A baby just died at the convention center (this is not the super dome).

[Skwmom]

Why are we just know hearing about the convention center? According to the report on CNN (I believe)the convention center was another shelter. However, until today I've heard nothing about the mess at the convention center. According to the reporter, this area has received no help, people are dying (with a baby just dying inside the center). Yet down the road the hotel guests are being bused out.
What in the heck is going on here? Why can't these people at least be provided with water and something to eat!

[Arugula Latte]

1. They don't have water, and people are roaming around with guns.

But, rest assured, the wealthy have their massive tax breaks, so let's try not to lose perspective, m'kay?

:sarcasm:

[Skwmom]

2. I can't believe that it's Thursday and still these people have NO water!

[KoKo]

3. I heard that this a.m. and was shocked that we didn't know. I had to turn

the TV coverage off after I heard that, because I knew that this must have been covered up to show looting.

This is so awful...why can't they get boats in there to get these people food and water. What the hell is going on...It's just awful. :cry:

[Skwmom]

7. They reported that there are thousands at the convention center.

If the media can get in, why can't trucks with supplies? They could even airlift supplies into New Orleans.

[zulchzulu]

4. Freedom's on the march

There are floods. Water is everywhere. People have to know that the freedom they have is...um...the freedom they love. With freedom, they can stand tall. And with freedoms, and the internets, they can hold on strong for America.

They didn't put food on the family or make the pie higher. Freedom is what they and we...um...want.

Thank you and good night. I mean, good day...afternoon.

[Mizmoon]

5. I am reminded of the 1st Gulf War and the Kurds

Remember them all abandoned on a mountainside and we airlifted supplies to them? If I recall and one point we dropped a big pallate on someone because the refugees kept crowding the helicopter.

[TornadoTN]

6. Its the Morial Convention Center

Massive convention center located on the Mississippi River. Lots of people sought shelter there, because it is a well built facility and they thought they had enough food to last.

Around that area are several large, high profile hotels that many people were stuck at. They are getting to those people first, apparently. Utter shame.

We should be able, as the leader of the free world, to get EVERYONE out. Not just pick and choose.

[Skwmom]

9. They reported that the hotels were getting their guests bused out.

If true, why is a hotel doing a better job of evacuating people than the federal disaster agencies?

[Bridget Burke]

10. Because the hotels are well-run businesses.

If the executives don't perform, they might get fired.

[cbear70]

8. can't stand this.

I feel very sick to my stomach. I watch stupid on tv telling us what we already know. But I watch and listen and hear the screams of the people, the children dying, the men and women dying, struggling to stay alive and I am speechless. I gave, made phone calls, emails.. but nothing is happening. It has been four days and nothing. I just am at such a loss and am very sick. I am not sleeping , just watching and waiting for the government to step in and help these poor people. Where is the army, any of the military.. what is going on. What else can we do. Please tell me what I can do. I am so sad and sick..

[DemBones DemBones]

11. Hotel guests didn't get special treatment.

On Tuesday night, the hotels started closing, forcing guests to go to the Super Dome shelter. THEN they got bused out to Houston with everyone else from the Dome.

The hotel guests were in the same situation as many of those who "chose" to stay during the hurricane -- they couldn't get out of the city. Many of the NO population couldn't get out because they had no car. Hotel guests couldn't get out once the airport closed and all the rental cars in the city had been rented. And then the hotels started closing on Tuesday night, forcing them to go to the Dome, where there was no air conditioning, food or water, and the toilets were overflowing.
This was no picnic for anyone.

See nola.com for reports.

[CC]

12. If you didn't hear Tony

Zumbado talking about the convention center try catching it later. He is upset and speaking up for the people. He also is doing a very good job of pointing out that these people did what they were told, are organized best they can be and need help from some government official. It is also heartbreaking.