(New Orleans) Children's Hospital under siege

[Newsjock]

http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_Times-Picayune/archives/2005_08.html#075288

Tuesday, 11:45 p.m.

Late Tuesday, Gov. Blanco spokeswoman Denise Bottcher described a disturbing scene unfolding in uptown New Orleans, where looters were trying to break into Children's Hospital.

Bottcher said the director of the hospital fears for the safety of the staff and the 100 kids inside the hospital. The director said the hospital is locked, but that the looters were trying to break in and had gathered outside the facility.

The director has sought help from the police, but, due to rising flood waters, police have not been able to respond.

Bottcher said Blanco has been told of the situation and has informed the National Guard. However, Bottcher said, the National Guard has also been unable to respond.

[mmonk]

1. Frightening and sad situation

[saigon68]

34. THE LOOTERS NEED THEIR DRUGS ASAP

Crack dealers are apparently "OUT OF PRODUCT" as the Capitalists are so fond of saying.

Supply and demand in a free market.

I'll bet the drug stores have taken a "BIG HIT" too.

[uppityperson]

2. crap, just when I think it won't get worse.

omg, crap crap crap crap crap

[snot]

3. If looters are there, why can't the NG get there? No rowboats? nt

I don't mean to be sarcastic; I just can't help wondering if a lack of imagination, if not preparation, is hampering effective response.

[uppityperson]

4. Think they're pretty busy

[kenny blankenship]

13. It's a long swim from Iraq.

[NYC]

27. Not enough National Guard.

And those who went to Iraq took their equipment with them, including high water vehicles.

JACKSON BARRACKS -- When members of the Louisiana National Guard left for Iraq in October, they took a lot equipment with them. Dozens of high water vehicles, humvees, refuelers and generators are now abroad, and in the event of a major natural disaster that, could be a problem.

"The National Guard needs that equipment back home to support the homeland security mission," said Lt. Colonel Pete Schneider with the LA National Guard.

http://abc26.trb.com/news/natguard08012005,0,4504131.story?coll=wgno-news-1

[Nihil]

42. Yeah, a real act of genius there wasn't it?

> And those who went to Iraq took their equipment with them,
> including high water vehicles

Just what they need in a fucking DESERT!

[NYC]

78. Now, NOW on Wednesday,

they will send 10,000 National Guard. Why didn't they start helping sooner?

Yes, it was a real act of genius, sending the guard and their equipment. Both are needed at home.

[Jawja]

41. Because there is NO National Guard

A couple of trucks doesn't get it done (as I saw on MSNBC). This is what happens when ALL the resources go down the black hole of a failed policy and disasterous war.

[snot]

63. Nat'l Guard said on TV they've got plenty of bodies in the US to cope:

You may or may not believe that. But even if true, why haven't more of them gotten there sooner?

I'm asking for info.

[The Stranger]

75. The Nat'l Guard is all in IRAQ fighting for PNAC the WAR of LIES.

[TheDebbieDee]

5. Maybe these people are drug addicts after the drugs that they

figure must still be in the hospital pharmacy?

After all, for addicts, hurricane Katrina has disrupted their supply line of drugs, perhaps they can't find or contact their supplier at all.

I had a brother was addicted for several years and he would not leave his immediate neighborhood for more than a couple of days at a time because he didn't know where else or from whom else to get his drugs.

[punpirate]

6. Now, I thought most Gulf Coast states had...

... something known as the Marine Patrol (essentially state cops in boats--I know such exists in Florida). These ought to be available and should be used, unless there's a shortage of same and they're busy elsewhere.

But, what this certainly shows is that every problem in a city is magnified in an emergency. That's one of the reasons for having the National Guard available, not half a world away fighting wars of opportunity.

[leftchick]

53. many first responders are also in the Guard

and reserves. I imagine they are pretty busy protecting our oil in the ME. :(

[Arkansas Granny]

64. Our local police & fire depts. are low on personnel

for just this reason. They were reporting on shortages just a few weeks ago on our local news because so many of these people are also in National Guard.

[thinkingwoman]

7. this is f*cking nuts!

Nuts! Crazy! Completely unfuckingnecessary!!!!!

Where is the Cavalry?!? It's been more than 24 hours since that monster hit and commander monkeypants can't take time away from cake and golf to sign a damn executive order and set some extraordinary stuff in motion?

We've got local law enforcement and emergency personnel and a handful of guardsmen trying to rescue people AND secure a major U.S. city where most of the roads are impassable on little more than a coke and a smile???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????


AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I want my money back. This pResident is defective!





Ok. Breathing now. Trying to regain my center.

Pardon my lost cool there. I just can't stand this anymore. I really can't.

[DBoon]

12. This is how the LA Riots started in 1992

Daryl Gates held back from agressively controlling the first outbreaks. Once it became clear the police weren't going to do anything, looting and arson spread across the city.

