Reason: Defenseless On the Bayou: New Orleans gun confiscation is foolish and illegal

This is a brilliant insight to what happens when government over-steps its bounds. In this case, it's an emergency that apparently gives New Orleans the right to suspend civil liberties, and delegate their authority to other non-local governmental police agencies. The results?

Last week, thousands of New Orleanians huddled in the Superdome and the Convention Center got a taste of anarcho-tyranny. Everyone entering those buildings was searched for firearms. So for a few days, they lived in a small world without guns. As in other such worlds, the weaker soon became the prey of the stronger. Tuesday's New Orleans Times-Picayune reported some of the grim results, as an Arkansas National Guardsman showed the reporter dozens of bodies rotting in a non-functional freezer.

You don't agree with the value of an armed citizenry?

The Times-Picayune detailed how dozens of neighbors in one part of Algiers had formed a militia. After a car-jacking and an attack on a home by looters, the neighborhood recognized the need for a common defense; they shared firearms, took turns on patrol, and guarded the elderly. Although the initial looting had resulted in a gun battle, once the patrols began, the militia never had to fire a shot. Likewise, the Garden District of New Orleans, one of the city's top tourist attractions, was protected by armed residents.

Let me ask you this question: if you were a resident of New Orleans, and were allowed to re-enter the city to collect your belongings, would you go unarmed? Me neither.

Fake Viagra gang busted

If you ask me, they should be doing hard time for this.

I'm here all week.

Bush 41 and 43 Tour New Orleans Flood Damage

I apologize. I saw this and thought it was really funny.

Mexican army in Texas with relief supplies

They're headed for San Antonio. Just keep 'em away from the Alamo.

Mexico lends a hand in Katrina relief

Aye, chihuahua. Again. Mexico is providing water treatment plants to Katrina victims.

Caramba.

Mexican Navy sends rescuers, supplies for Katrina victims

Aye, chihuahua. How bad is THAT?

In other news, Mexico has a navy.

ABC News: Who's to Blame for Delayed Response to Katrina?

But experts say when natural disasters strike, it is the primary responsibility of state and local governments - not the federal government - to respond.

Huh. I reckon that makes me an "expert," huh? Nevermind that. Let's talk about who should have done their jobs, and who decided to blame it on someone else.

As one FEMA official told ABC News, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco failed to submit a request for help in a timely manner.

Oops. Looks like the Feds think it's the Governor's problem.

One aide to the governor told ABC News today Blanco thought city officials were taking care of the evacuation.

Oops. Looks like the Guv thought it was a local government problem.

"If the city and the state are stumbling or in over their head, then it's FEMA's [Federal Emergency Management Agency's] responsibility to show some leadership," said Jerry Hauer, director of public health preparedness at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Oops. Looks like one federal agency is blaming another federal agency.

Whatever. I've said it before, now I'll let ABC news say it again:

New Orleans' own comprehensive emergency plan raises the specter of "having large numbers of people … stranded" and promises "the city … will utilize all available resources to quickly and safely evacuate threatened areas."

"Special arrangements will be made to evacuate persons unable to transport themselves," the plan states.

When Hurricane Katrina hit, however, that plan was not followed completely.

Instead of sending city buses to evacuate those who could not make it out on their own, people in New Orleans were told to go to the Superdome and the Convention Center, where no one provided sufficient sustenance or security.

Tag, Ray Nagin. You're IT.

Jefferson Parish, La.

And this is the part of town that escaped most of the major flooding.

Additional Re-Entry Information
09/04/05, 4:30 p.m.

Be advised that Jefferson Parish's conditions are deplorable.

Garbage will not be collected for some time, therefore we are asking all citizens to bury on their property any type of meats, poultry, and seafood that is removed from freezers and refrigerators. Normal garbage can be held in trash cans until collections are resumed.

Again, to reiterate to all Jefferson Parish residents - there will be no electricity, no sewerage capabilities, and very low water pressure throughout the parish. Additionally, there are no food commodities, no gasoline, no restauratants, no drug stores available at all in Jefferson Parish. We are urging residents to get in, assess your property, gather needed items and leave. It will be weeks before Jefferson Parish is livable.

The following are items that you may want to bring along when you return:
Bleach, rubber gloves, bottled water, cameras, prescription drugs, sanitation supplies, plastic garbage bags, disinfectant, flashlights, and batteries.

After Thursday, nobody will be allowed re-entry into the Parish for WEEKS, so the utility companies can work unhindered.

No Love Lost Between Blanco and Bush

Like estranged in-laws at a holiday gathering, President Bush and Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco kept their distance as both toured a relief center for storm victims Monday. At their next stop, the Republican president kissed the Democratic governor on the cheek, but it wasn't clear whether they had made up.

A pity that the President has to make the move when the Governor of Louisiana doesn't have the good sense to admit she's wrong. Nonetheless, she keeps on with her incompetence:

Blanco has refused to sign over control of the National Guard to the federal government and has turned to a Clinton administration official, former Federal Emergency Management Agency chief James Lee Witt, to help run relief efforts.

What a waste of salt water. This woman couldn't run a daycare, much less a state in this Union.

Sean Penn's rescue bid sinks

What a moron. "including a personal photographer...."

Need I say any more?