Fix America Now
-
Bob FertikWant to meet our members? Click 'Join' above!
Amidst all its destruction and misery, Hurricane Katrina has made one thing abundantly clear: America has problems at home that we need to deal with now.
I propose the following plan, which I call "Fix America Now":
- Rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as fast as possible - without special interest greed
- Start bringing our troops home from Iraq to deal with the current emergency - and several more hurricanes expected before November
- Cap gasoline prices and punish price gougers
- Enact tax credits to trade gas guzzling SUVs for hybrid cars
- Repeal the Bankruptcy Bill to help families struggling with disasters and soaring gas prices
- Adopt the Apollo Alliance plan for energy independence
- Stop the Estate Tax repeal because we need the money to Fix America First
- Stop Social Security Privatization because we need guaranteed family security against disasters
- Create a Truman Commission to stop war profiteering and return stolen billions to taxpayers
- Restore tax fairness by closing tax loopholes for large corporations
I'm proposing this now because the Republicans have a very different plan that they will steamroller through Congress starting next week, unless the American people rise up to stop them:
- Permanent repeal of the Estate Tax (the House has already voted, the Senate will begin consideration on Tuesday 9/6)
- Social Security Privatization
- War on the world's poor through the United Nations led by John Bolton (begun last week)
- Sending more troops to Iraq
- Possible war in Iran
None of these ideas are popular. And Bush's polls are the worst for any second term President at this point except Richard Nixon, who was forced to resign within the following year. But that won't stop the Republicans.
The only way to stop them is to offer a mainstream progressive plan that a solid majority of Americans will support - and demand immediate action on.
What else would you add to this plan?
- Bob Fertik's blog
- |
- Login or register to post comments
- |
-
- |
Top Actions
-
23,210 of 30,000
-
42,758 of 60,000
-
94,685 of 100,000
Comments
Great Programs
I propose YOU run for President.
Nomination of Bob for President, Seconded
Thanks again, Bob, for the "Fix America First" proposals and for all your efforts establishing and organizing democrats.com over the years. I come here first to get the skinny and links to more meat on political topics of the day, and I usually do not have to go to any other source.
Your old friend,
Neil.
Someone Please Tell Bush
The hurricane and flood damage will cost hundreds of billions to repair, an amount similar to that which has been wasted by Bush in Iraq. Someone needs to tell him to bring his troops home now, and spend our resources rebuilding our own devastated cities.
Most Americans are willing to sacrifice to help fellow Americans who have lost so much, provided that everyone pays their fair share, including the very rich. Bush needs to tell his backers that the free ride is over, and rescind the tax breaks which the rest of us are having to cover.
Can someone please gently explain to our President that global warming correlates with increasingly catastrophic weather, and closing his eyes real tight will not make it go away.
Halliburton got the contract to rebuild New Orleans
I kid you not - the corruption just never ends...
Support the Women's Autonomy and Sexual Sovereignty Movements
That "mass murderers"
will laugh all the way to their banks when ,hopefully, impeached. I wouldn't be surprises that they "allowed" the devastation to happen like they did winning the 'trifecta" with 9/11.
chaos and inaction
Sammin, I think you are damn near correct about the government allowing this to happen! It seems like the federal government took their sweet time in processing the paperwork for the National Guard in other states to help after the hurricane. I guess that goes to show you that George Bush should be spending more time at the White House and less time in Crawford. They also say that the government DID NOT give the Red Cross permission to help out until much later. Looks like Congress wants some answers too on why the government is slow to respond. Supposedly we have financed billions of dollars to prop up Homeland Security to protect us in the event of an emergency - well, what have they been doing? Is this the inaction we will get if we have another 9/11? Even on 9/11, NYC got everything they needed quickly - by nightfall there were generators, lights, cranes, etc. The President needs to keep his ass in the Oval Office until the end of his term - lock him in there and don't let him out. I guess it is hard to find the President on the "ranch" when he is fishing, clearing brush, or whatever it is that he does out there. I know that Bush isn't going to be any help but at least we will know where he is and he will not be jetting all over the place needlessly using precious resources. George Bush is a very good example of how a President should NOT run this country. He takes organizations that were able to cope with 9/11 (just 9 months into his Presidency) and turns them into chaos and inaction all in less than 4 years.
