Part one: the storm
Federalism in Action
Part One: The Storm
"The Storm: Chaos and Tragedy": Answer the following questions as you view the PBS video excerpt "Chaos and Tragedy."
1. According to Frontline, what problems were caused by the following groups: o The Local and state officials?
The Local and state officials had failed to plan. o The U.S. military?
The U.S. military had waited too long. o FEMA?
FEMA was poorly led. o The Government?
The government was indifferent to victims who were mostly poor and black.
2. Why was the Louisiana National Guard unable to help?
At the headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard, located in the lower 9th ward, the soldiers were not yet aware that the canal levees were giving way. The Guard’s commander was monitoring the situation from Baton Rouge. He was given misleading information.
3. Why were rescue efforts hampered in the first 24 hours?
They were hampered in the first 24 hours because they spent most of the 24 hours saving themselves. 300 soldiers were trapped inside the headquarters, they had lost power, back-up generators were flooded, the communications center was useless, and lost 15 high-water trucks with mobile communications packages. Across town, the police headquarters was also under water. Only three quarters of the force showed up for duty.
4. What were the Mayor's responsibilities prior to the hurricane?
The Mayor’s responsibilities prior to the hurricane was to stock the shelters with enough food and water and to mobilize city and school buses for evacuation. Five hundred were flooded when the levees broke.
5. Where were state and local officials during the aftermath of Katrina? Why was this a problem?
80 miles away at the state capital during the aftermath of Katrina. This was a problem because they did not know about the extent of the damage and were unable to help.
6. What were the critics pointing out as trouble with the governor of Louisiana?
They said the governor of Louisiana was unprepared
Part One: The Storm
"The Storm: Chaos and Tragedy": Answer the following questions as you view the PBS video excerpt "Chaos and Tragedy."
1. According to Frontline, what problems were caused by the following groups: o The Local and state officials?
The Local and state officials had failed to plan. o The U.S. military?
The U.S. military had waited too long. o FEMA?
FEMA was poorly led. o The Government?
The government was indifferent to victims who were mostly poor and black.
2. Why was the Louisiana National Guard unable to help?
At the headquarters of the Louisiana National Guard, located in the lower 9th ward, the soldiers were not yet aware that the canal levees were giving way. The Guard’s commander was monitoring the situation from Baton Rouge. He was given misleading information.
3. Why were rescue efforts hampered in the first 24 hours?
They were hampered in the first 24 hours because they spent most of the 24 hours saving themselves. 300 soldiers were trapped inside the headquarters, they had lost power, back-up generators were flooded, the communications center was useless, and lost 15 high-water trucks with mobile communications packages. Across town, the police headquarters was also under water. Only three quarters of the force showed up for duty.
4. What were the Mayor's responsibilities prior to the hurricane?
The Mayor’s responsibilities prior to the hurricane was to stock the shelters with enough food and water and to mobilize city and school buses for evacuation. Five hundred were flooded when the levees broke.
5. Where were state and local officials during the aftermath of Katrina? Why was this a problem?
80 miles away at the state capital during the aftermath of Katrina. This was a problem because they did not know about the extent of the damage and were unable to help.
6. What were the critics pointing out as trouble with the governor of Louisiana?
They said the governor of Louisiana was unprepared