Comments on: New Orleanians, and the nation, know what happened after Katrina

By: Isabel, RJ, Brazil

Isabel, RJ, Brazil — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:35:19 +0000

Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst storms that have struck the southern United States, revealed the inefficiency and incompetence of the economic system of the country, especially the Bush administration, to prevent and address catastrophic situations created by nature.

The frightening images of the devastation of Katrina are still in our memories and serve as a warning: something is wrong with the climate of the planet and superintense hurricanes could become more frequent. Neither Brazil, that always been outside the route of the disaster, was free of the fury of nature. On March 28, 2004, Catherine reached the south of Brazil. It was the first and only hurricane in history in South Atlantic.

Catarina was a hurricane in its final phase, with gusts of winds up to 180km/h, but its worst consequences were: hundreds of homeless, destroyed homes, lack of electricity and water, and lack of communication. In most of the testimonials, those who lived through the Hurricane Catarina, say that the worst consequence was the uncertainty that was, uncertainty about what's to come, uncertainty of not knowing how to cope with new climatic disasters, for whom she had never experienced a hurricane.

By: Vicky, Ottawa

Vicky, Ottawa — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:53:59 +0000

Not only were New Orleans and the Gulf Coast let down by their President and federal government immediately after Katrina, but also in the years before and after. There's probably plenty of blame to go around, but I was struck that President Bush's recent comments were particularly insensitive. I can get very passionate about this issue, so, I'll work to keep my comments polite. After returning to Canada, having seen the devastation in New Orleans, hearing of the ongoing suffering, and seeing the slow pace of recovery over the last years, I've had no explanation for friends and colleagues, who, while ready to help and send support, have been incredulous that the needs of people there were not being met by their own government. I guess now, one can only hope that the incoming government might improve things in preparation for other disasters, or should I say catastrophic damage.

By: Catrina Teach

Catrina Teach — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:46:20 +0000

Bush could not handle what happened with Katrina. My heart goes out to the people. This should have never happened.

Why isn't there a test to take for becoming President of the people.

Our President Elect has done more for America, than Bush has done in 8 years.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:29:45 +0000

To those that are bringing up the failure of local officials, you're completely missing the point. Local officials did not just give a press conference and deny their slow response. As the Times-Picayune points out, following the storm even Bush himself said the response was "not acceptable." How anyone can defend his press conference statements is beyond me.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:21:39 +0000

Thank you for tirelessly covering the aftermath of Katrina, and for continuing to cover the slow pace of recovery. Thank you so much...

By: Ryan, Birmingham Alabama

Ryan, Birmingham Alabama — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:15:14 +0000

I visited New Orleans in November and toured the Lower Ninth. Over 3 years later and still no where from being "fixed". It's saddening that even this long after the storm, they still cannot get the help they need to get their lives back to some sort of normal.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:12:52 +0000

Hurricane Katrina was a horrible nightmare. Blame can be placed on everyone involved, the Government, Local and Federal mostly, but the blame can also be put on the people who did not heed warnings. The Storm itself did not cause the problems, it was the total failure of the levee system. The Army Corps of Engineers neglected to make or take notice of repairs on an annual basis. Even if everyone had survived, there would still be a city that would be devastated. Mr. Bush and members of Congress were all on VACATION during the horrific event and they Left "BROWNIE" to take the Fall. Shame on Mr. Bush. He has failed us as a Leader Of the Free World.

By: KAREN

KAREN — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:08:09 +0000

A lier will nevor admit the truth, Bush and his people only see things there way,thank god its over theyll all be gohn ,they have to live with what theyve done all of them involved will nevor have true peace in there lieing lifes agin.

By: xtina, chicago IL

xtina, chicago IL — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:58:54 +0000

For those who trust in the federal government to do anything better than local leadership or private American citizens, you're wrong. Whether it's Democrats or repub. in the white house, we need less federal intervention in our lives and more reliance on cities and states and more state and city localized power.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:15:21 +0000

Yeah..we all know that Bush was lying about the response to the aftermath of Katrina. But hey..what's new!? They lied then about what was going on and they will continue to tell their side of the story whether it be wrong or not.

Cindy..Ga.

By: Mike, Syracuse NY

Mike, Syracuse NY — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:11:13 +0000

I wonder how many people would have waited for food and water if the mayor had done a mandatory evacuation? How many lives would have been saved if there weren't still tens of thousands in the city when the storm hit? It was known that the levees could only sustain a hit by a category 3 hurricane, yet until just before landfall the storm was still category 5. The mayor and governor should have assumed the worst and gotten everyone out. The fact that most federal resources were involved in rescues meant that there was little left for hauling food and water in. Was it done poorly? Absolutely. Were the deaths and stranding of tens of thousands avoidable by the state and city? Absolutely!

By: Lorie Ann, Buellton, California

Lorie Ann, Buellton, California — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:02:41 +0000

There's plenty of blame to go around. It was not one person only, who fueled the horror of Katrina.