Gates was having a hissy fit about a voter initiative that would have subjected the LAPD to civilian oversight, so he likely thought he was just going to teach the voters a lesson. Also, my suspicion is he really didn't care if the minority areas were burned and looted, and by the time it got out of control, it was too late.

If I were into paranoid conspiracies, I'd say they are deliberately witholding law enforcement against looters because they don't care what happens in a minority neighborhood, and that if looting is shown in these neighborhoods, well who cares "those people are like that".

[Joebert]

15. I'm into paranoid conspiracies.

And I don't think that's one of them.

When the President can't be bothered to make a 3 minute speech on TV pleading for help for the folks in the southeast, you know they don't give a shit.

[DBoon]

23. My fantasy was that they WANTED looting

as a way of inducing racist fears among their base.

[Joebert]

24. The only thing that would do that is the first report

of a black man touching a white woman.

Fox News would run that story for 3 months.

It is amazing that in 2005 that still riles people up, from 0 mph to Warp 6 in 3 seconds.

[wli]

21. That's not paranoid at all. That's just how it is.

The Republican Party is a terrorist organization.

[Jawja]

43. I always felt the LA

riots hurt Poppy's re-election, too. Part of the country spiraling out of control is not positive PR, to say the least.

Of course, excuses will be made for the Imperial pResident. It is NEVER his utter and complete incompetence and failure of leadership at fault.

[iamjoy]

68. Not A Fair Comparison

I mean, in New Orleans, they are dealing with quite enough else right now, you know, like trying to get people out of attics and off of roofs before they drown. Stopping looting just isn't a priority, saving lives is.

Also, maybe there is a little justification that all of the stuff being looted was going to be "written off" as storm loss anyway.

[Sequoia]

71. I sure remember that, Gates was out of town

and when that stuff started in the afternoon the cop cars just drove away and let it happen.

[lvx35]

16. Martial law has been declared.

I'm suprised they can't do something, with martial law declared! Too bad so many of them are in Iraq, eh?

[Richard Steele]

28. Our "Clueless Leader" has bigger concerns...like yummy frosting!

[FightingIrish]

8. Welcome to George Bush's America

[Daphne08]

9. Why are they trying to break into a children's hospital?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

45. drugs

sick.

[rodeodance]

59. maybe they wanted a dry place and some clean water.

[Mizmoon]

66. Very well could be

If my home was gone and I had no place to go a hospital would look like xanadu.

[lumpy]

10. Where is the states national guard

when you need them to protect people from the thugs?

[SlipperySlope]

14. New Orleans doesn't have a State Guard

The "National Guard" has been federalized since Eisenhower. Only twenty-eight states (I think) have maintained guard organizations distinct from that national guard, and New Orleans isn't one of them:

http://www.sgaus.org/StatesPages/States.htm

[lumpy]

20. Thanks for the info. re. state guards.

Haven't been able to keep up with the all the details of the tragedy in New Orleans. Do you know what manpower help in policing/rescue is coming from other states?

[WhiteTara]

18. I'm sure you'll remember any minute...Iraq

:grr:

[brentspeak]

11. This sounds like something from "Dawn Of The Dead"

[halobeam]

17. I wonder how they know these people are looters or are looking

desperately for a place to be safe? Everyone is in shock. I know I'd be afraid without security, and I am NOT for one second saying the NG isn't necessary, the people are probably harmless. I am saying HOW do they know they are looters? I am saying the National Guard should be there FIRST protecting the children. I am saying you better bet your ass they are protecting the oil there.... I am saying this is sicker by the minute. No communications, no humanity in this type of scenario. It is God awful.

[AutumnMist]

19. Does Anyone Have an Exact Address For The Children's Hospital?

Is it the only one in New Orleans? I am going to google it to see. I will be there to help in any way that I can. I'm sorry but what purpose would anyone have to break into a children's hospital? Is it for shelter? medical care? or just because they can? regardless can we help to prevent children or parents from being disrupted from medical care?

[AutumnMist]

22. Can Anyone Give Us An Update?

Children's Hospital
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
200 Henry Clay Ave # 226
New Orleans, LA 70118

[Jersey Devil]

25. They better get some National Guard down there in a hurry

From what I understand the main problem is that the people in Nola have absolutely no communications or directions from local officials, no info about where to get food, water or medical help, no nothing.

This pot is about to explode.

[anitar1]

26. Phone service broken down. Cell phone towers are out.

Radios are mostly out. Police and Fire have no way to communicate. In fact all communication is caput. Heard it on Olbermann tonight. So everyone is bumbling about with no leadership at all.

[Spinzonner]

29. I hate to say it but ...

perhaps some of those army helicopters should drop a few army snipers onto the roof and let them fire a few warning shots and then drop a few examples if necessary.

