[Abraham]

Originally Posted by Skybird

During the pretty massive Oder flood three years ago the private initiative of local residents was working hand in hand with first class support by authorities, bundeswehr, technisches hilfswerk, and private initiatives, it all went very fast, and flexible. there was no talking in the face of the catastrophe (but afterwards ), but very quick reaction on all levels. because we had the infrastructure both in social and communal senses, and organization to react so quickly - and this was no small flood, it really was big, several villages got destroyed more or less competely inG ernay, and eastern neighbouring states. The THW was active in NO until Rita approached and complained about especially this lack of infrastructure, bureaucracy raising needless hurdles, one hand not knowing what the other does (noit to mentioin not to accept French medications ). This is the result if everything is left to private initiative only.

This is so much nonsense.
The Oder floods, while being massive, can hardly be compared with the hurricane Kathrina disaster. First of all at the Oder there was no destructive hurricane, so the infrastructure remained intact, than the flood came from the land, not from the sea with meters high waves. And the area affected was as large as England. A Dutch warship with two helicopters, rescue teams, food and medication arrived after two days. A few days later they were withdrawn because by then the National Guard had taken over in a very efficient way. So much of your whole posting about "you NEED existing structures, and a collective sense that help is not voluntary charity only" which, spiced with the obligatory anti-Bush remark, is really about nothing.
As far as 'red tape' is concerned, it existed, it exists and it will exist, but I dare say the farther from the disaster area, the more red tape. So if it is reported, you know where the reporter is...
And I can imagine that the integration of foreign relief workers within an existing organisation under demanding circumstances leads to some frustration.
The bottom line is that the U.S. got it's act together within a few days and stood the test within a few weeks.
That's why I said: well done U.S.A.

Originally Posted by Skybird

No, I disagree with you. Katrina ripped off a mask, and we saw strong but isolated individual efforts, but the bankruptcy of communal structures and binding responsebilities - because the lack of these. I cannot see that as a shining example for Europe, sorry.

Of course you disagree with what I wrote. Lack of inside knowledge never inhibits you to judge situations on the other end of the globe.
And I know that even solid facts bounce off your armour of anti Americanism.

B.T.W. I really like your line: "Kathrina ripped off a mask." I've read it a few times already. It sounds like a dramatic revelation, even if not correct.
Keep using it, please!