Quote Originally Posted by crazycanuck
I must ask, I haven't been paying attention to the 1yr anniversary of Katrina and would like to know if you mind asking a few questions? I know this isn't the place but you can always guide me to the correct place
1-Do you feel America's learnt much from the event? Have any attitudes changed?
2-If you were to suggest one change what would it be?
3-How do Americans feel about the event now? (similar to #1 but not quite?)

Tanks

c
Well CC - I think I'm the one here that's closest to areas hit by Katrina so I'll take a stab at the local response. Others can give you the perspective from elsewhere. I and Mr. Fish have a number of friends and family that live in areas affected by Katrina. Many people are suffering from post-traumatic stress. If it rains, some people freak out. Same with wind.

I'm not sure what America has learned. People along the Gulf coast (that have homes) definitely are more prepared (in terms of supplies) this year than last. I think most will evacuate (if they can) if the call comes out. The rules have been changed in NO in that evacuation orders will be given days earlier now.

Many people still have not returned to the coastal areas or are still living with relatives or in FEMA trailers.

When I spoke with evacuees that came to our town some of them said that they had nothing to go back to so they would settle elsewhere.

Many people (from elsewhere in the country) say that NO should not be rebuilt. That is not feasible and is unthinkable, IMHO. NO has a unique culture that is made by the people living there (both rich and poor). The lower income component of the city is no longer there. Those people made up an important part of the culture. Most/all of the horrow stories from the Superdome were untrue. People were second-lining (a Mardi-Gras dance) in the Dome, not killing each other.

I do think that people in America did reach deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to help the people along the coast that were affected. We had 3000 evacuees come into our town (of 15000). At shelters that I visited (a month post-Katrine) I saw tractor trailer loads of goods being delivered (everything from baby food to dog food to toys). It was an amazing site. I organized the Mississippi part of a national volunteer campaign to provide kids with backbacks of personal items. In my little town that was already pretty tapped out - I collected 135 backpacks of goodies that were delivered directly to kids in the schools. There were more collected elsewhere around the state as well.

Talking to people in Louisiana recently and hearing their stories of last year deeply affected me. You can see how deeply the emotions go in people that directly impacted.

That was long - I hope that helped a bit.