(no subject)

[ekaterinn]

As you probably know by now, the Red Cross isn't being allowed to go into New Orleans itself to provide aid, assistance and food, because they are being turned back by the National Guard for various reasons, including "it's not safe."
- twistedchick

This is more than terrible, it's ridiculous and tragic. The Red Cross is not being allowed to its job, and people are dying. It's become obvious that the evacuation is not going quickly, nor well. Why can't the National Guard accompany the Red Cross if it is so unsafe? I can't believe this is happening in my state. I can't believe this is happening in America.

ETA: On CNN, troops are now handing out food and helping people. I'm glad and grateful that some more aid is getting though as the evacuation continues. Things are happening, I just wish they were happening faster.

Comments

[ekaterinn.livejournal.com]

You make good points as well - I just reacted to this on instinct. However, the Red Cross *does* operate in a lot of war zones, so...*shrugs* Read the linked post,if you haven't already; has thoughts and question about this news in a calmer manner than me. Also, I'm aware that the evacuation is going more quickly now, but it's been *five days*.

[alimaaneal.livejournal.com]

Should have had the guard ready to go before hand - this is what the guard is supposed to do - protect at home, but once the guard stabilized things, things began moving. First priority now, though, has to be evacuation, and one thing the military can do is move people. Get the people out now and have the Red Cross waiting to receive them on the other end. The Guard is bringing food and water. If the Red Cross went in, they would have to do so under the protection of the guard, meaning the guard wouldn't be 'escorting them' and that the Red Cross would have to listen to them because their safety would depend on it.
Joan worked for the Red Cross in Geneva and with as much relief work as they do, they could have amazingly poor organization (for various reasons of course, but really.) They do work in war zones, but not always very well.