As I said the mayor of NO turned down federal aid the first time it was offered and then they were hit harder by a second storm. The fact that you don't even mention the ssecond storm that was the more powerful of the two and Broke the levees again seems to show some ignorance the subject.

So, you think that FEMA performed well during Katrina, yes? You thought that Brownie did "a hell-of-a-job", yes?

I am saying place blame where blame is due. You can't force someone to take aid when they deny it. It wasn't awesome but it wasn't that bad. I got my money in a timely manor I would say.

Once again, you are correct. There was a complete meltdown of local and state agencies that completely failed the people. You are obviously debating with someone who knows absolutely nothing of what actually happened.

By contrast, the same state officials in Texas acted quickly and in conjunction with local officials to handle the hurricane needs and distribution of relief materials in a highly efficient manner.

That's why we have experts like you to teach the rest of us folks. So now it seems that you feel that Government actually did a pretty acceptable job of helping the disaster victims, even during Katrina, where the rest of the world has a pretty low opinion of FEMA's performance. That must feel pretty awkward for people who hate having Government spend taxpayer money.

I don't think that the free market would have done a very good job at all in filling these needs.

I thought most people would be sophisticated enough to connect current actual events to current politics. After all this is the reality and the world we live in. Its not some fantasy world. SO far we have building codes that are mandated by the government that probably saved thousands of lives. Building codes that say nuclear reactors should have a back up system, etc etc this is all the work of government and funded by tax dollars.

I can only speculate how bad the devistation would be if shady building contracters were alowed to build however they wished to save a few bucks. Just be thankfull enough of america isnt jumping on the deregulation band wagon to make this country unsafe.

How low will Americans sink before we realize that our collective narcissism is jeopardizing the future of the U.S.?

Once again you twist, spin, and outright lie to suit your purposes.

The reality was that many government officials failed while others succeeded as I pointedly explained. The failure of the state and local officials in Louisiana contrasted strongly with the success of the ones in Texas. And yes, I was there delivering food and water. I live in the center of damage from Hurricane Ike.

It is really apparent those who only know what the media shows. In reality, the Feds brought in tons of food, water, and shelter and depended upon local government to distribute it to where it was needed. Some companies, like Walmart, did the same.

After the Earthquake and Tsunami in 2004 the US government gave $950 million in aid.

The public donations totaled $1.875 billion.

So much for your "only a strong government can..." theory

tectonic subduction zones can be a very dangerous place to live

I don't know much about politics but I paid attention to some of the events during Katrina. FEMA basically declared martial law and they purposely rendered the local law enforcement communication tower nonoperational. The locals had to get it fixed and then put armed guards on it to keep it working. TO KEEP FEMA OUT.

FEMA also went around trying to take guns from citizens who were merely trying to protect their home and property. Some counties put up road blocks to keep FEMA out because they were trying to take over.

Aid coming into the city was stopped and prevented from coming in, while people held in the stadium were not allowed to leave and not provided water or food.

Me thinks something very sinister was going on there. There were also reports that the levies were blown on purpose just like they had done years ago. Residents were even warned to get out before they were blown.

Very strange if you ask me.

..i for one think they should be looking at possibly evacuating Japan,especially if they keep having alot of after shocks..governmantal problems can wait until the people are as safe as can be...

I agree. When the going gets rough, it is the people who give the most, not the government. But the government is necessary. Someone has to lead the people.

However, When Katrina happened I saw the churches jump to the cause way before FEMA or the government got off their butts. Within a few days churches in my little 7 church town had trucks loaded to take water and food and clothes to N.O.

I was impressed.

If it really gets bad, I mean really bad, like the volcano in Yellowstone blows and takes most of the U.S with it, you will be out of luck waiting for the government to come to your aid. They just don't and never will have the resources for that.

So you do think that Government provided a valuable service after Katrina.You are being very confusing.]What? Did we have an earthquake and tsunami in the US in 2004? Yes:
Government- $950 million
Charitable donation - $1,875 billion
Free market - $0.00

Free market is constrained by the need to maintain a margin of profit to stay in business... DUH!

Government is not... and can therefore step into such a situation. (watch that bottom line though... Government can only provide so much and still take care of its responsibilities to its citizens)

Charitable acts are an individual action.

Why DUH? I don't think you read the original point of this thread. We all agree, I think. You, me and Bestinshow.

That is the best you have?

haha..

I think the earthquake and tsunami that happened in the Indian Ocean is common knowledge.

If you don't see it, you just aren't looking. Numerous stories about it. Here's just one: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/11/us-japan-quake-aid-idUSTRE72A4XT20110311.

Do you think the Red Cross is a government agency? You really have to have your head up your azz to miss this kind of thing.