Feds to restrict volunteers at disasters

[cal04]

(snip)
In an effort to provide better control and coordination, the federal government is launching an ambitious ID program for rescue workers to keep everyday people from swarming to a disaster scene. A prototype of the new first responder identification card is already being issued to fire and police personnel in the Washington, D.C., area.

Proponents say the system will get professionals on scene quicker and keep untrained volunteers from making tough work more difficult.

But they also know it is a touchy subject, particularly for those devoted to helping in moments of crisis.

(snip)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency came up with the idea after the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when countless Americans rushed to help — unasked, undirected, and sometimes unwanted.

Many of those volunteers angrily dispute the notion they were a burden. They insist that in many instances they were able to deliver respirators, hard hats, and protective boots to workers when no one else seemed able.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070901/ap_on_re_us/disaster_ids

[lynnertic]

1. criminalizing folks like Al Gore and Jesse Jackson

both of whom personally evacuated people from New Orleans when FEMA wouldn't.

[Gman]

2. With plans like this, little things like this tell me

they have no plans for leaving the White House in January 09 or anywhere beyond. They are putting their long term police state plans into effect.

[Trillo]

3. Let me guess. media consolidation.

Blackwater and ilk will have ID badges and guns and air support, but the independent media, that could otherwise tell the truth, won't be given ID badges.

Further corporate consolidation of the media?

[nashville_brook]

4. omg -- what the fuck is in the works?

[Fleshdancer]

5. How bad will Red Cross get screwed by this?

First, telling Americans to sit and watch while their neighbors and fellow Americans need help isn't going to work. Second, New Orleans desperately needed the immediate action of the federal government and instead, they got screwed. Third, what happens if FEMA's budget is ever reduced? How can the federal government promise we will always have enough manpower to successfully help during disasters? Fourth, I still want to know what happens to organizations like the Red Cross who rely so much on volunteers.