Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
THE CONNECTION: Hurricane Katrina & Sewage Spill of Malibu
Both Hurricane Katrina and the Sewage Spill of Malibu were result of lack of government participation...
Katrina was as severe as it was because the Levees broke.
Sewage spill was caused by a metal clamp that had deterioated over time on the main sewer line.
In both scenarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill isnt as intense as Katrina it was impacting. Minor corrections that are negleted lead to disasters.
In both senarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill clearly isn't as tragic, it does leave an impression. Neglect leads to disasters
It takes both government and citizen participation to benefit a community!
Katrina was as severe as it was because the Levees broke.
Sewage spill was caused by a metal clamp that had deterioated over time on the main sewer line.
In both scenarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill isnt as intense as Katrina it was impacting. Minor corrections that are negleted lead to disasters.
In both senarios government participation could have prevented the situation. While the spill clearly isn't as tragic, it does leave an impression. Neglect leads to disasters
It takes both government and citizen participation to benefit a community!
Documentary Summary of "When The Levees Broke"
Ethics:
Some were blessed shelter and care in the Super Dome, but even that was breaking down in the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina. The US Coast Guard tried to rescue those who were stranded on buildings, debris, and water that covered 80% of the city. Citizens did their part by aiding eachother with what they could. Their efforts were focused on the ill, disabled, old and young. Some victims were relocated to different states far from the disaster. However, family wasn’t consider, several were separated from their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. There was no system. The education of children in New Orleans was an important issue that needed to be addressed and would resolve many of the problems that the city faced. Educated people make an environment safer. Majority of people's homes and sentimental items had been completely destroyed by the Hurricane. Victims depended on other victims for support because they were all they had left. They were robbed of their property and lost all materials and even family. Loosing family was the hardest to face because items are replaceable pets, friends and family aren’t.
Government & Role of Citizens:
The citizens of New Orleans main focus for years was to educate, especially their children because they are the future. The government was slow in providing aid to Katrina victims and clearing the damages of the hurricane. The people were promised a rebuilding of their home in under six months by their mayor; however, the people knew it was false hope. It’s impossible to rebuild a location in under six months that took over forty years to accomplish what it has. Another promise was stronger levees. Many were concerned that the new levees would still not be able to withstand a hurricane of the same magnitude as Katrina. The government had known that the levees were not up to standard 10 to 15 years ago, yet they did nothing to reconstruct it. Knowing of the defect and not correcting the situation is neglect. Citizens felt lied to and disconnected to the country. Hurricane Katrina caused the biggest domestic relief mission in the history of the United States. Because there was no law and order, the military stepped in. Not only was the reaction from the military and other relief agencies slow, President Bush himself was slow with government response. Unlike President Johnson during Hurricane Betsy, Bush did not go down to New Orleans. Many had strongly felt as if FEMA treated the city as if it were nothing serious.The line was crossed once they were referred to as refugees. The name calling was heart breaking.
Existentialism:
Five days after Katrina hit the federal government came to New Orleans. The delay caused people to question the true intention of the government. Was their help for publicity or for love and protection? Many feel that their dedication was weak and aid came after the real struggle. Because the victims lost so much then were not helped when needed they began to question their faith. The experience was traumatizing and left people wondering not only why it occurred but what purpose is there. New Orleans has a unique culture that cannot be replaced. Their spirit is still alive and shows that nothing, not even a natural disaster as devastating as Katrina can ruin that. Because New Orleans was completely destroyed, depression was an issue for many. Many were deeply disturbed and needed medical and psychological help. Music and celebration was a major way for people to reunite with their community. Sadly there was some who were not strong enough to fight the struggle and committed. Katrina didn’t only break the Levees, it broke homes, families and ruined lives.
Some were blessed shelter and care in the Super Dome, but even that was breaking down in the turmoil of Hurricane Katrina. The US Coast Guard tried to rescue those who were stranded on buildings, debris, and water that covered 80% of the city. Citizens did their part by aiding eachother with what they could. Their efforts were focused on the ill, disabled, old and young. Some victims were relocated to different states far from the disaster. However, family wasn’t consider, several were separated from their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. There was no system. The education of children in New Orleans was an important issue that needed to be addressed and would resolve many of the problems that the city faced. Educated people make an environment safer. Majority of people's homes and sentimental items had been completely destroyed by the Hurricane. Victims depended on other victims for support because they were all they had left. They were robbed of their property and lost all materials and even family. Loosing family was the hardest to face because items are replaceable pets, friends and family aren’t.
Government & Role of Citizens:
The citizens of New Orleans main focus for years was to educate, especially their children because they are the future. The government was slow in providing aid to Katrina victims and clearing the damages of the hurricane. The people were promised a rebuilding of their home in under six months by their mayor; however, the people knew it was false hope. It’s impossible to rebuild a location in under six months that took over forty years to accomplish what it has. Another promise was stronger levees. Many were concerned that the new levees would still not be able to withstand a hurricane of the same magnitude as Katrina. The government had known that the levees were not up to standard 10 to 15 years ago, yet they did nothing to reconstruct it. Knowing of the defect and not correcting the situation is neglect. Citizens felt lied to and disconnected to the country. Hurricane Katrina caused the biggest domestic relief mission in the history of the United States. Because there was no law and order, the military stepped in. Not only was the reaction from the military and other relief agencies slow, President Bush himself was slow with government response. Unlike President Johnson during Hurricane Betsy, Bush did not go down to New Orleans. Many had strongly felt as if FEMA treated the city as if it were nothing serious.The line was crossed once they were referred to as refugees. The name calling was heart breaking.
Existentialism:
Five days after Katrina hit the federal government came to New Orleans. The delay caused people to question the true intention of the government. Was their help for publicity or for love and protection? Many feel that their dedication was weak and aid came after the real struggle. Because the victims lost so much then were not helped when needed they began to question their faith. The experience was traumatizing and left people wondering not only why it occurred but what purpose is there. New Orleans has a unique culture that cannot be replaced. Their spirit is still alive and shows that nothing, not even a natural disaster as devastating as Katrina can ruin that. Because New Orleans was completely destroyed, depression was an issue for many. Many were deeply disturbed and needed medical and psychological help. Music and celebration was a major way for people to reunite with their community. Sadly there was some who were not strong enough to fight the struggle and committed. Katrina didn’t only break the Levees, it broke homes, families and ruined lives.
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