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
Capping gas prices
I agree with most of your proposals, but I disagree with capping the gasoline price. Price controls don't usually have the intended results. The oil companies will simply stop producing until price caps are inevitably lifted. If this country were really run by and for the people, our natural resources, oil included, would be considered property of the nation and belong to the people; petroleum profits would belong to the government for whatever needs exist. In this case, the extra profit from rising gas prices could be used for humanitarian relief and rebuilding of infrastructure. But that's not going to happen in the present climate. Someone needs to start a movement to press the oil companies to dedicate their windfall (literally) profits to the rebuilding effort for the time being. Failing that, the Congress should be pressed to require it.
Ain't gonna happen
That's what Chavez is doing in Venezuela, and look what that got him. He's now squarely in the crosshairs for overthrow or assassination.
The oil barons will never allow their booty to be taken from them, no matter how much public outcry occurs.
GM, they are capping gas prices in Hawaii
hopefully this will not change, now.
http://www.democrats.com/node/5810
Temporarily capping is way
Temporarily capping is way different than sharing the proceeds. I'll be surprised if the caps in Hawaii stay in place. It appears that there is a lot of in fighting over it.
"Capping" will likely not
"Capping" will likely not change the price at the pumps. The cap only applies to the wholesale price, and is based on the average wholesale prices in three Mainland cities.
So what was the purpose of
So what was the purpose of the cap to begin with, if doesn't affect the consumer price? What were they thinking?
The "reasoning" goes that it
The "reasoning" goes that it will keep Hawaii gas prices on a par with Mainland prices, by tying the wholesale price to selected Mainland cities.
Of course the law was proposed when oil was $30-something a barrel. Mainland gas prices were averaging somewhere around $2.00/gallon, and Hawaii (especially the Neighbor Islands) were around $2.40/gallon.
And the law doesn't take into account Hawaii's 0.59/gallon tax burden.
In Venezuela
The state holds the majority of mineral rights, gold, gems, oil, water, etc.
Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie, but rather mourn the apathetic throng, the coward, and the meek, who see the world's great anguish and its wrong, and dare not speak.
Ralph Chaplin
Windfall Profits Tax Breeze is Blowin'
A little strategically placed pressure could induce Congress to consider a Windfall Profits Tax, ostensibly to finance the rebuilding and relocation of former NO residents. The Oil Mafia would sure squeal, but public pressure could overcome reluctance. Would love to see a Democratic "leader" stick his head up, loose a volley, then duck whilst the nutters go into paroxysms of indignation in the face of all the mass suffering and hardships. Oh, well, wishful thinking....
Cap gas prices
I feel we MUST try to put the brakes on this economic rape.
Fix America First....YES!
Googa1 - things come in
Googa1 - things come in "three's":
September 11 (New York) -
August 28 (New Orleans) -
? ? ?
Bush & company STILL have
3 years, 4 months, and 2 1/2 weeks ! ! !
wild guess
I'll take a wild guess and throw my convictions around the ??? = World War 3. Maybe best case will be a bloody civil war in Iraq that the U.S. will have to go back in and and deal with when we "leave." Bush may have been well on his way to starting World War 3 because the next time Bin Laden hits us and he eventually will then you are going to be talking about some "push the button" fools.
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
GOVERNMENT - what could be expected by any country President...
(Brazilian living in Brazil opinion) Hard to know the situation because I am not American. Opinions seems to been divided between the republicans and the democrats, just reflecting one division that already existed before the catastrophe: nothing new. I imagine that everybody knows the difference that must exist between government and "governm. part.". After the elections, the government is for everybody. All this stuff here bring us a bigger question.
