National Guard troops from New Mexico were ready to go to Louisiana on Sunday -- the day before the hurricane hit -- but they couldn't be mobilized until the PAPERWORK ARRIVED FROM WASHINGTON, which it did....ON THURSDAY.

That's incredible. On CNN on Friday Lott was arguing with Anderson Cooper about the speed of the National Guard response-- that they're not on base, need to get their shit together, etc. So they need a 72 hour gear up time-- how is that possible? How can we seriously expect a three-day time period for emergency response?

More relevant, however, if they knew that it would take three days to mobilize, there's no reason why they should have been mobilized any later than Sunday, and they could have been mobilized Friday. Sunday the city was evacuated. The Guard always does disaster relief. There was no question they would be needed.

This appears to be the worst failure of federal government possibly ever.

A friend of mine works for Starbucks in their corporate offices. They're finding places and jobs for all Starbucks employees in the hurricane zone. It's, well, it's something. And good on them.

It's, well, it's something. And good on them.

Hopefully it's a precedent, you know? They pride themselves on treating their barristas decently (health insurance, things like that) but maybe even places that don't will be inspired to make similar offers.

It could help with the refugee situation a LOT. Towns could help famalies establish themselves that much more easily if they already had jobs lined up. It'll be sad for people to be so far flung, but its going to be a long time before everyone can go back home anyway.

BTW, story on our local NPR said that Snohomish County (one north of Seattle) is expecting to receive refugees, but they haven't had confirmation yet.

All of the lower 48 should, IMO.

There's also an effort started by Southern writers to get books and magazines to refugees and support displaced writers: [link]

FEMA turned away a flotilla of 500 rescue boats on Wednesday morning.

Uh, WTF? If the head of FEMA is not fired, I will lose it. Time to write my Senators and Congresspersons.

[link]

If the head of FEMA is not fired, I will lose it.

Oh, I think Brown is definitely toast, and Chertoff will probably "step aside." Not that it'll mean a damn thing, but that's the fallout I expect.

Strega! I got the Slow Bob! It's still incredibly inventive and odd and cool.

President Clinton just called into Larry King Live.

His voice is unbelievably comforting. I wish I wish I wish...