[loudsue]

30. I work with a bunch of neo-nazi republicans on my job...

and when we were watching MSNBC before dinner tonite, they all made the same statement you just did.

I thought it was a pretty bad idea when I heard it the first time, and it doesn't sound much better the second time.

Army, helicopters, snipers, "dropping a few"..... pretty rambo.

The U.S. has sure been conditioned to use these terms as regards "solutions to problems" in the last few years. We have the media to thank for that.

[Spinzonner]

31. I'll assume that you don't mean to imply

that I may be either a Republican or Neo Nazi.

But what is your answer to a situation of civil disorder where people are potentially attacking a place full of at-risk innocents and normal law enforcement operations are not possible.

The intent is to instill a sense of self-preservation in the mob and bring them to their senses, not to wantonly kill. That's why you would fire warning shots first, then shoot only a few, non-lethally at first.

It's a last resort, not a first one.

What's your solution ? And it has to be logistically practical and likely to be effective.

[loudsue]

33. Well, for starters....

I'd continue to blockade any potential entry points.

If the alleged "looters" can see inside:

1) I would direct any LARGE men, who worked in the hospital, to arm themselves with whatever is handy and looks threatening, so that the "looters" can see that there would be a nasty resistance, should they break in.

2) I would be seen to be talking on a telephone, whether or not I had actual contact (which evidently someone did, or how else would the message have gotten out?), and

3) I would use hospital cameras (they have them to take pictures of bruises, etc., for medical files) to take photos of the "looters", as if to let them know they were being reported on to the authorities...as their pictures would be incriminating.

The other issue is... how does the hospital know they are there to "loot"? Has there been any dialog? We don't know.

We do know that the governor knows about it, and help is on the way, sooner or later, but probably sooner.

If these people really ARE looters, AND if we assume, too, that they are drug addicts going through withdrawl, and that is why they want to get into the hospital (worse case, most dangerous scenario), they probably would have already been hurtling large objects through the windows and doors....not just gathering outside and, possibly, rattling the doors.

It COULD BE that they are just dark skinned people who would think the hospital might have some food and shelter for them, and are mad that nobody will let them in the door, and off the streets. Food and shelter are in pretty high demand right now, and a hospital is a likely place to find them.

If they are just looters, the vision of large men weilding potential weapons, taking their pictures, and talking on the phone pointing at them, would likely discourage them. There are a lot of places to loot right now in New Orleans without having to get bloody over the whole thing. If they're a GANG of drug addicts in withdrawl (?), they would have already been breaking down any barriers to their entry. Besides, they'd also probably have already looted a pharmacy or two.

:shrug: But, that's just me....

[AngryAmish]

62. Why would you assume the looters are dark skinned?

As far as anyone knows, they could be all races.

[Arkansas Granny]

67. Maybe they could try dropping some food and water for starters.

Do they know for sure that these people are looking for drugs or just someplace for shelter, food and water. If all communications are out, they may not know where to go for basic survival items. Just asking.

[goclark]

70. As long as they are on the roofs in the suburbs too

They are called "finders" in the burbs and looters in the urban areas.

GWB is a finder, he takes all he can get and he and his thugs are criminals.

[silverweb]

73. OMG...

How about, instead, the hospital designate certain safe, dry areas for refugees -- away from the patients -- and let the people in under supervision of one or two armed guards until a better place is found for them? All they're trying to do is survive, for God's sake!

[Hekate]

32. This is madness, just madness

And so, so sad.

Hekate

#Why won't the Chickenhawk cross the road?#

[fujiyama]

35. The city

(or more accurately what remains of it) is at the depths of hell.

[Dogmudgeon]

36. The article didn't mention drugs at all

These "looters" may be panicked people trying to survive.

--p!

[saigon68]

37. They are not busting in to steal used dirty Diapers

Or clean ones either for that matter.

As in like--

Where would they have drugs like oxycotin???

Where would you go to find and STEAL these drugs????

[ima_sinnic]

38. gee, they couldn't just be desperate people trying to get shelter

and food?
the hospital is undoubtedly the only enclosed place that is functioning in the area. if I were them I would head for a place like that too. I'm not a drug addict, by the way.
sheesh.

[saigon68]

39. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF ILL AND SICK CHILDREN THERE.

This bunch of hoodlums and Thugs busting in, really don't give a shit about these kids.

If they are hungry there are a lot of other places to rob.

[QC]

40. Theu just want to read stories to the sick children! n/t

[CJCRANE]

44. Prob looking for a copy of My Pet Goat

to comfort themselves with.

[saigon68]

47. LOL

[CJCRANE]

56. Glad

you like my little quip. ;)

The sad reality though is that it's such a shame having a hands-off, delayed reaction president who idles around while disasters are actually happening and only seems to realise when it's all over that he should probably do something.