Probably, it would really be recommendable some peace for the dispute of that they like or do not like Bush, just at this time. The question is on the slowness of the government, not of the man who is president.
I've heard that this is only half rep. governm. But it is good to remember that the government is not 50/50 divided between the 2 parties. The truth is the Executive is 100% Republican, this is the Power that commands the actions of the administration. The President is who commands military and infrastructure resources. The Legislative one approves an mount of money of 10 billion but this is not immediate reply. The true reply it must come of that they exert the Executive, this is the function of this Power: to command the resources administration of the nation, applying in that it will be convenient. It's discretional and irreplaceable. Maybe it would be reasonable any delays to react to unexpected events (WTC 9/11). But it's total different here.
The aid would have to be ready since before, in next cities that could arrive at the place hours after the hurricane. There is some people that they work only with this in the government, and it was an incompetence the lack of a recovery project that could be set in motion few hours later, from a safe and next place. In public administration nobody could expect that tragedies happen to start the reaction, everything should been thought before. I imagine that diverse sectors of the government were ready, but it looks like that happened certain lack of command. Only this could lacks when we're talking about the management of the best ones, greaters and most trained material and human resources of the world. The question is "Shall America stop&think on this in next elections?" (PS: I know it's not my bussiness, I know my country has its own problems, I know you could get upset... even because all the language mistakes... Then... Sincerly, excuse me, I'm sorry about this!)
It doesn't take that much
It doesn't take that much leadership to prepare for a hurricane that is 5 days from from hitting the most susceptible region in the country. They had analyzed the impact of a category 3 hurricane and knew it would be devastating, so I don't buy that they couldn't foresee this happening. They should have airlifted food, water, supplies and medicine to a forward staging area with waiting National Guard units before the hurricane made landfall. Then after the hurricane passed, they should have immediately dropped these supplies by the pallet-full out of cargo planes or helicopters in the neediest areas. Then they should have followed it up with National Guard soldiers for protection.
It's not that difficult. I'm not an emergency response expert, but I know that all of what I have said was possible, and it was not done. IMHO, the reason that it wasn't can only be attributed to one of two reasons: they were too incompetent to make these simple plans (entire Bush Administration was on vacation), or they just plain don't give a shit about poor people.
Maybe both.
If I recall correctly, isn't
If I recall correctly, isn't that the way they staged for the invasion of Iraq. And that was before Iraq became a made-up "clear and present danger."
The basic premise of emergency planning, is to prepare and plan for the worst-case scenario, and hope that you don't need to implement it. No plan can foresee all possible outcomes, but in this case all of the warning signs were obvious to FEMA, the Corps of Engineers, and the neocon politicians. They just chose to ignore the obvious, because Iraqi "democracy" and checking library records for "terrorists" are much higher priorities.
You forgot about the horror
You forgot about the horror of two dudes kissing. That is top priority.
I've always wondered -- does
I've always wondered -- does that make the same sound as one hand clapping?
Ask Ken Mehlman
I wouldn't know either, Bill.
Bob Fertik in 08 ??
Damn Bob where do you come up with these great plans ? If you don't mind I'm going to forward these ideas to my Senators and Representatives , You should seriously consider running for higher office !! Thankyou for all you do !!
STOP BITCHIN !!
START A REVOLUTION !!!!!!
