More Testimony About Katrina Incompetence

The more information that comes out about the preparation of officials for Hurricane Katrina, the sadder I find myself becoming. CNN is reporting that not only did FEMA refuse equipment and expertise which might have saved lives, but that the Lousiana authorities did not even have a plan for evacuation in case of emergency. I am left speechless. It is one thing to be faced with an unimaginable disaster (which, despite the dire warnings of experts, some might be able to argue was the case with Katrina). It is another to not even think about ANY possible worst-case scenarios. There could be a million possible reasons to have to evacuate New Orleans for a short period of time: outbreak of disease, attack by foreign enemy, insurrection, natural disaster, etc. And yet the local authorities did not have any plan ready. Every city, town, village, and municipality should have an evacuation plan ready.

More and more, I am realizing the amazing job Rudy Guiliani did not only in REACTING to 9/11, but also in PREPARING for 9/11. The various emergency drills (biological attack, chemical attack, firebomb attack, etc.) ensured the city was ready when the unthinkable happened. If any elected official from New Orleans is still in office after their terms are up, then I will be shocked. And saddened.