[QC]

58. He's making the same mistake his father made, but on a grander scale.

The government's slow, inadequate response to Andrew helped do in Poppy Bush. Now the boy is doing even worse.

[saigon68]

65. "Poppy" chimp bush let the injured wander for a week before he did shit

And then it was a day late and a dollar short

[Massachusetts]

46. really don't give a shit about these kids.

PRE-PLANNING for DISASTER, isn't that what they call it?

If I don't have enough Manpower or Equipment, how can I secure the situation?

[MaineDem]

50. You don't give a shit about these kids???

I hope I misunderstood your post.

Wow.

[LostinVA]

51. I was just thinking the same thing, MaineDem

I really hope I misunderstood the post, too...

[Massachusetts]

54. Lost in Va

Here are some directions....check out post #39, I was responding to that. Don't be ABSURD!

[LostinVA]

55. I don't need directions

[Massachusetts]

52. See post #39

The cold must be getting to you! Put on a hat it'll keep your brain from freezing! Absurd!

[MaineDem]

57. I saw that but missed the fact that you were quoting.

Quotation marks would have avoided any misinterpretation.

Thanks for the hat idea, though.

[I concur]

72. Roger that Siagon 68...

...all the drug looters care about is their next high!

[silverweb]

74. 100.

The article said there were 100 children still in the hospital. That leaves a lot of empty areas in the hospital that could safely shelter soggy, terrified refugees. Allowing as many as possible of these people in, under the watch of armed guards, would be the wisest and most humane course. These people aren't interested in harming the children or staff. They just want to survive.

[Borgnine]

48. Life imitates art.

This is reminding me of any number of disaster stories in movies, books, comics, specifically the Batman story "No Man's Land."

Unfortunately, there's no spandex-wearing heroes who can help these people, both outside and inside this hospital.

[LaurenG]

49. There are no good answers

Why people do what they do is never certain. I guess we could all learn something from this.

George*ush will not keep you safe, help you out, or react in a proper manner no matter what happens. I wish there were still men like my dad around now a days (especially in government). The kind who would take charge in a compassionate and firm way. Have a PLAN (what a f-ing concept) and execute that plan, even if he had to use his own two hands to do it. This is what you get from our administration.

Everyone in America needs to have a Plan of their own. Prepare for emergencies and take care of yourself and as many others as possible. We will not be getting help from the neo cons in a swift manner, it seems they could give a sh** less. Heartless, soulless people run our country, what a pity.

[riverwalker]

60. Homeland Security

have no fear, Homeland Security is on the way. The agency funded with billions of your dollars will arrive with a plan to...Secure The Home Land, keep the land of home secure..Home Land Security. :banghead:

[gate of the sun]

61. I take these stories with a grain of salt

I personally don't believe people are this crazy....what's the real situation? They are trying to create something the media that is fueled no less by the propagada machine......granted I could be wrong but I hope at least there is some reason behind this behavior that we would understand if we knew what it was. I don't know but I would hold off our judgement until we really know.

[Gormy Cuss]

69. I keep reminding myself of the limits of the media lense

You'd think everyone left in NOLA outside of the Superdome is looting if you watch FOX. The other networks aren't much better about it. In the news business, they have a saying: "What bleeds, leads." There's no interest in profiling the people who are quietly trying to make do and to get by until they can find out what's going on, get some help, and get out of this disaster. That just isn't good television. I watched many different clips of roof top rescues and nearly all of the people were patiently waiting for help. No reporter mentioned that. They were too busy blaming people for staying behind.
Yesterday I found myself yelling at the reporters who kept talking about residents asking to borrow the reporter's cell phones to let families know they were OK, and the reporters kept harping on how their cell phones weren't working so poor me. How about taking the names and posting them on your website? That would help at least some of the families learn that their loved ones were OK. No, it's not your job, but it would be a kind and helpful thing to do.

As for the reasons some people might be acting crazy, utter frustration and fear would be my guess for most of them.

[Oreegone]

76. They need to take their guns away

People from the hospital can not go outside because the people surrounding the hospital have weapons and have threatened to kill them.
If this is a national emergency and they have called for martial law, where the hell are the martials? The infrastructure should be protected, not Joe Blows jewelry shop. If he wasn't smart enough to pack his shit up and get out, too bad, he has insurance. But people who are dying in the hospital that is a different story.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

77. Do you really think that armed mobs are surrounding the hospital

with the intent of harming the staff and the children?

My first thought was that while there may be a few drug addicts in the bunch, most of them are just looking for a clean and dry shelter.

By the way, this is Louisiana we're talking about. I assume that lots of non-criminal types have guns.

Also by the way, this story first appeared yesterday, and I've seen no updates, which suggests that the story of "mobs" was an exaggeration.