The Availability and price of oil
jrushton
My family and I live in a little rural town of about 2,000. Most of them are farmer,s etc. My daughter drives at least 60 miles to work and back every day. On her days off she drives the same amount if we have Doctor's, Dentists, or any other appointments. She works for just over minimum wage. Gas now costs her $50.- $60. a week. Oregon's gas is as high as any State in the USA usually and much higher than most. There are no jobs here and if there were they would go to people who have lived here their whole lives. How long do you think it is going to take before my daughter can't make it to work? If we moved there we'd pay $600. or more for a tiny apartment as opposed to $200. a month mortgage. It's a no win situation. I know this is going on all acros the United States. I want everyone to think of the disaster that ush has created and the mammoth lies he is going to have to tell to cover. Unemployment is going to go through the roof. Homelessness, starvation, etc. Ane he gets on National TV and tells everyone that "WE' have enough money to cover everything. But I didn't see him reach in his pocket and offer anyone a dime. I didn't see him down there with the poor blacks that hadn't bathed in days. He had his photo op and he was gone. I was especially angry when one of the news channels reported on the different countries that were offering us aid. One country said "who would have thought this country could have been taken down by one big storm." That is not word for word but close. Another country said that third world countries were far more efficient at saving lives and repairing damage after a storm than we are. Someone said things always happens in three's. Look how weak we are now. We are a target for anyone who wants to take a shot at us. It is really sad to see this day come. Bush thought God chose him to lead and he was all puffed up and proud. And maybe God did choose him, but not for the reason he thought. Maybe God chose him so that he could bring him and all his greedy friends and family. I'm not going to judge him. That is not my job.
Bush has Iraqitized New
Bush has Iraqitized New Orleans. I differ that all the troops should be brought home now from Iraq and Afghanistan. The longer the occupation forces are in Iraq, chaos will reign and Muslims everywhere will be radicalized further. In Afghanistan the country outside Kabul is ruled by drug/war lords. Where is Osama bin Ladin, Mullah Omar and the 24 of the top 27 Al Queida leaders Bush identified at the beginning of his 'war on terror?' This must be the largest and most expensive manhunt in history that has been a failure for 4 years. I would add that the recently passed Energy Bill should be repealed; it is pure pork, a subsidy to the oil, coal, and gas industries and does virtually nothing to make America less dependent on the Saudis.
Dubya is waiting for OBL and
Dubya is waiting for OBL and Al Qaeda to come fight him in Iraq and Afghanistan so "we don't have to fight them here." The only problem is, they are not that stupid. Why would they want to be where we have 80% of our military?
It is much easier to infiltrate our borders and ports where defenses are lax. We can't even mobilize an adequate response for a catastrophic disaster like Katrina, because all of our resources are clustered up in the Middle East.
The BA hasn't figured out yet that the "war on terror" does not have a defined enemy. They can't seem to grasp the fact that terrorism is not an entity, it is a tactic, and its practioners' main goal is to do the unexpected.
We are not fighting "terrorists" in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are fighting insurgents -- the citizens of those countries. Here at home, we are wide open to terror tactics, natural disasters, and the burden of mismanagement by the neoconservatives.
Bill I think you are doing
Bill I think you are doing what I keep doing: Argue against the rationale of the month put forth by the Republicans even though we both know Repugs are NOT fighting terrorism.
I guess I need to start saying Repugs are not fighting terrorism AND their fairy tale stories about HOW TO FIGHT TERRORISM are also false.
I think it would be safe to
I think it would be safe to say that Dubya has created many more terrorists than he has killed or captured. For every father, son, or uncle he has killed, a dozen or more pissed-off family members and friends replace them.
And they don't wear uniforms.
New genres of terrorists.
New genres of terrorists. Watch for part time and one time terrorists in the future as well.
Just before the election I noted what you just said to a Bush supporter. Nothing mattered however except prayer in school, Gay marriage, etc. It’s going to seem like such fluff to our kids who have to live with the nonsense sowed by Bush and company.
Venezuela
Chavez has always been in Bush's crosshairs because he is using oil revenues to create an education system for the poor and to provide them health care. Bush has been funding the Far Reich locals to do the 2002 coup, the recall campaign, the oil owners strike and whatever else Bush's locals can do to undermine Chavez. Chavez was democratically elected and reconfirmed by the people in the recall. Just what kind of democracy is Bush exporting to Iraq?
Bush
jrushton
Does anyone know if it is true that Bush turned the rebuilding ot the South disaster to Halliburton? I keep hearing it on different blog sites. I also hear that he turned away 500 people and boats that came to begin the clean up. That he keeps turning help away. How true is this? And why would he turn any free help away?
