This discussion is going really off-topic; please take it off-list.
ac
Mark Warnick wrote:
I tend to be a lurker, and don't normally post on this forum, however
a few of the statements in this posting "scream" for a response.
I tend to agree with you on the response to the disaster. As a
non-profit that delivered to Katrina efforts I found the initial FEMA
response a far cry from where it should have been. I have been in
emergency services for many years, wether it was Emergency Management,
the Fire Service, or in Emergency Medical Services. It does no good to
point fingers over who or what screwed up, except to learn from our
mistakes!
The organization I founded and work for delivered enough firefighting
and EMS equipment to the gulf coast to put 18 fire departments in
service at a level equal to or greater than the fire departments had
prior to the hurricanes. Everything from a small wrench to tighten hose,
all the way up to fire trucks and ambulances.
I do have an issue in saying that FEMA "pulled out". They have not
pulled out, especially in New Orleans. Right now, I personally know
several hundred fireman that are contracted by FEMA for the recovery
effort to assist in everything from tearing down houses to inspecting
FEMA trailers. They are based all along the gulf coast, including New
Orleans. In fact from a field supervisor I know says that they have 110
firefighters contracted by FEMA in New Orleans alone. Perhaps you should
go down to the French Quarter and ask the Marriot, JW Marriot or any of
those motels there and ask how many FEMA people are registered in the
motel.
Also according to a Chief (a close personal friend of mine)
stationed there, there are at least 50 Red Cross workers, and another
organization has three meal distribution sites set up.
If you want to say they down scaled, I have no problem with that, but
DON'T lie and say they pulled out, ... Mark
Helping Our Own, Inc. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Organization. Donations to Helping Our Own, Inc. are tax-deductible as
allowed by the IRS.
Retired Asst. Chief
Mark S. Warnick (Founder)
Chief of Operations
Helping Our Own (TM)
Firefighter helping Firefighter
http://www.helpingourown.org
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: 877-446-6435
(877-4-HOO-Help)
Office 517-764-0641
Helping Our Own (TM)
P.O. Box 413
Michigan Center, MI, 49254
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gordon Soderberg"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 1:24 PM
Subject: [DDN] Help still needed on the Gulf Coast
I hope this holiday season finds you well. Unfortunately, for the
people on the gulf coast things are not at all well. The response to
the disaster from the federal government was much worse than any of
the press has lead you to believe.
I have been here since September, 2nd. I can tell you first hand that
things are getting worse, not better for many of the people.
Emergency aid of food stamps for the families who remain have run out
and so has the Red Cross and FEMA. Several of the non profit
organizations have also left with the press. It is up to the
communities and those of us who refuse to give up on them to rebuild.
I ask you to consider how you would feel if your homes were destroyed
and your government left you to fend for yourself? Because that is
what is happening down here!
I would like to invite you to browse the website we have developed
that combines the stories in the national news with the stories we are
writing about the real efforts on the gulf coast. Voices For Peace has
partnered with several grassroots organizations who remain dedicated
to the efforts of saving the homes, families and cultures that made
the gulf coast so unique. The diversity of the area depends on all the
people to save it. I invite you to help by going to:
(http://www.neworleansvfp.org) and donate what you can, volunteer if
you can, at the very least send this message of hope out to as many
people as you can. l needed
Best wishes for the New Year,
God save New Orleans because FEMA and The Red Cross left town!
Gordon Soderberg
707 975-8289
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.neworleansvfp.org
Please contribute to this valued project:
New Orleans Voices For Peace in care of:
Plenty International
PO Box 394
Summertown, TN 38483
(931) 964-4323 or 964-4864
http://www.plenty.org
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Andy Carvin
Program Director
EDC Center for Media & Community
acarvin @ edc . org
http://www.digitaldivide.net
http://katrina05.blogspot.com
Blog: http://www.andycarvin.com
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