right wing fascist because I dare to question aspects of Islam.

We've had a lot of happy times in New Orleans and along that coast of Mississippi. It's awful!

compo · 01/09/2005 19:23

I know, I just can't imagine having all your possessions swept away like that and not knowing if friends/family are okay

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