Halliburton has the contract
Halliburton has the contract to clean up and repair all military bases in the path of Katrina. HalliburtonWatch.com said that Halliburton hasn't been asked (yet) to help clear New Orleans of water (but I bet they are just waiting for it). Bush is refusing help from citizens and turning them away from the area. Bush also says that the international communities are NOT helping. Well that is because he will NOT allow them to come and help - he wants to be our "savior."
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
Bush used "props"
I saw Bush as he came off his plane and landed in NO the first time. He was greeted by two tearful young ladies/actresses telling Bush their sad stories. it was later confirmed by CNN Aaron Brown that they were props. I also heard that the supplies were delayed to the people at the Superdome until after Bush's photo-op arrival so that it would look like he took personal charge. The Bush outrages that cost human suffering and lives never seem to stop.
Bush's props - Funny, my mom
Bush's props - Funny, my mom mentioned the women Bush was comforting had clean clothes on, hair was fixed, had makeup on and jewelry. NC has been through many ice storms and hurricanes and people are clothes are filthy and we stink but not these people who met with Bush. Rove loves props - Made in the USA boxes, Mission Accomplished banner, plastic turkeys - now, fake hurricane victims - tragic!
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
Congressman Dennis Kucinich says that "The time is NOW!"
Bob, I think Dennis Kuchinch agrees with you don't you all agree? Congressman Dennis Kucinich says that "The time is NOW!"
Shayne Munger
Floor Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich: The Supplemental for Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON - September 2 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) gave the following speech today on the House floor during a special session to provide relief money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina: "This amount of money is only a fraction of what is needed and everyone here knows it. Let it go forward quickly with heart-felt thanks to those who are helping to save lives with necessary food, water, shelter, medical care and security. Congress must also demand accountability with the appropriations. Until there are basic changes in the direction of this government, this tragedy will multiply to apocalyptic proportions.
"The Administration yesterday said that no one anticipated the breach of the levees. Did the Administration not see or care about the 2001 FEMA warning about the risk of a devastating hurricane hitting the people of New Orleans? Did it not know or care that civil and army engineers were warning for years about the consequences of failure to strengthen the flood control system? Was it aware or did it care that the very same
Administration which decries the plight of the people today, cut from the budget tens of millions needed for Gulf-area flood control projects?
"Countless lives have been lost throughout the South with a cost of hundreds of billions in ruined homes, businesses, and the destruction of an entire physical and social infrastructure.
"The President said an hour ago that the Gulf Coast looks like it has been obliterated by a weapon. It has. Indifference is a weapon of mass destruction.
"Our indifferent government is in a crisis of legitimacy. If it continues to ignore its basic responsibility for the health and welfare of the American people, will there ever be enough money to clean up after their indifference?
"As our government continues to squander human and monetary resources of this country on the war, people are beginning to ask, "Isn't it time we began to take care of our own people here at home? Isn't it time we rescued our own citizens? Isn't it time we fed our own people? Isn't it time we sheltered our own people? Isn't it time we provided physical and economic security for our own people?" And isn't it time we stopped the oil companies from profiting from this tragedy?
"We have plenty of work to do here at home. It is time for America to come home and take care of its own people who are drowning in the streets, suffocating in attics, dying from exposure to the elements, oppressed by poverty and illness, wracked with despair and hunger and thirst.
"The time is NOW to bring back to the United States the 78,000 National Guard troops currently deployed overseas into the Gulf Coast region.
"The time is NOW to bring back to the US the equipment which will be needed for search and rescue, for clean up and reclamation.
The time is NOW for federal resources, including closed Army bases, to be used for temporary shelter for those who have been displaced by the hurricane.
"The time is NOW to plan massive public works, with jobs going to the people of the Gulf Coast states, to build new levees, new roads, bridges, libraries, schools, colleges and universities and to rebuild all public institutions, including hospitals. Medicare ought to be extended to everyone, so every person can get the physical and mental health care they might need as a result of the disaster.
