Hat's off to Homeland Security ...

... So, Bush says that Katrina is the worst natural disaster in American History ... but, he apparently doesn't want anyone to help the folks hardest hit:

A specialized urban search and rescue team from Vancouver will be joining the rescue efforts in Louisiana in the wake of hurricane Katrina.

B.C. Solicitor General John Les said the province decided to send Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) after officials in Louisiana asked for help.

"We're the first non-U.S.-based team to be requested," said Les. "They're going to be helping as many people as they can."

[snip ...]


[Canadian] Planes are ready to load with food and medical supplies and a system called "DART" which can provide fresh water and medical supplies is standing by. Department of Homeland Security as well as other U.S. agencies were contacted by the Canadian government requesting permission to provide help. Despite this contact, Canada has not been allowed to fly supplies and personnel to the areas hit by Katrina.

http://storiesinamerica.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/8/31/235829/261

Apparently, he was serious when he said 'Just send cash'. *rolls eyes*

--Phae

X-posted to The Thicket

Gratitude Project 2005 - Days 27 - 31

I guess I owe four to get me caught up again (even though, I am more irritated right now than grateful ... I hate Bush :oP ) ... so here goes:

1) I am grateful for gentle weather. With all the stories of Katrina and other extreme weather around the world, I am glad to be in an area that is cooling off from the hot summer slowly ... it rains a little, then gets warm again, then storms a little, then gets warm. I am very grateful to be eased into the fall.

2) I am grateful for the library. Catching up on the bills after our vacation has tapped out my spending money, so it is good to be able to still get a bunch of new books to read even though I have to give them back when I am done.

3) I am grateful for alone time. I really love being able to just sit and ponder things sometimes without needing to talk to anyone or think about mundane things.

4) And at times I am grateful for mundane distractions that keep me from twisting myself in knots over things that just need time to work themselves out. Washing the dishes is great for this.

--Phae