Australias caught up in New Orleans - SECURITY?

[Shazzam]

I was very disappointed in the Bush Administrations' response to Australian authorities (in connection with the crisis in New Orleans). There are still several Australian's trapped in New Orleans; unable to have contact with Australian officials as the US Government has denied this access.

I don't understand why? To me whatever help they can get should be used as the whole situation has been handled terribly.

What do you think?

[Danyet]

I think you are correct. I heard today that 200 police there have walked of their jobs and 2 have committed suicide. Cops have been operating on their own the best they can with no commands from above them.

[Shazzam]

I think you are correct. I heard today that 200 police there have walked of their jobs and 2 have committed suicide. Cops have been operating on their own the best they can with no commands from above them.

Oh my goodness! That is terrible. We haven't had that news here yet!

It makes me very angry. Perhaps Mr. Bush should consider pulling some troupes back to USA (out of Iraq) if he is running short. I mean the home-front is more important.

I watched an interview tonight on television and Alexander Downer has made it known he is not happy with the decision made by the US to not allow us to go in and get out our civilians (and also the rejection of aid). It is absolutely ridiculous I mean for goodness sake they don't always have to be "ON TOP OF THE PILE". It sounds more like ego than commonsense.

[Danyet]

The officials who will not allow anyone in are not federal, ie Bush. They are local,ie, from Louisiana. The state of Louisiana has control of this situation.

[Shazzam]

The officials who will not allow anyone in are not federal, ie Bush. They are local,ie, from Louisiana. The state of Louisiana has control of this situation.

Well that is even worse when you think about it. In a situation like this if Bush is going to let the Louisana officials make decisions like that he is nuts!

[Danyet]

No it is not worse. You do not understand the US constitution. In America, the states are sovereign and the amount of control applied by the Feds is limited constitutionally. This is a good thing, written into the constitution to prevent government tyranny of the people.

This is what most foreigners don't understand about the USA. The US constitution was written and Bill of Rights also, to acknowlege inalienable peoples rights and to protect the people from THEIR OWN government by LIMITING Federal powers. This is why I have the right protect my own life and my families life with a .45 calibre pistol and you don't.

[Shazzam]

No it is not worse. You do not understand the US constitution. In America, the states are sovereign and the amount of control applied by the Feds is limited constitutionally. This is a good thing, written into the constitution to prevent government tyranny of the people.

This is what most foreigners don't understand about the USA. The US constitution was written and Bill of Rights also, to acknowlege inalienable peoples rights and to protect the people from THEIR OWN government by LIMITING Federal powers. This is why I have the right protect my own life and my families life with a .45 calibre pistol and you don't.

Well quite frankly I'm glad you don't live here. I would not like to have someone in my neighbourhood that thought they could be a vigilanty.

I do have some idea about the American constitution. But most countries have in place a plan that is available for use in emergency circumstances, that can over-ride (where necessary) local government.

My feelings are that in extraordinary circumstances ( which this clearly is) the federal government should be using what ever powers are available, to ensure that they can obtain the free passage for not only their citizens, but citizens of nations that have come to their aid and are protected by the laws etc of their own countries.

My example in this case is (to my knowledge); no country has been limited to provide information or assistance to a civilian from their country. I would expect the same principals to apply to countries that we are allies with.

To not give civilians from other countries these options is barbaric. I really did expect more from the US government. This is not to say that Australians would not be there in cases of need with our friends; I think this is already proven (and goes without saying). However, I am very disappointed with the way this matter has been handled on a diplomatic level. I expected more.

I think George Bush himself, is disappointed with the outcomes from this crisis.

We are not talking about a third world country here; we are talking about the United States of America. This situation should have led by example. It clearly hasn't!

[Shazzam]

All Australians have now been located in New Orleans. With an embarrassing twist! The last Australian was located in a New Orleans prison. Apparently he was arrested prior to the hurricane for trespass (he was involved in fight at a pub and was arrested).

What is astounding that within twenty four hours of Australian officials being allowed into New Orleans (all but one Australian) were located and evacuated.

Imagine how much quicker they would have been out if we had been allowed to go in in the first instance.

The poor aussie that was arrested has had all his credit cards stolen as well. Apparently a witness has stated that a man and a woman were boasting that they had booked a motel and were using his credit cards to buy whatever they wanted (a bit strange since nothing is open there). You have to wonder who is telling the truth?

[Shazzam]

Thank god all Australians have been found. Thank God not the US government!