"The time is NOW for the federal government to take seriously the research of scientists who have warned for years about the dangers of changes in the global climate, and to prepare other regions of the country for other possible weather disasters until we change our disastrous energy policies.
"The time is NOW for changes in our energy policy, to end the domination of oil and fossil fuel and to invest heavily in alternative energy, including wind and solar, geothermal and biofuels.
"As bad as this catastrophe will prove to be, it is in fact only a warning. Our government must change its direction, it must become involved in making America a better place to live, a place where all may survive and thrive. It must get off the path of war and seek the path of peace, peace with the natural environment, peace with other nations, peace with a just economic system."
the rebuild post-Katrina
I'm with you all the way with exception of #1, rebuilding New Orleans where it was. I think it would be best and most pragmatic to build most of Neo New Orleans further upriver, on higher ground, with some shipping coming in there and some located out at the gulf. Wetland and delta resurgence should become a major project in the flooded area, and the French Quarter area (which, it might be noted, being the oldest, was built logically, on highest ground--ie., later expansionists of New Orleans really were being over-optomistic)--anyway, this area could redevelop as a more focused tourist destination with a new eco-tourism bonus. Attached to this project would need to be ample, raised road access. Other towns east of New Orleans also need to consider building further back from the coast front. Cities have done this for centuries; it's nothing new. Considering that polar melting is no doubt going to be driving fiercer, larger, and maybe more, tropical storms for the forseeable future, it makes sense to me for these communities to put that probability into their equations.
More Bushorama
Just heard on Air America that Bush's visit to Biloxi was staged. Seems some German TV team saw the Bushists put up a fake help center before Bush arrived and tore it down right after he left. No wonder the poor woman Bush was giving directions to was confused.
Bush
jrushton
Bush is in Mississippi giving a speech and everyone stood and clapped. I'm sure he was in a place where they knew they could get enough Bush supporters that he wouldn't get eggs thrown at him. I've seen his face today more than I've seen in weeks. The channels that he's bought are keeping his face on TV more than the victims of the hurricane. Isn't it amazing what a little money will buy? Well, maybe it takes a whole lot of money.
Maybe Bush used the "shoot
Maybe Bush used the "shoot to kill" order to his advantage. If you don't clap for the Chimp, then you are a terrorist and will be shot.
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
ideas
Make sure that FEMA, and I think we do need one, isn't a plum job given out to somebody's old college roommate--now, if you wanted to give it to Tommy Lee Jones' old college roommate, he'd probably do a pretty good job.
Consider impeachment, quite a ways down in the line of succession.
Maybe graciously accept foreign aid, to signal that we are not the only power in the world.
But make a solemn promise that this will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. That incompetence and slow-moving nonsense will not leave hundreds if not thousands dying in the streets and attics. Ever again.
Friend of mine, decidedly not known for her liberal views, thinks we should rebuild the port and say to hell with the city. Not possible (if only because the port will need people to work there, and the rest of the infrastructure that will go with it), but.... And while I'd agree that we need a port at the mouth of the Mississippi, we might be able to do a better job of siting it.
Politicians
jrushton
It's sort of nice to finally, after five years, find people who are saying the things that I have felt that whole time. I kept quiet because it isn't my day anymore. It's time for the young and vital people to stand up and take a stand.
When all the stars and everyone came out to "rock the vote" I think they thought they would talk all the young would be democrats to come out. They were probably as shocked as I was when they all voted republican.
At that point I just said to hell with it. It can't affect me too much. I'm old and sick and poor. Now I realize I would have been one of those people left to die if I had been in Louisiana or Mississippi. I can't quit crying when I see those people. It breaks my heart.
But the truth is, it's too late. Bush has broke the back of this country. We all had our reasons for sitting back and watching and waiting. When Cindy Sheehan showed up I had just started e-miling back and forth with her and suddenly she was way to busy for me and I am so happy about that. She gave me hope again. And these blogs give me hope.
What can we do at this point? I want to see Bush and his Administration impeached. But that isn't good enouh. I want to see them in prison for war crimes. For killing thousands of innocent people based on their lies.
