Random Stuff

Another hero—only six years old. Incredible story.

Barbara Bush thinks this disaster is “working very well” for the displaced poor. Incredible bitch. (Crooks and Liars has the audio here.)

And from FEMA’s website, the FEMA Rap for Kidz (no, I swear I’m not making this up):

Disaster . . . it can happen anywhere,
But we've got a few tips, so you can be prepared
For floods, tornadoes, or even a 'quake,
You've got to be ready - so your heart don't break.

Disaster prep is your responsibility
And mitigation is important to our agency.

People helping people is what we do
And FEMA is there to help see you through
When disaster strikes, we are at our best
But we're ready all the time, 'cause disasters don't rest.

You can hear the rap performed here (if you have RealPlayer).

And finally, care of Cookie Jill, here’s a (possibly incomplete) list of the stories being reported about what can only be described as FEMA’s obstructionism during Katrina’s aftermath:

FEMA won't accept Amtrak's help in evacuations
FEMA turns away experienced firefighters
FEMA turns back Wal-Mart supply trucks
FEMA prevents Coast Guard from delivering diesel fuel
FEMA won't let Red Cross deliver food
FEMA bars morticians from entering New Orleans
FEMA blocks 500-boat citizen flotilla from delivering aid
FEMA fails to utilize Navy ship with 600-bed hospital on board
FEMA to Chicago: Send just one truck
FEMA turns away generators
FEMA: "First Responders Urged Not To Respond"

WTF?

UPDATE: Check out Driftglass, too.