The repercussions of this disaster are likely to be political also, as many Americans already begin to ask why their leaders did so little, so slowly, to protect and help when it was desperately needed, over the course of days and days and days.
A real leader doesn't just lead in front of press conferences and with cameras rolling. A leader (like Governor Nagin) cares more about the people around him than personal glorification or red tape. A real leader gets things done when things need to get done. A real leader finds a way.
The leaders of America have demonstrated, I feel anyway, how they are really only in service to themselves. Let's see how they try to 'spin' their way out of this one.
Airlines Haul Katrina Supplies, Refugees
By HARRY R. WEBER
The Associated Press
Friday, September 2, 2005; 6:01 PM
-- The nation's airlines, temporarily unable to provide commercial service to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, have been putting aside their own financial troubles to fly in supplies and bring out refugees from devastated areas.
Relief flights arrived at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at a rate of about four an hour Friday.
The flights started a day after Delta executives piloted a plane that dropped off supplies at New Orleans' main airport and returned with 140 refugees on board. United Airlines, meanwhile, flew 24,000 pounds of food and water and 30 medical technicians from Chicago to New Orleans and returned with 104 evacuees.
"If we save one life wouldn't it be worth the effort?" said Jeff Grinnell, an American Airlines captain. "We're ready to go."
More than a dozen passenger airlines were part of the evacuation effort, which could bring more than 25,000 to 30,000 people out of the New Orleans area. Hundreds of private pilots are also offering assistance.
The airlift was organized by the Air Transport Association, a trade group for the major carriers, after several carriers began plans to conduct their own mercy flights.
"This extraordinary civilian airlift is unprecedented in U.S. history and is a shining example of how America can come together to help those in need," said James C. May, president of the trade group.
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