Even then we have a problem. So the Repugs go down the drain next election. But where were the democrats the past few years?? As far as I am concerned most of them were worse than the repugs. They ran around like pooper scoopers trying not to make too much of a noise. And even when Cindy brought all of us out, they still were afraid to stand up and be counted.
They are also wealthy. They also owe the people who help them get elected. They don't have any more of a clue than Bush does about the working class or the poorest of us and they don't care. At least when Democrats lie, they lie about women. They use their power to get women. Repugs don't like women. They use their power to get richer.
I just sort of wish all rich people would take all their gold and leave this country. They could go buy some Island or something and they could jet set all around the world. And we could try to start this great land over again. It wouldn't be easy because they've raped the land and stole everything that should have belonged to all of us.
Any better ideas out there?
jrushton
Turns out Bush didn't win the election in 2000 or 2004, both elections were stolen and I suspect he stole the republican nomination, too. Be a part of the growing chorus demanding paper ballots.
Get involved with your local Democratic Party, it sure helps to congregate with a group of like-minded folks. Your county elections supervisor can provide contact information.
Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie, but rather mourn the apathetic throng, the coward, and the meek, who see the world's great anguish and its wrong, and dare not speak.
Ralph Chaplin
I agree with all except #4
I think it should be a rebate, rather than a tax credit so the lower income brackets also benefits. I don't know how many million workers qualify for the earned income credit, but they need to be able to benefit from the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, too, and a rebate would make that market available to them. Economically, they are in greater need for hybrid vehicles.
Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie, but rather mourn the apathetic throng, the coward, and the meek, who see the world's great anguish and its wrong, and dare not speak.
Ralph Chaplin
How does one Rebuild or Recreate the best of New Orleans
One thing that came out of the disaster, there was much to save about New Orleans and its culture, there was also much about the city's history prior to Katrina that was lamentable. If we rebuild the city, it isn't just a matter of fixing a couple levees and rebuilding homes and offices. We should be thinking about making it an even "greater" city for all of its residents.
What is the future of New Orleans?
Remember who is in charge of
Remember who is in charge of the money - Bush. He won't rebuild the city to be better than before. He can't. Look at what he has done to Afghanistan and Iraq. Where is the money going to come from to rebuild - the treasury is empty and has been for a LONG time.
"They want the federal government controlling Social Security
like it's some kind of federal program."
- George W. Bush in a debate in St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 2, 2000
Perhaps the best answer
is to do both. Chancelucky, I like your positive attitude!
;-)
The future of New Orleans depends on great planning and
redevelopment of this city.
I'm not a civil engineer, but if it were possible to raise the level
of low laying areas to safer levels, that would be a start. I don't know
if this is even possible. I've heard on 60 minutes, read in the LA Times
(see I name my sources) that NO is not too big of a city for that to be possible.
Once the city is at a safe level, get the best damn drainage plan in place with
pumps placed at higher elevations, and a detailed evacuation plan in place that
will begin days before a hurricane hits. With NOAA and NASA able to predict
the paths of hurricanes days before they hit, this is very doable.
I know, I just made up a word- but it fits!
Don't some communities build
Don't some communities build their houses on stilts? The "basement" is enclosed but "blows out" when the water rises and the stilts remain. After a flood you simply have a messy basement.
I would think a combination of that, leaving the lowest points as parks, and raising some areas would help. Other points could be built as is, but with full evacuations plans in place. The levy obviously needs major work. I believe it was designed to take only a Cat 3 hurricane.
Just wild guesses above.
Stilt homes
there probably couldn't be put on pileons like stilt homes on beaches because the soil in the NO area is just real deep mud. The city needs to be built further inland, and give the marsh and delta back to the river. 'Nawlins has always been a big mud puddle with a perforated concrete fascade.
Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie, but rather mourn the apathetic throng, the coward, and the meek, who see the world's great anguish and its wrong, and dare not speak.
Ralph Chaplin