More FEMA Foolishness

I think one of the most heartbreaking occurrences in the last few years has been the Katrina debacle. It totally tore me up, and I couldn't believe how some people were so cold hearted about it, in ways from blaming the victims themselves to not wanting New Orelans to come back.

And the way the governments responded was disgusting. The local, state, and federal governments all dropped the ball.

Here's an unbelievable tidbit from yesterday's paper, which came from the Washington Post. Titled ""FEMA didn't heed workers' concerns," it said that since early 2006, FEMA has suppressed warnings from its own field workers about health problems experienced by hurricane victims living in the government-provided trailers. Apparently the trailers have levels of a toxic chemical 75 times the recommended maximum for U.S. workers, congressional lawmakers said Thursday. The article pointed out that the agency's lawyers rejected a proposal for systematic testing of the levels of potentially cancer-causing formaldehyde gas in the trailers, out of concern that the agency could be legally liable for any hazards or health problems.

Do you think??????????

How much worse can this scenario get? I don't know, but it seems like they are working at making it as horrible as possible.

That is too bad, as from what I hear FEMA actually used to be a great agency. It was lean and could react quickly and properly. Of course, that was before the present administration. Maybe someday FEMA can get back on its feet. I think it would be satisfying to work for an agency or company that helped coordinate relief efforts.

Speaking of Katrina, I won a piece of artwork at an art auction a couple of years ago called Triplets of Katrinaville. It is a clear box filled with "found items" in New Orleans following the hurricane and the flood. In the box are three identical dolls dressed in brightly colored raincoats, along with other items found near them. It is poignant piece of art. Hopeful and depressing at the same time. I have not hung it yet. Not sure why, but maybe am a little afraid to? Don't know why I say that, but it has remained in the bag in which I brought it home. I will hang it soon. Maybe this weekend.